Last year, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) formally renounced its armed struggle against the Turkish state after four decades of violence that has killed at least 50,000 people on both sides.

In a message published by a delegation of lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM party, who were authorised to visit him on Friday, Ocalan reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process.

"The period of armed struggle is over. There is no going back," he said.

"I think it is important for me to be able to reach a wider public so my views on this process are properly understood."

"The government must acknowledge that no destructive activity is being carried out and there is no threat to the country's security," said the 76-year-old Ocalan, who has spent the last 27 years in detention.

He urged the parliamentary commission set up to define the future status of the PKK and its former fighters to establish "without delay, a comprehensive and inclusive legal framework".