Turkish nationalist chief makes unexpected move about imprisoned Kurdish leader

In late-2023 Devlet Bahceli leader of Turkeys Nationalist Movement Party shocked everyone with an un-expected proposal: letting Abdullah Ocalan the PKK founder out of prison (where hes been since 99) if he stops all fighting

The PKK which started its actions against Turkey back in 84 is seen as terrorist group by Turkey US and EU. Ocalan stays in Imrali prison near Istanbul; Bahceli thinks he should speak to pro-Kurdish DEM Party in parliament about ending violence

Kurdish political groups are strong in Turkeyʼs east – they got almost half of votes there in last years election. Still these groups cant escape PKKʼs shadow; Bahceli thinks Ocalanʼs words in parliament would make big change

We are entering a new era and when we call for peace in the world we must also secure peace in our own country

The MHP has changed a lot since its violent days of 75-80 when its members did many bad things. After Alparslan Turkes died Bahceli took over in 97 and made party more mild. Now MHP works with Erdoganʼs AKP party – they got 50 seats while AKP has 268 out of 600 in parliament

Middle East problems make Kurdish issue more important:

• US supports Kurdish groups in Syria
• Israel calls Kurds natural allies
• Iran situation affects Kurdish position
• Regional wars create new risks

Bahceliʼs move looks like what South Africaʼs de Klerk did with Mandela but things are different here – theres more problems in Middle-East than Africa had then. Ocalan through his nephew said he could help if conditions are right but right after that PKK did attack near Ankara killing 5 people

Turkish state still shows its strict side – they just removed 3 Kurdish mayors including old-timer Ahmet Turk who got 60% votes in his city. Bahceli says to wait for courts decision (his party people work there now)