A surprising development in Turkish politics has emerged, with Kurdish separatist leader Abdullah Ocalan signaling a willingness to engage with his long-time political foes, Devlet Bahceli and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In a statement released on Sunday by the pro-Kurdish Democratic Party (DEM), Ocalan expressed his readiness to contribute to the ongoing discussions aimed at ending the PKK’s insurgency.
Bahceli, a seasoned political figure and close friend of Erdogan, stunned many in October by offering Ocalan an opportunity to speak to the Turkish parliament and declare the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its armed struggle. Speaking to his Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Bahceli demanded Ocalan’s isolation be lifted, declaring an end to PKK’s terrorist activities. The offer was a surprise, as Bahçeli has long been hostile toward the PKK, which has waged an insurgency against the Turkish state for decades.
Ocalan, who has spent much of his life behind bars, appears to be open to the offer, the DEM Party said in a statement after visiting him. “I have the competence and willpower to serve positively for the new paradigm of Mr. Bahceli and Mr. Erdogan,” Ocalan reportedly said, indicating his willingness to cooperate and take steps toward peace.
President Erdogan accepted the Bahçeli proposition as emphasizing the need to hold this opportunity for peace but at the same time warning the political circles against personal agenda hindering the process. In his statement, Ocalan also mentioned more geopolitically sensitive moments lately in Gaza and Syria. He emphasized that delay for the resolution of PKK’s issue is no more tolerable.
The unexpected move comes amid ongoing tensions in Turkey, including a deadly attack on Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, which was attributed to the PKK. The offer from Bahceli, and Ocalan’s apparent openness, represents a significant shift in the political landscape.
