DEM Party Delegation Meets with MHP, AKP to Discuss Peace Process

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a pivotal political development, a delegation from the Democratic Equality Party (DEM Party) has launched a renewed effort to engage key political factions in Türkiye, meeting with representatives from the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) on Monday and preparing to hold talks with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) later in the day.

The discussions mark the second phase of the DEM Party’s outreach initiative aimed at fostering consensus on resolving the Kurdish issue and addressing Abdullah Ocalan’s recent peace appeal.

The meetings come at a time of heightened political significance, as Türkiye navigates the complexities of security, national unity, and regional stability. DEM Party co-chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan led the delegation in talks with the MHP parliamentary group earlier today, before their scheduled meeting with the AKP parliamentary group.

At the heart of the discussions is the response to Ocalan’s latest appeal, which has reignited debates about the prospects for a renewed peace process. The jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)—which is designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, and Türkiye—has called for dialogue, sparking both support and skepticism within Türkiye’s political landscape.

The Imralı delegation, tasked with monitoring developments regarding Ocalan’s appeal, previously confirmed their intention to meet with the MHP and AKP on March 17 to explore potential avenues for engagement.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reaffirmed on Thursday his government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism completely and permanently.

Addressing lawmakers during an iftar (fast-breaking) meal, Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye is determined to achieve this goal swiftly and without unnecessary delays.

"We are working toward eliminating a scourge that has burdened Türkiye for four decades and claimed the lives of tens of thousands," he stated.

As reported by Heberler last Wednesday, the Turkish President also indicated that, "My friends will meet with the İmralı delegation. If they request an appointment from me, I will grant it,” leaving the door open for further political engagement depending on the outcome of ongoing discussions.

The renewed initiative by the DEM Party reflects a strategic attempt to build cross-party consensus on addressing one of Türkiye’s most pressing and longstanding issues.

While the peace process has remained a contentious topic in Türkiye’s political discourse, these latest talks could signal a shift toward a more constructive approach in managing the Kurdish question.

As discussions unfold, the political ramifications of these meetings will be closely watched, not only in Türkiye but also in the broader regional context, including in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, where the political dynamics of Türkiye’s Kurdish policy continue to have significant implications.