Imprisoned Kurdish politician Leyla Güven has issued a statement addressing the recent message from Abdullah Öcalan. The message was relayed by a delegation from the Peoples’ Democracy and Equality (DEM) Party, which included DEM Party MP Pervin Buldan and Deputy Parliamentary Group Leader Sırrı Süreyya Önder, following their meeting with the imprisoned Kurdish leader on İmralı Island on 19 December.
Güven, a former member of the Turkish Parliament, stated her full support for “all kinds of solutions proposed by Abdullah Öcalan” and highlighted his longstanding advocacy for a “peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish question”.
The veteran politician emphasised that Öcalan is regarded by the Kurdish people as their primary negotiator and representative. She expressed confidence in his political vision, noting its potential to bring peace not only to the Kurdish people but also to the “multicultural and multifaceted peoples of the Middle East”.
She described Öcalan’s 26-year imprisonment and resistance on İmralı Island as “legendary”, pointing to his ongoing struggle for equality, freedom, and peace. Güven noted that this resistance has inspired millions, who now await the political outcomes of upcoming meetings between Öcalan and the DEM Party delegation.
Güven also stressed Öcalan’s commitment to women’s freedom, stating that women political prisoners are ready to support his vision for freedom, peace, and democracy. “We will engage in serious efforts to meet the expectations set by the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan,” she said.
In closing, Güven expressed her hope for a brighter future, stating: “In the not too distant future, we will dance the govend [traditional Kurdish dance] of freedom with Mr Öcalan on the walls of Sur [the historic city walls of Diyarbakır, Amed].”
