Kurdish militant group announces cease-fire in 40-year conflict with Turkey

A militant Kurdish group Saturday declared a cease-fire with Turkey, opening up the possibility of peace in an armed conflict that’s claimed more than 40,000 lives over 40 years.

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced the cease-fire, Politico reported, after the group’s imprisoned leader, Abdullah Öcalan, called for the PKK to disarm and dissolve. 

The announcement said the cease-fire will pave the way for the implementation of Öcalan’s call for peace and “democratic society.” 

While the group’s announcement said that its forces will not take armed action unless attacked, it didn’t declare it would disband. Such a decision, the announcement said, would require Öcalan’s guidance.