The visits of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) İmralı Delegation, which met with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan on 28 December 2024 and 22 January in İmralı Type F High Security Closed Prison, continue. The İmralı Delegation has been in the Federated Kurdistan Region since 15 February as part of its work. 

 

In addition to Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır, Özgür Erol and İbrahim Bilmez from Asrin Law Office, DEM Party Foreign Relations Commission Co-Speaker Berdan Öztürk, MPs Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit and Mehmet Kamaç are also taking part in the talks. 

 

The first visit of the delegation was to KDP Chair Masoud Barzani yesterday. The delegation shared Abdullah Öcalan's greetings and messages regarding the process with Barzani. In the statement released by Barzani Press Office, it was emphasised that Barzani is ready to support the progress of the new process in Turkey and to do his part in this regard.

 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MEETING 

 

According to the information obtained by Mezopotamya Agency (MA) on the details of the meeting; many topics were discussed between the İmralı delegation and Barzani. The main agendda of the meeting was PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan's messages. The delegation shared with Barzani the details of the process Öcalan wants to develop for the solution of the Kurdish issue and the democratisation of Turkey. It was emphasised that the views of all Kurdish actors are important at this point. 

 

Another topic of the meeting was the unity among Kurds. It was emphasised that all actors and organisations should act together to protect and develop Kurdish gains in the chaos and crisis in the Middle East. Another topic was the future of North and East Syria and the protection of the gains there. 

 

DBP Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır, who took part in the meeting with Barzani, spoke about the meeting and their visit. Stating that they had an important meeting with Barzani, Bayındır said, "I can express that we were welcomed at the highest level and positively both in the welcome of our delegation and in the 2-day contacts." 

 

Bayındır said that in addition to conveying Öcalan's greetings, they also informed Barzani about the process he wants to develop and added, "Our delegation provided comprehensive information about Mr Barzani's thoughts and suggestions, as well as what kind of a process Mr Öcalan envisages. We had the opportunity to have a detailed discussion about the role of Kurdish actors in the peace and solution process that can be developed in Turkey and the latest developments in the region and Kurdistan. Our meeting took place in a very warm and sincere atmosphere."

 

SUPPORT FROM BARZANI

 

Bayındır also touched upon the content of Abdullah Öcalan's message. Stating that they conveyed Öcalan's message to Barzani that all dynamics should play a role in the process in order to bring the solution of the Kurdish issue to a democratic ground, Bayındır said, "We conveyed Mr Öcalan's message to him that 'everyone's opinions and thoughts on this issue are very important'. We saw that Mr Barzani was very positive about Mr Öcalan's views. Mr Barzani, who also evaluated the possible risks and opportunities faced by the Kurds, stated that all segments, especially himself, should do their best in this regard, and that he maintains his belief and hope to come out of this chaos and confusion in the Middle East with salvation. He also stated that they would endeavour for this."

 

Bayındır emphasised that Barzani stated that Öcalan's will for peace and his positive approach would make a great contribution to all Kurdish people. Bayındır said, "He expressed that the solution that can develop there is very important. He stated that 'we will make every effort for the solution and peace will and for the progress of the process'."

 

A STATEMENT WILL BE MADE ON THE TALKS

 

Pointing out that they will continue their visit in Sulaymaniyah, Bayındır said, "Our delegation plans to make a written statement on the content and details of the meeting after the talks."

 

Bayındır stated that Öcalan also had messages for the President of the Federated Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani, YNK Leader Bafel Talabanî and the Vice President of the Federated Kurdistan Region Kubat Talabanî and that they would share these messages. Bayındır said, "We will gather how the actors approach this process that Mr Öcalan wants to develop, how they handle the situation and how they can play a role in this process. These will be delivered to Mr Öcalan in the next meeting."

 

'ALL KURDISH ACTORS SHOULD CONTRIBUTE'

 

Bayındır said, "Mr Öcalan wants to develop a historic initiative to take the Kurdish issue out of the ground of conflict and bring it to a democratic solution. He is putting forward a will. He wants all dynamics and civil society organisations in Kurdistan, especially the opposition parties in Turkey, to be active in this process. He also wants to develop a solution in favour of the peoples of Kurdistan on the grounds of democracy and freedoms."

 

Pointing out that Abdullah Öcalan aims to "get the Kurds out of the crisis environment with the least damage" and is making efforts to open the door to a solution, Bayındır said, "At the same time, he states that this process should be supported by all Kurdish actors and that their opinions are very valuable. We believe that all Kurdish actors will mobilise all their forces and contribute to such a process and Mr Öcalan's will for peace. As a matter of fact, Mr Barzani has shared this support with us in the most open-hearted manner."

 

MA / Azad Altay