'Kurds Are One'; 'We Want to Lead the Peace Process,' DBP Co-Chair Bayindir Declares

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — In what many are describing as a turning point for the Kurdish political movement, the Kurdish Unity and Solidarity Conference convened today, Saturday, in Qamishlo, Northeastern Syria (Western Kurdistan), gathering more than 400 participants from across the four parts of Kurdistan. The event, hailed as a "historic day" by leading figures, has ignited fresh optimism for national unity and the initiation of a renewed peace process in Türkiye.

Speaking to Kurdistan24's correspondent, Sipan Khalil, Keskin Bayindir, Co-Chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), captured the spirit of the moment: "The holding of this conference is a historic day for the people of Kurdistan, and we hope it will become the foundation for national unity and the convening of a comprehensive national congress for Kurdish organizations and political parties from all four parts of Kurdistan, so that together they can build a future for the Kurds."

Bayindir emphasized the deep interconnectedness of Kurdish identity, stressing that "Kurds are one; their issues, hearts, souls, and minds are one." Reflecting on the decades-long efforts to resolve the Kurdish issue through military means, he underlined that "everyone knows it has yielded no results." With the current emphasis on political solutions, Bayindir voiced confidence that the process "will have good results, because the Kurdish people are peace-loving and we want to lead the peace process in the region."

A crucial component of the day's discussions was the prospect of a new peace process in Türkiye. Bayindir revealed that "soon, some serious steps will be taken" to announce the initiative. He expressed his party's full commitment to the endeavor, noting that "if the process succeeds, it will have a positive impact on all four parts of Kurdistan."

Bayindir also extended his gratitude to President Masoud Barzani and senior officials of the Kurdistan Region, recognizing their "key role in the new peace process and in holding the Unity and Solidarity Conference of Western Kurdistan political parties." He remarked, "We thank him, and this is exactly what is expected of him."

The momentum toward a renewed peace initiative has also been bolstered by recent political engagement at the highest levels. On Thursday, a delegation from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) — consisting of Vice-Presidents Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit and Sezai Temelli, alongside Assistant Co-Chair Ozturk Turkdogan — met with Türkiye's Minister of Justice, Yilmaz Tunc. According to Bayindir, the outcome of the meeting was "positive," and there are high expectations that the "understanding reached will be translated into concrete action to legalize the new peace process."

The conference itself, which opened at 10:00 AM on Saturday, is jointly spearheaded by the Kurdish National Council in Syria (ENKS) and the Democratic Union Party (PYD), each represented by 130 members. Delegates from across the Kurdish regions, including representatives from the Kurdistan Region such as Dr. Hamid Darbandi of the Barzani Headquarters, and a joint delegation from Southeastern Türkiye (Northern Kurdistan), including the DEM Party and DBP, are also in attendance.

The primary goal of the conference is to prepare a unified draft for Kurdish political participation in the future of Syria. Organizers stress that Kurds must present a united front, with a common position and viewpoint, in upcoming negotiations over Syria's political destiny.

As the Kurdish world watches closely, today's gathering in Qamishlo signals a rare and potent moment of solidarity. While formidable challenges remain, the calls for peace, unity, and a shared future echo louder than ever across the mountains and cities of Kurdistan.