Newsletters
Imprisoned PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan released a highly anticipated New Year message on Tuesday, addressing both the "terror-free Türkiye" peace process and the critical integration talks between the SDF and the central government in Syria.
Ocalan emphasized that the solution to the Kurdish issue lies in "social peace and democratic consensus," rejecting military and security-oriented methods.
Addressing the approaching December 31 deadline for the SDF to integrate into the Syrian army, Ocalan advocated for the implementation of the agreement signed earlier this year.
"The chaotic picture in Syria is a clear reflection of the need for democratization," Ocalan stated.
"The implementation of the March 10 Memorandum will relieve and accelerate the process."
Ocalan framed the integration not as a surrender, but as a negotiation for a new political model.
"The basic demand expressed within the framework of the memorandum signed between the SDF and the Damascus administration is a democratic political model where people can govern themselves together," he said. "This approach includes a democratic integration ground that is negotiable with the central structure."
The PKK ringleader also directed a message to the Turkish government regarding its stance on the developments in Syria.
"It is of vital importance that Türkiye assumes a facilitating, constructive, and dialogue-open role in this process," Ocalan noted. "This has critical importance for both regional peace and strengthening its own internal peace."
1 min read
The "March 10 Memorandum" signed between the SDF and the central government was intended to be implemented by the end of the year.
The agreement covers the integration of SDF's armed forces into the Syrian Army and the transfer of control over border regions and oil fields to the central government. However, no consensus has been reached between the parties so far.
The failure to take concrete steps before the Dec. 31 deadline has raised tensions. Türkiye has previously signaled that it could launch a military operation into the SDF-controlled region if the terms are not met.
Analysts warn that a new military operation in the region could mean the end of the "terror-free Türkiye" process currently being conducted with the PKK.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
