Stressing the need for a political solution and full self-determination for the Kurdish people, Chris MacManus, a member of Ireland’s Sinn Féin party and a member of the European Parliament (MEP), called for the release of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan, in an interview with Medya Haber TV’s Erem Kansoy.

“As a political leader, he has to be with his people, and that means he has to be released,” MacManus said, stressing that the first step towards a political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey must be the release of Öcalan so that he can take part in political talks and lead the Kurdish movement towards peace and self-determination.

The MEP urged the Turkish authorities to recognise the key role that Öcalan can play in political discussions outside prison, which would ultimately contribute to regional stability. He also emphasised the importance of dialogue between the respective leaders to ensure the self-determination of the Kurdish people.

The call for Öcalan’s release echoes the wider sentiments of international figures who call for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question and an end to Turkey’s policy of prolonged isolation.