PKK leader Ocalan to urge group to disarm in upcoming historic call: DEM Party

During his party’s group meeting, Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of the Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) revealed on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned founder and leader of the PKK terrorist group, is preparing to make a historic call in the coming days. Bakirhan confirmed that they fully support the upcoming call.

When asked if Ocalan would make the call on Feb. 15, the anniversary of his capture in Kenya and subsequent transfer to Türkiye, Bakirhan replied, “I’m not sure if it will be on Feb. 15, but we can expect it in the coming days.”

Bakirhan also emphasized that the call Ocalan intends to make will be a comprehensive one, and it will include a call for the laying down of arms.

Meetings with Ocalan on Imrali

As part of the critical process that began on Oct. 22, a delegation from the DEM Party met with Abdullah Ocalan for the first time on Dec. 28 on Imrali Island.

After that initial meeting, the delegation shared statements expressing greater hope compared to previous processes. They noted that Ocalan had shared a seven-point message and indicated he was ready to make a call.

The second meeting between the DEM Party delegation and Ocalan took place on Jan. 23.

Following that meeting, the delegation released a statement indicating that Ocalan was working on necessary preparations. DEM Party statement also highlighted that “This process will enable everyone, all of us, to live together freely.”