Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) deputies Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder met with Kurdish people’s leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı Island Prison on 28 December.

The Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Central Executive Committee (MYK) made a written statement on the meeting in İmralı and said: “We are going through a historic process in terms of a solution to the Kurdish question. At such a time, the solution perspective offered by Mr Abdullah Öcalan is of historic importance. As he has stated, there is a need for a democratic transformation, and this is inevitable.

The path to democratic transformation lies in a solution to the Kurdish question through democratic and peaceful methods. The solution to this issue is possible with the contribution and participation of not only politics but also all social dynamics. In this context, it is necessary to embrace the will for a solution presented by Mr Abdullah Öcalan and every step that will strengthen this will and bring about a solution. This century has the potential to be the century of freedom and democracy for the peoples of Turkey, Kurdistan and the Middle East. For a democratic and free future, it should be the primary duty of all of us to embrace these opportunities and the will for a solution in the strongest way.”

DEM Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan shared messages on the social media.

Tülay Hatimoğulları's message said: ‘Abdullah Öcalan's assessments in İmralı are a historic call that can change the fate of Turkey and the region. Strengthening the Turkish-Kurdish alliance and initiating a democratic peace process has become a responsibility that cannot be postponed. In this critical period, all political circles need to take constructive and courageous steps for a solution. The Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) is the most important ground for this process. The road to peace, democracy and brotherhood passes through bold steps to be taken together. At this point, no one should doubt that we, as the DEM Party, will fulfil any responsibility that falls on us and that we will improve the positive solution proposals. We are on the threshold of a historic opportunity. We can enlighten the future together.”

Tuncer Bakırhan stated the following: “The solution and peace-oriented evaluations of Mr Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı point to a historic responsibility: to bring Turkish-Kurdish relations to a democratic ground and to establish honourable peace in Turkey. This call is not only a proposal for a solution, but also a historic opportunity for the construction of a common future. It is clear that the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), and especially all political circles, have a great responsibility in this process. Developments in Gaza and Syria reveal the need for a solution that cannot be postponed. Let us all respond together to the call for peace, democracy and brotherhood. We are on the eve of a democratic transformation opportunity for Turkey and the region. Now is the time for courage and insight for an honourable peace.”