DEM Party Delegation Arrives in Kurdistan Region
Their scheduled meeting with President Barzani on Sunday aims to discuss a new dialogue for a non-violent resolution to long-standing conflicts and peace process in Turkey.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A delegation from the Peoples' Democratic and Equality Party (DEM Party) has arrived in the Kurdistan Region to discuss a new peace process initiative with President Masoud Barzani.
The delegation, which recently held talks with the imprisoned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan on Imrali Island, underscores the renewed push for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.
According to Kurdistan24 correspondent Hoshmand Sadiq, the DEM Party delegation, consisting of senior members Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, arrived in the Kurdistan Region on Saturday.
Their scheduled meeting with President Barzani on Sunday aims to discuss the path forward in a fresh attempt at dialogue, emphasizing a non-violent resolution to decades-long conflicts.
A New Phase in the Peace Process?
Pervin Buldan stressed the significance of President Barzani’s input, noting that Ocalan himself had underlined the importance of engaging the Kurdistan Region’s leadership in the initiative.
"Ocalan specifically emphasized the need to meet with President Barzani to gain his perspective and cooperation in this process," Buldan told Kurdistan24.
She affirmed that the delegation would relay President Barzani’s insights back to Ocalan and await further instructions regarding the next steps.
Despite the urgency of the initiative, Buldan revealed that no official date has been set for a third visit to Imrali, as it depends on an official request from Ocalan.
However, the delegation remains committed to maintaining diplomatic momentum toward a peaceful solution.
Ocalan’s Anticipated Historic Message
Adding to the heightened expectations, DEM Party Co-Chair Tulay Hatimogullari announced on Wednesday that Ocalan is preparing to release a "historic message" later this month.
The message is expected to underline the necessity of resolving the Kurdish issue through peaceful and democratic dialogue, acknowledging that prolonged armed struggles have not yielded a lasting solution.
The PKK, in a parallel statement, indicated that after 26 years of Ocalan’s imprisonment, conditions are set for a transformative phase in Turkey and the broader Middle East.
The organization reiterated that its objective is not the fragmentation of Turkey but its democratization, envisioning a future where Kurdish rights and political representation are secured through institutional reforms rather than armed confrontation.
Regional Implications and President Barzani’s Role
President Barzani has long been a pivotal figure in efforts to mediate Kurdish-Turkish tensions.
The Kurdistan Region's leadership has historically played a crucial role in advocating for dialogue and stability in the region.
The upcoming meeting could influence the trajectory of peace talks and determine whether a viable framework can be established for sustainable negotiations between Ankara and Kurdish representatives.
The renewed engagement in peace discussions comes at a critical juncture for Turkey, as political shifts and evolving regional dynamics open possibilities for diplomatic breakthroughs.
The Kurdistan Region, with its strategic position and historical ties to both Kurdish and Turkish leadership, remains an essential player in this evolving discourse.
As developments unfold, all eyes will be on Erbil to see whether this meeting can pave the way for a genuine and lasting peace initiative, marking a turning point in the decades-old Kurdish question.