Latest Developments in Türkiye’s Peace Process
DEM Party launches new peace initiative, seeking talks with Erdoğan & jailed PKK leader Öcalan after meeting Parliament Speaker Kurtulmuş. PKK declares end to armed struggle as both sides push for democratic solution.'Terror-Free Türkiye' policy continue while DEM criticizes prolonged Kobani case.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdish-led Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) announced on Thursday its intention to launch a new round of peace discussions with key political figures in Türkiye, including President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and jailed PKK’s leader Abdullah Öcalan. This came a day after the party’s delegation met with Turkish Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş to explore prospects for reviving the peace process.
DEM Party Calls for Inclusive Dialogue
Pervin Buldan, a senior DEM Party member and a representative on the İmralı Delegation, confirmed during a press conference that the party had held a formal meeting with Speaker Kurtulmuş. She stated that the session was held “within an extremely official framework” and focused on the current phase of the peace process.
“We discussed the progress and phases the peace initiative has reached so far and exchanged views on the evolving dynamics,” Buldan said, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary engagement and dialogue in advancing toward peace.
She added that the delegation plans to meet with several high-ranking figures in the coming weeks, including Abdullah Öcalan, President Erdoğan, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, and Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Özgür Özel.
DEM Party spokesperson: Advocating for Equal Justice and Immediate Action
Meanwhile, Ayşegül Doğan, DEM Party spokesperson, reinforced the party’s call for justice and democratic resolution. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, June 27, she stated: “All components of society must embrace justice, regardless of the language they speak. Democracy is a collective need.”
She emphasized that “all weapons must be laid down, and all necessary steps for achieving peace must be taken without delay.” Doğan acknowledged a growing consensus among parties, but urged actionable support for the peace process. “Society demands equal access to justice. Declarations are not enough. Practical steps are needed.”
Addressing the Kobani case, Doğan criticized the prolonged detention process. “The judicial process has gone on for too long—32,630 pages of indictment have been produced. If a legal conclusion can be drawn, let it be written in one page. We only have a week for deliberation, yet it would take 90 days to read the documents.”
She condemned the court’s decision as a violation of both Turkish democratic principles and international human rights standards. “This ruling goes against the core values of democracy and justice. Real democracy must be restored in Türkiye,” she said.
Fifth Visit to İmralı and Erdoğan in the Works
This marks the fifth time the DEM Party delegation has sought access to Öcalan and a second upcoming meeting with Erdoğan to discuss comprehensive peace efforts across Türkiye and Northern Kurdistan. President Erdoğan acknowledged the request from the İmralı Delegation in his June 25 press conference and indicated a meeting would be held soon.
Meanwhile, the delegation, composed of Buldan and DEM Party MP Mithat Sancar, is expected to continue discussions aimed at laying the groundwork for a renewed peace framework.
PKK: The Ball Is in Türkiye’s Court
Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) co-chair Besê Hozat emphasized that the Kurdish side has fulfilled its responsibilities and called on Ankara to now act. “We have done our part; now it is Türkiye’s turn to take the necessary steps,” Hozat said in a televised statement.
Rejecting the Turkish government’s framing of the initiative as a "Terror-Free Türkiye" campaign, Hozat asserted that the name of the initiative must be clear: “This is a Peace and Democratic Society Process,” she stated.
During its 12th Congress in early June, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) officially declared the end of armed struggle and commitment to a peaceful resolution. Hozat noted that Öcalan’s call shaped the congress, and said: “This was a historic and significant step for building peace.”
Erdoğan: The Process Will Not Be Derailed
President Erdoğan reiterated that his government will not allow the peace process to be derailed. “We will never allow this initiative to collapse. We are determined to conclude it successfully,” he declared on June 24.
Erdoğan described the initiative as a state-led strategic policy, affirming, “We will remain steadfast in our goal of achieving a Terror-Free Türkiye.”
Regional Implications and Support for Syria Talks
Erdoğan also commented on the broader regional context, particularly regarding Syria. “Terror was used as a tool in our region,” he said, adding that recent efforts by Syria's transitional government to pursue peace are promising.
He affirmed that Ankara supports Syria’s fight against terrorism and predicted that progress will soon follow. “We will provide necessary support,” he added.
Political Engagement at Parliamentary Level
The current peace overture coincides with heightened political coordination. Turkish media affiliated with the DEM Party earlier reported that the delegation’s meeting with Speaker Kurtulmuş on June 26 was aimed at “exploring new steps for the peace process and discussing next-stage developments.”
As regional conflicts escalate, especially between Israel and Iran, Kurdish political factions underscore the importance of dialogue as a stabilizing force. Hozat noted that the Iran-Israel conflict illustrates the urgency of a peaceful resolution within Türkiye.
The DEM Party’s renewed engagement with Turkish state institutions, including President Erdoğan and other top political leaders, signals a potential shift toward reactivating political dialogue over the Kurdish question—within both national and regional frameworks.
