Blaze Near Parliament Highlights Ongoing PKK Conflict
A car was set on fire near Turkey's parliament, reflecting decades of conflict with the PKK. The incident occurred before the families of victims addressed a disarmament commission. The PKK, considered a terrorist group, announced intentions to disarm, yet skepticism towards the peace effort remains.
A vehicle caught fire near Turkey's parliament in a stark reminder of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) conflict history, just before victim families were set to speak at a disarmament commission.
Having started its armed struggle in 1984, the PKK announced plans to disarm in May. A parliamentary commission convened this month aims to forge a lasting peace that could reverberate in Iraq and Syria. The incident involving a white Renault Toros, reported by local media, was over swiftly but recalled its association with past violence in the Kurdish southeast.
The interior ministry reported the detained suspect as suffering from psychological issues and a criminal history, stating his protest was against scrap vehicle tax incentives. With the conflict claiming over 40,000 lives over four decades, deceased security personnel and civilians' families are expected to address the commission while questioning peace efforts. The PKK's leader has urged the group to end hostilities, with some militants recently disarming in a symbolic act in northern Iraq.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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