Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Defence, Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire TD, has commented on reports that Kurdish Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan has made a ‘call for peace and a democratic society’.

A delegation from the DEM Party, which met Abdullah Öcalan in Imrali Prison this week, read a statement from the imprisoned leader at a press conference on Thursday in Istanbul.

The statement called for the ‘laying down of arms and dissolution of the PKK’ that would ‘in practice require the recognition of democratic politics and a legal framework’.

Referring to this development, Teachta Ó Laoghaire said:

“Sinn Féin supports the development of a Kurdish-Turkish peace process based on the principles of inclusivity, representation, mutual respect, justice and equality.

“The call by PKK leader Öcalan is a significant moment.

“Any peace process between the government of Türkiye and Kurdish political representatives must involve all sides. Dialogue is essential to secure a lasting peace.

“Sinn Féin believes that Abdullah Öcalan should be immediately released without delay. His freedom will be an important step towards achieving a real peace and resolving regional tensions.

“The international community can play a constructive role in supporting a Kurdish-Turkish political agreement, but this must be on a good faith and even handed basis.

“The government of Türkiye should respond positively to this new development and reciprocate with decisions which build confidence and trust and lay the foundations for meaningful political engagement.”