Öcalan's Alleged Statements: Status Clarification, Warning on Israel, Praise for Bahçeli

Recent reports from İmralı, where PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan is held, suggest a significant shift in his discourse, particularly concerning Turkey's geopolitical position and internal dynamics. Medyascope has relayed alleged statements made by Öcalan during meetings in early February, indicating a desire for his own status to be clearly defined. This comes amid a process initiated by the Turkish government and strongly supported by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, framed as 'A Terror-Free Turkey.'

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If we fight for another hundred years, we will be the ones shrinking, and Israel will be the one growing.

Öcalan's alleged remarks about former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş are particularly noteworthy. He reportedly questioned what Demirtaş could achieve, while simultaneously issuing a stark warning: continuing the conflict for another century would lead to a diminished Turkey and an ascendant Israel. This framing directly addresses a perceived historical plan orchestrated by 'English intellect' and London-centric Zionism, aiming to weaken Turkey by manipulating Kurdish issues. Öcalan's narrative positions the current conflict as a strategic battleground where Israel seeks to exploit regional instability, particularly by creating an 'anti-Turkish Kurd.'

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My style of struggle was not with weapons.

In a surprising turn, Öcalan is reported to have lauded Devlet Bahçeli as the "brave one" in Turkey for his willingness to engage with the peace process, even suggesting that the opposition should follow his lead. This praise, contrasted with his criticism of the opposition's absence, highlights a complex political landscape. Öcalan's warnings about the potential for a massive Kurdish mobilization, potentially numbering 500,000, if the current process fails, serve as a dire prediction, not a threat, he claims. He emphasizes his own non-violent struggle and expresses regret over the prolonged conflict, stating, "If the correct things had been done in the 90s, we would have finished this." His stated desire is to lead a resolution, urging Turkey to take the initiative in resolving the Kurdish issue to prevent further regional destabilization and protect its own integrity.

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If this process is not brought to fruition, a 100,000-strong army will face you; the process confirmed this in Rojava. Now, if this process is wasted, 500,000 Kurds will take up arms as a result of the Iran-Iraq crisis. Iran is there, Iraq is there. The state of Kurdish forces is clear. They will direct this towards Turkey and destroy it. This is not a threat; I am warning you.