Firas Qassas: Leader Ocalan’s call is triumph for principles, political goals

Reactions continue to pour in following the historic call by leader Abdullah Ocalan, which has been met with widespread approval and support from various states, regional and international forces, as well as political figures and entities.

 A Hand Always Extended for Peace

 Speaking to ANHA agency, Syrian opposition figure and leader of the Modernity and Democracy Party for Syria, Firas Qassas, stated: "This is not the first time that the revolutionary leader Ocalan has conveyed such a message, either in content or essence. Since the early 1990s, he has consistently called for peace, affirming that armed struggle was merely a response to systematic repression by the Turkish authorities across different periods against those demanding the rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey. It was a consequence of political deadlock, exclusionary policies, and persistent refusal to recognize the legitimate rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey and the broader region."

 A Shift in Turkey’s Calculations

 Qassas further explained:"What has changed amid the region’s pivotal transformations is Turkey's newfound willingness to engage in a peace process, driven by its realization that defeating the will of the Kurdish people and leader Abdullah Ocalan is neither possible nor realistic. There is no viable solution to Turkey’s internal issues or the broader crises of the Middle East without initiating a peace process that addresses Kurdish demands—recognizing their identity, existence, and political entitlements within Turkey’s political landscape and broader national framework."

 He added: "Thus, leader Ocalan’s latest message should be viewed as a continuation and reinforcement of his long-standing call for peace and the abandonment of armed struggle, based on a resolution to the Kurdish question that acknowledges the Kurdish people’s foundational presence in Turkey and upholds democracy, equality, and justice. Therefore, it would be a grave misinterpretation to consider the leader’s call for the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) as an act of surrender or retreat. Those who truly understand the leader recognize that he does not waver. He has long tied his personal fate to the destiny and struggle of his people."

 A Victory for Principles and Objectives

 Qassas stressed that: "As a committed political leader, the leader remains steadfast in defending principles and objectives rather than tools or forms. As a critical thinker and an engaged intellectual, he upholds the essence and meaning of struggle, rather than its external appearance. He meticulously crafted his message, shaping its ideas and meanings with the primary goal of securing the legitimate demands of the Kurdish people. At the same time, he has sought to strengthen ties of brotherhood among the peoples of the region—Turkish, Arab, and others who are affected by the Kurdish issue."

 He also pointed out that the leader's statement came in response to an appeal made by Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli—an unprecedented move that suggests a potential shift in Turkey’s stance towards addressing Kurdish demands, particularly regarding leader Ocalan’s role.

 The Ball is in Turkey’s Court as the World Watches

 Concluding his remarks, Qassas stated: "Indeed, the leader has now placed the ball in the Turkish government’s court. The fate of his peace initiative hinges on Turkey’s ability to grasp its significance and historical magnitude, especially during this turbulent and rapidly changing period in the Middle East. The eyes of the region’s people are now fixed on the days ahead, closely observing the repercussions of this message—not just for Turkey, but also for Syria, Iraq, and Iran."

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ANHA