DEM Party Delegation to Meet President Barzani for Key Talks on Imrali Discussions
The discussions will center on the outcomes of their meetings with Ocalan and the prospects of launching a renewed peace process aimed at resolving the Kurdish question in Turkey.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Peoples' Democratic and Equality Party (DEM Party) has announced that its delegation to Imrali, which has held two rounds of talks with Abdullah Ocalan, will visit Erbil to discuss a potential new peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan with President Masoud Barzani.
According to a statement released on Monday, the DEM Party delegation will arrive in Erbil on Feb. 16, 2025, where they will meet with President Masoud Barzani and Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region.
The discussions will center on the outcomes of their meetings with Ocalan and the prospects of launching a renewed peace process aimed at resolving the Kurdish question in Turkey.
Regional Implications and the Role of Erbil
The visit underscores the importance of Erbil’s role in mediating and fostering regional dialogue.
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has historically maintained diplomatic engagement with Kurdish political factions in Turkey, balancing its relations with both Ankara and Kurdish opposition groups.
President Barzani leadership’s involvement in the discussions signals the potential for greater Kurdish unity and a broader framework for negotiations.
The DEM Party delegation, consisting of prominent Kurdish politicians Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, aims to consolidate efforts for a peaceful resolution following Ocalan’s anticipated statement from Imrali Prison.
Turkish media reports suggest that Ocalan may issue a direct call for PKK militants to lay down arms and enter into political negotiations, a move that could significantly alter the trajectory of Turkey’s Kurdish policy.
The Road to a New Peace Process
While previous peace efforts between the Turkish state and the PKK collapsed in 2015, the current political climate presents an opportunity for renewed dialogue.
The DEM Party’s engagement with Ocalan signals a potential shift, although key challenges remain. It remains uncertain what concessions, if any, the Turkish government is prepared to offer in exchange for the disarmament of the PKK.
Political observers suggest that discussions could revolve around securing greater Kurdish rights within Turkey’s constitution.
This may include official recognition of the Kurdish language, the release of imprisoned Kurdish politicians, and the removal of government-appointed trustees from Kurdish municipalities—measures that could serve as confidence-building steps toward long-term reconciliation.
Challenges and Uncertainties
Despite the optimism surrounding these discussions, major obstacles remain. The Turkish government has yet to officially confirm its stance on the proposed peace process, and nationalist factions within Turkey remain opposed to any concessions that might be seen as empowering Kurdish political movements.
Additionally, tensions within the broader Kurdish political landscape pose a challenge to unified negotiations.
The upcoming visit to Erbil is expected to provide greater clarity on the potential roadmap for peace.
The outcomes of these high-level discussions will likely determine the next steps in what could be a historic shift in Turkey’s approach to resolving its Kurdish issue.