Anticipated global campaign under the slogan "I want to meet Ocalan"

With the invitation of "peace and democratic society" extended by Leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) held its 12th congress on May 5-7. The discussions initiated in October last year led to an erosion of the security-oriented strategy of the Turkish state towards a political solution to the Kurdish issue.

The Kurds and their friends mobilized mass activities in the framework of the "Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan: A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question" campaign, which began on 10th October 2023. Mass activities mobilized in the framework of this campaign, the deadlock of the Turkish state in this war, and the situation in the region have led the Turkish state to once again resort to Leader Abdullah Ocalan.

Despite all the negotiations, Leader Abdullah Ocalan's conditions in Imrali have not improved, and his physical freedom has not been guaranteed. Members of the "Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan: A Political Solution to the Kurdish Question" campaign, Khatib Daijla, Zübeyde Zümrüt, and Sinan Önal, spoke to Fural News Agency concerning this matter.

"The Turkish state must adopt political and legal steps."

Sinan Önal emphasized the urgency and importance of ensuring Leader Abdullah Ocalan's physical freedom. In his opinion, by ensuring the leader's security, opportunities should be given for the leader to do politics in a legal and democratic manner, emphasizing that the leader's contribution to the attainment of sustainable peace is important.

Referring to the ongoing process, Önal pointed out the nature of the leader as a negotiator and how he brought together people. He continued, "Following this historic statement, the Turkish state should take political and legal steps, stage the negotiations, and implement legal reforms related to the rights of the Kurdish people. The success of the process entirely depends on equal citizenship rights founded on a democratic basic law."

"The PKK must be removed from the terrorist list."

Önal pointed to the possibility of international powers engaging in this process to ensure its continuation. He emphasized the need to remove the PKK from the "terror list," explaining that these lists are incompatible with the new situation and constitute an obstacle to peace efforts. He added that diplomatic pressure on Turkey is crucial.

Önal continued, "In this new era, the Kurdish movement will pursue democratic politics and diplomatic and social solidarity, as it has done before. Not only symbolic support, but the implementation of concrete political and legal reforms will strengthen this process."

"Diplomatic pressure must be exerted on Turkey."

Sinan Önal  highlighted the importance of this process, saying, "European countries must also pressure Turkey, recognize the legitimate demands of the Kurdish people, and provide legal support for a solution that is free from militarism. This is a historic opportunity to end years of war and conflict and transition to a phase based on dialogue, justice, and democracy. This process must be viewed as a spring of freedom for the Kurdish people and a spring of democracy for Turkey. The call for peace in the heart of the Middle East is not only very important for Turkey, but also for peace and stability in the region as a whole."

"We are in the third phase of the global campaign."

Zübeyde Zümrüt described the historic call made by Leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27 as the third phase of the global campaign, saying, "This call is not just a text; it is also a roadmap for a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue and presents a political vision."

Zübeyde Zümrüt stated that despite the severe isolation that has continued for 26 years, Leader Abdullah Ocalan sent a very strong message regarding freedom and peace. She noted that this call was met with great enthusiasm not only by the Kurdish people but also by Turkish society and countries in the region. She pointed to Newroz 2025, saying, "The demands that the crowds chanted in the streets demonstrated a growing belief in peace."

"Our work and activities will continue with vigor."

Zübeyde Zümrüt commented on the discussions related to the "right to hope," saying, "Human rights activists are focusing on the 'right to hope' in this regard. In October 2024, the Council of Europe emphasized the need for Turkey to implement the reform of aggravated life imprisonment by October 2025 as a firm condition. It is time to take this step. Our campaign also aims to release all political prisoners, and these efforts and activities will continue with vigor. This ongoing campaign in Turkey and internationally is paving the way for a new democratic process."

"European policy is moving towards a deeper engagement with the Kurdish issue."

Dijla Khatib recalled the 86th session of the European Parliament, which will be held at the end of June, and announced that they will work to ensure the implementation of amendments or reforms related to the "right to hope" at this session, with the aim of pressuring Turkey.

Dijla Khatib emphasized the need for European institutions to take the necessary steps and for Turkey to fulfill its responsibilities. He pointed out that the European Parliament's report on Turkey, adopted last week, strongly praised Leader Abdullah Ocalan's call. He said, "This shows that the approach to the Kurdish issue has become more deeply embedded in European policy and that expectations of a solution have become more widespread."

"I want to meet Ocalan."

Dijla explained that the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture has not yet published its report on its visit to Imrali two years ago. He said, "Although the Committee

"I want to meet Ocalan."

Dijla explained that the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) has yet to publish its report on its visit to Imrali two years ago. He said, "Although the CPT visited Turkey a few days ago, it did not visit Imrali. This is seriously concerning. These issues are on the agenda of relevant human rights activists and groups, and institutions that fail to fulfill their legal and ethical responsibilities undermine public confidence."

Dijla added that a new global messaging campaign is expected to be launched under the slogan "I want to meet Ocalan," noting that this campaign expresses the conscience of international public opinion, which represents the will for peace and freedom.

"There is a strong will for peace"

She emphasized that there is a strong will for peace among all segments of society in Turkey, noting that the situation that emerged after the death of Siri Süreyya Önder is evidence of this will for peace, and he said that this will must be preserved.

Dijla stated that "the conditions for peace are clear," and emphasized the need for negotiations to be conducted within a framework of equality and in a process involving actors from social organizations and politicians. He continued, saying, "The current discussions are a real opportunity, and steps must be taken to release Mr. Ocalan and begin the process of democratic transformation. The release of Mr. Ocalan, who has not given up on peace in any way for 26 years despite the tightening of isolation, will be the cornerstone of this process. This campaign will open the door to a shared future for all peoples, not just the Kurdish people."

 "Our struggle will continue with determination and resolve,"

 Dijla's preacher concluded, saying, "The peace negotiations that Nelson Mandela conducted in South Africa with the de Klerk administration are the closest and most inspiring example of this. Thanks to Mandela's freedom, the country's democratic transition took place, and the people were able to determine their own destiny. In the same way, peace and democracy can develop together in Turkey, and this can also be achieved through social agreement.

To build on this process, all components of our campaign will take steps to encourage Turkey and keep peace always on its agenda. Our struggle for a new social contract that includes everyone and guarantees everyone's right to a voice will continue with determination and resolve."

T/S

ANHA