Kurdish peace call made amid row on security bill

In a historic joint press conference with the government, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) has announced a call by the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) for the outlawed group to hold a congress in spring to discuss disarmament in Turkey, despite a growing row over the government-led homeland security bill.

"This is a historic declaration of will to replace armed struggle with democratic politics," the HDP's S?rr? Süreyya Önder quoted PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan as saying. Öcalan also called for a "reinforced cease-fire," Önder said at a Feb. 28 joint press conference with government representatives at Istanbul's Dolmabahçe Palace.

Deputy Prime Minister Yalç?n Akdo?an, a key figure in the ongoing process, said silencing arms would "contribute to democratic development," speaking at the same meeting, which was also attended by Interior Minister Efkan Ala, AKP Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Mahir Ünal and the HDP's Pervin Buldan and ?dris Baluken.

Although Öcalan's call has been regarded as a potential turning point to open new opportunities for the future of the peace process, the PKK and the HDP have also urged the government to reconsider its determination to pass the controversial new domestic security bill.

The Kurdistan Communities' Union (KCK), a supra-organization that includes the PKK, said in a statement on March 1 that the Öcalan's call is "a breakthrough in the Kurdish problem and great opportunity" for the government and the PKK to bring it to a peaceful end. However, the KCK also said it was time for the Turkish government to take steps, saying the AKP should "withdraw the security package as an indication of good faith." "Work should start immediately so that [direct] negotiations can begin, with...