"We will implement with determination the process initiated by our chief Apo," Ocalan's number two Murat Karayilan told the pro-Kurdish Firat News Agency.

"Everyone should know the PKK is as ready for peace as it is for war," he said, but added: "The PKK does not want war under any circumstance."

Karayilan called on all sides to do their part to implement the ceasefire, announced by Ocalan after months of negotiations with Turkey's spy agency to end a 29-year Kurdish rebellion.

"The year 2013 will be one of solution, whether it is through war or peace," Karayilan said from northern Iraq where the PKK is based.

He has effectively been in charge of the PKK since Ocalan was jailed for treason in 1999.