DEM Party Pushes for New Peace Process, Linking Kurdish Issue to Turkey’s Stability
"If a new peace process is announced and the Kurdish issue is resolved, the obstacles to democracy and all other problems in the country will disappear," Hatimogulları stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Peoples' Democratic and Equality Party (DEM Party) has reiterated its commitment to launching a new peace process in Turkey, emphasizing that resolving the Kurdish issue is key to addressing broader political and democratic challenges in the country.
The party’s co-chair, Tülay Hatimoğulları, stated that the ongoing dialogue between DEM Party representatives and Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has rekindled hope for peace and stability in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.
Hatimoğulları made these remarks during a public gathering in Mersin, held under the slogan "Peace and Freedom," where she reaffirmed that despite governmental pressures and the appointment of trustees to Kurdish municipalities, the DEM Party remains steadfast in its efforts to initiate a new peace process.
She underscored that "the Kurdish issue, democracy, and all problems in Turkey are interconnected; therefore, if a new peace process is announced and the Kurdish issue is resolved, the obstacles to democracy and all other problems in the country will disappear."
Talks with Ocalan and the Path to Peace
The DEM Party delegation has met twice with Ocalan on Imrali Island to discuss pathways to resolving the Kurdish issue.
Turkish media reports suggest that a third and possibly final visit is expected soon, after which Ocalan may issue a direct message from prison calling on PKK militants to lay down their arms and engage in political negotiations.
While details remain unclear regarding what Ocalan might receive in exchange for advocating disarmament, there is broad consensus on securing Kurdish rights within the Turkish constitution.
Key demands include the official recognition of Kurdish as a state language, the release of imprisoned Kurdish politicians, and the removal of government-appointed trustees from Kurdish municipalities.
A Turning Point in Turkish Politics?
The potential for a renewed peace process comes at a crucial time for Turkey, where political tensions have escalated amid increasing state suppression of Kurdish political representation.
Previous peace talks between the Turkish government and the PKK collapsed in 2015, leading to years of intensified conflict and crackdowns on Kurdish political movements.
Political observers argue that the Turkish government’s response to these renewed efforts will be a significant indicator of its commitment to democratic reform.
While some government factions oppose direct engagement with the PKK, others recognize that a peaceful resolution could enhance Turkey’s stability, improve its international standing, and address long-standing grievances among Kurdish citizens.
Uncertain Road Ahead
Despite growing optimism within the DEM Party, significant obstacles remain.
The Turkish government has not officially commented on the reported upcoming meeting with Ocalan, and there is uncertainty regarding whether the state is willing to engage in a structured negotiation process.
Additionally, nationalist factions within Turkey’s political landscape continue to resist any form of Kurdish political empowerment.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this renewed push for peace gains momentum.
If Ocalan issues a formal call for disarmament and political dialogue, it could mark a historic moment in Turkey’s Kurdish conflict, setting the stage for substantive political negotiations that could reshape the country’s future.