Jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan continues his involvement in ongoing peace discussions, but no immediate statement is expected, the pro-Kurdish People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) said Thursday following a second meeting with him on İmralı Island south of İstanbul.

The DEM Party delegation, consisting of MPs Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Pervin Buldan, held a four-hour meeting with Öcalan on Wednesday, updating him on recent political discussions with Turkish government officials and opposition parties. The party later issued a written statement confirming that Öcalan remains engaged in the process but needs more time before addressing the public.

“Mr. Öcalan’s work on the process is ongoing. Once preparations are complete, the necessary public statements will be made,” the DEM Party said in its statement.

The delegation also said its own outreach efforts and political engagement would continue and pledged to keep the public informed of any significant developments.

The latest meeting comes amid growing speculation over whether Öcalan will issue a historic call for the PKK to lay down its arms.

The first visit, on December 28, marked Öcalan’s first known political contact in nearly nine years. Following that meeting, the DEM Party delegation launched an extensive political tour, meeting with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Republican People’s Party (CHP) and other opposition groups. The delegation also visited imprisoned former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ.

Notably, veteran Kurdish politician Ahmet Türk, who was part of the first visit, did not accompany the delegation to İmralı for the second meeting.

“This process will ensure that we all live together in freedom. With this hope, we expect valuable contributions from all segments of society,” the DEM Party said in its statement, calling for broader participation in ongoing peace efforts.

February 15 announcement speculation

Reports suggest that Öcalan could make a significant announcement on February 15, the 26th anniversary of his capture by Turkish intelligence. According to Turkish media, he may call for the dissolution of the PKK or a full withdrawal of its armed elements from Turkey.

Important developments ahead in Turkey. Erdogan and his nationalist ally had initiated talks with the PKK’s jailed leader Ocalan recently. According to my sources Ocalan will publicly call on the PKK on Feb 15th to lay down arms.

In return, Turkish government is expected to…

— Gönül Tol (@gonultol) January 22, 2025

While there has been no confirmation from the Turkish government, the possibility of a new peace initiative has been the subject of political debate in Ankara. The process gained momentum after MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, a key ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, made an unexpected call for Öcalan to be allowed to address DEM Party’s parliamentary group meeting and urge the PKK to disband.

The DEM Party has not explicitly confirmed whether Öcalan intends to make such a call but previously stated that he is prepared to take “a positive step” when the time is right.