PKK Kurdish militant group ends 40-year war against Turkey

A separatist Kurdish group agreed to lay down arms to end a 40-year war for autonomy against Turkey, a historic step that could strengthen the Nato member’s aspirations to become a regional powerhouse.

The PKK decided to disarm and disband at a congress last week, the pro-Kurdish ANF news agency reported Monday, after declaring a ceasefire on March 1.

The group has been affiliated with US-backed Syrian Kurdish forces and the decision could ease tensions between Ankara and Washington over the future of Kurds and power-sharing in Turkey’s southeastern neighbour.

“The congress has assessed that PKK struggle has destroyed the policy of rejection and destruction against our people and has led the Kurdish issue to the point of solution via democratic politics, and that in this respect, the PKK has completed its historical mission,” ANF cited a statement from the congress as saying.

It was unclear whether Turkey would offer safe passage for the group’s leadership to third countries or declare amnesty for thousands of militants if they return home. The PKK said its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan, should lead the political process, according to the statement.