Sebahat Tuncel, a member of the Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad – TJA), has called on all political and social groups to take responsibility for resolving the Kurdish issue, following recent messages from Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Tuncel stated that Öcalan reaffirmed his commitment to a peaceful solution and urged that the process should not be left to “two states” alone, referring to state authorities and far-right party leader Devlet Bahçeli (Devlet means ‘state’ in Turkish).
On 28 December, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) MPs Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder met with Öcalan on İmralı Island. After the meeting, a seven-point statement was issued, stressing the urgency of strengthening Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood as a factor for peace and stability in the region. Öcalan reiterated the importance of dialogue and identified the Turkish parliament as the main platform for resolving the issue.
Tuncel noted that Öcalan has consistently advocated a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue, stressing the need for democratic and constitutional guarantees. “He has a well-established roadmap for peace, which was evident during the 2013-2015 settlement process. However, the government has abandoned these talks,” Tuncel noted, adding that creating conditions for Öcalan’s participation is crucial for progress.
Stressing the role of opposition parties, Tuncel called on the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other opposition groups to contribute to a solution. “Parliament is the key and all parties must take the initiative. The 2013-2015 solution process lacked broad political participation, but we now have the opportunity to involve all stakeholders,” she said.
Tuncel also pointed to the wider implications of unresolved issues in the Middle East, linking the Kurdish question to wider regional stability. “If there’s no peace in the Middle East, countries like Turkey and Iran face escalating risks. Öcalan’s warnings of chaos in the region are proving accurate. Internal peace in Turkey is essential for wider stability,” she said.
Tuncel stressed the need for a level playing field for dialogue, noting that Öcalan’s current isolation undermines the process. She urged the government to take “positive steps” and facilitate democratic participation, adding that society must unite to demand peace. “Peace benefits everyone. A constructive and inclusive approach is vital for the future of Turkey and the Middle East,” she concluded.
