DEM Party shares insights on talks following visit to PKK leader Öcalan
Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party described their recent talks with jailed PKK leader Öcalan and political leaders as "sincere and overwhelmingly hopeful," emphasizing the urgent need for peace and democratic solutions to the Kurdish issue.
Duvar English
The delegation of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has issued a written statement following discussions with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), and subsequent meetings with political parties and incarcerated senior Kurdish politicians.
“All meetings were conducted with sincerity and were overwhelmingly positive and hopeful,” the statement said.
Key points from the statement
The delegation reported that after meeting Öcalan on Dec. 28, 2024, they engaged in dialogue with the Speaker of the Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş, as well as leaders and representatives from major political parties, including the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), among others.
In addition, meetings were held on January 11-12 with incarcerated former co-chairs of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), such as Selahattin Demirtaş and Figen Yüksekdağ, who expressed support for DEM's peace-building efforts.
“These discussions focused on fostering dialogue and lasting peace,” the statement emphasized, noting the historical and ethical responsibility to strengthen Turkish-Kurdish comradeship and address the broader dynamics of the Middle East.
Focus on democratic solutions
The statement highlighted the delegation’s efforts to convey the outcomes of Öcalan’s message and evaluate new developments. It underscored the parliament’s role as the central platform for resolving the Kurdish issue and achieving democratic progress.
According to DEM, political leaders showed general support for peace efforts but raised concerns regarding transparency and parliamentary oversight. The delegation reassured participants with detailed explanations and proposals addressing these issues.
“There is a shared desire among all political parties to leave behind the conflicts stemming from the Kurdish issue,” the statement added. “Strengthening national unity among all ethnic and religious groups is seen as a mutual benefit, alongside advancing democratic governance.”
The delegation criticized "divisive rhetoric" in the media, which they said complicates efforts for peace. “Baseless claims and provocative narratives only serve to perpetuate conflict,” they warned.
Despite challenges, DEM reaffirmed its dedication to pursuing peace, announcing plans for a follow-up visit to Öcalan in the near future.
“Public support remains a cornerstone for building peace and solutions,” the statement concluded.
What happened?
On Oct. 22, government's far-right ally MHP's leader Devlet Bahçeli unexpectedly called on the government to allow DEM Party to meet with PKK leader Öcalan.
Following this call, Öcalan was granted his first meeting in 43 months, during which messages with potential implications for the ongoing peace process were discussed.