Pervin Buldan, a member of the DEM Party Imrali delegation, said that the current talks are not part of a formal process but rather "the search for a path." She also announced that in a next meeting with Abdullah Öcalan, he is expected to make a "special call to women". It is not yet clear when the second meeting will happen.

Buldan joined a program on JIN TV via phone to discuss the 28 December meeting she and DEM Party MP Sırrı Süreyya Önder had with Öcalan on Imrali Island.

Second visit to Imrali may happen soon 

Buldan said: "We are going through an important period. The main points of the 3-hour meeting we had on 28 January were shared both in our statements and in interviews we gave from time to time. The essence of the meeting has also been reflected in various news reports."

Buldan continued: "This is indeed a search, rather than a process. Mr. Öcalan said that if this issue is to be resolved, it must be addressed within the Parliament and supported by legislation. However, before this, it was essential to understand the views and critiques of the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament. Consequently, we began discussions with party leaders shortly after the meeting, and we are about to finish these talks.

We also held discussions with our friends in prison, including Mr. Selahattin Demirtaş and Ms. Figen Yüksekdağ. The outcomes of these talks will be shared with the public on Friday. Transparency is essential to us, and we will share the results of these discussions openly. Additionally, it is likely that we will conduct a second visit to Imrali Island soon."

Öcalan is determined to solve the Kurdish question through democratic means

Buldan said about recent comments by the Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunç: "The minister mentioned that no formal application for a visit had been submitted. We only apply when instructed to do so, because submitting an application without an assigned date is meaningless. I want to make a call: we are waiting to have a second meeting at the earliest opportunity."

Buldan continued: "During our meeting with Mr. Öcalan, it became evident that he remains resolute about resolving this issue through democratic means, emphasizing peace, brotherhood, and the beginning of a democratization process. However, challenges persist, particularly in the government’s approach, language, and tone. While the government may express some determination, there are still inconsistencies in how they approach the matter.

The government is well aware of Mr. Öcalan’s perspective and his firm stance, as we have repeatedly conveyed in our statements and discussions. As we await for a second meeting to be granted, it is important to respect the sensitivities of all parties involved, particularly those of the Kurdish people."

Call to women

Buldan disclosed an important detail. She said: "Both sides are approaching the issue cautiously. It is uncertain what will follow the second and third meetings. Mr. Öcalan has indicated that he will make a call, and we will closely monitor the resonance and response to this call.

Speaking from a women-focused television platform, I want to highlight an important point: Mr. Öcalan said that he will make a special call to women during the second meeting. During our first meeting, I conveyed the greetings of our women’s movement and youth organizations to Mr. Öcalan. In response, he said he would make specific calls to women and young people in the next meeting."

Buldan said: "We remain hopeful. At this stage, both sides appear determined. There are challenges, but I wish for this process to bring peace, democracy, and freedom to Turkey, particularly for the Kurdish people. In a time when all eyes and ears are on this issue, everyone must take responsibility.

I want to emphasize that this is not a matter of negotiation. No bargaining is taking place. The sensitivities of the Kurdish people, as well as the demands of women and young people, are being considered. Approaching the matter with these sensitivities in mind is crucial for the progress of this search for peace."