The pro-Kurdish DEM party is set to meet Abdullah Ocalan for a significant declaration, possibly a peace appeal, as part of efforts to reconcile with the Turkish state. This marks continued dialogue amid a long-standing conflict that has seen extensive loss of life. The delegation includes key political figures, indicating the importance of this meeting.
The pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM) of Turkey anticipates a significant announcement from Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), as they plan to visit him. The delegation, which includes seven members, will meet Ocalan on an island prison near Istanbul amid ongoing efforts to resolve a long-standing conflict with the Turkish state. The impending declaration, described as ‘historic,’ is expected to be communicated to the public later this afternoon.
Ocalan, who has been incarcerated since 1999, has recently received visits from DEM lawmakers that sparked hope for renewed dialogue between Ankara and Kurdish representatives. This initiative, championed by political ally Devlet Bahceli of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration, suggests that Ocalan may issue a call for peace to his followers. However, the exact content and scope of Ocalan’s anticipated message remain uncertain at this time.
The delegation includes notable figures such as DEM co-chairs Tulay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan, along with veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Turk. They aim to elicit a video message from Ocalan as a means of conveying his peace appeal, but such a request is still pending approval from the justice ministry. The ongoing conflict, which began in 1984, has resulted in the loss of over 40,000 lives, and previous peace negotiations have failed in the past.
While the political landscape remains tense, today’s meeting reflects the hope for a potential breakthrough in releasing the Kurdish community’s grievances and fostering reconciliation with the Turkish state.
The anticipated meeting between the pro-Kurdish party and Abdullah Ocalan signifies a critical moment in Turkish-Kurdish relations. The possibility of Ocalan issuing a public call for peace may pave the way for renewed dialogue and resolution of decades-long tensions. However, the uncertainty surrounding his message and the response from both parties highlights the challenges ahead in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.albianews.com
