Former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) MP Hişyar Özsoy spoke to ANF about the new phase launched by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in response to Abdullah Öcalan’s recent call. Özsoy described the PKK’s decision as a new beginning and stated that, based on this foundation, the Kurdish political struggle will take on a stronger and more defined shape.

Hişyar Özsoy began by commemorating Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a member of the Imralı Delegation who passed away on May 3. He said, “Sırrı Süreyya had many qualities, but he is most deeply remembered as a peace activist and a symbol of the peace struggle. That is the role he ultimately came to embody. For many years, he stood alongside Mr. Öcalan as a comrade and made great efforts to advance the peace process. Although the process that began during the 2012–2013 negotiations was eventually halted, we are now witnessing the re-emergence of a new will after a decade of intense war.”

Hope brings with it danger and risk

Hişyar Özsoy addressed the new phase initiated by the PKK following discussions between Abdullah Öcalan and the state. He underlined the following: “On one hand, there is the situation of Mr. Öcalan, the Kurdish People’s Leader, who has long been held under conditions of isolation. On the other, there are the repressive policies pursued by the Bahçeli-Erdoğan alliance. What we are witnessing today is, in many ways, hopeful, as the possibility of peace has resurfaced. But there is also fear, shaped by past disappointments and hopes that were crushed. In other words, as much as there is opportunity and hope, there are also grave dangers and risks.”

Not an end, but a new beginning

Hişyar Özsoy highlighted the initiative taken by Abdullah Öcalan in this process and continued: “By embracing his leadership, the PKK is making a profound act of sacrifice that will strengthen his position at the negotiation table. Viewed through the lens of the PKK’s historically known culture of self-sacrifice, this may be regarded as a final act of such commitment. A guerrilla organization with more than 50 years of history has now reached a point where it is even contemplating an end to its own armed existence. But this is not an end; in fact, it is a new beginning. It reflects a determined will to remove the Kurdish political struggle, as well as the demands for democracy, justice, and freedom in Turkey and Kurdistan, from the spiral of arms and violence and to reorganize them through new forms of organization, new methods of struggle, and new discourse. This is how the process must be understood.”

Özsoy emphasized the importance of this process in terms of resolving the Kurdish question and achieving social peace, stating:

“We sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a new era, one in which young people no longer die and mothers and fathers no longer weep. I say this not as a cliché, but as a heartfelt wish. We must build together a political climate where death, torture, and imprisonment are no longer what define politics, and where we can openly and fearlessly discuss our issues, above all, the Kurdish question, and seek solutions. Of course, the challenges are immense. The Kurdish issue, among others, has regional and global dimensions that are complex and deeply entangled. These problems cannot be solved overnight.

But we are working to create the conditions and foundations necessary to resolve these issues within a free and democratic framework. Sırrı Süreyya was one of those who made tremendous contributions to this groundwork. If peace does come, he too will rest peacefully where he lies. Let this be our promise to him.”