Peregraf
The Co-Presidency of the KCK (Kurdistan Democratic Communities Union) has expressed strong support for Abdullah Öcalan’s message advocating the resumption of the peace process in Turkey and a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue.
In a statement, the KCK, which serves as the umbrella organization for all PKK-affiliated groups, declared: “We, as the People's and Freedom Movement, affirm that our leader’s message, akin to a manifesto at the close of 2024, will form the foundation of our struggle in the coming year. We call on political parties and democratic mass organizations that back the resolution of the Kurdish issue and the democratization of Turkey to join us in this fight.”
The KCK’s statement also conveyed optimism for the new year, stating: “With the belief that Leader Apo [Öcalan] will be freed in the New Year, the Kurdish issue will be resolved, Turkey and the region will achieve democratization, and peace and stability will prevail in our region and the entire world. We extend our congratulations to the workers fighting for freedom.”
The statement highlighted a recent meeting on November 28, during which a delegation from the DEM Party outlined seven points derived from Öcalan’s message. “Our leader has articulated a vision for resolving issues through seven key points, instilling renewed hope and defining tasks that must be accomplished as we enter the new year as a movement and a people.”
Pervin Buldan, a prominent pro-Kurdish lawmaker from the Democratic Party (DEM), shared her thoughts on the process via X on December 30. “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 about respecting the ongoing process. In summary, we are more hopeful than in previous peace processes,” she wrote.
Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned Kurdish leader, has called for renewed peace talks, emphasizing the urgent need for Turkish-Kurdish unity and democratic reforms. His remarks came after a December 28 meeting with pro-Kurdish lawmakers Sirri Sureyya Önder and Pervin Buldan on Imralı Island.
In a statement released by Önder and Buldan, Öcalan was described as being in good health and high spirits. He outlined a comprehensive framework for resolving the Kurdish issue and addressing regional instability. Reflecting on developments in Gaza and Syria, Öcalan stressed that the Kurdish issue, exacerbated by foreign interventions, can no longer be deferred.
Öcalan’s proposals call for all political parties in Turkey to adopt a constructive and inclusive approach, emphasizing the importance of the Turkish parliament in the process. He also expressed his readiness to contribute to a new political paradigm, which he believes has garnered 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 necessity for all nations,” Öcalan stated, urging cooperation that transcends narrow political calculations.
The delegation confirmed that Öcalan’s views would be shared with the Turkish state and political parties, with the aim of guiding Turkey toward an era of peace, democracy, and regional stability.
This development 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 heightened tensions and violence.
Öcalan, imprisoned on Imralı 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.” His last prior communication 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. MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli proposed that Öcalan address the Turkish parliament to announce the PKK’s dissolution.
The PKK, founded in 1978, initially sought an independent Kurdish state but now advocates for autonomy. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
The DEM Party, successor to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), played a pivotal role in peace talks with Öcalan a decade ago. That period is remembered as a brief but hopeful chapter in Turkey’s modern history. Now, Öcalan is once again calling for renewed dialogue and cooperation to achieve lasting peace.