On February 27, Öcalan, who has been serving a life sentence since 1999 in the prison on Imralı Island, held several meetings in the colony and called on the PKK to convene a congress and officially announce its dissolution.
As reported by CNN Türk, the organization's leadership published a statement on Saturday regarding the cessation of hostilities.
“We agree with the call and its content. We declare that we will adhere to and fulfill the requirements of this call. We announce a ceasefire that will take effect from today,” the party's statement reads.
At the same time, the organization emphasized that it is ready to hold a congress but demands guarantees for safety and Öcalan's personal presence.
“For the congress to be successful, he must be present in person and lead it,” the PKK stated.
The party's leadership also insists on improving the conditions of their leader's imprisonment.
“He should have the opportunity to live and work in free conditions and maintain relationships with whomever he wishes, including friends,” the party representatives stated.
It is worth noting that the PKK has been engaged in an armed struggle for the establishment of a Kurdish state since 1984. Over the 40 years of conflict, more than 40,000 people have lost their lives. The organization is recognized as terrorist in Turkey, the USA, and the European Union due to its militants carrying out terrorist attacks in Turkish cities. In 2004, the activities of the PKK were banned in Kazakhstan.