NEWS CENTRE- Following the talks with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan in 2013, his remarks on democratisation, legal framework and free working conditions are still relevant today.

 

PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, who has been kept in aggravated isolation on İmralı Island for years and no news has been received, and Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) MPs Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder held two meetings on 28 December 2024 and 22 January.

 

In the statements made by the DEM Party delegation regarding the meetings, Abdullah Öcalan pointed out that he continues his efforts for the solution of the Kurdish question. It was shared that Abdullah Öcalan emphasised basic issues such as democratisation and the need for the Parliament to play a role in the solution of the Kurdish question.

 

While Abdullah Öcalan's statements are being discussed intensely in the public agenda, the AKP government has not taken any steps towards a solution despite the time that has passed.

 

The issues underlined by Abdullah Öcalan regarding the solution of the Kurdish question, the elimination of violence and the democratisation of Turkey were also on the agenda between 2013 and 2015. Today, it is seen more clearly that Abdullah Öcalan stands at the same point for a solution and insists on the democratisation of Turkey, for which comfortable working conditions must be prepared.

 

My freedom matters

 

In the interview dated 7 June 2013, Abdullah Öcalan drew attention to the creation of conditions for him to play his role and said: ‘Actually, I am the freest person in Turkey. You cannot apply prisoner law. Theoretically at least this is the case. If I am involved in an important work, I should have freedom’, emphasising the need for legal regulation.

 

If there is to be normalisation

 

Regarding the ‘arms issue’ discussed by the AKP government and its close circles in Turkey, Abdullah Öcalan said, "Of course, if there is to be a complete normalisation, I should personally convene the big congress and say that we have completely ended the armed struggle against Turkey. They will enact a law and we will be included in the law."

 

I'm trying to end the violence.

 

Abdullah Öcalan says that "normalisation means taking the entire KCK structure into law", but this is not understood. Abdullah Öcalan states the following: "They do not understand this. Well, how will the violence stop completely, is this not a contradiction? How can you do this without bringing what is outside the law into the law? This is what they did before with the law on withdrawal. They said it would be difficult to pass it in the parliament. If the law is not passed, should I liquidate the PKK? Who does the AKP think I am? I am trying to end the violence. They say, ‘If we pass a law, we legitimise the PKK’."

 

Right to self-defence

 

Stating that he will have the right to defence if the government does not take steps, Abdullah Öcalan said: "What was asked of me was to end the violence completely, and I have achieved this, don't misunderstand me. They ask what will happen if the government does not take steps. And you say that the guerrilla will never come again. Don't say that, it has no practical political equivalent anyway. If there is no solution, don't people have the right to self-defence? Even plants and inanimate beings have the right to defence. All living things have systems of nutrition, reproduction and defence. I could explain it to you with heavy philosophising, but I won't. How will you defend the people as a party leader? You must see the dangers."