“Talks With PKK Stakeholders in Qandil Are Inevitable”

bianet interviewed Prof. Dr. Erol Katırcıoğlu following Vice PM Beşir Atalay’s words “I am desiring that the new delegation will directly with [PKK stakeholders in] Qandil” regarding the enlarging of official delegations beyond intelligence authorities and include other state authorities for the resolution of the Kurdish Problem. 

Previously, HDP deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder also told Özgür Gündem newspaper that they held a series of talks with the government officials, the latest of which was prior to Beşir Atalay’s visit to PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. 

It also turned out that Hakan Fidan, head of Turkey’s intelligence organization (MIT), visited PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan on Imrali Island last Friday. 

“Talks are already legitimate within the law”

Commenting on Atalay’s statement, Prof. Dr. Erol Katırcıoğlu told bianet that his words paved the way for series steps towards the resolution of the problem by the government. 

Katırcıoğlu told bianet the following:

“Prior to Beşir Atalay’s statement, a new bill on the “End of Terror and Societal Consolidation” passed in July legitimized the talks.

“Therefore, Atalay’s words are not surprising. On the contrary, we would  ask ourselves when such move would be made. This is a positive step. both parties are explaining their willingness for a resolution. 

“At the end of the day, Öcalan is inevitably the leader of the Kurdish movement but on the other hand the power of Kurdish political movement is concentrated in Qandil Mountain and such talks are inevitable. Talks with PKK stakeholders in Europe will also resume.” 

“Support is necessary for returns”

"Öcalan was feeling uneasy that no steps have been taken lately. The process have resumed behind the scenes up to now. From what is being stated by officials, the government is about to take another step with the approval and support of Öcalan.

“We know that the government has been working on the leaving of arms and return of guerrillas. There is already rumors that PKK members with no history of killing are silently returning to the country. 

“From now on, the return process will also continue silently, in my opinion. In order to realize this, conditions must be paved to transition from armed politics to civilian politics. Returning guerrillas will need support to go through their syndrome with the help of the government and local municipalities." (NV/BM)

* Photo credit: bianet

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.