Öcalan Warns of 'Coup Mechanics' in Turkey Should Dialogue Collapse

PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan has issued a stark warning regarding the current dialogue process, stating that a failure to achieve a resolution to the Kurdish issue could trigger a "coup mechanism" within Turkey. This critical message was conveyed by DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit following a historic visit to İmralı Island, where she was accompanied by senior lawmakers from the ruling AKP and MHP coalition.

The visit, which marked a significant departure from previous state-intelligence-led meetings, involved members of the parliamentary "National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission." According to details cited by the T24 news site, the delegation included AKP Deputy Chair Hüseyin Yayman and MHP Deputy Chair Feti Yıldız alongside Koçyiğit. This meeting represents a "critical threshold," as it is the first time a political delegation representing the Turkish Grand National Assembly has engaged directly with Öcalan to discuss a roadmap for peace.

During the meeting, Öcalan reportedly described the ongoing process as "historic," noting that his call for peace on February 27 was based on a mutual consensus reached with the state. However, his optimism was tempered by a severe caution regarding the fragility of the situation. Koçyiğit relayed Öcalan’s assessment that success is imperative this time around. "We must definitely succeed this time; otherwise, the coup mechanics could come into play," Öcalan reportedly stated. He drew parallels to the collapse of the 2013–2015 resolution process, suggesting that failure would not only end the peace efforts but could destabilize the state apparatus itself through interventionist mechanics.

Koçyiğit emphasized that Öcalan views himself as a political interlocutor rather than merely a figurehead for disarmament. "We have moved the Kurdish issue from the gallows to the table for the first time," Öcalan told the delegation, signifying a shift from security-oriented approaches to political solutions. He stressed that while the issue involves disarmament, the core matter is the "democratic construction" of the state and society.

The conversation also covered regional dynamics, specifically the situation in Syria. Öcalan warned that without genuine democratization and local governance, the administration in Syria risks reverting to dictatorship. He advocated for the implementation of the "March 10 agreement" and proposed a model where armed groups could be integrated into a defense ministry structure while maintaining local internal security forces. He further touched upon external threats, suggesting that international powers, including Israel, might seek to sabotage a potential Turkish-Kurdish alliance to further their own regional designs.

Regarding his personal condition, Koçyiğit noted that Öcalan appeared to be in good health and high spirits. However, he expressed regret regarding the composition of the delegation, specifically the absence of the main opposition party. "I wish the CHP had come too," Öcalan reportedly said, emphasizing the need for broad political consensus. The visiting MPs reportedly left the meeting convinced of Öcalan’s commitment to a democratic solution and his determination to prevent the "coup mechanics" he fears could follow a collapse in talks.