Öcalan Says Turkey Is Entering Historic Democratization Process, Urges Support for New Legal Framework

Peregraf — Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned founder and leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), said Turkey is at the beginning of a historic democratization process and called on all segments of society to support a new legal framework aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue, according to a statement released Monday by the DEM Party’s İmralı Delegation following a meeting with him. 

The delegation said it met with Öcalan on August 2 at İmralı Prison, where he shared his assessment of the ongoing political process and the responsibilities facing the next stage.

“A journey of a thousand kilometers begins with a single step,” Öcalan said in a message conveyed by the delegation. 

“With this law, we are setting out to resolve a historical issue. We are at the beginning of a democratization process that will be at least as significant as the founding of the Republic.” 

Öcalan said the proposed legal framework would not only address Kurdish demands but benefit everyone in Turkey. 

“This is not merely a need for the Kurds or a single segment of society, but for everyone living on these lands,” he said, adding that the process could strengthen democratic institutions, contribute to peace, and expand economic opportunities.

He acknowledged that the process remains incomplete but urged a constructive approach.

“Not everything has been resolved yet. However, there is no situation that requires a negative approach. What matters is that this step is understood correctly and that everyone takes responsibility for the success of the process.”

Öcalan said legislation adopted by parliament would be essential to advancing the initiative.

“The law to be enacted by politics serves as the key that will clear the path for this process. The door is being opened wide to a democratic republic,” he said.

The statement is the latest in a series of messages released by the DEM Party’s İmralı Delegation as political discussions continue over a legal framework for advancing the peace process and addressing the Kurdish issue in Turkey.