Last fall Devlet Bahceli‚ who leads Turkeyʼs far-right MHP party made an un-expected move: he proposed freeing Abdullah Ocalan (the PKK founder) from his 25-year prison term if he stops all armed actions
The proposal came after Bahceli shook hands with pro-Kurdish lawmakers in parliament; an action that shocked many political observers. “We are entering a new era and when we call for peace in the world we must also secure peace in our own country“ he stated during that meeting
The situation looks similar to South-Africaʼs transition in early 90s when F.W. de Klerk worked with Nelson Mandela to end apartheid. MHPʼs own history includes violent actions in mid-70s but the party changed its ways when Bahceli took control about 25 years ago
- PKK started its actions in mid-80s
- Turkey EU and US list PKK as terrorist group
- Pro-Kurdish party got 46% votes in Kurdish areas
- Current ruling party needs MHP support to keep power
The regional situation makes this offer more complex: US supports Kurdish groups in Syria while Israel calls Kurds “natural allies“. A recent PKK attack near Ankara (killing 5 people) shows how hard peace-making can be
Turkish authorities removed three Kurdish mayors from office this fall including 80-year old Ahmet Turk who won with almost 60% votes. Bahceli called him a “venerable Kurdish notable“ and asked for patience with legal process
Ocalan responded through his nephew saying he could help move things “from fighting to legal-political platform“ if conditions are right. But unlike South-Africaʼs case the regional situation isnt helping: Middle-East problems make Kurdish groups feel stronger and less willing to compromise