Öcalan’s video message resonates in world media

The world's leading news agencies have extensively covered the video message released by Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK. Öcalan's call to end the armed struggle against Turkey and to prioritize political solutions has been closely examined by the media in various countries.

Reuters reported that in his video, Öcalan declared that the organization was ending its armed struggle and emphasized a "transition to fully democratic politics." The agency also noted that Öcalan called on the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) to establish a commission to oversee the disarmament process and to create a comprehensive peace process.

Reuters highlighted the chronology of events, emphasizing that the video message was released the day after high-level contacts made by National Intelligence Organization (MİT) head İbrahim Kalın in Iraq.

The agency noted that the PKK, which is also recognized as a terrorist organization by the US and the European Union, has revealed its decision to disband following Öcalan's previous written statement. It was stated that more than 40 thousand people have lost their lives due to the PKK's activities and that these conflicts have left heavy social and economic impacts on Turkey.

US-BASED ASSOCIATED PRESS: "ÖCALAN'S MOVE IS CRITICAL"

The American Associated Press (AP) covered the developments by highlighting Öcalan's call for disarmament. AP reported that in his video, Öcalan asked organization members to lay down their arms before a "peace ceremony" that holds symbolic value. It was noted that the seven-minute message marks a new and concrete stage in the peace process. AP wrote that the statements of Öcalan, who has been imprisoned on İmralı Island since 1999, are a critical step toward ending the conflict that has been ongoing since the 1980s and has cost tens of thousands of lives.

The French news agency AFP, in its report on the process, drew attention to statements indicating that the PKK would begin disarmament quickly. AFP reported that an event would be held in Northern Iraq on Friday where the first portion of weapons would be destroyed, but that this process is expected to be completed within a few months.

Italy's ANSA and China's CGTN brought different aspects of Öcalan's statements to the agenda. While ANSA emphasized the expressions regarding the terrorist organization laying down its arms quickly, CGTN underscored the call for the TBMM to oversee the disarmament and peace process.

The main element pointed to collectively by international media organizations was that Öcalan's call is considered an important turning point for ending the long-standing conflict and shifting toward democratic politics.