Abdullah Öcalan’s historic 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society' issued on 27 February continues to echo not only in Turkey and Kurdistan but also on a regional and international level. However, the Turkish state has not taken any concrete political or legal steps to secure the process by seriously considering the messages within this historic call. Even the name of the process has not yet been clearly defined.

Despite all this uncertainty and the state's indifferent stance, Öcalan continues to uphold his commitment to peace and resolution under harsh isolation conditions in Imrali, maintaining a determined approach to advancing the process. In his most recent letter, sent following the death of Imrali delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder, he reiterated his commitment to peace and a democratic solution to the Kurdish question, saying that "this hope must never be left incomplete."

Swiss Federal Parliament Member and Foreign Affairs Committee Member Fabian Molina evaluated Öcalan’s historic call and its developments in an interview with ANF.

Öcalan must be released immediately

Parliamentarian Fabian Molina said that despite the harsh conditions he was subjected to, Öcalan’s historic call presents the Turkish state with a significant opportunity for the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question, and emphasized that such a historic call must be met by an appropriate response.

"Mr. Öcalan has long been imprisoned under conditions that do not meet basic human rights standards. This has been highlighted by various international organizations. Öcalan plays a key role in resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey and beyond. Therefore, I call for Mr. Öcalan’s immediate release," Molina said.

This historic opportunity must be taken seriously

Molina continued: "Mr. Öcalan has offered the Turkish state negotiations to resolve the Kurdish question and to democratize both the Turkish state and society. His call represents a chance for peace, democracy, and inclusivity for all peoples in Turkey and the region."

Molina criticized the Turkish state for not having taken any steps, despite more than two months passed since the call, and said: "The Kurdish question has caused a lot of suffering and many casualties. Despite repeated hopes for negotiations, a solution has not yet been reached. The Turkish state has consistently responded to the Kurdish people's demands for peace with repression and disregard for democracy, particularly in Kurdish-majority regions.

The current situation has shown clearly that a political issue cannot be resolved by pressure alone. Therefore, I believe it is in the Turkish state's own interest to now resolve this issue permanently. A democratic solution would require changes in the state's functioning. Considering the regional context, I believe the Turkish state would benefit from seizing Mr. Öcalan’s offer to negotiate."

The process must not be sacrificed to power ambitions

Despite Öcalan’s call, Molina noted that the Erdoğan government has sent contradictory signals and warned that the process must not be sacrificed to the desire to stay in power. The Turkish state and the ruling government are under both domestic and regional pressure. In this context, the government’s stance becomes difficult to understand, as it sends mixed signals in an attempt to maintain power. The recent pressure on the CHP (Republican People’s Party) is a clear indicator of this."

Civil society must play a role

Molina continued: "In response to Öcalan’s call, both Turkish civil society and the international community have a duty to encourage the Turkish government to resolve issues in a lasting, just, peaceful manner, within the framework of the rule of law and democracy. Because I believe the important thing is how we reach the final result. Mr. Öcalan’s offer to negotiate and his will to resolve the serious existing problems must be considered, especially for minorities in Turkey. This is a historic opportunity and must be seized now."

Lasting peace must be built on justice and democracy

Fabian Molina underlined that "lasting peace must be built on justice, democracy, and respect for differences. All actors involved in this issue, especially those who have long fought for democracy and peace, have a responsibility to stay calm and avoid provocations. At the same time, the Turkish state must be constantly reminded of its obligations under existing rules. With all of this, I still believe a result that benefits everyone living in Turkey is possible."

Öcalan has once again shown his determination to work for peace

Molina noted how meaningful and difficult it is for Öcalan to continue such a historical process under such severe prison conditions: "Mr. Öcalan has shown that he is still capable of playing a key role by demonstrating his openness to sincere negotiations for peace and democratization in Turkey. For this reason, he must be released immediately. The Turkish state is already aware of his importance. Therefore, I believe the government cannot easily ignore Mr. Öcalan’s peace offer.

But the success of this process will largely depend on the will of Turkish society, whether it can unite and stand against forces opposed to a fair and lasting solution.

If this unity can be achieved, it will be harder to block a negotiation process for peace and democracy. Therefore, while supporting this process, standing in solidarity with Ekrem İmamoğlu and all other political prisoners in Turkey is also of great importance."

The international community must take responsibility

Recalling the proposal he recently submitted to the Swiss Federal Parliament regarding Öcalan’s call, Molina emphasized that the call places a responsibility not only on Turkey but also on the international community. "After many years, this is the first time such an important opportunity for negotiation has emerged to resolve a historic problem. History shows us many examples where Switzerland played a key role in achieving peace and lasting solutions with the approval of all parties. Today, Switzerland can again offer its expertise in negotiation. Because this is not only an issue concerning peace and democracy in Turkey. It also has regional dimensions. If the parties see it as useful, Switzerland can contribute to this process.

Not only Switzerland, but the entire international community has a responsibility to call on Turkey to meet its obligations under international law. As a member of the Council of Europe, Turkey must be reminded to respect the European Convention on Human Rights. The current situation represents a historic moment. That’s why I believe the international community has a special responsibility to do everything it can to guide the parties toward sincere negotiation. Because resolving this conflict is in the interest of not only Turkey, but also the international community."

The EU's position on the PKK does not serve a solution

Molina criticized the European Union’s continued listing of the PKK as a ‘terrorist’ organization, calling it senseless and unhelpful for a solution: "The PKK is an important force for the Kurdish people, and also a significant actor for Turkey. The PKK is not considered a terrorist organization in Switzerland. That’s why I believe Switzerland has the opportunity to encourage negotiations and support the peace process in Turkey.

Since the Treaty of Lausanne, the Kurdish issue has remained unresolved in the region. All European countries share responsibility in solving this problem. I don't believe that criminalizing the PKK, one of the parties to the conflict, contributes positively to solving the issue."