Ocalan drawing a realistic roadmap says Journalist Turkone

2025-08-17 10:13:08


	ISTANBUL - Journalist Mumtazer Turkone said that the fundamental solution to the Kurdish issue lies in equal citizenship and added: "Abdullah Öcalan is drawing a realistic road map. These realistic approaches have a response from the state wing represented by Devlet Bahçeli."

	The process that started with Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" on 27 February continues with the work of the "Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy" established in the Parliament. 

	 

	On the other hand, the withdrawal of the Syrian Interim Government led by Ahmet al-Shara from the talks with Mazloum Abdi, the General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Paris, and the visits of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to Damascus and a possible conflict in Syria raise concerns that a possible conflict in Syria would negatively affect the process in the country.

	 

	Journalist Mumtazer Turkone made evaluations on the role of the parliamentary commission, the course of the process and the possible effects of the developments in Syria on the process.

	 

	Turkone noted that the formation of the Commission in parliament marks a significant step in this process. However, he warned that recent developments in Syria, including potential conflict between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Assad regime, could negatively affect the fragile progress in Turkey.

	 

	‘THE COMMISSION IS UNUSUAL, BUT NECESSARY’

	 

	Turkone described the parliamentary commission as “extraordinary” due to its formation outside the standard parliamentary regulations. “Its purpose is not technical legislation but to create the necessary psychological environment for peace. If it succeeds in shifting the societal mood in a positive direction, then it has fulfilled its role,” he said. 

	 

	‘AKP REMAINS HESITANT’

	 

	Commenting on the political dynamics, Turkone said that while the Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party are pushing the process from opposite ends, Justice and Development Party (AKP) – the ruling party – has not fully embraced it. “The AKP tries to stay involved yet distant, reacting cautiously due to public opinion concerns,” he added. 

	 

	ALIGNMENT BETWEEN CHP AND DEM PARTY

	 

	Turkone pointed out a striking harmony between Republican People's Party (CHP) and the DEM Party within the commission: “Their emphasis on compliance with ECHR and Constitutional Court rulings, and the push for equal citizenship, show a surprising synchronicity despite no formal alliance.”

	 

	He added that Devlet Bahçeli, acting like a conductor, seeks to balance the political atmosphere. “His statements on ending municipal investigations also serve as a stabilizing factor,” Türkone commented.

	 

	‘ANY ALIGNMENT WITH HTS WOULD END THE PROCESS’

	 

	On Syria, Turkone warned that any Turkish support for groups like Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) or opposition to the SDF could derail the entire peace initiative. “The process began because of developments in Syria. It could also end there,” he said.

	 

	Turkone emphasized the complex tribal and sectarian structures in Syria that hinder democratic representation, but remained cautiously optimistic about avoiding open conflict. He said: “Neither Turkey nor the SDF can afford a war. I believe both sides will act with restraint.”

	 

	‘THIS IS A SHARED DESTINY’

	 

	Türkone stressed the importance of the moment and concluded: “Turkey has exhausted a century-long approach. The future requires that Kurds become equal, willing citizens. Öcalan’s proposals are realistic—he avoids utopian demands like independence or federalism and instead calls for democratic society. This realism finds some reflection even within state structures.”

	 

	He added: “This is not merely a peace process; it’s a shared destiny shaped by geography. Turks and Kurds must imagine a future together—not just within Turkey, but also across the region.”

	 

	MA / Melik Celik