A similar initiative failed in 1999 when two groups of PKK militants, who came from Iraq and Europe, were arrested and then jailed for belonging to the PKK, which Ankara considers a terrorist organisation.

Following a proposal by its jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK decided to two "peace groups" from northern Iraq, where the PKK has bases, and one from Europe, the rebel leadership said in a statement carried by the Firat news agency.

The purpose is "to help the advancement of the democratic peace process in Turkey... and prepare a psychological atmosphere for genuine peace," it said.

The statement did not say when the groups would arrive.

Ankara is preparing fresh reforms to expand the freedoms of the Kurdish community and try to erode support for the PKK, which has waged an armed campaign in the southeast since 1984.

The government however rejects dialogue with the rebels and has vowed to pursue military action against them.