DEM Party terrorist ringleader’s visit concludes with potential disarmament talks

Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party deputies Sirri Sureyya Onder and Pervin Buldan met with Abdullah Ocalan, the ringleader of the terrorist organization PKK, on Imrali Island on Saturday.

After the meeting, DEM published a statement regarding the meeting that took place.

Ocalan is the ringleader of the PKK, a terrorist group that has waged an insurgency against Türkiye since the 1980s. Captured in Nairobi, Kenya in 1999, he has been imprisoned on the island of Imrali in the Sea of Marmara ever since.

DEM’s statement regarding meeting with Abdullah Ocalan

In the statement, it was mentioned that Van MP Pervin Buldan and Istanbul MP Sirri Sureyya Onder held a comprehensive meeting with Abdullah Ocalan, the ringleader of the PKK terrorist organization on Imrali.

The statement noted, “His health is good, and his morale is quite high. His assessments regarding finding a lasting solution to the Kurdish issue were of vital importance.”

The statement indicated that recent developments in the Middle East and Türkiye were discussed and that Ocalan presented positive solution proposals against imposed dark future scenarios.

‘I am ready to take the necessary positive step and make call’

The statement included the following expressions regarding Ocalan’s thoughts and the general approach:

Strengthening Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood once again is not only a historical responsibility but also carries decisive importance and urgency for all peoples. For the success of this process, it is essential for all political circles in Türkiye to take initiative, act constructively, and make positive contributions without being trapped by narrow and temporary calculations. One of the most important platforms for these contributions will undoubtedly be the Turkish Parliament.

The events in Gaza and Syria have shown that the resolution of this problem, which has been attempted to be turned into a chronic issue through external interventions, can no longer be delayed. The success of such a serious effort requires contributions and suggestions from the opposition as well.

I possess the competence and determination to make the necessary positive contribution to the new paradigm supported by Mr. Bahceli and Mr. Erdogan. The delegation will share this approach of mine, both with the state and political circles.

In light of these points, I am ready to take the necessary positive step and make the call. All these efforts will elevate the country to the level it deserves and will also serve as a valuable guide for a democratic transformation. The era is one of peace, democracy, and brotherhood for Türkiye and the region.

Abdullah Ocalan, the ringleader of the PKK terrorist organization

Bahceli’s call on PKK ringleader Ocalan

Chairman of the National Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahceli, recently called on the imprisoned ringleader of the terrorist organization PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, to address the Turkish parliament if he calls on the terrorist group to lay down arms.

In his speech at the MHP congress, Bahceli took his previous call for Ocalan to “unilaterally declare that terrorism is over and that his organization will be liquidated,” one step further, saying: “If the isolation of the terrorist leader is to be lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party group meeting of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Let him shout that terrorism is completely over and that the organization has been abolished… We are ready to put up with this for the homeland, nation, state, flag, common future and full independence.”

Following Bahceli’s call, DEM Party members submitted a request to the Turkish government, specifically to the Ministry of Interior, to visit the imprisoned ringleader.