HISTORIC
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Published on 28/02/2025 -
In a historic move, the leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party has called for the group to disarm, paving the way for a new peace process in Turkey and a reshaping of alliances in Syria.
In a radical new turn in the Kurdish-Turkish conflict, Abdullah Öcalan, the long-imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has called on his party to lay down its arms and disband.
He issued his instruction today via an emotional and surprising letter read at a press conference by Ahmet Turk, a leader of the Peoples' Democracy and Equality Party.
Öcalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999 in Imrali Island prison, put his message in the starkest terms.
"Hold your conference and make a decision," he wrote. "All groups must lay down their weapons, and the PKK must disband."
Not only that, the Kurdish leader took historical responsibility for this call, reflecting a radical shift in his stance after decades of armed struggle against the Turkish state.
Öcalan's letter marks a major turning point in the conflict between the PKK and the Turkish state, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions since the 1980s.
The PKK is classified as a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the US and the EU, and has been the target of widespread military operations and security crackdowns for decades.
However, Öcalan's call to lay down arms carries deep political and security implications, coming as it does at a time when the region is witnessing rapid geopolitical transformations — especially with the ongoing developments in Syria and Iraq, and the escalating tensions between Ankara and its Western allies over the Kurdish issue.
A new chapter of peace?
Within Turkey, Öcalan's invitation is expected to open the door to a new peace process between the Turkish government and the Kurdish minority, which is estimated at 20% of the country's population.
Disarmament may help reduce domestic tensions, especially in Turkey's Kurdish-majority southeastern regions, which for decades have witnessed violent confrontations between the army and PKK militants. Political and social stability could help Kurds better integrate into Turkish political and social life, which may strengthen national unity and reduce ethnic and political polarisation.
The change in the conflict could also help improve international relations, with Ankara potentially leveraging it to improve its relations with Washington and the EU, both of which have repeatedly criticised its policies towards the Kurds.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his ruling party have long adopted a hardline stance toward the PKK, and may see this invitation as an opportunity to end the armed insurgency on the state's terms.
On the other hand, it is too soon to say whether the PKK will respond fully to Ocalan's call, especially given the complexity of Turkish-Kurdish relations and the changes taking place in the region, which many will see as an opportunity to strengthen their negotiating hand.
Reshaping alliances and balances
The effects of Öcalan's call extend to Syria, where the PKK and its allies, such as the Kurdish People's Protection Units, are key players in the north of the country. With the support of the US, these factions control large areas and play a pivotal role in the war against the so-called Islamic State group.
There, Öcalan's call may reshape alliances and balances, especially in light of the complexity of the Syrian conflict and the overlapping regional and international interests, including Turkey, the US, Russia, and Iran.
It may also encourage Kurdish factions to enter into negotiations with either the new de facto Syrian government or other regional powers, with the aim of achieving a political settlement that guarantees Kurdish rights and contributes to the overall stability of the region.
In addition, Turkey's interventions in northern Syria may yet be toned down. Ankara has always justified its military operations in the area as part of a fight against what it calls "Kurdish terrorism," but it may now be obliged to reconsider its security and political strategies.
The call comes at a time of unprecedented political and security turmoil in the Middle East, making it a rare historic opportunity to end a decades-long conflict.
But as in Turkey, the response of the Kurds in Syria to Öcalan's call is far from a foregone conclusion. Regionally, the move could redraw the map of alliances, especially if it succeeds in achieving a Turkish-Kurdish rapprochement that leads to de-escalation in Syria and Iraq.
Related
For all the hopes that Öcalan's letter might raise, there are many challenges that could stand in the way of a lasting peace, including the PKK's own internal politics. The notion of disarmament may yet be rejected by hardliners, especially those who see armed struggle as the only option for achieving Kurdish rights.
The prospect of peace also depends on Ankara's willingness to make political concessions, such as promoting Kurdish cultural and political rights.
February 27, 2025 at 3:42 pm
Supporters display a poster depicting jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Abdullah Ocalan, 75, after he called on the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to disarm and dissolve itself in Diyarbakir, southeastern Turkey, on February 27, 2025.
Turkiye’s jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan today called on his Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to lay down its arms, a move that could end its 40-year conflict with Ankara and have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region, Reuters reports.
A delegation of Turkiye’s pro-Kurdish DEM Party visited Ocalan today in his island prison and later delivered his statement in nearby Istanbul.
“I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call,” Ocalan said in a letter made public by DEM party members.
Ocalan wants his party to hold a congress and to formally agree to dissolve itself, they quoted him as saying.
The PKK is deemed a terrorist organisation by Turkiye, the US, EU and others.
More than 40,000 people have been killed since the PKK launched its fight in 1984 with the aim of carving out an ethnic homeland for Kurds. It has since moved away from its separatist goals and instead sought more autonomy in southeast Turkiye and greater Kurdish rights.
The appeal from Ocalan could have implications for the major oil-exporting region of northern Iraq, where the PKK is based, and for neighbouring Syria, which is emerging after 13 years of civil war and the ouster in December of Bashar Al-Assad.
Jailed Kurdish leader Ocalan urges PKK to lay down arms and disband
By: TII team
Date:
February 27, 2025
ISTANBUL,— Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has called on his group to lay down its arms and dissolve, a potential step toward ending a conflict with Turkey that has lasted four decades.
In a message relayed by members of the pro-Kurdish DEM Party on Thursday, Ocalan urged PKK leaders to convene a congress and formally dissolve the organization. The appeal, if accepted, could have major political and security ramifications for Turkey and neighboring regions.
“I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility of this call,” Ocalan wrote in a letter made public by the DEM Party.
His statement follows a visit from a DEM delegation to Imrali Island, where Ocalan, 75, has been imprisoned since 1999. The party members later announced his remarks in Istanbul.
There was no immediate response from PKK
There was no immediate response from PKK leaders based in the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. The group, designated a “terrorist” organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been engaged in armed conflict with Ankara since 1984, initially seeking an independent Kurdish state before shifting toward demands for greater autonomy and cultural rights.
Erdogan’s Government Reacts
Turkish officials were quick to comment on Ocalan’s message. Efkan Ala, deputy chairman of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling AK Party, said Turkey would be “free of its shackles” if the PKK truly laid down its weapons and disbanded.
A previous peace process between Turkey and the PKK collapsed in 2015, leading to renewed violence in southeastern Turkey. Ocalan’s latest appeal could reopen discussions on resolving the conflict, which has claimed more than 40,000 lives and affected millions across the region.
Regional Implications
An end to hostilities could bring significant changes to the region. In Syria, where Kurdish-led groups hold territory, Ankara could seek stronger influence. In Iraq’s Kurdish-run north, where the PKK has long maintained bases, tensions between the group and local authorities could ease.
Ocalan also called for broader political and civil rights for Kurds, urging Turkish authorities to respect ethnic diversity and freedom of expression.
“The language of peace and democratic society must be developed in line with this reality,” his letter stated.
The DEM Party’s delegation was making its third visit to Ocalan since December, with increasing speculation that he might push for an end to armed resistance.
It remains unclear whether PKK commanders will act on his call, but the statement signals a potential shift in one of the region’s longest-running conflicts.
(Credit: Reuters)
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Abdullah Öcalan: ‘The PKK has reached the end of its life cycle and should be dissolved’
The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was born in the 20th century, the most violent century in history. The political and ideological landscape in which the PKK emerged was shaped by two World Wars, real existing socialism, and the Cold War. The denial of the Kurdish reality, especially regarding freedom of expression and restrictions on liberties, created the foundation for its emergence.
The PKK’s theory, program, strategy, and tactics were heavily influenced by the ideological and strategic framework of twentieth century real socialism. However, the collapse of real socialism in the 1990s due to internal and external factors, the gradual acceptance of identity policies, and developments in freedom of thought led to the PKK gradually losing its original meaning and beginning to stagnate. Like many other historical movements, it has now reached the end of its life cycle and therefore needs to be dissolved.
For over a millennium, Turks and Kurds have seen the need to remain in an alliance, with the desire to survive and resist hegemonic powers being the dominant driving force. This alliance was built on mutual voluntarism in order to maintain their existence.
However, for the past 200 years, capitalist modernity has sought to undermine this alliance. The socio-political forces affected by this transformation have contributed to its deterioration, particularly through the unilateral interpretations imposed by the Republic. The fundamental task today is to restore and reorganise this historic relationship in a spirit of fraternity and unity, without neglecting shared beliefs and values.
The need for a democratic society is inevitable. The PKK, which is the longest and most comprehensive insurgency in the history of the Republic, found support due to the closure of democratic political channels.
Yet, the solutions proposed by the PKK in its various forms — whether through nation-states, federal unions, administrative autonomy, or purely cultural solutions — cannot adequately address the deep-rooted historical and social realities of this region as a necessary result of their extreme nationalist drift.
Respect for identities, the right to free expression, and the ability to organise democratically — allowing every segment of society to shape its own socio-economic and political structures — can only be realised through the existence of a democratic society and political space.
The second century of the [Turkish] Republic can only achieve unity and permanence if it is crowned with democracy. There is no viable alternative to democracy as a means of governance and societal organisation. There cannot be another way. Democratic reconciliation is the fundamental principle that must guide this process. Accordingly, the language of peace and democratic co-existence must be cultivated in alignment with this reality.
In light of the current atmosphere shaped by the call made by [Nationalist Movement Party politician] Devlet Bahçeli, the will expressed by the President [Tayyip Recep Erdogan], and the positive approaches of other political parties towards this call, I am making a call for disarmament and assuming its historic responsibility.
Just as every contemporary organisation and party whose existence has not been forcibly ended would voluntarily do, gather your congress and take the decision to integrate into the state and society: all groups must lay down their arms and the PKK must dissolve itself.
I extend my greetings to all those who believe in coexistence and who heed my call.
Öcalan’s call echoes in global media
The international press welcomed Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call, stating that it could end a decades-long conflict.
ANF
NEWS DESK
Friday, 28 February 2025
The historic call of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) Leader Abdullah Öcalan has received significant coverage in the international press. The UK-based Reuters news agency described his call as "a move that could have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region." France-based Euronews emphasized Öcalan’s influence over the PKK, while Al Monitor highlighted that "many challenges still remain."
The Guardian
The UK-based newspaper The Guardian covered Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call with the headline: "PKK leader calls on Kurdish militant group to disarm, signaling the beginning of a fragile peace with Turkey."
The report included the following analysis: "Öcalan’s message will also impact Kurdish armed groups linked to the PKK, particularly the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which are fighting ISIS militants and control a vast area, including two major cities in eastern Syria. His statement appears to further pressure and isolate the SDF, which has long been a target of Turkish attacks and is engaged in clashes with Turkey-backed militias in Syria."
Reuters
The UK-based news agency Reuters described Abdullah Öcalan’s call as "a move that could have far-reaching political and security consequences for the region." The report further stated: 'Öcalan’s call could also have implications for the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, where the PKK is based, as well as for neighboring Syria, which entered a new phase following Bashar al-Assad's ousting in December after 13 years of civil war.' The region is also a major oil-producing area, adding another layer of complexity to the situation."
The New York Times
The U.S.-based newspaper The New York Times highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the response to Abdullah Öcalan’s call. The report stated: "There are few indications of what will happen next. It remains unclear who will oversee compliance with Mr. Öcalan’s call, what will happen to the fighters who heed it, or what, if anything, the government has offered in return for disarmament, as these issues have not been widely discussed in public."
Euronews
The France-based news outlet Euronews reported on Abdullah Öcalan’s call, stating: "This call has the potential to end a conflict that has lasted for over 40 years and claimed tens of thousands of lives. The organization is expected to heed Öcalan’s call, but some factions within the group have indicated that they might resist it."
The Middle East Eye
The UK-based newspaper The Middle East Eye highlighted that senior PKK figures had previously stated they would heed Abdullah Öcalan’s message and act accordingly. The report added: "Throughout this process, Erdoğan has remained in the background, allowing Bahçeli to take on the political risks. Many officials in Ankara believe that the government’s motivation for engaging in talks with Öcalan is linked to the escalating regional tensions between Israel and Iran."
Al Monitor
The Washington-based Al Monitor, in a report by Amberin Zaman, stated: "Öcalan’s statement, eagerly awaited by Kurds in the region, signals the beginning of a process that many hope will include the release of high-profile political prisoners, including the country’s most popular Kurdish leader, Selahattin Demirtaş, as well as amnesty for PKK fighters. However, many challenges remain."
Ebru Günay (DEM Party, Turkey): ‘Abdullah Öcalan remains a key figure for peace and dialogue in the Middle East region’
Ebru Günay was arrested in 2009 while acting as a lawyer for imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. She then spent the next five years in a Turkish prison, despite never being convicted of a crime.
Elected as a Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) MP for Mardin in 2018, Günay is today a deputy co-chair and co-spokesperson of foreign affairs for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), which replaced the HDP after the Turkish government threatened to ban it. The progressive and pro-Kurdish rights DEM Party is the third largest party in the Turkish parliament.
Peter Boyle interviewed Günay for LINKS International Journal of Socialist Renewal during her visit as part of a DEM Party delegation to Australia in mid-February.
We have seen dramatic videos of demonstrations in Van opposing the imprisonment of an elected DEM Party co-mayor. Why is the Turkish state, under the right-wing Justice and Development Party (AKP), continuing to remove popularly-elected officials in the Kurdish-majority regions? What has been the people’s response? How can peace negotiations restart if such anti-democratic actions continue to occur?
The Turkish government has been continuing these unlawful policies towards our municipalities and elected co-mayors since 2016. The main reason is that racism and Turkish nationalism is the main ideology of this government. It does not respect the rights of the Kurdish population, even though they are protected under the constitution.
The majority of Van province’s people voted for the DEM Party in the March 31 local elections last year. The DEM Party won in every municipality.
The very next day after, the government tried to seize the municipality of Van. But when they saw peoples’ reactions, that decision was withdrawn. The government has again faced similar resistance to this second attempt, with security forces attacking the people of Van into the early morning hours.
While AKP governments seek to remove our elected co-mayors, there cannot be a process of so-called “peace negotiations”. That is because peace is all about protecting and acknowledging the fundamental and democratic rights of Kurds, including the right to elect and to be elected.
Even as I am answering this question, yet another democratically elected DEM Party co-mayor, this time in Kağızman Municipality (Kars city), has been replaced by a government-appointed trustee. [This brings the total number of municipalities taken over by trustees since the local elections to 12.]
What can you tell us about the recent meetings that the DEM Party had with Öcalan?
As the DEM Party, we believe that the recent meetings with Öcalan mark a historic turning point for Turkey’s democratisation and the resolution of the Kurdish issue. After nearly ten years of absolute isolation, these two meetings have once again highlighted Öcalan’s decisive role in the process.
The first meeting took place on December 28 last year. In this meeting Öcalan emphasised the need to strengthen peace among peoples and underlined the importance of dialogue for the democratic and political resolution of the Kurdish issue. He shared his assessments on how a new negotiation process should be shaped in light of past experiences. Öcalan stated that ensuring social peace is not solely the responsibility of the state but requires all segments of society to take part in the process.
The second meeting was held on January 22. In this discussion Öcalan provided a comprehensive analysis of political developments in Turkey and the region, highlighting the steps needed to secure the democratic rights of Kurdish people and achieve a peaceful resolution. He also evaluated the shortcoming of previous negotiation processes and discussed how a new process could be built on more solid foundations.
Öcalan once again reaffirmed his role in the resolution process, demonstrating that he remains a key figure for peace and dialogue. He emphasised that the resolution of the Kurdish issue is not only crucial for the Kurdish people but for the shared future of all peoples in Turkey.
As the DEM Party, we reiterate that Öcalan’s role in this process cannot be ignored and that a democratic resolution can only be achieved through dialogue and negotiation. These meetings are not only significant for the Kurdish issue but form a crucial part of Turkey’s broader democratisation process.
What can the experiences of democratic confederalism and women’s empowerment that have been central to the Rojava revolution in north and east Syria offer a post-Assad Syria? Is it possible for the various forces controlling different parts of Syria to agree to some form of democratic and peaceful arrangement?
The experience of the Rojava Revolution, based on democratic confederalism and women’s empowerment, offers a comprehensive and inclusive alternative for a post-Assad Syria. This model envisions a system where people govern themselves at the local level through direct democracy, rather than a centralised state.
The active participation of women in all spheres, from politics to the economy, security and diplomacy, also presents a transformative potential for Syria‘s future.
Democratic confederalism provides a framework in which different ethnic and religious communities can coexist, with their cultural and political rights constitutionally protected. Rojava’s experience serves as a concrete example of how Arabs, Kurds, Syriacs, Armenians and Turkmens can share governance through common administrative structures.
For Syria to achieve stability after Assad, such an inclusive governance model could be a fundamental pillar of a peaceful solution, replacing centralised and authoritarian structures.
However, reaching a democratic and peaceful agreement among the various forces controlling different parts of Syria remains highly challenging given current political and military dynamics. Turkey’s ongoing attacks against the Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (also known as Rojava), the alliance between Iran, Russia and the Assad regime, as well as the uncertain policies of the United States in the region, represent major obstacles to democratic resolution.
Furthermore, some factions of the Syrian opposition continue to advocate for a centralised and Islamist-leaning government, making it difficult for them to accept Rojava’s multicultural and democratic model.
Nevertheless, for Syria to achieve long term peace, regional powers and the international community must support solutions such as the local governance model offered by democratic confederalism. The self-administration experience in Rojava is not solely built on the balance of military power but on the political will of people to coexist. In the long run, it could play a critical role in rebuilding Syria.
If a peace process is to be initiated among different actors, it must be centred around the Rojava model, which upholds the political will of the people and recognises women’s freedom as a fundamental principle.
Will the Turkish state allow a peaceful settlement in Syria?
The Turkish state has demonstrated through its recent actions that the AKP government pursues the most aggressive policies, which do not contribute to lasting peace in Syria. While all other groups called for peaceful negotiations following the fall of the Assad regime, the AKP government and its local ally, the so-called Syrian National Army (SNA), launched a military operation targeting Manbij and Tishrin Dam.
It is nearly impossible to achieve a peaceful settlement for all of Syria as long as the Turkish government persists with military operations. This issue must be addressed through an international response. If AKP’s aggression towards Rojava continues, lasting peace will remain out of reach for a long time, similar to the ongoing situation in Libya.
The DEM Party sent a delegation to the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq. What does the DEM hope to achieve from this?
The DEM Party’s visit to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in northern Iraq was also an İmralı Delegation visit, carried out in accordance with Öcalan’s request. This meeting took place following recent discussions with Öcalan, aiming to observe and assess how different Kurdish political actors approach the ongoing dialogue process.
The delegation held various meetings in the KRG to strengthen intra-Kurdish dialogue and discuss regional developments from a peaceful resolution perspective. These engagements represent a significant step in evaluating regional political dynamics and developing a common approach.
The delegation is planning to hold another meeting with Öcalan in the coming days to convey the insights gained from the KRG visit. Advancing this process requires gathering perspectives from different actors, understanding regional powers’ positions and proceeding with a solution-oriented approach.
As the DEM Party, we believe that dialogue and negotiation are the most effective methods for securing the political, cultural and democratic rights of the Kurdish people. All parties should prioritise peaceful resolution processes over military and confrontational approaches. In this regard, strengthening dialogue and establishing common solution mechanisms are of vital importance for the future of the Kurdish people.
How do you see the Kurdish struggle intersecting with other liberation struggles in the Middle East, including the Palestinian struggle?
National liberation movements have different historical backgrounds and none of them can be solved by the same methodologies. Of course, every experience from the conflict resolution processes may contribute to overcoming deadlocks for another one.
It is clear that Syrian Kurds, Iraqi Kurds, Iran’s Kurds and Turkey’s Kurds struggle under different conditions and with different regional actors. However, any developments in a part of Kurdistan undoubtedly directly affects other parts of Kurdistan and the related states as well.
That is why the situation in Palestine and Kurdistan have to be evaluated in their specific conditions. Of course, critical principles based on fundamental rights and successfully experienced methodologies can allow actors involved in the regional crises to avoid mistakes.
Finally, what would you urge the Australian government to do to help advance the search for peace and justice in the Middle East?
The Australian government has been part of the Global Coalition To Defeat ISIS for nearly a decade. While the threat of ISIS continues to loom in the region, the people of Syria are striving for lasting peace, to return of their homes, and to establish a new country that will not make the same mistakes that the Assad regime committed for decades.
In this context, the international community and states have a crucial role and responsibility. First, all states, including neighbouring countries, must respect the decisions and will of the people of Syria. Secondly, these states have a responsibility to hold accountable those countries that have directly or indirectly intervened in Syria and its people.
Therefore, Australia, as a member of the Global Coalition and as a country that fully supports democratisation, should play an active role in helping the people of Syria achieve lasting peace, which will contribute to stability in the region and the world.
Historic call and our responsibilities
Abdullah Öcalan’s call marks a turning point for the Freedom Movement and the Middle East, requiring full readiness.
HAKKI TEKIN
ANF NEWS DESK
Thursday, 27 February 2025
Abdullah Öcalan’s forthcoming historic statement is awaited with great anticipation. According to reports in the media, unless significant obstacles arise, it is expected to take place today, Thursday. This announcement is being closely followed not only by the Kurdish people but also by their allies and states in the region, as the Kurdish geopolitical strategy has become a key factor in the Middle Eastern equation. For this reason, the statement is expected to serve as an intervention in favor of the peoples of the region, countering the forces that seek to reshape it according to their hegemonic interests.
This call will undoubtedly constitute a strategic move in the Middle East. Those who have read Öcalan’s writings and seek to understand his new paradigm will grasp the depth and scope of this call, welcoming it with great enthusiasm. However, for those who have not studied the paradigm or approach it with a superficial understanding, it may be challenging. This is because the call aims to lay the foundations, tools, and framework for a profound historical, philosophical, sociological, and political transformation.
Determination and courage are essential
The delepening crises on a global and Middle Eastern scale also contain significant opportunities. However, these opportunities do not exist inherently within the crises themselves; they must be seized and transformed. Öcalan’s call aims to turn this atmosphere of crisis into an advantage for the peoples of the region. The fundamental requirement for this is to be fearless and, even when everything seems unfavorable, to remain determined and courageous in doing what is right. This is the core of Mr. Öcalan’s persistent approach.
A process based on mutual steps
Reports suggest that the anticipated process will not resemble previous ones. It is well known that past experiences have led to significant knowledge and lessons. In this context, what is usually said at the end must now be stated from the outset: Contrary to the political and psychological calculations of Turkey’s special warfare strategy, statements from the Imrali delegation indicate that the progress of this process will rely on mutual steps taken by both sides. For this reason, if the necessary steps are not taken, the process could quickly collapse. Past experiences serve as guiding lessons for the new period. At this stage, it is crucial to analyze the process from this perspective, to be prepared for all possibilities, and to develop the necessary measures accordingly.
A more conscious approach to the process is essential
This process will differ from the 2013 negotiation period. While that period brought certain gains for the Freedom Movement, it was not sufficiently prepared and failed to evolve into a comprehensive transformation initiative. At the time, the necessary level of military, political, and diplomatic preparedness was not fully achieved. The struggle aspect of the process was not deepened, nor were adequate measures developed for different scenarios. This time, it is imperative to approach the process with greater awareness, drawing lessons from past experiences.
Öcalan is resolute and clear
In this new period, both internal and external conditions for the process are more favorable compared to 2013. Across the Middle East, state systems are unraveling, creating new opportunities for revolutionary struggle. While many states and political movements are either collapsing or experiencing a period of decline, the Freedom Movement, despite facing various challenges, has continued to develop in all areas, maintaining its military, political, and diplomatic strength. Mr. Öcalan is fully aware of this new era. Believing in the influence of the existing organized power, he is taking timely initiative to actively intervene in this process, driving change and transformation. In this regard, he is unwavering and clear in his stance.
Primarily an intervention for restructuring
This process aims to complete the transformation and change that the Freedom Movement began but was disrupted in 2002. At its core, this is first and foremost an intervention within the Freedom Movement itself. Change and transformation represent a restructuring effort. So far, the Freedom Movement has cultivated immense knowledge, consciousness, and powerful dynamics that extend beyond the Kurdish people. Wherever Kurdish communities exist, significant advancements have been made in awareness, culture, art, literature, media, and politics. The movement has established an international foundation, evolving into a structure that leads the common struggle of the peoples.
A paradigmatic move
This immense accumulation of knowledge and dynamic forces now necessitates the transformation of the Freedom Movement itself. The momentum for change, which has already surpassed the movement’s previous framework, has reached a stage where the actor itself must also evolve. In the Middle Eastern equation, this internal transformation means that the movement will have the capacity to influence the strategic and political shifts of all internal and external actors. For this reason, Öcalan’s historic call underscores that this transformation is inevitable and that the organization must undergo restructuring. This process will serve as a paradigmatic move that will make the Freedom Movement stronger and more effective. The transformation and restructuring that began in the 2000s has now produced 26 years of accumulated experience and knowledge. Rather than creating a void, this accumulated experience will generate a new dynamism that will shape politics and accelerate developments in the Middle East.
Readiness for possible scenarios
Being prepared for this transformation process and potential scenarios requires drawing lessons from past experiences while avoiding narrow, superficial, dogmatic, liberal, individualistic, and self-serving interpretations. Additionally, it will be essential to develop an ideological, propaganda, and political struggle against both internal and external influences, as well as the manipulative narratives of special warfare propaganda.
The process should be transformed into an opportunity
The Kurdish people have demonstrated a cautious and calculated approach in this process by utilizing their political awareness and experience. This is a positive stance; however, caution should not translate into a restrictive or defensive position that narrows the scope of the process. On the contrary, this period should be seen as a strategic move, an opportunity to expand and accelerate momentum. It must be understood that this initiative is being developed as a means to shape politics in the Middle East and drive mass-scale transformation and growth.
Those who have not read should study the defenses
Those who have read Öcalan’s defenses will better understand the process, while those who have not should read and strive to comprehend them. With this move, Öcalan aims to transform the paradigm into concrete organizational tools, activating social dynamism and political engagement.
The guiding force is Öcalan
The Imrali delegation, political structures, and civil society organizations have undertaken responsibilities and conducted visits to contribute to the socialization of this process. The Kurdish people and their allies must understand these steps correctly. It is evident that discussions and negotiations should take place with various parties. However, meeting with certain groups does not mean that their sinister stances will change. At the very least, it should be understood that such meetings aim to remove obstacles posed by some parties. The true force behind solutions and political direction is Mr. Öcalan, and no one else. Engaging in dialogue does not imply that these forces have abandoned their harmful positions or deceptive facades. This must be clearly recognized to prevent misinterpretations and to stop certain groups from manipulating the process to their advantage.
This call is a turning point
This historic call is not only a pivotal moment for the Freedom Movement but also for all the peoples of the Middle East. The responsibility now is to grasp the essence of this call correctly, strengthen the arenas of struggle, and deepen societal transformation while being prepared for all possible scenarios.
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