Turkey’s Pro-Kurd Party Anticipates Historic Declaration from PKK Leader
Turkey’s pro-Kurdish DEM party is expecting a crucial statement from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, aimed at advancing peace efforts with Ankara. A delegation will visit Ocalan on Imrali Island, with expectations for historic declarations about potential ceasefire appeals. The results of these discussions could have significant implications for the Kurdish population in Turkey.
The pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM) announced expectations for a significant declaration from Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), on Thursday. This anticipated statement is part of efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict between the Kurdish group and the Turkish government. The DEM party will be sending a delegation to meet with Ocalan at his prison on Imrali Island, marking their third meeting in recent months.
The Justice Ministry approved the visit, with DEM stating, “If everything goes smoothly, tomorrow, we expect Ocalan to make a historic declaration.” Following the delegation’s meeting, a press statement is scheduled for around 5:00 PM local time. The seven-person team includes Ocalan’s attorney and aims for him to deliver his peace message via video rather than written format, pending government approval.
Abdullah Ocalan, who has been incarcerated since 1999, has recently engaged in dialogue with representatives from the DEM. This initiative, promoted by nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, is generating considerable anticipation for a public appeal from Ocalan to his followers to cease hostilities, possibly in exchange for potential concessions for the Kurdish population in Turkey. However, uncertainties remain regarding the scope and impact of Ocalan’s expected message.
The delegation includes prominent figures such as DEM co-chairs Tulay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan, as well as veteran politician Ahmet Turk. Previous peace negotiations experienced setbacks, culminating in violence in 2015, and there remains skepticism regarding the potential for a successful resolution to the PKK-Turkey conflict, which has resulted in over 40,000 casualties since its onset in 1984.
In summary, the pro-Kurdish DEM party anticipates a pivotal declaration from PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan aimed at resolving a lengthy conflict with the Turkish state. Their meeting, approved by the Justice Ministry, reflects a renewed effort in dialogue that could result in significant developments for the Kurdish minority in Turkey. However, ambiguities about the nature and implications of Ocalan’s message persist, raising questions about the prospects for peace.
Original Source: www.albianews.com
