In an exclusive interview with Serbestiyet journalist Hilal Köylü, Pervin Buldan, deputy of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, shared details of their historic meeting with Abdullah Öcalan at İmralı Prison on 28 December. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in Turkish-Kurdish relations, as Öcalan conveyed a message calling for renewed solidarity and the Turkish Parliament to play a central role in reconciliation.
‘We are closer to peace than ever before’
Buldan described the meeting as “very positive and constructive”, highlighting Öcalan’s optimism about fostering unity and his readiness to contribute to Turkey’s democratic transformation. “I’ve always been hopeful about peace, but now I believe we are closer to achieving it than ever before,” Buldan told Serbestiyet.
Öcalan’s statement, shared by fellow DEM Party MPs Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder on 29 December, emphasised:
The urgent need to strengthen Turkish-Kurdish solidarity as a matter of national importance.
The critical role of the Turkish Parliament in fostering peace and avoiding narrow political agendas.
The necessity of collective political will, particularly in light of recent regional crises in Gaza and Syria.
Öcalan’s message, according to Buldan, reflects “a historic call” to address the Kurdish question and establish lasting peace through democratic dialogue.
A renewed political process
Buldan announced that the DEM Party will engage with parliamentary leaders in the coming days, requesting meetings at the highest levels. Veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk is also expected to join these efforts based on the suggestion of Abdullah Öcalan himself. “We must not waste another opportunity,” Buldan stated, reflecting on the lessons of the 2013–2015 resolution process.
In her remarks, Buldan stressed that all political actors must contribute to this reconciliation effort. “If peace and democracy are truly desired, now is the time for everyone to shoulder responsibility,” she said. Öcalan’s message included a direct appeal to Parliament, describing it as the most significant platform for driving constructive dialogue and reconciliation.
Background context
This meeting follows heightened tensions in Turkey and the region. Öcalan’s influence remains critical to resolving the Kurdish question, as highlighted in recent reports by Medya News. Yesterday’s report detailed Öcalan’s potential role in fostering democratic change, and today’s coverage explored the optimist messages surrounding this new political effort.
Öcalan’s message has reportedly been met with cautious optimism from ruling coalition leaders. While Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli’s formal response is awaited, early indications suggest a willingness to engage with this new paradigm.
Buldan’s closing remarks to Serbestiyet encapsulated the weight of the moment: “This is the era of peace, democracy, and fraternity. The opportunity for a democratic transformation in Turkey and the region is before us. Now is the time for courage and vision.”
