The “Peace and Democratic Society Process,” which began following a call made by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025, continues amid debates over his freedom and legal arrangements.

 

 

Ayaz stated that Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom is indispensable for the advancement of the process.

 

Noting that the state has yet to take concrete steps, Ayaz referred to Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Leader Devlet Bahçeli’s remark that “peace is not a one-winged bird,” saying the other wing has yet to act. “Instead of taking steps, the government is producing excuses. It must abandon this approach, end its delaying tactics, and take immediate legal steps to build democracy,” he said.

 

Highlighting ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Ayaz said: “If we want to avoid being affected by this, both the government and the opposition must urgently contribute to building an honorable peace.”

 

Emphasizing that Abdullah Öcalan, whom he described as the “chief negotiator” of the process, must be granted physical freedom, Ayaz said the current situation is incompatible with the ethics of peace. 

 “In order for Mr. Öcalan to have a strong position in peace, his conditions of freedom must be improved. He is working to build peace not only for Kurds but for all peoples and beliefs” he said and added: “Mr. Öcalan should meet with the parties to the peace process. The state must take legal steps immediately and ensure his physical freedom. If this is achieved, other steps will follow.” 

 

He continued: “There may be provocations in peace processes; rapid action is needed to prevent them. As an initiative, we will do everything we can to help establish peace.” 

 

MA / Fethi Balaman