Abdullah Ocalan, the incarcerated figurehead of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has expressed his readiness to assist in fostering peace between the Turkish and Kurdish communities, as noted in a declaration released by the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) on Sunday.

In the statement, Ocalan emphasized, “I have the necessary capability and resolve to positively contribute to the new framework supported by Mr. Bahçeli and Mr. Erdo?an,” making reference to Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an and Devlet Bahçeli, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). This remark indicates a willingness to engage with current political dynamics in the country regarding the longstanding conflict.

Ocalan has been imprisoned on Imrali Island, near Istanbul, since 1999, following his conviction for treason. The PKK has been active in seeking an autonomous region in Turkey’s southeastern area since 1984, and its violent struggle has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands. The group is officially regarded as a terrorist organization by Turkey, as well as by several Western nations.

Bahçeli, who is known for his stringent opposition to the PKK, made headlines last October when he proposed in parliament that Ocalan might be considered for parole, contingent upon a renouncement of violence and the disbanding of the PKK. Erdo?an reportedly supported Bahçeli’s proposition a week later. At that time, Ocalan communicated through his nephew that he was open to engaging in peace-building efforts.

Recently, two prominent figures from the DEM, Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, visited Ocalan at his prison on Saturday. Their encounter was kept private, and the details were not disclosed until the following day. The single-page statement released afterwards highlighted the need for all involved parties to unite in the pursuit of peace.

The concluding line of the statement highlighted an optimistic tone, reading, “This is an era of peace, democracy, and fraternity for Turkey and the region.” This sentiment reflects a desire for a new beginning in the ongoing struggle for peace and understanding among the differing factions in Turkey.