The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Executive Council has expressed its readiness for a new political peace process under the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan, barring significant intervention. The announcement comes as expectations grow over an imminent message from the PKK leader, following recent shuttle talks involving opposition parties and civil society groups.
The PKK’s statement, marking the 26th anniversary of Öcalan’s abduction and imprisonment in İmralı prison, suggested a shift towards a broader transformation process in Turkey and the Middle East. Providing there are no external disruptions, Öcalan’s leadership could hail a “new beginning”, the PKK said, with political change, structural transformation and democratic renewal at its core.
"If there is no serious opposition or intervention, our leader Apo [Öcalan] will start a process of transformation and reconstruction for everyone. The PKK and the Kurds will change; the Turkish Republic and its political landscape will change; the Middle East and the world will change...".
The PKK called for an end to fears of territorial partition, emphasising that Öcalan and the Kurdish movement do not seek to dismantle the Turkish state but to transform it within a democratic framework. “The state should not fear; our leader Apo and the Kurds will not destroy it, but will rebuild it on the basis of democracy. Turkish society should not be afraid; Öcalan and the Kurds will not divide Turkey, but will strive for democratisation,” the statement said.
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The statement also explained that the transformation process envisioned by Öcalan would not be confined to Turkey, but would encompass the wider Middle East and beyond. “His freedom and democratic initiatives will not be against anyone, but will serve the interests of all,” the statement added.
The comments come amid a series of political developments in Turkey, notably the recent shuttle talks at İmralı Prison between Öcalan and members of the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party in person. Additionally, a recent speech by Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), has fuelled speculation about a potential reassessment of Abdullah Öcalan’s status.
While there has been no official confirmation, the anticipation of an imminent statement from Öcalan has sparked increased debate about the possibility of a renewed peace process. The PKK’s latest message indicates that, if the right conditions are met, a new phase of political negotiations and restructuring could unfold.
The PKK called on democratic forces, including women and youth, to actively engage in the anticipated transition. “This issue and its responsibility concern us all. Everyone must recognise their role in the new process and take responsibility. Transformation will not occur through wishful thinking, but through conscious, organised and participatory efforts,” the statement said.
"Now, on its 26th anniversary, this great struggle waged by our leader Apo, our people and our friends seems to have reached a position to make a major breakthrough. With the combined effect of 26 years of great struggle and World War III in the Middle East, the international conspiracy against our leader, the isolation and torture at Imralı, and the genocide mentality, have been completely exposed, broken and shattered."
The message concluded with a call to participate in demonstrations on 15 February, which the PKK marks as the anniversary of the “international conspiracy” against the Kurdish liberation movement, centred around Öcalan. The council urged supporters to mobilise in public spaces and transform the anniversary into a “day of resistance and freedom”.
