The PKK statement, published by the pro-Kurdish DEM news agency in Germany - described its leader's declaration as "a turning point in the history of the Kurdish and Turkish peoples".

"From now on all our political-ideological, organisational and military activities will be pursued on the basis of our chairman's declaration," the council said.

BBC Ankara correspondent Chris Morris: Could mean an end to the conflict

Mr Ocalan issued his declaration from prison on Tuesday calling on the PKK to end its armed struggle and to withdraw its forces from Turkey from 1 September "for the sake of peace".

The PKK council called on the Turkish leadership to "adopt a sensible, responsible and respectful" response.

Waiting for appeal

The Turkish Government has dismissed all previous proposals by Mr Ocalan to seek a peaceful solution to the 15-year conflict.

The prevailing view in Turkey is that the PKK leader is doing whatever he can to save his own life after being sentenced to death for treason at the end of June.

The Supreme Court of Appeals is currently considering the verdict.

Earlier on Thursday, Chief Prosecutor Vural Savas asked for the death sentence to be upheld, despite pressure from several European countries and human rights groups to commute the sentence.

Turkish affairs analyst Andrew Mango: PKK political leadership united

Mr Savas described Mr Ocalan as leader of "the most bloody terrorist organisation of the 20th Century" and said he was guilty of crimes against humanity.

If the court upholds the sentence, it would have to be ratified by both parliament, which has withheld consent for executions since 1984, and President Suleiman Demirel.

However, there is widespread public pressure in Turkey for the death sentence to be carried out.

'Softer approach'

The Turkish army has fought a bitter 15-year war with the PKK

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit appeared to mark a softening in the state's approach to PKK peace offers, according to Turkish commentators.

"Everyone should contribute to efforts to end terrorism in Turkey," he said. But he ruled out any "bargaining" with the PKK or its leader.

The BBC Ankara correspondent, Chris Morris, says it is also not clear where the PKK guerrillas would go if they withdrew from Turkey. The borders with Iraq and Iran are heavily guarded by Turkish troops.