DEM Party Delegation Meets Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island to Advance New Peace Process

The DEM Party has labeled the meetings as crucial steps toward enhancing dialogue and reconciliation. The delegation plans to hold a third meeting with Ocalan before submitting his roadmap to Turkish political leaders.

The gate of Imrali prison. (Photo: Turkish Media)
The gate of Imrali prison. (Photo: Turkish Media)

Jan. 22, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A delegation from the Peoples' Democratic Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has met with imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island, marking the second meeting in ongoing discussions about a new peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.

Delegation Visits Imrali Island

On Wednesday, Turkish media reported that a DEM Party delegation, including Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, traveled to Imrali Island to hold discussions with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). 

The meeting is part of efforts to draw a roadmap for the new peace process that could lead to resolving long-standing tensions in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.

A Path Toward Peace

This marks the second meeting between the DEM Party delegation and Ocalan, following an initial discussion on Dec. 28, 2024. 

During the first meeting, Ocalan stated that he is willing to contribute to a peace initiative, asserting, "I have the capability and will to make the necessary positive contribution to Erdogan and Bahceli's call for dialogue, as this is an era of peace, democracy, and brotherhood for Turkey and the region."

The DEM Party has labeled the meetings as crucial steps toward enhancing dialogue and reconciliation. The delegation plans to hold a third meeting with Ocalan before submitting his roadmap to Turkish political leaders.

Engagement with Turkish Authorities

Ahead of the second meeting, the DEM Party submitted a formal request to the Turkish Ministry of Justice on Jan. 20, 2025, seeking permission to visit Ocalan at Imrali Prison. 

The approval underlines a likely change toward renewed negotiations after years of stalled talks.

Building Political Consensus

Following their preliminary meeting with Ocalan in December, the DEM Party delegation engaged in separate discussions with various Turkish political parties to share insights from the meeting. 

The party later stated that the political environment was largely positive toward the proposed peace process.

Sirri Sureyya Onder, a member of the DEM Party’s negotiation team, confirmed that the roadmap to be submitted will reflect Ocalan’s vision for nurturing peace, democracy, and coexistence in the region.

Regional Implications

The revived engagement with Ocalan and the prospect of a new peace process come at a critical time for Turkey, as it wrestles with internal tensions and regional instability. 

Analysts view the discussions as a probable turning point for tackling Kurdish grievances and enhancing broader political and social harmony.

As the DEM Party delegation gets ready for its third meeting with Ocalan, hopes are rising for practical progress in the peace process. 

If successful, the initiative could mark a new chapter in Turkey’s attempts to reconcile with its Kurdish population, paving the way for a more inclusive and stable future.