Turkey’s pro-Kurd party, Democratic Regions Party (DEM), is set to receive a potentially “historic declaration” from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, emphasizing efforts to mend relations with the PKK. This follows a delegation’s visit to Ocalan at Imrali prison, as expectations grow for a peace appeal that could alter the course of the decades-long conflict with the Turkish state.
Turkey’s prominent pro-Kurdish party, the Democratic Regions Party (DEM), anticipates a “historic declaration” from Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), on Thursday. This anticipation arises amid ongoing efforts to resolve a long-standing conflict with Ankara, which will involve a delegation visiting Ocalan at his prison on Imrali Island, off Istanbul. This marks the third visit in recent months aimed at rekindling communications with the PKK.
The DEM party expressed optimism, stating, “If everything goes smoothly, tomorrow, we expect Ocalan to make a historic declaration.” They noted a press statement will follow this visit around 5:00 pm local time. The seven-member delegation includes Ocalan’s lawyer and intends to have the PKK leader deliver his peace message through a video, pending approval from the justice ministry.
Abdullah Ocalan, now 75, has been detained on Imrali Prison Island since his capture in 1999. His recent visitors, two DEM lawmakers, have previously communicated the contents of their discussions to parliamentary factions. This renewed dialogue initiative originates with ultra-nationalist political leader Devlet Bahceli, an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, heightening expectations that Ocalan may soon call for a ceasefire from PKK fighters in exchange for concessions for Kurds.
The uncertainty surrounding the scope of Ocalan’s expected appeal remains a significant factor. Thursday’s delegation comprises DEM co-chairs, seasoned politicians, and various lawmakers with notable histories in Kurdish affairs. The ongoing conflict, which began in 1984, has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, and previous peace negotiations faltered dramatically in 2015, prompting severed communications with the PKK.
The approaching declaration from Abdullah Ocalan signals a pivotal moment in Turkey’s efforts to address the Kurdish conflict. With cooperation from both the DEM party and government entities, hopes are high for a constructive communication that could pave the way for peace. However, the actual impact of Ocalan’s message and the government’s response remains to be seen, particularly considering the historical setbacks in negotiations.
Original Source: www.albianews.com
