Breaking News: Written statement from the DEM Party delegation that visited İmralı! 'Öcalan is extremely concerned'

As part of the second peace process, referred to as a Turkey without terrorism, the DEM Party İmralı Delegation traveled to İmralı Island yesterday (January 17) to meet with Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK.

The delegation included Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar, and Faik Özgür Erol. The DEM Party İmralı Delegation issued a written statement regarding the meeting.

It was reported that the developments in Syria were discussed during the meeting, which lasted approximately 2.5 hours. According to the delegation's statement, Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, assessed the events in Syria as an attempt to 'sabotage' the peace process.

The full text of the DEM Party İmralı Delegation's statement is as follows:

"To the Press and the Public,

On January 17, 2026, we held a meeting with Mr. Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı that lasted approximately two and a half hours. During the meeting, Mr. Öcalan stated that he remains committed to the Peace and Democratic Society Process and that the February 27 perspective remains valid. In this context, he once again emphasized the importance of taking the necessary steps to advance the process.

The main agenda of the meeting was the developments in Syria. Stating that he is extremely concerned due to the conflicts and rising tension, Mr. Öcalan assessed this situation as an attempt to sabotage the Peace and Democratic Society Process. He insistently emphasized that all problems in Syria can and must be solved only through dialogue, negotiation, and common sense.

He stated that he is ready to fulfill his responsibility to ensure this issue is moved away from a basis of conflict through discussion. He reiterated his call for all actors and parties to play their positive roles and to act with care and responsibility in this regard.

Respectfully,

DEM Party İmralı Delegation

January 18, 2026"