PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan told a HDP delegation: "It is of vital importance that the government approaches the process seriously and ensures it gains momentum.” Öcalan stressed that words without concrete steps would no longer in practice constitute a response. Öcalan also added that the new government must implement as soon as possible the principles and mechanisms to launch meaningful substantial negotiations without recourse to any pretext to avoid this.

The HDP delegation that met PKK Leader Öcalan, consisting of HDP Deputy co-President Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Group chairs Pervin Buldan and İdris Baluken, issued a written statement regarding their meeting. In the statement they said that Mr Öcalan had offered his condolences to the families of the 10 building workers who died in Istanbul on Saturday evening. “Mr Öcalan condemned the rotten neo-liberal system which exposes mine workers, building workers and seasonal agricultural workers to workplace murders,” the statement continued.

'The government must approach the question seriously’

Regarding the process of resolution Öcalan said: "Despite the various difficulties, obstructions, provocations, procrastination and unilateral impositions, the process of dialogue has recently reached a significant practical stage under a new format.” Öcalan added that this phase would not only determine the destiny of the country, but also that of the region. He said: " It is of vital importance that the government in particular approaches the process seriously and ensures it gains momentum,” adding that words not accompanied by concrete steps would no longer in practice constitute a response.

'With absolutely no excuses’

Öcalan emphasised that there was a greater need than ever for the suggestions and contributions of broader sections of intellectuals, academics and politicians who were following the issue seriously and responsibly. "Seriousness and meticulousness at this stage will be a determing factor in whether our region will pass the next century in chaos or in an equal, abundant democracy”, said Öcalan, stressing that the new government must implement as soon as possible the principles and mechanisms to launch meaningful substantial negotiations without recourse to any pretext to avoid this.

Öcalan drew attention to the plight of sick prisoners, warning: "Bearing in mind the urgency of the situation of the sick prisoners and the indifference shown by the authorities, if the spirit of negotiation cannot heal these sick bodies, then it will become impossible to explain this resolution to the people. This matter consists of the exercising of a humanitarian and vital right, and is not something to negotiate.”

Öcalan greeted the people and resistance forces who have demonstrated the most epic resistance of the 21st century against the genocidal attacks on our people, in Sinjar and Rojava in particular, and sent his greetings to all those who have contributed to the increasing solidarity. Öcalan said: "We consider the protection of all the values that are threatened with massacre, first and foremost the right to life, of all, particularly the Yezidi, Turkmen and Assyrian-Syriac peoples, as a matter of honour and a guarantee of our belief in a common life.” He concluded by sending special greetings to sick prisoners, saying he looked forward to hearing that they were receiving treatment in freedom, and wished them good health.

HDP MP: Road map will take shape in talks

MP Buldan said that from tomorrow they would ask for a meeting with the new government, adding that she would ask for the road map to be provided to them. She said: "The state delegation will probably share the road map with Mr Öcalan at upcoming meetings. We will also try to find out about the road map at meetings we have with the government. We will return to the island as soon as possible. The road map will probably take shape at these meetings and we will make it public.”