Mazloum Abdi and Salih Muslim welcome Öcalan’s call for peace and democratic reforms, international actors also voice support

NORTH AND EAST SYRIA / WASHINGTON, D.C. / BERLIN — The General Commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Mazloum Abdi and member of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Union Party (Partiya Yekîtiya Demokrat, PYD) Salih Muslim have expressed their support for a call by Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK), regarding the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

Abdi: Historic Opportunity for Peace

Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdi welcomed Öcalan’s historic appeal to end the decades-long conflict in Turkey and initiate a peaceful political process.

Abdi described the announcement as a significant opportunity to establish peace and foster constructive relations across the region. He added, “If peace is achieved in Turkey, there would be no justification for continuing attacks on the SDF in Syria.”

However, Abdi clarified that Öcalan’s call pertains solely to the PKK and is unrelated to the SDF.

نرحب بالإعلان التاريخي من القائد عبدالله أوجلان، الذي يدعو إلى إنهاء الحرب في تركيا وفتح الطريق أمام عملية سياسية سلمية.
هذا الإعلان التاريخي هو فرصة لبناء السلام ومفتاح لفتح علاقات صحيحة وبناءة في المنطقة.

— Mazloum Abdî مظلوم عبدي (@MazloumAbdi) February 27, 2025

Muslim: End of Conflict Depends on Ceasing Attacks

Salih Muslim echoed Abdi’s sentiment, affirming that there would be no need for weapons if attacks on the peoples of North and East Syria ceased. He underscored that their armed resistance in North and East Syria was born out of the need for self-defense.

Muslim emphasized that Öcalan’s appeal aligns with previous expectations, noting that the armed struggle of the Kurdish people arose from the historical necessity of defending their rights.

“If protection is provided to the community and people are allowed to organize themselves freely, there would no longer be a need for weapons,” he added.

Öcalan’s Vision for a Democratic Future

In a message from prison on Imrali Island, Öcalan highlighted the significance of respecting identity, ensuring freedom of expression, and fostering democratic organization. He stressed the need for social, economic, and political structures that reflect the unique foundations of each group.

“Democracy is the foundation of everything,” Öcalan stated, emphasizing that a democratic society and political space are essential for achieving lasting peace.

He also called on the PKK to end its armed struggle, which began in 1984 against the Turkish Army and has resulted in thousands of casualties.

Path Toward Peace and Stability

Öcalan’s call has been met with cautious optimism, as leaders in North and East Syria and beyond view it as a potential turning point in resolving the Kurdish issue and fostering broader regional stability. International responses to Öcalan’s message have been overwhelmingly positive.

UN Secretary-General: Glimmer of Hope

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described Öcalan’s statement as a “glimmer of hope” for resolving the enduring conflict between the PKK and Turkish authorities. His spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated that Guterres views the appeal as a vital development that could pave the way for a sustainable resolution to decades of strife.

Washington: Step Toward Regional Stability

The White House also welcomed Öcalan’s message. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes called it a “significant development” and expressed optimism that it could help reassure Turkey about its US partners in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in North and East Syria. Hughes emphasized that the initiative has the potential to contribute to broader peace and stability across the region.

Berlin: Historic Opportunity

Germany’s Foreign Ministry echoed similar sentiments, describing Öcalan’s appeal as a “historic opportunity” to end years of armed conflict between Turkey and the PKK. The ministry urged all parties involved to take meaningful steps toward a lasting solution, stressing the importance of protecting the cultural and democratic rights of the Kurdish people.

A spokesperson for the ministry highlighted the key role of the Turkish parliament in shaping the political process and ensuring the success of any agreements. Germany reaffirmed its willingness to support efforts aimed at achieving enduring peace.

What Lies Ahead?

As local and international voices unite in praise of Öcalan’s peace call, the focus now shifts to the Turkish government’s response. This development has the potential to mark a turning point in one of the region’s most protracted conflicts, offering hope for reconciliation and a more stable future.