More visits to PKK terrorist group’s Ocalan may prompt disarmament call: DEM Party

The Peoples’ Equality Party (DEM Party) delegate Ahmet Turk suggested that additional visits to imprisoned PKK terrorist group’s founder Abdullah Ocalan could lead to his call for the group to disarm.

In the aftermath of the call by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, a delegation from the DEM Party visited Ocalan on Dec. 29, signaling the potential emergence of a “new peace process.”

Speaking on the issue, Turk highlighted the importance of the ongoing dialogue and expressed his optimism about the direction of the discussions.

Turk, who was part of the DEM Party delegation alongside Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, responded to questions from the Turkish publication Nefes newspaper.

Possible call to PKK to law down arms

When asked about whether a call for disarmament had been discussed during the meetings, particularly with Bahceli, Turk responded with cautious optimism: “Following these talks, there might be a call for laying down arms during the second or third Imrali visit. Turk implied that these discussions could soon take a more decisive turn.”

While no definitive statement could be made at this stage, the information received from various sources indicated that further talks would be held.

“We can’t say much at this moment. What we understand is that the plan is for the delegation to meet with all political parties and then return to Imrali for a follow-up,” Turk explained.

This continuation of dialogue could ultimately lead to concrete steps, such as the laying down of arms, being put forward as part of the peace process.

No discussion of general amnesty or ‘hope rights’

When asked if a general amnesty was discussed with Bahceli during the meeting, Ahmet Turk firmly denied the claims, calling them “speculations” and dismissing rumors.

He clarified Ocalan had not raised issues such as “hope rights,” instead focusing on broader regional and geopolitical concerns related to Türkiye and Syria.

“Ocalan emphasized that we must resolve our problems without external interference,” he added.

‘This is an internal issue’

According to Turk, Ocalan reiterated that the Kurdish issue should be resolved within Türkiye—without external interference.

“Ocalan views this as an internal matter and stresses it should be addressed within the framework of the Turkish Parliament,” Turk maintained.

The delegation was informed that Ocalan believed the Parliament, not foreign powers or external entities, was the rightful body to handle these issues.

Turk concluded his remarks by noting that, while further information was shared by those who had participated in the discussions, he was not at liberty to provide additional details at this time.