Abdullah Öcalan will soon receive a third visit from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party’s Imralı Prison delegation, to finalise the timetable for the anticipated ‘historic call’ from the Kurdish leader, DEM parliamentary group co-chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit announced at a press conference in Ankara on Monday. Öcalan’s call, initially expected on 15 February, has been delayed due to ongoing shuttle talks. Koçyiğit also demanded democratic reforms in light of the mass arrests targeting the Peoples’ Democratic Congress (HDK) – a union of left-of-centre political groups, recent trustee appointments to Kurdish-majority municipalities in Van (Wan) and Kağızman (Kaqizman), and concerns over press freedom.
Kılıç Koçyiğit explained:
"Öcalan’s historic call will mark the beginning of a new era in resolving the Kurdish issue. Our delegation is set to visit Imralı shortly, where we will share insights from our recent trips to South Kurdistan [Kurdistan Region of Iraq] and finalise the schedule for this call."
She emphasised that this call is not only a pivotal step in the ongoing reconciliation process, which started last October, but also a moment that could transform Kurdish–Turkish relations. Notably, Öcalan has been imprisoned for 26 years, largely under conditions of absolute isolation, and his forthcoming call is seen as a long-awaited opportunity to break this deadlock.
Kılıç Koçyiğit urged the parliament to take responsibility in the wake of this historic call, stating:
"Following the call, it is imperative that the parliament swiftly begins work on the necessary legal reforms. This is not merely about words—it is about taking decisive, historic action to ensure a democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue."
Her announcement comes at a time when many in Turkey and the wider region are hopeful for a breakthrough after decades of conflict.
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The announcement has reinvigorated expectations that a new chapter in Kurdish reconciliation may soon be opened—a process long delayed by decades of strife. As the delegation’s third Imralı visit nears, all eyes will be on the outcome of their discussions, which many hope will pave the way for a transformative, long-overdue dialogue with Öcalan.
