PKK leader Öcalan cites historic opportunity, urges public consensus for resolution

Ceren Bayar / Gazete Duvar

Many questions remained unanswered despite the public steps and statements made during the new process initiated by the government-ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli. 

These included why President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan avoided making clear statements, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan’s plans, and details from the first meeting at the İmralı prison that were not shared publicly. Gazete Duvar spoke with sources from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party regarding the process.

According to sources from DEM Party, Öcalan led the agenda of the İmralı meeting and did most of the talking. The İmralı delegation had limited opportunity to present details. Öcalan came prepared and told the delegation, “I have plans in mind; I will listen to your input in future meetings.”

Öcalan asked the delegation to engage with political parties and set the framework for discussions, emphasizing that he had the strength and initiative to take necessary steps. He suggested including veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk in these talks. Öcalan also highlighted the need for a legal framework to ensure the security of the process and those involved, stressing the importance of building public consensus.

Expressing support for Bahçeli’s call, Öcalan called the process a historic opportunity for Turkey, warning that missing it could lead to losses for all. While he did not directly address a call for disarmament, he emphasized the need to resolve this issue.

Öcalan proposed prison visits for the İmralı delegation, suggesting political prisoners like Leyla Güven, Figen Yüksekdağ, and Selahattin Demirtaş should contribute to the process.

Öcalan also commented on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), saying the party, as the founding party of the republic, should play a role in democratization.

Discussing political party visits, sources observed willingness from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and MHP to evolve the process toward resolution and peace. They also noted that all parties sought to move away from violence and arms, with AKP reportedly reflecting on policies that had driven Kurdish mobilization for 40-50 years.

While the government showed intent to establish conditions for the process, DEM Party sources criticized the lack of language to prepare society. They said current rhetoric alienated Kurds, pointing out Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s remarks that undermined confidence in the process.

On CHP’s stance, sources noted a mix of pro-resolution voices and less conciliatory rhetoric, though the party appeared more advanced in its approach than in past years. DEM Party supported CHP’s proposal to form a commission, observing no sharp objection from AKP.

The future direction of the process and parliamentary steps were expected to become clearer in the next meeting. DEM Party planned to hold meetings and visits to persuade its base but emphasized the need for tangible outcomes to present to the public.

On the potential impact of a disarmament call, DEM Party leaders said Öcalan remained the primary figure for such an appeal. They stressed the need for clear plans and timetables to avoid uncertainty, noting that a call without concrete steps would leave all parties in limbo.

(English version by Ayşenaz Toptaş)