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UN welcomes Abdullah Öcalan message calling for PKK dissolution as a ‘glimmer of hope,’ says spokesperson
Summary
The UN spokesperson said the secretary‑general "welcomes this important development" after reports that imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan urged fighters to lay down arms and dissolve the group; the UN is monitoring and available to assist if asked.
The United Nations said it welcomes reports that Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), issued a message calling for PKK fighters to lay down their arms and for the organization to dissolve itself.
"The secretary general welcomes this important development," the UN spokesperson said, calling it "a glimmer of hope" that could lead to resolution of a long‑standing conflict. The spokesperson added that the UN is monitoring the situation and that "as of today I know of no role that is being asked of the secretary general, but he is always available, should all parties involved... want him to assist."
Reporters asked whether the development could affect negotiations concerning Kurdish forces in Syria; the spokesperson cautioned against drawing conclusions and said developments should be taken "one day at a time." No UN mediation role or mandate change was announced in the briefing.
