Fifth Visit by HDP Delegation to Imrali Rekindles Hopes for Renewed Peace Process in Turkey
The core of the discussions reportedly centered on the post-Congress stage following the PKK’s formal decision to disband. The meeting aimed to explore practical frameworks for launching a new peace initiative.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – A delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) made its fifth visit to the island prison of Imrali on Sunday, where they met with imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan to discuss a potential new phase of peace negotiations in Turkey.
According to Turkish media sources, HDP parliamentarian and Imrali delegation member Pervin Buldan led the visit. The meeting comes in the wake of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK)’s historic 12th Congress, during which the group announced its dissolution and the termination of its armed struggle.
DEM Party Holds Talks with Öcalan on Post-PKK Phase
The core of the discussions reportedly centered on the post-Congress stage following the PKK’s formal decision to disband. The meeting aimed to explore practical frameworks for launching a new peace initiative, with the involvement and guidance of Öcalan, the group’s symbolic figurehead who remains incarcerated on Imrali Island.
This latest visit marks the fifth such delegation to the island since early 2025. The previous meeting took place on April 21, just weeks before the PKK declared its dissolution from May 5 to 7.
PKK Declares Historic Shift, Ends “Armed struggle”
On May 12, the PKK released a landmark statement confirming the end of its four-decade armed insurgency. The group framed the decision as a fulfillment of its historical mission and a transition from armed resistance to a fully political path, stating:
“The PKK has never pursued nihilism or destruction against our people. The Kurdish question has now reached a solvable stage through democratic politics, and our 12th Congress has resolved to dissolve the PKK's organizational structure and cease all military and affiliated operations under its name.”
The declaration emphasized the leadership of Abdullah Öcalan in guiding the process and called for widespread societal support within Turkey to embrace the peace initiative.
A Call for Nationwide Embrace of Peace
The PKK has urged all components of Turkish society—political parties, civil society organizations, and parliament—to engage constructively with the new peace proposal. The group specifically appealed to Turkey’s Grand National Assembly to assume a “historical responsibility” and provide legislative backing for reconciliation.
“We call on all political forces, especially the government and main opposition, to view this process as a national opportunity,” the statement added.
Turkey Maintains Operational Posture
Despite the dramatic announcement, Turkish defense authorities have continued military operations against suspected PKK strongholds. The Ministry of Defense stated it would maintain its campaign “until the region is completely cleared and no longer poses a threat.”
A Delicate Crossroads
The fifth Imrali visit and Öcalan’s involvement signal a potential recalibration in Turkey’s longstanding Kurdish question. However, deep skepticism remains among Turkish officials regarding the PKK’s internal cohesion and the authenticity of its disarmament.
Still, the unfolding developments mark a potentially historic opening for diplomacy—one that could reshape regional dynamics if embraced by all sides with genuine intent.
