Gulcan Kaçmaz Sagyîgît: Turkish State, Parliament must take responsibility

In response to the call for "Peace and a Democratic Society" made by leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced in a statement issued on May 12 that it had held its 12th Congress and decided to dissolve itself.

ANHA Agency conducted an in-depth interview with MP Gulcan Kaçmaz Sagyîgît regarding the process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan. The interview reads as follows:

Q: Discussions surrounding the resolution of the Kurdish issue and democratization of Turkey have intensified following leader Abdullah Ocalan’s historic appeal and the 12th Congress of the PKK, where a call was made for the parliament to establish a special commission to oversee this process. How do you evaluate these developments?

Over the past century, social, political, and economic crises have intensified in the Middle East. The term "Middle East" itself was coined by Western powers to designate regions plagued by such crises, and the Kurdish issue is undoubtedly among the most pressing of these. The historical homeland of the Kurdish people was divided by international powers among four nation-states. Such division hindered the region’s democratic transformation, paving the way for authoritarian regimes. As a result, this geography—rich in religious and ethnic diversity—has increasingly succumbed to fascistic policies promoting “one nation, one sect, one language.”

For a century, the peoples of the Middle East have lived under repression and without freedom, peace, or democracy. In these conditions, the Kurdish people’s struggle for freedom has flourished and continues to this day. Alongside resistance, the Kurdish people have also articulated a political philosophy as a remedy for the region. Without a critical reassessment of the nation-state paradigm, it will not be possible to build sustainable democratic alternatives. Therefore, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan’s model of democratic confederalism is of critical importance. The ongoing developments in Turkey over recent months are, in fact, a result of this model.

As a Kurdish political movement, we fully support this process. But our support does not mean we are merely passive observers. We are actively engaged—in the streets, among the people, in all arenas—because we know that this process will not progress by waiting for state action alone. When society embraces the process and takes concrete steps toward establishing a democratic order, the state will be compelled to follow suit.

The government led by the Justice and Development Party initially awaited Mr. Ocalan’s call. When it came on February 27, in the form of the Peace and Democratic Society Declaration, it was warmly received by the public. The question then became whether the PKK would respond to the appeal. It did so by holding its 12th Congress and announcing its decision to dissolve. State officials acknowledged this as a historic step, yet, unfortunately, no tangible actions have followed.

Some minor steps might be taken in the coming days regarding imprisoned individuals, but we do not consider them sufficient. If the state had truly been abiding by its own laws, it would have already released ill prisoners or those who have been incarcerated for over 30 years.

Therefore, in order to lay the groundwork for this process, it is essential to establish a special commission under the auspices of the parliament—a commission tasked with overseeing and guiding this process.

Q: Many political parties and circles have reacted positively to the idea of forming a parliamentary committee to oversee the peace process. However, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) has not shown the same approach, instead insisting on the surrender of arms. How do you interpret this stance?

In his recent call, Mr. Ocalan clearly stated that if these constructive steps are taken, the state must also do its part by establishing the legal and political foundations for peace. There is already broad consensus in parliament—indeed, all parties except for one support this process and the creation of a parliamentary committee. Parliament has a significant role to play, provided it is willing to fulfill it.

Q: In your opinion, will parliament become involved in this process soon? With the parliamentary recess approaching, is there still time for any progress before then?

In reality, important steps have already been taken through Mr. Ocalan’s initiative. His call for peace and the PKK’s decision to disarm were positively received by many world capitals. However, it is essential to take into account Mr. Ocalan’s statement that: "Undoubtedly, in order to achieve the disarmament and the dissolution of the PKK in practice, democratic and legal politics must be recognized."

Now that the PKK has announced its dissolution, there is no longer any legitimate reason preventing the necessary steps from being taken. The organization’s decision has challenged longstanding prejudices and distrust among the people. According to various studies, this process enjoys significant popular support. But when the state—represented by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)—fails to embrace the process openly or take concrete steps, public confidence begins to erode, and skepticism resurfaces.

Therefore, the state must take actions that reflect the spirit of the process. Beyond this, parliament must also play a critical role. The political parties within parliament largely share this view. Once parliament becomes actively engaged in the process, both its domestic and international legitimacy will increase.

Hundreds of prisoners lose their lives in custody. Many of those who have been imprisoned for 30 years or more remain behind bars, and serious human rights violations continue within prisons. Often, sick prisoners are denied access to healthcare. All these issues could be resolved if the state simply abided by its own laws.

We are not asking for favors or charity—we are demanding the implementation of the constitution and legal obligations, whatever they may be.

Another important point is that this process is currently moving forward thanks to Mr. Ocalan’s strong initiative.  Accordingly, it is necessary to reorganize the conditions of Mr. Ocalan’s detention so that he can continue to lead the process. At the same time, the right to hope is a critical legal principle, affirmed by the European Court of Human Rights. This right exists under the Turkish Constitution, but regrettably, it is not being upheld.

The formation of such a committee is crucial. It can ensure transparency in the process, identify problems, and monitor all parties involved. Through this committee, the foundations of the peace process will be clarified, and the parliament will emerge as the legitimate venue for a political solution.

It is noteworthy that Mr. Ocalan had already proposed the idea of such a committee 11–12 years ago. Today, even parties such as the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) support this idea. Therefore, the ruling AKP should not stand in the way of this vital need.

Naturally, we support what other parties are calling for: the formation of an effective committee—not a symbolic or superficial one. It must have the initiative to identify problems and propose solutions. We are cautious in this regard and emphasize that the committee must be genuine and serious, because the Kurdish issue is not a simple matter. We will not accept any approach that is disrespectful to the Kurdish people.

Regrettably, some actors in government still have not corrected their language or behavior. Mr. Ocalan’s appeal is clear, and the PKK’s step is historic. For the process to succeed, the state must be equally sincere and courageous so that society at large can also embrace this path toward peace.

Q: Regarding the role of parliament and taking tangible steps, your party—the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party —has been quite active, including making visits to other parties. How is that progressing? What kind of responses are you receiving?

As a Kurdish political movement, we draw our strength from our people. Based on our understanding, when the Turkish public accepts peace, the state will be compelled to act. Mr. Ocalan’s statement reflects this reality: peace must be accompanied by a democratic society.

Though the “Peace and Democratic Society” appeal was brief, it is clear enough to serve as a roadmap. Since the beginning of this process, we in the party and the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) have worked tirelessly and persistently on this path.

From day one, we have reached out to the people. Our institutions and organizations have visited communities across the country, sending messages to thousands of families. Some of our MPs have traveled to Australia, Russia, and various European capitals to promote the process and carry out diplomatic work. We also held meetings in parts of Kurdistan, while our co-chairs visited families to reinforce the message that peace is a priority.

For us, achieving peace also means opening the door to democracy and freedom. We firmly believe that when a democratic society is established, the state will have no choice but to take the necessary steps. We want this process to be owned by the people, because no one but the people themselves can guarantee a lasting peace.

Just a few days ago, our party council and central executive committee reconvened to further our efforts to build peace and a democratic society. We decided on steps such as visiting families and civil society organizations and holding expanded local meetings. We do not intend to stand by and simply wait for the AKP government to act. Rather, we want a lasting peace embraced by the Turkish public and grounded in the establishment of a democratic society.

Q: Considering both the positive developments and the challenges ahead, what can you say about the future? How do you see it unfolding?

In recent years, we have witnessed highly critical developments across the world. Some even argue that a third world war has already begun and is unfolding in a different form. On one front, we see the war between Ukraine and Russia; on another, the tensions between Pakistan and India; the economic conflict between China and the United States; attacks on Sudan; threats issued by Trump-era policies; Israeli aggression against Gaza; and ongoing threats towards Iran. Some of these powers possess nuclear weapons.

Amid such global turmoil, a new process has begun in Turkey. Under these circumstances, it is no longer feasible to approach the Kurdish question with policies of denial and destruction. Moreover, the Middle East has been transformed into a theater of tragedy and anti-democratic sentiment precisely because of the long-standing oppression and marginalization of the Kurdish people.

Today, the need for a democratic resolution has become increasingly accepted by regional and international powers. Undoubtedly, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are well aware of these facts. What remains to be seen is whether they will act on this awareness—and what steps they are willing to take. But across the board, there is a shared understanding of the urgency of finding a solution and rebuilding the relationship between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples.

A democratic resolution to the Kurdish question will pave the way for the advancement of democracy and freedom across the region. It will allow a culture of liberty to flourish in the Middle East. Accordingly, there is growing attention to our model for peoples' freedom and women's representation.

For this reason, we, as a Kurdish political movement, will not wait for the AKP government to act. We will actively struggle for the construction of a democratic society and an honorable peace—through public assemblies, home visits, one-on-one conversations, and broad-based meetings with the people. When the process is driven by popular initiative, the state and government will inevitably change—whether they want to or not.

This process has also led to significant developments within the Kurdish community itself. The Conference for Kurdish Unity and Common Position held in Rojava is a particularly monumental step. Leaders from all parts of Kurdistan are now meeting and collaborating. Kurdish unity is growing stronger day by day.

When we look at the broader picture, we observe a host of positive developments for the Kurdish people—and these will continue. Therefore, we must maintain our hope for the future and fulfill our historical responsibility to courageously resolve the Kurdish question. Only then can the gates of peace and democracy be fully opened.

a.k

ANHA