Leader Ocalan: My faith lies in politics, peace, not in weapons; I call on you to implement this principle

The Peace and Democratic Society process is witnessing historic developments. After 27 years, Leader Abdullah Ocalan has made his first televised call, published by the Firat News Agency, as follows:

“Dear comrades,

Our movement, founded on socialist camaraderie, is experiencing some crises under current conditions.

I am once again sending a comprehensive and clear message as a path to resolving these crises, out of moral duty.

1. On February 27, 2025, I launched the Peace and Democratic Society call, and I continue to support this call.

2. The 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) responded positively to this call. In my view, this response was historic.

3. We must view the current situation as a historically significant outcome. I thank everyone who made efforts and played an active role during this phase.

4. In light of recent developments and this historic turning point, I have prepared a Democratic Society Manifesto. It represents a victory for the Manifesto of the Kurdistan Revolution that has been evolving for the past 50 years. This is not limited to the historic Kurdish community alone. I believe it holds historical importance for the entire region and for all global societal forces. I have no doubt that this is an example of the triumph of historic manifesto traditions.

5. I can state plainly that these developments are the result of the meetings I have held in Imrali. In order for those meetings to be based on free will, attempts were made at the highest levels.

6. The current phase compels us to take practical steps. This stage and these steps are historically significant. To comprehend it, goodwill must be shown, and we must move forward.

The PKK was based on ending identity denial and establishing an independent state. Now that identity has been recognized, the core goal has been achieved. Therefore, the movement has completed its mission. Beyond that, the movement began to suffer from repetition and moved toward crisis. On this basis, comprehensive self-criticism and internal critique will continue.

 Since politics does not accept a vacuum, the strategy of the Peace and Democratic Society program, “democratic politics”, must be preserved with a comprehensive legal framework. We are speaking of a stage of historic determination of destiny.

Currently, a broad and responsible committee is being formed within the Turkish parliament to oversee voluntary and legal disarmament. This is of utmost importance. The steps taken must be sensitive and avoid narrow-minded reasoning. I am fully aware that these steps will not be in vain. I see them as a gesture of goodwill and truly believe in them.

Efforts are therefore being made to open new doors and take clear practical steps.

The ideas I have proposed can be summarized as follows:

1. Everyone must take responsibility. Achieving the goal of peace and a democratic society is only possible through adopting a positive, inclusive perspective. Based on this, it is clear that the PKK has abandoned the goal of building a nation-state and therefore has abandoned the strategy of armed struggle — in other words, it has dissolved itself. In this historical phase, there is hope for further progress.

2. To ensure that the work of the committee and council is meaningful and to eliminate public concerns, and in keeping with our commitments, the disarmament should be welcomed naturally by concerned parties and the public. Establishing a disarmament mechanism will advance the process. Ending the armed struggle voluntarily and transitioning to a legal and democratic political phase is essential.

This is not a defeat; on the contrary, it must be seen as a historic victory. Regarding disarmament, appropriate methods will be determined, and swift practical steps will be taken.

3. The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), which operates under the Turkish parliament, will work with other parties and assume all responsibilities required for the success of this phase.

4. Regarding my personal freedom, which has been stipulated as a condition in all decisions, I say this: you know well that I have never made my personal freedom an issue. Philosophically, individual freedom cannot be separated from society. Through the freedom of the individual, society becomes free, and through the freedom of society, the individual can be liberated. This truth can only be realized voluntarily.

My belief lies in politics and societal peace, not in weapons. I call on you to apply this principle.

The recent developments in the region have confirmed the importance and urgency of implementing this historic call.

Regarding this phase or process, I am extremely enthusiastic and await your criticisms, suggestions, and support.

These discussions have unfolded across the homeland, the region, and globally. We, as the forces of democratic modernity, possess a theoretical program that has now reached a new strategic and tactical stage. I hereby indicate that I am currently preparing for what’s to come. I can say with pleasure that I am enthusiastic and determined.

My call for the next phase is this:

Based on the decisions of the 12th Congress and the recent ideas and suggestions I have outlined in this message, we will move forward and achieve victory.

My endless greetings, love, and comradeship to you all.

June 19, 2025

Abdullah Ocalan.”

A-H 

ANHA