Turkey's Justice Minister Confirms Approval for Third DEM Party Meeting with Ocalan
These meetings are seen as significant steps in rekindling efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc, confirmed that permission will be granted for a third meeting between the Peoples' Democratic Party (DEM Party) delegation and Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), once an official request is submitted.
However, as of now, no such request has been made by the DEM Party delegation.
Speaking on the matter, Minister Tunc emphasized that Turkey’s Ministry of Justice is prepared to evaluate any formal request regarding the visit. “No official request has been submitted for this purpose,” he stated, adding that if a new request is received, it will be assessed and permission will be granted accordingly.
The DEM Party delegation, consisting of senior parliamentarians Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, has already met with Ocalan twice to discuss the new peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.
These meetings are seen as significant steps in rekindling efforts for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue.
Their diplomatic efforts included a recent visit to the Kurdistan Region, where President Masoud Barzani received the delegation on Sunday. The diplomatic engagement of DEM Party continued with a schedule meeting with Kurdistan Region’s President Nechirvan Barzani on Monday, and a meeting with PUK leadership on Tuesday in Sulaimani.
Additionally, Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the delegation on Wednesday. During this meeting, the delegation discussed ongoing peace efforts in Turkey, underscoring the necessity of resolving the Kurdish issue and fostering regional stability.
The delegation expressed their satisfaction with their visit, detailing their discussions and engagements aimed at advancing the peace process in Turkey.
They emphasized that a new phase has begun, with the resolution of the Kurdish question becoming an urgent and crucial priority. Furthermore, they commended President Masoud Barzani’s role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation, acknowledging his steadfast support in previous peace initiatives.
Prime Minister Masrour Barzani reiterated the importance of seizing every opportunity for peace and stability, emphasizing the value of peaceful coexistence and strengthening ties among the peoples of the region.
He reaffirmed the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ending conflict and violence in Turkey, expressing readiness for cooperation and coordination in the process.
The delegation is expected to carry President Barzani’s perspectives back to Abdullah Ocalan, with whom they have already held two prior meetings regarding the new peace initiative.
Following their return from the Kurdistan Region, the DEM Party delegation is expected to issue a comprehensive statement outlining their stance on the peace process. Political analysts anticipate that, after making their public statement, the delegation will formally submit a request to Turkey’s Ministry of Justice for a third meeting with Ocalan.
Meanwhile, DEM Party spokesperson Aysegul Dogan has announced that the party will issue a comprehensive statement regarding the progress of the peace process following the conclusion of the delegation’s meetings in the Kurdistan Region. The outcomes of these discussions could have significant implications for future negotiations and stability in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the Kurdistan Region remains a pivotal player in fostering dialogue and reconciliation, reaffirming its role as a bridge for peace initiatives in the broader Middle East.