The Imrali delegation visited imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan today, marking their third meeting. Approved by the Turkish Justice Ministry, the visit was facilitated by the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party). Following the meeting, the delegation will hold a press conference in Istanbul, where they are expected to announce a message from Ocalan that has been described as ‘historic.’ Meanwhile, the DEM Party has mobilized supporters for gatherings in Diyarbakir and Van, awaiting the anticipated “call of the century.”
Imrali Delegation’s Third Meeting with Ocalan
The Turkish Justice Ministry approved a request from the DEM Party to allow a seven-member delegation to visit Abdullah Ocalan in his prison on Imrali Island. The delegation included DEM Party Co-Chairs Tulay Hatimogulları and Tuncer Bakirhan, veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Turk, Pervin Buldan, Sirri Sureyya Onder, party MP Cengiz Cicek, and Ocalan’s lawyer, Faik Ozgur Erol.
This marks the third meeting between the Imrali delegation and Ocalan, following previous visits in late December and January. The second meeting focused on conveying Ocalan’s critiques and proposals to Turkish political parties. Ahead of this third meeting, the delegation traveled to the Kurdistan Region in mid-November, where they held discussions with Kurdish officials and gathered perspectives to relay to Ocalan.
Following the meeting, the delegation will hold a press conference in Istanbul at 17:00, during which they will disclose Ocalan’s anticipated message. The DEM Party has labeled this message ‘historic,’ heightening expectations among supporters and political observers.
Anticipation for Ocalan’s Message
The DEM Party has called for public gatherings in Diyarbakir (Amed) and Van provinces on Thursday evening to hear Ocalan’s anticipated “call of the century.” The party’s Diyarbakir office issued a statement on X, inviting people to “collectively welcome the honorable peace call that Mr. Abdullah Ocalan will make.” A similar call was made by the party’s Van office.
To accommodate large crowds, the DEM Party is reportedly setting up big screens in both cities to broadcast Ocalan’s message. However, it remains unclear whether the message will be delivered in writing or through a recorded video.
The DEM Party has been actively working to revive peace talks between Ankara and the PKK. Earlier in February, a delegation visited the Kurdistan Region and met with senior Kurdish officials, including Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani. The visit was said to be at Ocalan’s request.
Hopes for renewed peace efforts have grown since October, when Devlet Bahceli, leader of the ultranationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), was seen shaking hands with DEM Party lawmakers in parliament. Bahceli even proposed inviting Ocalan to address the Turkish parliament and declare the dissolution of the PKK, an organization designated as a terrorist group by Ankara.
Ocalan’s Influence on Rojava and Regional Politics
Salih Muslim, a member of the Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), emphasized the significance of Ocalan’s appeal, stating that it will influence Turkey’s stance toward Rojava and broader regional dynamics. In an interview with Mezopotamya Agency, Muslim asserted that millions of Kurds deeply respect Ocalan and will abide by his message.
Regarding the situation in northern Syria, Muslim stated, “Everything we have done so far has been within the framework of Ocalan’s initiatives, and we have achieved results. We will continue to do so in the future.” He expressed hope that Ocalan’s message could lead to a reduction in Turkey’s interference in Syria’s internal affairs.
Muslim also commented on the recent Syrian national dialogue conference, noting that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria was not invited. He criticized the event for excluding key representatives of the Syrian people, stating, “Those who were invited are remnants of groups that fought against us.”
On the topic of oil exports, Muslim confirmed that discussions had taken place with the previous Syrian government regarding oil sales, but exports had recently ceased. However, a new agreement has been reached, and oil exports have resumed. He described this as a positive development, emphasizing that oil belongs to all Syrians.
Looking at broader regional dynamics, Muslim expressed concern about external interference, saying, “If Ankara and Tel Aviv do not interfere, Syrians can come together and reach agreements.” He also noted ongoing attacks on Rojava, adding that while they continue to defend themselves, they remain open to dialogue with Damascus.
The outcome of the Imrali delegation’s visit and Ocalan’s expected message may have far-reaching implications for peace efforts in Turkey and the Kurdish issue in the broader region. The Kurdish movement and its supporters are now eagerly awaiting the upcoming press conference and the gatherings in Diyarbakir and Van, hoping for a new chapter in the ongoing political struggle.
