Bahçeli Calls for Activating the “Right to Hope” for Abdullah Ocalan

The leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Devlet Bahçeli, stated that it is now necessary to implement the “Right to Hope” and respond to the steps taken by Abdullah Ocalan. Bahçeli made significant remarks during his party’s parliamentary group meeting on the peace process and a democratic society, emphasizing the need to respond to Ocalan and the Equality and Democracy Party of Peoples (DEM Party), and to release Ocalan within the framework of the “Right to Hope.”

Devlet Bahçeli: The “Right to Hope” for Abdullah Ocalan must now be activated

In his speech, Bahçeli referred to the steps taken by Abdullah Ocalan, saying: “Our decision is clear: for Anatolia to enjoy stability, for Ocalan to reach hope, for both ‘the two Ahmads’ (Ahmet Türk and Ahmet Özer) to return to their positions, and for Demirtaş to return to his home.”

The MHP leader asked: “Has the founder of the PKK fulfilled all the promises he made since 27 February 2025?” He answered: “Yes, he has complied.” He continued with further questions: “Has the organization been dissolved and have the weapons been burned? Has this been carried out by all components of the PKK?” He replied: “Yes, all of this has been achieved.” Bahçeli called for steps to be taken in response to the decisions made by Abdullah Ocalan so far, stressing at the conclusion of his remarks that they would continue their struggle until human rights and freedoms are fully implemented.

Bakırhan: Thanks to Ocalan, war between Kurds and Arabs was prevented

The co-chair of the Equality and Democracy Party of Peoples (DEM Party), Tuncer Bakırhan, said that thanks to the efforts of Abdullah Ocalan, the path toward a war between Kurds and Arabs in Syria was blocked.

During his party’s parliamentary group meeting, Bakırhan assessed current issues, with the Syrian file topping the agenda. In his evaluation of developments, he said: “Questions such as ‘What do the Kurds want?’ are being raised again. Kurdish objection is against denial policies that have continued for 100 years. Since 1923, the Kurdish people have been defined as an extra-legal element and excluded. In 1937, states that had conflicts among themselves united against the Kurds through the ‘Saadabad Pact,’ and in 1955 through the ‘Baghdad Pact.’”

“Denying the rights of peoples paves the way for new wars”

Bakırhan recalled the agreement concluded in Paris on 10 January 2026, continuing: “This was the latest link in this historical mistake. But despite all forms of denial, the national consciousness of the Kurdish people has always grown. The Kurds said ‘no’ to this cycle that tries to repeat itself and rose up. The Kurdish people sacrifice their lives in the streets, yet their existence is ignored at the negotiating table. The Kurdish uprising was an objection to this situation. Kurds do not want to be victims of conspiracies in the countries they live in; they want to be equal citizens.”

“Ocalan did not allow the war between Kurds and Arabs to deepen”

Bakırhan reminded that there were attempts to ignite a civil war between Arab and Kurdish peoples, adding: “If there is no war between Kurds and Arabs today, it is thanks to Mr. Ocalan. If the rights of the Kurdish people have been accepted today, this is due to Ocalan’s efforts. We thank Ocalan for the stance he took and the effort he exerted. What falls upon us today is to adopt the solution perspective put forward by Mr. Ocalan.”

“There are no longer any excuses for not taking steps”

Bakırhan called on the authorities in Turkey, urging Ankara to stop intervening in Syria, saying: “Security concerns related to Syria must be set aside. Concrete and reliable steps must be taken; there are no longer excuses for any party. Steps must be taken that grant Kurds their rights and strengthen democracy. Mr. Bahçeli spoke here a short while ago and referred to the ‘Right to Hope’ and the appointment of trustees to municipalities. We also want Turkey to rid itself of this disgrace. The authorities must now take steps in this direction and implement what Bahçeli spoke about. This process must be advanced through the will of parliament and courageous steps. Recognizing identity, language, and culture, and strengthening local democracy, is the only way for the people to feel secure.”

ANHA