The continued isolation of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan could aggravate the already persistent problems surrounding the Kurdish issue in Turkey, prominent Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk told Mezopotamya agency on Thursday.
Türk, a key figure in the short-lived peace talks between the PKK and Turkey between 2013 and 2015, called for a re-evaluation of state policy and advocated for a renewed emphasis on dialogue, citing historical evidence that negation and repression strategies are ineffective in resolving conflicts.
Ahmet Türk had the first meeting with Öcalan during the peace process on 3 January 2013 on İmralı Island. He described the preparations for the historic meeting and referred to prior discussions with then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Türk emphasised the significance of the trip to İmralı Island and highlighted Erdoğan’s intentions to address the Kurdish issue at the time.
Recalling the 2013 meeting, Türk revealed Öcalan’s optimism for peace, but acknowledged his cautious approach, citing concerns about potential setbacks. Türk drew parallels with a similar sentiment expressed by Öcalan in 1993 after a meeting with then-President Turgut Özal, underlining Öcalan’s consistent readiness for peace.
Türk linked the breakdown of the peace process in 2015 to the government’s calculations after failing to secure a single-party majority in the June elections. He argued that the government’s return to a policy of war was a response to the growing strength and achievements of the Kurdish movement.
The politician went on to say that the current isolation of Öcalan reflects the government’s determination not to solve the problem. He speculated that if Öcalan was not in isolation, he would actively work for a peaceful solution and start a dialogue.
Türk expressed his belief in solving problems through dialogue and stressed the Kurds’ willingness to engage in such discussions. He urged the Turkish government to reconsider its approach, stressing that unilateral dialogue is not enough and that both parties must be open to dialogue.
In a final appeal to the government, Türk argued that the current political strategy would not solve anything and would only lead to more suffering. He stressed that an inclusive political approach would pave the way for democracy and fraternity among people, and suggested that the government should consider the wider interests of Turkey and the region. Türk concluded by reiterating the call for a change of political direction.
Öcalan has been held in solitary confinement on the Turkish island of İmralı since his capture in 1999. He has been denied access to his family or legal representation for 34 months. This isolation is seen by the Kurdish community as a step towards further complicating the unresolved Kurdish question.
