Turkish Nationalist Leader Suggests Ocalan Could Speak in Parliament if PKK Ends Insurgency
Turkish nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), suggested on Tuesday that Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdish group PKK, could be allowed to speak in Turkey’s parliament if he announces an end to the group’s insurgency.
Speaking to MHP lawmakers, Bahceli proposed that Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999, address the pro-Kurdish Democratic Party (DEM) in parliament and declare the disbandment of the PKK. In exchange, Bahceli hinted at the possibility of Ocalan being granted the “right to hope,” suggesting a potential path to freedom.
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The offer from Bahceli is unexpected, given his long history of harsh rhetoric toward Ocalan and the PKK. However, he emphasized that no new peace process was necessary and called for the PKK to surrender unconditionally to Turkish justice.
The proposal has stirred speculation about renewed efforts to resolve the 40-year-long conflict, which has claimed over 40,000 lives. While peace talks between the Turkish state and the PKK collapsed in 2015, the recent gesture by Bahceli, coupled with signs of engagement from DEM lawmakers, has reignited discussions on the future of the insurgency.
Tulay Hatimogullari, co-leader of the DEM, responded to Bahceli’s comments, stating that the party was ready to do its part for “an honorable peace” and called for the end of Ocalan’s isolation.
The PKK is designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.
