PKK terrorist group ringleader Ocalan to make disarmament call soon: Report
An image showing terrorist organization PKK members with a flag depicting the image of PKK's ringleader Abdullah Ocalan.
Turkish political discussions have intensified following Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli’s call in October 2024 for PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan to urge the terrorist group to lay down arms.
Journalist Abdulkadir Selvi, who is known for his excellent ties with the government, reported that the timeline for the expected announcement has been expedited.
Imrali delegation expected to visit soon
According to Selvi, Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) delegation is expected to visit Imrali soon to facilitate the process.
The timeline has reportedly been accelerated, with key developments anticipated within a week. “A few days remain, but the latest possible date is the end of February or early March,” Selvi noted.
Recently the DEM Party Group Deputy Chairperson Gulustan Kilic Kocyigit said, “Our delegation will go to Imrali in a few days. We expect the necessary applications to be made within a few days, today, or tomorrow. Preparations are being finalized for the application.”
Expected nature of PKK ringleader Ocalan’s statement
Sources indicate that Ocalan’s message will be “short, clear, and direct.” However, the exact format remains uncertain.
Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc previously stated that a video statement would not be possible, though some argue that a visual appeal would be more persuasive.
Selvi noted that Ocalan’s call will be directed at the PKK’s so-called leadership rather than the Türkiye. If the PKK factions in Qandil and Syria disregard the appeal, military operations are expected to escalate. “Operations are ongoing, but a large-scale military campaign is on the table,” he wrote.
Regional and political reactions
The DEM Party delegation has also held meetings with Masoud Barzani, Nechirvan Barzani, Bafel Talabani and Kubad Talabani, known to be close with the PKK.
While the Barzanis reportedly strongly support the initiative, the Talabanis have taken a more moderate stance. This backing is seen as a crucial factor in strengthening ringleader Ocalan’s position.
Additionally, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan addressed rumors regarding ringleader Ocalan’s upcoming statement, saying: “Ocalan will make a historic statement from Imrali Prison.”
Government’s perspective on the process
AK Party Deputy Chairman Efkan Ala recently addressed the issue in a live broadcast, stating that the government’s ultimate goal is a Türkiye free from terrorism. “We are working with the objective of a terror-free Türkiye. This is very clear because Türkiye must break free from these chains,” Ala said.
Ala emphasized the importance of maintaining stability while aligning Türkiye with its strategic goals. “We want Türkiye to continue its progress while ensuring the satisfaction of all 85 million citizens. Children should not be lost, our resources should not be wasted, and people should focus on serving their families, the country, and the world. A terrorism-free Türkiye is our aim. Many have paid a heavy price—our people have suffered, lives have been lost, and our martyrs have sacrificed for this country.”
Potential disarmament call and military options
When asked whether a disarmament call is expected, Ala responded: “The current environment allows for such a prediction. It can be anticipated that a disarmament call will be made, and we are expecting it.”
However, he noted that the government is not merely waiting for such a development but is actively working to ensure a lasting resolution. “Politics is not just about waiting. We are not passive observers. We have done everything in our power to combat terrorism and achieve a terror-free Türkiye, and we continue our efforts so that we can be completely free from it,” he said.
Ala remained cautiously optimistic but acknowledged the complexity of the situation. “There are many actors involved—foreign countries, intelligence agencies, and regional dynamics. Given these challenging conditions, Türkiye has achieved significant success in various fields. We believe we can achieve this too, and we are doing our best to make it happen. If all parties fulfill their responsibilities, we can reach a resolution with minimal cost.”
