Abdullah Öcalan’s call for "Peace and a Democratic Society," which emphasizes transformation and change, was conveyed through the Imrali Delegation on 27 February. Following this call, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) declared a ceasefire and fully committed to the peace process. These developments have opened the door to a new turning point in both the Middle East and the world. Closely following the unfolding events, the Kurdish people emphasize the necessity of concrete steps on several key issues, including the recognition of their demands, the right to mother tongue education, the release of political prisoners, and the establishment of constitutional guarantees. They call on all sectors of society to support the peace call.

ANF spoke with Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Şırnak (Şirnex) MP Zeki Irmez about Öcalan’s call for ‘Peace and a Democratic Society’.

Irmez emphasized the significance of Öcalan’s call and said: ‘"The historic 'Peace and a Democratic Society' call made by Mr. Öcalan contains elements that will impact not only the Kurdish people but all the peoples of the Middle East, both in the short and long term. He emphasizes that democratization is indispensable for the establishment of peace, that democracy is a fundamental necessity for socialization, and that every era and age imposes its own unique approach, necessitating transformation according to changing conditions.

Every line of this statement contains an assessment of the present era, of us, and of the people. This manifesto, which we define as the call of the century, introduces a new perspective to the emotions of the time, the political and social atmosphere, and the process itself. In an era where politics and liberal representative democracy have reached an impasse, this statement serves as a manifesto for a radical democratic alternative, outlining the paths and methods necessary for all actors to advance this process. In my opinion, it is difficult to foresee how this transformation will unfold in the long term, how it will be received in the Middle East, and what its exact effects will be. For centuries, violence has played a foundational role in this region, and transitioning from violence to negotiation is a challenging path. However, there is no doubt that the people’s hope and demand for peace are more alive than ever. This resilience will ensure that the call finds its rightful response among its intended recipients and strengthens our own hopes as well. There is no doubt in our minds that the Call for Peace and a Democratic Society will play a foundational role in shaping a new era. When the history of the next century is written and conveyed to societies, this call will be the main headline and the primary subject of analysis."

Öcalan’s call sparks global reactions

Irmez underlined the profound global impact of Mr. Öcalan’s historic call and said: "We can confidently say that this historic call has reverberated worldwide and has had a broad sphere of influence, which is evident from the statements made in response. From political parties to democratic mass organizations, from movements waging struggles for freedom to academics, intellectuals, and supranational institutions, as well as officials from all four parts of Kurdistan and even state representatives, positive messages have been expressed regarding this process.

In general, we have not encountered any negative or discouraging statements about this process. The statements made have largely emphasized that the Call for Peace and a Democratic Society is a significant milestone, that the process must be embraced, that dialogue and negotiations on the Kurdish issue must continue uninterrupted, and that peace is the inevitable final destination for all peoples. The overwhelmingly positive responses have demonstrated one undeniable truth: the Kurdish issue is no longer just a regional matter but has now become an international issue. Furthermore, the support for this call, alongside Mr. Öcalan’s unwavering determination over the past 26 years under severe isolation to ensure that the Kurdish issue is resolved through peaceful and democratic means, proves that the attempts to suppress his role have ultimately failed. These reactions and this widespread embrace of the call will undoubtedly contribute both to the healthy progression of this process and to the realization of the fundamental objective, the establishment of a democratic unity and society."

Öcalan’s physical freedom must be ensured

Irmez stressed that Öcalan’s physical freedom is crucial for ensuring a positive and stable progression of the process, and added: "The process can only move forward through the realization of what is inevitable: peace and democratization. And what does that require? First and foremost, Mr. Öcalan’s conditions must be changed. It is, of course, impossible for him to carry out work on such a critical matter while confined in a 12-meter cell. The necessary legal regulations regarding the right to hope must be implemented without delay. Additionally, the democratic political sphere must remain open without interruption and be secured through legal guarantees. It is evident that the parliament has an obligation to take initiative and responsibility in advancing this process. Leadership in this matter requires both legal and constitutional changes to resolve the issue. Only then can the process evolve in alignment with the spirit of the call. At this stage, it would be premature to specify the exact methods and strategies to be implemented in practice. However, once a clear timeline is established and the obstacles to trust and sincerity are overcome, developments will accelerate, and this unique process will carve out its own roadmap."