Erdogan's Shift: New Hints at Peace with PKK Leader Ocalan

Turkish President Erdogan has hinted at supporting a proposal for leniency towards Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned PKK leader. This unexpected shift follows comments by Erdogan's nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli. The PKK has been in conflict with Turkey for decades, and Ocalan's potential parole could signal a new peace process.

In a significant political development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has shown a shift in stance towards the imprisoned leader of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan. Erdogan's nod comes after Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli suggested the possibility of Ocalan being granted parole upon the dissolution of the PKK.

During the 101st anniversary of the Turkish Republic, Erdogan emphasized the need to address conflict issues with an open mind. This marks a potential pivot in Turkey's long-standing approach to the PKK, which has been engaged in conflict with Turkish forces since 1984. The group's insurgency has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the arrest of numerous pro-Kurdish figures.

The development arrives amidst heightened tensions, following a deadly attack by the PKK's military wing on a Turkish defence firm. In response, Turkey conducted airstrikes in PKK-affiliated zones. Erdogan's surprising endorsement of Bahceli's proposal points towards a revitalized peace process to resolve enduring socio-political tensions.

(With inputs from agencies.)