Abdullah Öcalan made a historic call on 27 February. The PKK responded immediately to this call, announcing to the public that it had decided to declare a ceasefire as of 1 March, and pointed out that democratic politics and legal grounds must be made suitable for Öcalan’s call to be practically successful.

KCK Executive Council Member Zübeyir Aydar spoke to ANF about this new important developments.

What existed before, and how did this process come about? 

There have been meetings between the government delegation and the delegation representing the state with Abdullah Öcalan. This has been an ongoing negotiation process for a long time. We are talking about a process where, even though nothing was put in writing, there was an initiative to take certain steps, an understanding between parties, and discussions on mutual expectations. 

CHP leader Özgür Özel also mentioned, as you pointed out, that a 20-member delegation, including four fully authorized state officials and legal experts, has been working on legal regulations for the past year. Do you have any information on this? 

We also have similar information. We had heard about this before. We know that a legal commission was formed and that it has been working on legal and constitutional issues. Whether it is four state officials, we do not know. But we do know that authorized figures representing the state have been making visits and holding meetings there for a long time. This issue is not something as simple as Devlet Bahçeli having a dream one night and then greeting the DEM Party the next morning.

 

What about the functioning of such an issue? 

This is an issue that was planned and prepared in advance. The delegation that went to Imrali also sat down with Bahçeli, held meetings, and shared what was discussed. The issues that later became public developed afterward. This statement marks the beginning of a new phase. Leader Apo’s call represents a new stage. 

Is there any chance that this process is happening without Erdoğan’s knowledge?

No, Erdoğan is aware of everything. The delegations go there with his approval. They report back on what was discussed and what was done. We know the tradition of the state. Even the smallest appointment cannot be made without Erdoğan’s approval, it is impossible for state officials to visit Imrali for such a serious issue without his knowledge. He is aware and has given his approval. He did so in previous processes as well. 

Looking at the content of the call, who is Öcalan addressing, and what is he saying?

The essence of the call is directed at the state. The ball is now in the state’s court. Leader Apo has made it clear that the Kurdish side has more than fulfilled its part. He also said how the issues that disturb the state the most can be resolved. Now, it is the state’s turn. Yes, there is also a call to the organization, but he tells them: "If democratic politics and a legal framework are established, then take these steps. Convene the congress, make decisions, and remove weapons from the equation." In other words, he is talking about creating a democratic political and legal framework. The counterpart responsible for this is the state. We already know the background. At this point, the primary party responsible is the state and the government. They need to take steps quickly. If they stall, then the process will stagnate. 

DEM Party deputy co-chair Tayip Temel shared details about the delegation's meeting in Imrali on Medya Haber TV. He said that Önder Apo told the delegation that a coup dynamic is in effect and that the process must quickly evolve into a resolution. Is this what you meant by ‘stalling’? 

Coup dynamics have always been in play in similar processes and have led to their failure in the past. The recent developments, such as trustee appointments, arrests, attacks on Rojava, and military operations in the Medya Defense Areas, are not coincidental. Particularly, the targeting of organizations like the HDK, which has no connection to the PKK and whose only demand is Turkey’s democratization, cannot be explained otherwise. Those who want a solution must act quickly. 

What else does the state need to do?

Let’s say the PKK lays down its arms. Where will those who disarm go? What will happen to them? What will be the legal framework? Prisons are full of people, what will happen to them? What will happen to Leader Apo? He must be brought into the process soon. Leader Apo has stated before that he needs to be actively involved 24 hours a day. He must be able to communicate freely with everyone. This cannot be achieved with a single statement or by having a delegation visit once a month. 

At the same time, the war continues. That is, attacks are ongoing. Can a congress be held in such a situation? 

Operations must stop. A congress cannot be convened and decisions cannot be made while military operations and attacks on the people's will continue. This is not how it works. The government must act quickly. 

What do you say about MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli’s statement?

Devlet Bahçeli made a brief statement on behalf of the MHP, mentioning "a sacred time ahead." But what does this sacred time mean? It needs to be clarified. A simple statement is not enough; the issue must be properly addressed. A roadmap is needed. This issue can no longer be handled by sending messages through the media from a distance. 

What kind of roadmap are you talking about?

Leader Apo must now sit down more freely with the delegation. He must also sit down with the state; there must be a roadmap. As he stated, this needs to happen quickly. If it is prolonged, coup dynamics will block the process. Parliament must take action immediately. Today, CHP leader Özgür Özel’s statements were very appropriate. A broad commission, involving all political parties and civil society, should be formed to oversee this process. This issue is not just about the weapons held by the PKK. 

What if things don’t proceed as discussed?

This is the Kurdish question, and it must be resolved. It has been a source of bloodshed and destruction for two hundred years. Why were weapons taken up in the first place? If you do not resolve the problem, even if existing weapons are laid down, new ones will emerge in a different way. These weapons are a result of the issue. If you do not eliminate the root cause, others will rise up and take different actions. Everyone must take this issue seriously. The Kurdish side has made its call. Leader Apo has taken a bold step. Not every leader can do this. He is a leader of the people and has made a courageous move, taken a risk, and made a call. The other side must respond accordingly. 

There have been significant statements from various international circles. How do you evaluate these? 

Statements alone are not enough. This is no longer just Turkey’s internal matter; it is a major issue that is not even limited to the Middle East. It has spread to Europe and different parts of the world. It is a global issue. Today, the Kurdish side has taken a significant step toward peace. Everyone must support this and take on a role in ensuring a peaceful resolution through dialogue. 

For some time, Leader Apo’s letters have been a topic of discussion. One of these letters was sent to Europe. Where do you stand in this matter? Are you part of any mechanisms in these ongoing discussions about a resolution?

This is still the beginning. The statement was just made, and the letters have just arrived. The organization is fully engaged in this matter and will continue to be engaged. Leader Apo will not take steps without consulting the organization; everything will be decided together. He is addressing the issue broadly, not limiting it to the PKK and its affiliated groups but including all Kurds. The delegation has traveled to Southern Kurdistan and held meetings, and meetings have taken place with political parties in Turkey. The state must enable this process. This is what Leader Apo demands: to consult with and meet with the organization in person.