Imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, has directed a second historic appeal to the authorities in Ankara and the public to end armed struggle. In a statement read by pro-Kurdish deputies, Öcalan advocates for the creation of a legal framework enabling the democratic integration of Kurds. This declaration, announced on the anniversary of his previous call, is intended to open a new chapter in Turkey's history, based on the rule of law and social dialogue.

Postulate for Peace Laws

Öcalan calls on parliament to create a legal framework enabling the reintegration of Kurds and ending the conflict.

End of the Era of Violence

The PKK leader declares a definitive desire to transition to a policy based on law and democratic procedures.

Pressure on the Government in Ankara

The statement read on the anniversary of the previous appeal is intended to force the Turkish authorities to take concrete legislative steps.

Abdullah Öcalan, who has been in solitary confinement on İmralı Island since 1999, has once again called for a definitive end to armed struggle and a transition to a political phase. In the statement, which coincides with the first anniversary of his peace manifesto last year, the leader of the PKK emphasized the necessity for parliament to enact special "peace laws." According to Öcalan, only solid legislative foundations will allow for the lasting integration of Kurdish communities with the democratic structures of the Turkish state. This situation is interpreted as an attempt to pressure the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to materialize its previous reform promises. The origins of the Kurdish-Turkish conflict date back to the fall of the Ottoman Empire and the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which did not grant the Kurds their own state, leading to numerous uprisings and systemic discrimination against this minority in subsequent decades. International and domestic reactions indicate cautious optimism, although the peace process has reached a deadlock. Öcalan declares a desire to close the era of politics based on violence, which could end the conflict lasting over four decades. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party, which mediates in conveying the leader's messages, calls for broader social responsibility for these changes. It is noted that without concrete legal steps, such as amnesty for fighters or easing Öcalan's own isolation, these declarations may remain mere rhetoric. The government in Ankara, despite previous readiness for talks, still delays presenting a timetable for specific laws. 40 tys. — victims claimed by the Kurdish-Turkish conflict since 1984 Analysts point out that Öcalan's second call aims to revive dialogue in the face of growing regional tensions in the Middle East. The postulate of democratic integration assumes not only the laying down of arms by guerrillas but, above all, a systemic reform of the state, which would include self-governance for the southeastern regions. Although portraits of Öcalan still polarize Turkish society, his voice remains crucial for thousands of fighters hiding in the Kandil mountains in Iraq. The ultimate success of this initiative now depends on the political will of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the readiness of nationalist coalition partners to make concessions. „"The transition to democratic integration necessitates laws of peace."” — Abdullah Öcalan

Mentioned People

  • Abdullah Öcalan — Founder and imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
  • Pervin Buldan — Deputy of the pro-Kurdish party who read the leader's statement.