Speaking to ANF following Abdullah Öcalan's historic call on 27 February, Salih Muslim, a member of the Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), said that ensuring Öcalan’s physical freedom is essential for this historic step to progress. He added: "Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] has made a historic call, and now the ball is in the Turkish state's court."

Leader Apo must be in direct contact with the PKK

Salih Muslim underlined that Leader Apo has opened the door to a political solution to the Kurdish question: "From now on, - he said - the responsibility falls on the Turkish state. Leader Apo has called for the PKK to hold a congress and dissolve itself. For this to happen, Leader Apo must be in direct contact with the PKK and determine the course to be followed. The realization of this congress depends on Turkey demonstrating its intent."

The Kurdish question can be resolved through politics

Muslim said that Leader Apo clearly explained why they initiated an armed struggle, and added: "The armed struggle started to ensure the people's security in the context of self-defense. If the state takes democratic steps in political, cultural, linguistic, and security aspects, the Kurdish question can reach a stage where it can be resolved through politics. If the process advances in this manner, there will be no need for armed struggle. The Kurdish question is now being discussed internationally and has become a global issue. Therefore, the Kurdish people have reached a level where they can conduct political and diplomatic struggles."

A change in Turkey will reflect on Kurdistan

Muslin said that the Turkish state is the one waging hostility against the Kurdish people in all four parts of Kurdistan. He continued: "If a solution cannot be reached in Syria today, and Iraq and Iran are in chaos and crisis, the Turkish state is responsible. Because Turkey does not want the Kurdish people to attain their rights. In this context, if there is a change in Turkey, it will directly reflect on other parts of Kurdistan. Therefore, when the leadership makes a decision, it considers everyone's opinion, including the KDP, the PUK, and other parties. Indeed, the Kurdish question can be resolved through political and social organization and struggle."

The progress of this process will bring a solution to Syria

Muslim said: "For this reason, the door to a political solution has been opened. This is a very important step. And it is also gratifying. The presence of the Turkish state in Syria has been an obstacle to the Kurdish people attaining their rights. The advancement of such a process means that a solution will also be reached in Syria, and Turkey refraining from intervening in Syria will lead to positive developments."

Öcalan’s physical freedom must be ensured 

The Turkish state must take concrete steps for the PKK congress to be held, said Salih Muslim, adding: "The PKK has previously stated that the congress cannot take place unless Leader Apo’s physical freedom is ensured. Therefore, Leader Apo’s conditions must immediately change, he must be released from Imrali, and his physical freedom must be secured so that the historic step he has taken can continue. Leader Apo has made a historic call, and now the ball is in the Turkish state’s court. Thus, this process will progress step by step. Leader Apo has opened the door to democratic politics; the rest depends on the steps the Turkish state will take. These steps should begin with measures such as the release of political prisoners and the end of government-appointed trustees. Steps must be taken together. Moreover, it should be understood that this is a long-term process that cannot be concluded in a single day."

The Turkish state must call a ceasefire

Salih Muslim emphasized that it is unacceptable for the Turkish state to call for disarmament while continuing its attacks. He said: "The Turkish state is attacking on one hand while saying, ‘Put down your weapons’ on the other. If the attacks continue, how can the PKK lay down its arms? The Turkish state’s stance is a call for surrender. The guerrillas and the Kurdish people will not accept this surrender. If the Turkish state wants disarmament, it must listen to Leader Apo’s historic statement. Since 1984, the Turkish state has been waging relentless attacks against the guerrillas. The guerrillas are engaged in self-defense; they are not in an offensive position. Therefore, the Turkish state must declare a ceasefire. Following Leader Apo’s call, the Turkish state must take steps. The first phase of this step is the declaration of a ceasefire. If a practical ceasefire is implemented, it will lead the PKK to take further steps as well."

Everyone must fulfill their duties and responsibilities

Salih Muslim issued a call: "The solution to the Kurdish question has reached a new stage. In such a new process, everyone has duties and responsibilities. Above all, the Kurdish people and other communities must approach the issue with a sense of duty and responsibility. We are going through a sensitive process, and our burden is heavy. We see the steps taken as significant and express our hope for the future."