PKK Leader Öcalan Advises DEM Party Chief Özel: 'Path to Democracy is Through İmralı'

Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), has reportedly conveyed messages to Özgür Özel, the leader of the DEM Party, during a meeting with his İmralı delegation. According to a report by Ruşen Çakır of Medyascope, Öcalan advised Özel on a process he termed "Terror-Free Turkey."

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The path to democracy passes through İmralı, not Silivri.

Responding to a statement where Özel's party expressed a desire to see the proposed legislation before supporting the process, Öcalan sent "special greetings" to the DEM Party leader. He declared, "The path to democracy passes through İmralı, not Silivri." Öcalan urged Özel to ensure a representative joins the Parliament Monitoring Committee, suggesting that the path to law and democracy lies in this work. He emphasized that discussions for a democratic legal solution are with the state, not the AKP, and that opening this channel is a "last chance" for everyone, especially for Özel's party.

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The path to law and democracy lies in this work. We are discussing a democratic legal solution with the state, not with the AKP. You should say, 'Opening the channel of law and democracy is the last chance for everyone, especially for you.'

Öcalan also extended messages to Turkish leftist groups, stating they are currently outside the republic and need to be included in a movement that accommodates both their leftist identity and their republicanism. He described this as an opportunity for them to integrate into a democratic republic in this century, calling it a "chance and an honorable partnership." He believes that even if others try to obstruct it, they will become republicans, citing historical and social grounds, and asserting that Kurds have not yet fully joined the republic.

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Leftists are also outside the republic. We will include leftist groups. There is a need for a movement that accommodates both their leftist identity and their republicanism. Start preparing for this.

Çakır reported that Öcalan anticipates the framework law's passage, stating that once it is enacted, "everyone will hear me." He pledged to work towards a democratic republic with a commitment comparable to the efforts and sacrifices made during the republic's founding, which he noted was established with Kurdish participation. He presented this as a significant service for all 86 million citizens, capable of influencing the region's and country's destiny and paving the way for a democratic constitution and economic growth.

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We are integrating into a democratic republic in this century. This is an opportunity for these leftists, an honorable partnership.