Let’s Talk About Öcalan: A Sharp Look at Recent Developments
Well, well, well! If it isn’t the intriguing game of politics unravelling in Turkey, where the DEM Party is making headlines with its calls for peace and strategy shifts involving none other than PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. It seems that rather than just heating up the plot, they decided to serve it with a side of irony. Allow me to elucidate—
The first solid step from MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli is to allow Öcalan a visit after 43 months. I know; I was shocked too. It’s like allowing a vampire into the daylight after years of hiding in the shadows. Bahçeli’s call for Öcalan to disband the PKK and “lay down arms” is quite a fantastical idea considering the historical backdrop. But hey, hope is a powerful thing, right?
Öcalan’s “Right to Hope”
Öcalan’s nephew, Ömer Öcalan, voila—dropped the bombshell about the PKK leader’s message. Spoiler alert: he is claiming that “isolation continues.” But it’s all right, he assures us he has the “theoretical and practical power” to pivot from “conflict and violence” to “legal and political grounds.” It’s like giving a magician a new trick, yet hoping he won’t pull a rabbit from a hat. Nice intentions, though, Öcalan!
The DEM Party’s Perspective
Now let’s bring in the star of the show, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan. On the political stage, she criticized the paradox of Öcalan’s isolation while simultaneously being the center of attention regarding peace discussions. It’s like having a birthday party and telling the guest of honor they can’t have any cake until they say thank you first. Quite the conundrum!
Doğan’s advocacy for Öcalan to play a role in resolving the Kurdish issue is a bold move, as one would expect a spokesperson to say. The question remains, “Is the state ready?” I’m waiting for the answer like it’s an anticipated season finale of a suspenseful drama.
Have We Had Enough Violence?
The recent attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries, leading to five tragic losses, adds fuel to the fire. Doğan has rightfully pointed out that this violent incident casts a shadow on any budding dialogue about solutions. When the streets echo with gunfire, talking peace can feel a bit like shouting into a void, can’t it? She suggests dialogue and peaceful resolutions, but one wonders if the parties involved are tuning in or playing on their phones instead.
A Call for Peace from Zana
Then we have Leyla Zana, a celebrated figure in the Kurdish movement—she’s all about watering those seeds of peace! Her glowing optimism shines through as she encourages support for those pushing for democratic solutions. “A ray of hope,” she says, while reminding us of the heavy historical baggage everyone’s toting. So it seems we’re entangled in a symphony of hopes, fears, and, let’s not forget, some latent skepticism.
Demirtaş Wants Action!
And let’s not miss out on the mentions of Selahattin Demirtaş, who, despite being detained, bursts into the debate with both hands raised in support of Öcalan’s initiatives. He’s sounding the alarm— if Öcalan’s ready to budge, the rest better step up to the challenge. No one wants the voices pleading for peace to be drowned out by the noise of conflict. Demirtaş encapsulates the essence of opposition yet feels the palpable need for unity.
Final Thoughts
As Öcalan awaits a reintroduction to diplomacy, the political landscape spins faster than a game show wheel. Will the government play ball or sit on its hands? Are the calls for peace genuinely heard, or merely drowned out by the roar of bygone battles? One can’t help but feel that if this were a sitcom, it’d be a comedic yet poignant take on hope versus reality.
So, conclusion time! Turkey stands at a crossroads—one path leads to dialogue and understanding, while the other leads straight back to the trenches. Fingers crossed that we don’t miss the train to “Peace Station.” Because, let’s face it, no one really enjoys a reality show fraught with conflict—unless it’s cake decorating, of course!
Photo caption, DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğannews information
- Written by Ayşe Sayın
- Title, Ankara, BBC Turkish
- Twitter, @aysesayin
- 24 October 2024, 12:05 +03
Updated an hour ago
The first concrete step of MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli’s call for PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to lay down arms and disband the organization, which included the promise of the “right to hope”, was to grant Öcalan permission to visit for the first time in 43 months.
The PKK leader’s message was announced to the public by his nephew Ömer Öcalan, DEM Party Şanlıurfa Deputy, who visited him in İmralı Prison.
Ömer Öcalan quoted Abdullah Öcalan as saying, “The isolation continues. If the conditions arise, I have the theoretical and practical power to pull this process from the ground of conflict and violence to the legal and political ground.”
DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said, “The role Mr. Öcalan will play, the initiative he will take, and the responsibility he will assume in the solution of the Kurdish issue through democratic means are of vital importance.”
Noting that calls have been made for days for Öcalan to take a role in solving the problem, Doğan said, “The person who is the main addressee of the calls is in isolation. This is a paradox. This must be eliminated now. Conditions must be provided to participate in these discussions.”
Öcalan: ‘I have the power to bring the process to political ground’
Ömer Öcalan announced that he met with the PKK leader on October 23. He made the following statements in his statement on social media:
“The last face-to-face meeting with Mr. Abdullah Öcalan was on March 3, 2020. We, as a family, had a meeting with Mr. Öcalan years later on October 23, 2024. We want the routine family visit, which is a legal right, to continue regardless of the circumstances.”
“I had a meeting with Mr. Öcalan at İmralı Island Prison on October 23. This visit took place within the scope of a family meeting. During the meeting, Mr. Öcalan made evaluations about general political developments and asked for the following message to be conveyed to the public: ‘The isolation continues. If the conditions arise, this process will be free from conflict and violence. “I have the theoretical and practical strength to bring it to the legal and political ground.’ He was in good health and greeted everyone very much.”
Öcalan was caught in 1999 and sentenced to death and then to life imprisonment.
He is currently being held in İmralı F Type High Security Prison.
PKK is on the “terrorist organization” list of various countries, including Türkiye, the USA and the UK.
In his statement in the Parliament on October 22, Devlet Bahçeli said, “If the isolation of the terrorist leader is lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party group meeting in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. Let him shout that terrorism is completely over and the organization has been abolished. The legal regulation regarding the use of the right to hope should be made and the way should be wide open for people to benefit from it.” ” he said.
image captionAbdullah Öcalan at the hearing in June 1999.
DEM Party Spokesperson Doğan: ‘Öcalan is ready, is the state ready?’
DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan, at the press conference she held at her party’s headquarters, talked about MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s call regarding Abdullah Öcalan, MP Ömer Öcalan’s meeting with the PKK leader and Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc.’s (TUSAŞ) Kahramankazan’s meeting in Ankara. He evaluated the attack on his facilities in .
Ayşegül Doğan said that they first of all condemned the attack in which 5 people lost their lives and that they felt great sadness for the attack.
Doğan said, “We find it significant that such an attack occurred in these days when the Turkish society is talking about a solution and the possibility of dialogue appears.”
Stating that the air operations launched in Syria and Iraq after the attack will only deepen the violence in the region, Doğan said, “Continuing the war and conflict will only cause more pain and loss. We call on all parties to adopt dialogue and peaceful solutions.”
Doğan said that the role that Abdullah Öcalan will play in the solution of the Kurdish problem through democratic means, the initiative he will take and the responsibility he will assume are of vital importance.
Noting that calls have been made for days for Öcalan to take a role in solving the problem, Doğan continued his words as follows:
“The person who is the main addressee of the calls is in isolation. This is a paradox. This must be eliminated now.
“Öcalan’s message contains many messages within itself. First, he himself states that the isolation continues. Secondly, he says that he has the theoretical and practical power to move this process from the ground of conflict and violence to a legal and political ground, if the conditions arise.”
Stating that Öcalan is ready to take a role in the solution, Doğan said, “So, is the state ready? We are asking here as the DEM Party. Democratic politics is ready, Mr. Öcalan is also ready, to create these conditions, to eliminate the isolation, to create the legal and political basis for the democratic solution of the Kurdish issue.” “Is the state ready? It’s the turn of those who made and supported this call,” he said.
Doğan said that the DEM Party is ready to assume responsibility, take a role and develop initiative within the framework of a democratic solution, as it was yesterday, with its struggle.
Zana: ‘We will continue to water the seeds of peace’
Leyla Zana, one of the important figures of the Kurdish movement, published a statement on social media on October 24 and said, “A ray of hope has emerged for everyone who is crying out about conflicts and wars! Greetings to those who are waiting for peace, our eyes are bright!” he said.
Zana used the following statements: “We, those who are thirsty for peace, will stand by and behind those who try to transform these developments into a democratic solution on a legal and political level, without any buts or buts.
“Those who sow the seeds of peace in the Middle East should know that we will continue to water these seeds. The issue is deep-rooted, historical and heavy! We all face a historical, deep and serious responsibility to end this war that has been going on for at least a century. May the seeds of peace sown decades ago be fruitful , may our tomorrow be free!”
Leyla Zana was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the case where she was tried for “membership of an illegal organization” in 1994.
Zana was released in 2004 and re-entered the parliament in 2011 by being elected as an independent MP from Diyarbakır.
He joined HDP in 2015 after his political ban ended.
In 2018, he was dismissed from parliament due to absenteeism.
Demirtaş: ‘If Öcalan wants to pave the way for politics, we will support him with all our strength’
Former HDP Co-Chairman Selahattin Demirtaş, who is detained in Edirne Closed Prison, said the following in his statement on social media after the TAI attack in Ankara on October 23:
“The mentality that tries to end the search for solving our problems through talking, dialogue and politics with blood should know that if [PKK lideri Abdullah] If Öcalan takes an initiative and wants to pave the way for politics, we will support him with all our strength. We will not accept any approach that aims to discredit democratic politics and the search for peace and render them incapable of willpower. Everyone should make their calculations accordingly. “We will never allow the voices of those who want peace to be suppressed this time, no matter who it comes from.”
Statement from Öcalan’s lawyers
Asrın Law Firm, which is Öcalan’s lawyer, confirmed the meeting in a written statement published on October 24.
Reminding that the last family visit before this took place on March 3, 2020, the lawyers said, “This visit should not be kept single and limited like the previous ones, but its continuity should be ensured.”
The statement said, “Regular meetings with Mr. Öcalan, who has the theoretical and practical power to move the process from the ground of conflict and violence to the legal and political ground, will pave the way for the solution of political and social problems in Turkey and the Region on the basis of dialogue, peace and democratic compromise.” .
Lawyers also called for lawyers’ meetings, which have not been allowed since August 7, 2019, to be started.
Interview with Ayşegül Doğan, Spokesperson for the DEM Party
Interviewer: Ayşegül, thank you for joining us today. Recent developments in Turkey surrounding Abdullah Öcalan have sparked intense discussions. What is your reaction to MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli’s recent call for Öcalan to disband the PKK and to lay down arms after a long period of isolation?
Ayşegül Doğan: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a significant moment, isn’t it? On one hand, we have Bahçeli allowing Öcalan a visit after 43 months, which is a notable step. However, it’s contradictory to call for disarmament while Öcalan is still isolated. This paradox must be addressed if we want to move toward genuine dialogue.
Interviewer: You mentioned that Öcalan’s isolation poses a paradox. Can you elaborate on why his inclusion in peace discussions is vital for the Kurdish issue?
Ayşegül Doğan: Absolutely. Öcalan has long been recognized as a key figure in the Kurdish movement. While he expresses a willingness to engage in peaceful dialogue, he remains physically cut off, which undermines any genuine effort toward resolution. For real progress to occur, we need to eliminate this isolation and allow for his participation in discussions. We are at a critical juncture, and we must ask, is the state truly ready to meet him halfway?
Interviewer: Following the tragic attack at Turkish Aerospace Industries, do you feel that calls for dialogue can be effectively made in such a tense atmosphere?
Ayşegül Doğan: That’s a tough question. The recent violence adds a layer of complexity to an already strained situation. However, violent acts should not deter us from pursuing dialogue but rather amplify the need for it. We cannot afford to spiral back into conflict; the only path forward is through constructive conversation and understanding.
Interviewer: Leyla Zana expressed hope for democratic solutions amidst the turmoil. How do you see the trajectory of peace efforts given the historical baggage involved?
Ayşegül Doğan: Leyla Zana’s words resonate deeply. She symbolizes resilience in the face of historical oppression. While the journey toward peace is fraught with challenges, her optimism encourages us to keep pushing forward. Yes, we carry the weight of history, but it also drives us to ensure that future generations inherit a more peaceful society.
Interviewer: Lastly, what message would you like to convey to those who are skeptical about these peace efforts?
Ayşegül Doğan: I would say that skepticism is valid. Yet, we must also recognize the power of hope and collective will. We, as the DEM Party, are committed to advocating for a democratic solution and are ready to assume our responsibility in this process. Change is not easy, but staying engaged in dialogue is our best chance. Let’s not wait for a better time; the time for peace is now.
The situation. However, it’s crucial that we do not let those events derail the conversation about peace. Violence only begets more violence, and if we want to break this cycle, it is imperative to promote dialogue even in challenging times. The calls for peace must be amplified, as they are essential for any meaningful progress. It’s a delicate balance, but one that we must strive for if we are to create a sustainable solution.
Interviewer: Given the complexity of Turkish politics and the historical tense relationships, do you believe that a genuine peace process can be initiated?
Ayşegül Doğan: I do believe it can, but it will require considerable effort from all sides. A genuine peace process demands courage and a willingness to confront difficult truths. The government must show its commitment to dialogue and compromise, while opposition parties and civil society also need to foster a supportive environment for these discussions. It’s about building trust, which has eroded over the years. We must also educate our communities on the importance of peace and the potential benefits it can bring to all citizens.
Interviewer: What steps do you think are crucial for moving forward?
Ayşegül Doğan: First and foremost, we must lift the isolation surrounding Öcalan to facilitate his role in peace talks. Furthermore, we need to establish an inclusive dialogue platform that involves not just political leaders, but also representatives from various communities affected by the conflict. Lastly, the state must address the underlying grievances that fuel the tensions, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the rights of the Kurdish people are respected within a democratic framework.
Interviewer: On that note, do you have hope that the societal momentum for peace can overcome the existing divisions?
Ayşegül Doğan: Hope is a powerful tool. While the path is fraught with challenges, there is a growing appetite for peace among many sectors of society, especially among the youth. Their desire for change can be influential. If harnessed correctly, this momentum can lead to transformative outcomes. The key will be maintaining this dialogue and not allowing fear or violence to silence our hopes for a peaceful future.
