Nearly three months have passed since Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call on 27 February, yet the Turkish state has still not taken any concrete steps. The isolation imposed on Öcalan, in particular, continues.

Mustafa Akengin, a member of the Assembly of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), told ANF that "when we look at the Kurdish political movement as a whole, from past to present, we see that thirty years ago, Abdullah Öcalan made a call for disarmament and a ceasefire. On 17 April 1993, Turgut Özal died, and the process came to a standstill."

Akengin addd: "The call made by Mr. Öcalan on 27 February is not something new; he said the same things thirty years ago. What Mr. Öcalan expressed then is the same as what he is saying today. That is why we see this new call as a source of hope for a new Turkey."

The Kurdish people support this process

Akengin emphasized that the Kurdish people sincerely support the process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan, and added: "The Kurds have claimed ownership of this process. But the question must be asked: Are the people of Turkey ready for this, or have they accepted it? In my opinion, we are faced with a Turkey that does not fully understand the meaning of this process. Pressure and denial targeting the Kurdish language and the Kurdish people still persist. Mr. Öcalan’s call is of historical importance. We must recognize its value, meaning, and significance. In this sense, the Kurdish people deeply care about this process and embrace it wholeheartedly."

Akengin continued: "It must also be said that, at this point, the Republic of Turkey is experiencing a collapse in its economy, legal system, and moral foundations. Therefore, I have doubts about whether this government is capable of resolving the issue. Unfortunately, we are facing a government that has lost its legitimacy. I remain hopeful about this process; I hope it reaches a resolution and fulfills the aspirations of the Kurdish people. But it is wise to remain cautious. From the past to the present, we Kurds have come to understand this process well. Now it is the government that must genuinely initiate this process with intent. The Kurdish people will no longer be deceived. For this reason, we must approach the process with reason and sincerity."

We are determined to achieve an honorable peace

Akengin stressed that the absolute isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan must be lifted immediately, and his physical freedom must be secured. He added: "We have continuously witnessed the denial of Kurdish identity, the denial of Kurdish existence and language. On 1 October, [MHP chair] Devlet Bahçeli made a statement, referring to Mr. Öcalan and saying, ‘Let him come, use his right to hope, and speak in Parliament.’ Then let them act on this. Let them show us how serious they are about it.

Mr. Öcalan is offering a vision for Turkey in this new century. He shows how beautiful life can be in a shared homeland with the Kurds, how the well-being of the people can improve, and how the budget wasted on war could instead be used to strengthen our own society. This is not something difficult to achieve.

If they lift the isolation and ensure proper conditions, he will fulfill his responsibilities as well. There is no other path forward. If these steps are taken, Turkey will find a way forward. The isolation of Mr. Öcalan must be lifted without delay. As a people and as a party, we demand this. We are determined to achieve an honorable peace."