Turkey has granted permission for members of the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to meet with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), according to pro-government sources. This marks the first reported visit to Ocalan in nearly a decade, amidst ongoing debates about the future of relations between the DEM Party and the Turkish government. Official confirmation from the Justice Ministry is still pending.
DEM Party Seeks Meeting with Ocalan
Pro-government media outlet Sabah reported that the Turkish Justice Ministry has approved a request by the DEM Party for a delegation to visit Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999. Two DEM Party lawmakers are expected to meet Ocalan as early as Thursday or Friday, marking a significant moment in the party’s longstanding calls for engagement with the PKK leader.
However, DEM Party spokeswoman Aysegul Dogan clarified to Rudaw that the party had yet to receive official confirmation of the approval. This uncertainty reflects the sensitive nature of the decision and its potential implications for Turkish politics and the Kurdish question.
Mixed Reactions to Bahceli’s Proposal
The visit comes after Devlet Bahceli, leader of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and an ally of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), proposed in October that Ocalan address the Turkish parliament to call for the dissolution of the PKK. Bahceli reiterated his proposal in November, emphasizing the need for the DEM Party to distance itself from the PKK, which Turkey has designated as an illegal group.
Bahceli’s remarks sparked heated debate across Turkey’s political spectrum, with ultranationalist figures rejecting the proposal outright. Meanwhile, the DEM Party formally submitted a request to the Turkish Justice Ministry in November, advocating for a meeting with Ocalan to address issues affecting Kurdish communities and broader Turkish society.
A Step Towards Dialogue or Political Maneuvering?
The reported approval of the DEM Party’s request could signify a shift in the Turkish government’s approach to the Kurdish conflict, which has spanned four decades. Ocalan has played a pivotal role in previous attempts at peace negotiations, and his influence among PKK members and supporters remains substantial.
The visit is also notable given its timing, as it would be the first allowed meeting between DEM Party representatives and Ocalan in nearly ten years. Analysts speculate that this development might be part of broader political calculations by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s administration, potentially aimed at addressing domestic tensions and strengthening alliances ahead of future electoral contests.
Awaiting Official Confirmation
Despite Sabah’s claims that the Justice Ministry has approved the visit, the ministry has not yet issued an official statement. This delay in confirmation has left room for speculation about the motivations and outcomes of the anticipated meeting.
As of now, both the timing and content of the potential discussions between the DEM Party delegation and Ocalan remain uncertain. However, the move underscores ongoing efforts to navigate the complexities of Turkey’s political landscape and its longstanding Kurdish issue.
