PKK hints at major shift as ringleader Ocalan expected to release statement

The PKK terrorist group announced that a “new process will begin with the expected statement” by its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan, signaling a period of change and transformation in the coming days.

A delegation from the Kurdish-oriented People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) will meet with high-ranking officials from the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq, including Mesud Barzani, Nechirvan Barzani, Bafel Talabani, and other key figures on Feb. 16.

PKK releases message on positive momentum

While the delegation continues its work, PKK issued a statement, stating, “Everyone is expecting a new development, a fresh start from Apo [ringleader Ocalan]. It seems that, unless there is serious opposition or an intervening force, a new process will be initiated by Apo, bringing about change, transformation, and restructuring for everyone. PKK and the Kurds will change, the Republic of Türkiye and its environment will change, and the Middle East and the entire world will change.”

It continued, “It is clear that the awaited statement from Apo will signal the beginning of a new process. Of course, not everything will unfold through a statement alone, and Apo will not accomplish everything by himself. The issue belongs to all of us, as does the responsibility. It is crucial that everyone understands their role and responsibility in the new process correctly and takes ownership, implementing it in practice.”

The statement marks a significant shift for the region. Highlighting Ocalan’s message to initiate a broader transformation of the situation.

How did the process start?

The Nationalist Movement Party’s (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli’s call on Oct. 22 for the terrorist group PKK and its imprisoned founder Abdullah Ocalan to lay down arms and speak at Parliament created shockwaves across the Turkish political landscape.

On the morning of Oct. 23, it was revealed that the nephew of PKK leader and Kurdish-oriented DEM Party MP, Omer Ocalan, visited his uncle in prison as a part of the rapprochement. The visit took place just hours before the terrorist attack in Türkiye’s capital Ankara.

On Oct. 26, Bahceli stated, “It is politically and religiously imperative for Kurds and Turks to love each other.”

However, many of those affected by the violence from fighting the PKK/YPG since the 1970s, often coming from the country’s nationalist bloc, believe that Türkiye must not pursue any compromise regarding the situation.

Since 1984, the PKK has claimed more than 40,000 lives in Türkiye. The group is regarded as the largest obstacle to economic development in eastern Türkiye and is responsible for Türkiye’s high defense spending over the past four decades.