Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the outlawed PKK who is serving a life sentence on İmralı Island, recently made remarkable comments highlighting the importance of the reconciliation process and called for special precautionary measures against those who could try to sabotage efforts. A delegation sent by the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) to discuss the issue with Öcalan released a statement pertaining to their visit. The statement notes that Öcalan was particularly saddened by the incidents that took place on Oct. 6 and 7 when pro and anti-PKK Kurds clashed, resulting in the death of 36 people. "From now on, it is crucial for all structures and institutions that are in favor of democracy, peace and resolution to approach the issue with critical thinking and responsibility," said Öcalan, who called on all sides to learn a lesson from what happened. Öcalan made remarkable comments highlighting the importance of the reconciliation process and indicated that the process was revitalized when National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Chief Hakan Fidan visited him last week."The reconciliation process has faced a rupture," Öcalan claimed, saying that Oct. 15 marked a new beginning to bring a permanent resolution to the issue when Fidan visited him for a meeting. He highlighted the idea that it is critical for all parties to fulfill their responsibilities, and emphasized that he considers the recent Wisemen Committee Meeting and the Second Ankara Peace Conference as well as the demands from these meetings to be particularly important. "What we need here is to put more confidence in peace and democracy, while expressing clear determination and brave political moves," said Öcalan, who claimed that the resolution of the issue has the potential to resolve the crisis in the region. Öcalan said that it is a historical obligation for everyone to contribute to the resolution of the conflict in a constructive manner and not allow perpetrators to sabotage the process. "Being aware of such provocations is not enough by itself," said Öcalan. The PKK, which operated as a militant organization from 1984 to 2013 and attacked numerous civilian and military targets resulting in thousands of casualties, signed a cease-fire with the government on March 21, 2013, when the government initiated the reconciliation process followed by a series of democratic reforms to improve the rights of Turkey's Kurdish population. Recently, the government established the Reconciliation Process Committee in an effort to draw a roadmap for the steps and precautions that will be taken by the government and for the development of effective strategies and policies to put a permanent end to terrorism in the country.