The Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party shared the New Year message of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. The message contained important messages regarding the Peace and Democratic Society Process and the 10 March Agreement signed between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Damascus.

 

Abdullah Öcalan’s message reads as follows: 

 

“As we enter the new year, we must once again remember how nationalism, which developed intertwined with imperialist attacks throughout the past century, has confronted the Middle East with deep conflicts, destruction, and social fragmentation. All forms of sectarianism and ethnic nationalism experienced in the region today take their roots from this recent and painful history. Unfortunately, the hegemonic system’s strategy of ‘divide, rule, and provoke’ continues under different forms.

 

For this very reason, despite all the difficulties, the perspective of Peace and a Democratic Society that we have developed stands before us not merely as a choice, but as a historical necessity. If correctly and clearly understood, this perspective is an antidote capable of preventing new conflicts and making it possible for peoples to live together in equality and freedom. Our fundamental responsibility in the coming period is to prevent a new conflict that may emerge in the short term and to avert irreparable consequences.

 

The deepening crises and political conflicts in the Middle East are the inevitable result of the blockage and unsustainability of a despotic, power-centered statist civilization mentality that has persisted for thousands of years.

 

Resolving the Kurdish question, which lies at the center of these crises, is only possible through social peace and democratic consensus. It is vital that the issue be addressed not through conflict, war, military, and security-based methods, but on democratic grounds that takes the will of the peoples as its basis.

 

It must not be forgotten that without the liberation of women, the liberation of society is impossible. Unless the male-dominated mentality is dismantled, the culture of war cannot end and peace cannot become lasting. For this reason, I regard women’s freedom as the founding and indispensable principle of a democratic society.

 

The chaotic situation that has emerged in Syria is also a clear reflection of the need for democratization. The monist, oppressive governance mentality that denied identities for years has further strengthened the demands for freedom and equality of Kurds, Arabs, Alawites, and all peoples. Within the framework of the agreement signed on March 10 between the SDF and the Damascus administration, the fundamental demand expressed is a democratic political model in which peoples can govern themselves together. This approach also contains a ground for democratic integration that can be negotiated with the central structure. The implementation of the March 10 Agreement will ease and accelerate the process.

 

It is of vital importance for Turkey to assume a facilitating, constructive, and dialogue-oriented role in this process. This is critical both for regional peace and for strengthening its own internal peace.

 

The modern history of the Middle East is largely a history of ‘negative revolutions’: war, oppression, denial, and destruction. In contrast, what we propose is a ‘positive revolution’, that is, the reconstruction of society through democratic, peaceful, and ethical political methods. The peace we persistently defend must not be an outcome, but a new beginning. The struggle for rights, law, and democratization carried out within peace will eliminate hatred, antagonism, and anger, and will open the door to a new life for everyone.

 

With this awareness, I wish to make the new year not a year of wars, destruction, and division, but a year of democratic reconciliation, peace, and the collective will of peoples to build a shared future together.

 

I hope that the new year opens the door to peace, freedom, and a democratic future in Turkey, the Middle East, and the world; I congratulate the new year of all friends, especially peoples who are struggling.

 

I wish that the new year brings peace and an honorable life for all our peoples, and I send my love and greetings.

 

This period will be one strengthened by women’s freedom, in which peoples integrate with democratic values in peace.

 

Abdullah Öcalan

 

Imrali

 

30 December 2025”