The İmralı Delegation of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced that it held a three-hour meeting on Sunday, August 2, 2026, with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan. During the meeting, the current process, ongoing efforts, and historical responsibilities regarding the upcoming phase were evaluated. Öcalan also handed the delegation a message addressed to the public.
According to the statement, Öcalan began his message by stating, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," adding, "With this law, we set out to resolve a historical problem. We are at the beginning of a democratic process no less important than the founding of the Republic."
The statement noted that Öcalan emphasized that the efforts and sacrifices made during the founding of the Republic must also be made today "for a democratic republic." He stressed that this path is "necessary for everyone on this land, not just for the Kurds and their surrounding regions," and that its implementation will affect the fate of the country and the region, pave the way for the development of democratic law, and enhance economic opportunities, describing it as "a great service to 86 million people."
The statement added that Öcalan stressed that "organizing society" would represent a "historic step" that would contribute significantly to the economy and peace.
Furthermore, the statement pointed out that Öcalan acknowledged that not all problems have been resolved yet, but affirmed that "there is no situation in the country that warrants viewing it negatively." He highlighted the importance of understanding this step correctly and called on everyone to assume responsibility for the success of the process.
The statement concluded by quoting Öcalan's affirmation that "the law issued by politics is like a key that opens the door to this process, and the door of the Democratic Republic is open to the end."
Text of Öcalan's Message:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
With this law, we set out to resolve a historical problem. We are at the beginning of a democratic process no less important than the founding of the Republic.
Just as tremendous efforts were made and great sacrifices were offered during the founding of the Republic, work must now be carried out with the same seriousness for a democratic republic.
This is necessary for everyone on this land, not just for the Kurds and their surrounding regions. When implemented, it will affect the fate of the country and the region; it will pave the way for the development of democratic law and the growth of economic opportunities. Moreover, it constitutes a great service to 86 million people.
We will take a historic step by organizing society. This step will contribute significantly to the economy and peace.
Not all problems have been resolved yet, but there is no situation in the country that warrants viewing it negatively. What matters is understanding this step correctly, and everyone must assume responsibility for the success of the process.
The law issued by politics is like a key that opens the door to this process. And the door of the Democratic Republic is open to the end.
Note: This text is translated from the original Arabic version. Read the Arabic version:Click here
