Peregraf
Pervin Buldan, a pro-Kurdish lawmaker from the Democratic Party (DEM), took to X to express optimism following a recent meeting with Abdullah Öcalan. She explained, “Given the sensitivity of this process, we will refrain from speaking to the press until it has matured. This is not about withholding information from the public, but rather showing respect for the ongoing process. If we had to sum it up in a single sentence, we would say that we are far more hopeful than in previous peace processes.”
Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned Kurdish leader, has called for a renewed peace process in Turkey, stressing the urgent need for Turkish-Kurdish unity and democratic reform. His comments followed a meeting on December 28 with pro-Kurdish lawmakers Sirri Sureyya Önder and Pervin Buldan on Imrali Island.
According to a statement from Önder and Buldan, Öcalan, described as being in good health and high spirits, outlined a comprehensive framework for resolving the Kurdish issue and addressing regional instability. He noted the impact of recent developments in Gaza and Syria, emphasizing that the Kurdish issue, complicated by foreign interventions, can no longer be postponed.
Öcalan’s proposals called for all political parties in Turkey to adopt a constructive and inclusive approach, highlighting the pivotal role of the Turkish parliament in the process. He also expressed his readiness to contribute to a new political paradigm, which he believes has support from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli.
“The strengthening of Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is not only a historical responsibility but a vital need for all nations,” Öcalan said, urging cooperation beyond narrow political calculations.
The delegation confirmed that Öcalan’s views would be shared with the Turkish state and political parties. His vision aims to guide Turkey toward an era of peace, democracy, and regional stability.
This visit is significant, as Önder and Buldan previously met with Öcalan in 2014 during a peace process between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). That initiative ultimately collapsed, leading to years of increased tension and violence.
Öcalan, who has been imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999, has had limited contact with the outside world. His most recent family visit was in October 2024, when his nephew, DEM Party lawmaker Ömer Öcalan, met him face-to-face for the first time since March 2020. During the meeting, Öcalan was reported to be in “good health” and sent “greetings to everyone.” The last known communication with Öcalan prior to this was a brief phone call with his elder brother, Mehmet Öcalan, in March 2021.
In a surprising political shift, the Turkish government has recently softened its stance toward Öcalan, following a proposal by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and an ally of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). Bahçeli suggested that Öcalan address the Turkish parliament to announce the PKK’s dissolution.
The PKK, founded in 1978, originally sought an independent Kurdish state but now advocates for autonomy. The group remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
The DEM Party, the successor to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), played a crucial role in peace talks with Öcalan a decade ago. That period is remembered as a brief but hopeful chapter in Turkey’s modern history, with Öcalan once again calling for renewed dialogue and cooperation to achieve lasting peace.