President Barzani, DEM Party Delegation Meeting Starts

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A  delegation from the DEM Party has arrived in Erbil for a crucial meeting with President Masoud Barzani to discuss the prospects of a new peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.

The delegation’s visit, seen as a pivotal moment in Kurdish political affairs, underscores President Barzani’s continued role as a key figure in mediating regional conflicts and peace initiatives.

According to Kurdistan24 correspondent Nawras Abdullah, the meeting commenced on Sunday, at approximately 10:00 AM at the Barzani headquarters.

The delegation, led by prominent Kurdish politicians Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, is engaging in discussions centered on the potential revival of peace negotiations in Turkey, particularly concerning the Kurdish issue.

The delegation arrived in Erbil on Saturday and is scheduled to remain in the Kurdistan Region until Monday.

During their stay, they are expected to hold several meetings with key Kurdish political figures and stakeholders to explore pathways to a sustainable peace process.

Ocalan’s Involvement and the Path Forward

A critical aspect of this initiative is the role of Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

The DEM Party delegation has already met with Ocalan twice in recent weeks and is preparing for a potential third meeting with him upon their return to Northern Kurdistan.

Pervin Buldan highlighted the significance of President Barzani’s perspective, revealing to Kurdistan24 that Ocalan himself had specifically requested the delegation to consult with Barzani.

She stated that Barzani’s insights and proposals regarding the peace process will be directly conveyed to Ocalan.

While no definitive date has been set for the third meeting with Ocalan, Buldan confirmed that it is contingent on receiving a call from him.

A Historic Message in the Making?

The prospect of a new peace process has gained further momentum following an announcement by DEM Party Co-Chair Tulay Hatimogullari on Wednesday.

Hatimogullari stated that Ocalan is expected to release a “historic message” this month, outlining his vision for resolving the Kurdish issue through peaceful negotiations rather than armed conflict.

In a separate statement, the PKK also emphasized that Ocalan, after 26 years of imprisonment, is positioned to spearhead a transformative phase that could reshape Turkey, the Middle East, and beyond—provided that obstacles to the peace process are removed.

The organization clarified that its objective is not the division of Turkey but rather the promotion of its democratization, reinforcing the call for a peaceful resolution.

Barzani’s Role in Kurdish Peace Efforts

President Barzani has long been an influential figure in advocating for Kurdish unity and the peaceful resolution of conflicts.

His previous mediation efforts, particularly during past peace processes between Turkey and the PKK, have reinforced his reputation as a pivotal mediator in regional Kurdish affairs.

The current discussions in Erbil indicate that Barzani remains deeply engaged in efforts to chart a new course for the Kurdish issue in Turkey, one that prioritizes dialogue and political solutions over military confrontation.

The DEM Party’s decision to engage with him directly underscores the continued recognition of his leadership in these critical matters.

As the meetings unfold, political observers are closely watching for any significant developments that could reignite a peace process that has remained stalled for years.

Should these discussions lead to tangible outcomes, they may mark a turning point in the Kurdish political landscape, offering renewed hope for a lasting and peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict.