Muhayiddin Sheikh Ali: Abdullah Ocalan must be allowed direct communication with all parties

Muhayiddin Sheikh Ali, Secretary of the Kurdish Democratic Unity Party in Syria (Yekiti), emphasized that the Turkish state has yet to provide the necessary response for the “Peace and Democratic Society” process. He stated: “Turkey remains hesitant in taking practical steps and lifting the isolation. Mr. Abdullah Ocalan must be allowed to communicate directly with the public, politicians, and parliamentarians in Turkey.”

Sheikh Ali spoke to our agency about the “Peace and Democratic Society” process, its impact on the region, and the Turkish state’s interventions in Syria. He outlined the first phase of the process, noting that it received broad attention from political forces and movements across Turkey and Kurdistan. He added: “Through this process, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan and the PKK declared a renunciation of armed struggle during a conference, presenting clear examples as a positive message.”

He highlighted that reopening visits to Imrali Prison marked a new beginning: “This step created a positive atmosphere throughout Turkey. For the first time, the peace project received such broad engagement, and it will have significant effects on Syria and Iraq.”

“Turkey Hesitant to Take Steps and Lift Isolation”

Sheikh Ali stressed that Turkey remains hesitant to take practical measures and has yet to respond appropriately. He noted: “For instance, Selahattin Demirtaş should have been released. Lifting the isolation imposed on Abdullah Ocalan is essential. He must be allowed to speak freely, not under surveillance. Parties and politicians should not interpret Ocalan’s messages according to their own agendas. Turkey remains hesitant to lift this isolation.”

“Parliament Visit Not Enough”

Regarding Ocalan’s role, Sheikh Ali emphasized that the process cannot succeed unless Ocalan is treated as the principal figure regarding Turkey’s future and the status of Kurds in Northern Kurdistan.

“Ocalan must be released and protected, and given the opportunity to communicate directly with the public, politicians, and parliamentarians in Turkey. His visit to parliament was widely covered in Turkish media, but it did not happen on time. The Turkish parliament formed a committee representing all parties and went to Imrali on its behalf. Ocalan should have gone to parliament. This is a positive step, but it is insufficient.”

He added that these developments have brought the process into a positive phase, opening wider discussions and enriching political, media, and intellectual life in Turkey.

“Enriched Proposals Will Lead to a New Constitution”

Sheikh Ali stated that as the process continues and proposals are enriched, it will pave the way for a new Turkish constitution recognizing that Turkey is a republic where Kurds and Turks live together, that Kurds are a people, and that the Kurdish language, alongside Turkish, can be an official language for education.

“These steps serve the ‘Peace and Democratic Society’ process and contribute to Turkey’s protection and development. This removes the denial of Kurds. To this day, there is no official recognition of Kurds. Unless recognized constitutionally, including their language, Turkey will remain trapped in this dilemma.”

“Turkey Stuck in the Middle”

He described Turkey’s policy as one of hesitation: “For a hundred years, neither Kurds nor Turks have survived. The Kurdish issue cannot be solved with violence and killing. Turkey has so far been unable to resolve it; neither weapons nor peaceful means have succeeded. Turkey is stuck in the middle.”

Sheikh Ali concluded by noting that all forces pursuing peace and democracy in Turkey, Kurdistan, the Middle East, the EU, the U.S., and Moscow support keeping Turkey stable. He warned: “If the Kurdish issue is not resolved, Turkey will remain a crippled, one-eyed, wounded state.”

ANHA