Öcalan’s Long-Awaited Call: Claimed to Occur on February 15
Italian journalists Chiara Cruciati and Gianandro Merli recently wrote an article in the Il manifesto newspaper detailing their visit to the north of Syria and their meeting with Mazlum Abdi. Abdi, the leader of the Syrian Democratic Forces, met with the journalists during an international delegation visit last Monday. In their article, Abdi shared two important pieces of news – one being that PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan plans to send a message on February 15, the 26th anniversary of his arrest in Kenya.
Abdi mentioned that the message may be in the form of a video and hinted that it may contain references to the situation in Syria’s northeast region, emphasizing Öcalan’s connection to the area. He also highlighted the importance of dialogue with Damascus as part of a broader negotiation process.
According to sources close to the Dem Party, Öcalan is considering making a call to release arms on February 15 as part of the anniversary of his arrest. Discussions about this potential statement have taken place within the party leadership, with considerations for a video recording featuring Öcalan himself or a senior government official to strengthen the message.
However, government officials have shown reluctance towards the video recording and have expressed a preference for a clear and open written statement instead. The expected call from Öcalan is anticipated to address the termination of agreements, terrorism elements in various regions, and the situation in Syria, particularly the northern regions where YPG/PYD operates.
During a second visit to the island where Öcalan is imprisoned, Dem Party representatives engaged in a 4-hour interview with him. Co-Chairman Tülay Hatimoğulları shared insights from the meeting, highlighting Öcalan’s vision for a democratic peace that addresses not only the Kurdish issue but also the historical struggles faced by different ethnicities and beliefs in Turkey.
As the date of his capture approaches, it is important to reflect on Abdullah Öcalan’s impact on Kurdish politics and the ongoing discussions surrounding his potential message on February 15.
