Revisiting the core message of imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan’s 2013 letter could pave the way for a period of easing tensions, Cengiz Çandar, an MP from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), said at a conference on the Kurdish conflict on Saturday.
The conference “Resolution to the Kurdish Question and Peace“, organised by the Human Rights Association (İHD), started on Saturday and will continue on Sunday.
Speakers at the conference discussed the changing nature of peace negotiations involving the Kurds, noting that the current period is characterised by a high potential for conflict and emphasising the need for an inclusive approach to peace mechanisms involving all Kurdish actors.
Cengiz Çandar addressed the significant changes in the Kurdish issue following the peace process, highlighting in particular the regime change in Turkey as a key development directly related to the Kurdish issue. He recalled the political landscape following the success of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) in the June 2015 elections, and the subsequent shift in policy towards conflict after the HDP prevented the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) from securing a majority in parliament. The alliance between the AKP and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), which was formed on the precondition of ending the peace process, led to increased pressure on the opposition, including the Kurdish opposition.
Describing the transition to a presidential system in 2018 as a critical juncture, Çandar said it marked a deepening engagement in Syria and a shift in Turkey’s military posture.
Çandar stressed the importance of ending the isolation and opening negotiations with Abdullah Öcalan, highlighting the potential for easing tensions by returning to the main ideas expressed in the PKK leader’s 2013 letter, which was read out during the Newroz celebrations in Diyarbakır (Amed). He cautioned against unrealistic expectations, but suggested that revisiting Öcalan’s message could start a process of relaxation and peace.
