DEM Party: Öcalan Calls for Kurdish National Congress Led by President Barzani
Öcalan has called for a Kurdish National Congress led by President Masoud Barzani, DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan told Kurdistan24. He hailed the move as historic for Kurdish unity, following the PKK’s declaration to end armed struggle and seek democratic reconciliation.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — In a significant political development, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), has called for a Kurdish National Congress to be convened and led by President Masoud Barzani. The proposal was disclosed by Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (DEM Party), in an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24.
Bakırhan emphasized that this current phase of the peace process differs notably from previous ones, highlighting a shift in political sentiment across the region.
"Those who once opposed the process now seek its success," he stated, urging the people and leadership of the Kurdistan Region to support the initiative. According to him, the peace process is in the interest of all four parts of Kurdistan.
The announcement comes in the wake of the PKK’s 12th congress held on May 12 this year, during which the group officially declared an end to its armed struggle.
This decision marked a watershed moment in the long-standing conflict with the Turkish state and added momentum to the evolving peace process. President Masoud Barzani has reportedly played a pivotal role in steering the initiative forward.
Speaking to Kurdistan24's correspondent Dilovan Emadaldin, Bakırhan elaborated on the significance of Öcalan’s proposal. He stated, “Öcalan said something significant — he called for a Kurdish National Congress, and if President Barzani accepts to lead it, that would be a meaningful and valuable development.”
Bakırhan stressed that President Barzani’s leadership would not only lend legitimacy to the congress but also serve as a powerful symbol of Kurdish unity.
“Such a move would greatly strengthen Kurdish unity and pave the way for democratic solidarity among Kurds throughout the region,” he noted. He described the proposal as a rare opportunity for Kurds to unite under a common agenda and vision.
“President Barzani’s leadership of the congress would be a historic stance. That day would be a national day for Kurds and a joint position in pursuit of their democratic rights across all parts of Kurdistan,” he added.
With the PKK declaring an end to armed conflict, Bakırhan pointed to the responsibility now lying with the Turkish government to respond with legal and constructive measures.
“It’s time for Ankara to respond legally and constructively — who will the PKK hand over its weapons to? Who will monitor the peace process?” he asked.
Reiterating his appeal to the people of Southern Kurdistan, Bakırhan stated, “All people of Southern Kurdistan, not just politicians, should support this peace process. A democratic Türkiye also means better relations between Ankara and the Kurdistan Region, and at the same time, it ensures a peaceful life for Kurds in Syria.”
He concluded with optimism, expressing confidence in the future of the peace process: “A democratic Türkiye is in everyone’s interest — and above all, it’s in the Kurds’ interest.” He affirmed that with broad public and political backing, success is within reach.
This latest development represents a possible turning point in regional Kurdish politics and the broader dynamics of peace and reconciliation in Türkiye. The call for unity, symbolized by President Barzani’s potential leadership of a Kurdish National Congress, may prove to be a defining moment in the pursuit of democratic rights and inter-Kurdish solidarity.
Kurdistan24's correspondent Dilovan Emadaldin contributed to this report.
