Leader Ocalan: Democracy is only solution to strengthen republic

The Imrali delegation of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) issued a statement regarding its meeting with Leader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island on March 27, 2026.

Today, the delegation released a statement outlining the content of the meeting with the Leader, stating:

“Within the framework of our meetings with Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, we held a meeting on Imrali Island on March 27, 2026.

It is clearly observed during the meetings that the process has reached an important stage. At this stage, it was emphasized that the path to a solution is a multi-layered issue (with multiple dimensions) and must be evaluated through its aspects related to negotiation, democratic will, and historical responsibility.

Reference was made to the historical responsibility and role assigned to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (parliament) in this process and it was declared necessary to implement, within a coherent and comprehensive legal framework, the actions to be carried out following the committee’s report without leaving them to the passage of time.

As a delegation, this point emerged as a shared vision in our evaluations, these historic opportunities must not be missed, and in order to implement a genuine will for a solution, channels of dialogue must remain open and democratic politics must be strengthened.

It was once again emphasized that a democratic society is the guarantee of the future for all peoples and beliefs in Turkey. We are fully convinced that those who understand this process correctly and approach it responsibly will gain not only the present but also the shared future.

The views and assessments of Mr. Ocalan during the meeting can be summarized as follows:

We must not approach this major issue we are trying to resolve with a narrow perspective. This is because there are deep hegemonic plans in the Middle East. In Syria, alongside the tragic situation, there are also somewhat positive developments. Now, the war involving Iran is also on the agenda. In the Iran war, three lines have emerged: The first is the line of the United States of America and Israel. The second is the line of preserving the status quo of certain international and regional powers, led by England. The third is the line of shared life and democracy, which we advocate through the process of peace and democratic society. The events taking place in Iran have once again revealed the validity and importance of the process in Turkey.

We base our approach on a solution within the framework of Anatolia–Mesopotamia. The relationship between Anatolia and Mesopotamia has deep historical roots. The first major peace treaty in history was the Treaty of Kadesh between the Hittites and the Egyptians. Four thousand years of political history in the Middle East have shown that the security of Anatolia passes through the Middle East and Mesopotamia. Democratic integration means sharing the culture of Mesopotamia as a democratic existence.

We do not have a problem with the republic. The fundamental issue is that the republic is not democratic. Democracy is the only solution that can strengthen the republic.

Talking about mistakes, violations, and the lack of democracy in societies and states throughout history should not be seen as an attack on sacred values. It must be said that protecting assimilation methods with a positivist mentality is like a tight garment imposed on the country.

As I stated in my call on February 27, the era of armed struggle has ended. Returning to the past is no longer possible. The current process is a transition phase toward peace with a democratic republic. This process, which we hope will succeed, will make the republic twice as strong. A democratic society is closely tied to such a solution. We must develop a collective and civilian understanding that shapes the relationship between the Kurds and the state positively. The state must also see that there are no destructive activities or security threats.

Participation in the republic must be based on identity, freedom of thought, freedom of organization, and women’s freedom. These spaces of freedom are not limited to Kurds alone, but include everyone.

At this point, I attach importance to reaching the entire public through appropriate means so that my views regarding the process are correctly understood.

The solution of democratic integration is based on a society-centered approach. A society-based solution necessitates collective and cohesive democracy within social structures.”

With respect,

Imrali Delegation of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party)

March 31, 2026.”

A-H 

ANHA