Turkey’s Parliament has approved legislation providing for a conditional pardon for thousands of Kurdish militants, as part of the government’s efforts to advance its peace initiative with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The legislation was approved by an overwhelming majority. However, the pardon will come into effect only after Turkish authorities verify that the PKK has fully disarmed.
The PKK announced last year that it was ending its decades-long armed campaign against the Turkish state and would dissolve itself as part of the peace process. The decision followed a call by its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan.
The move marks a significant step towards ending a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The legislation could also have wider regional implications. It is expected to help strengthen ties between Turkey and Iraq. It could also support efforts by the Syrian government to integrate areas formerly controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. Turkey considers the Syrian Democratic Forces affiliated with the PKK.
