Kurdish Leaders Voice Support for Renewed Peace Efforts at Istanbul Conference Unveiling Öcalan’s Roadmap

Peregraf - At the opening session of the International Conference on Peace and Democratic Society in Istanbul, four major Kurdish political leaders issued landmark messages expressing support for a renewed peace process and advocating a democratic, non-violent solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey. The conference featured the public presentation of Abdullah Öcalan’s roadmap for a peaceful and democratic settlement, delivered before an audience of international politicians, jurists, academics, and civil society figures.

Öcalan: "A new phase begins - rebuilding the Democratic Republic and Democratic Society"

In a message sent from his prison cell, Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), declared that the Kurdish movement had concluded a "52-year struggle for existence and dignity" and was now entering a new political phase.

Öcalan emphasized that the PKK had "fulfilled its historical duty" by securing Kurdish national existence while exposing the limits of nation-state socialism. He described his new "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" as a dialogue-based initiative, arguing that the Middle East’s diverse ethnic and religious landscape made democratic negotiation both necessary and possible.

He outlined a vision in which the relationship between the state and society is redefined on democratic foundations: "The state should not loom over society like a divine force but must work with society within a democratic pact… Law establishes a permanent foundation for peace and prevents violence."

Öcalan said the strategy seeks to embed democratization in law, enabling the re-establishment of a democratic republic and a new social system.

Masoud Barzani: "Dialogue and understanding are always better than war"

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani welcomed the renewed initiative, stressing that the region stands at a historic turning point that could lead either to new crises or long-awaited stability.

Barzani praised the Turkish government, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Öcalan for opening the door to peace: "I wholeheartedly commend the Turkish government, Mr. Erdogan, Mr. Öcalan, and all those who opened the way for the process of resolution and peace… I support any effort that serves coexistence and peace among the peoples of the region."

He called for learning from past failures and approaching new challenges with "a clear vision, confidence, and hope."

Bafel Talabani: "War has no winners - peace is a national duty"

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Talabani said the party’s support for peace is rooted not in political calculations but in national responsibility.

Talabani warned that the entire region is entering a new geopolitical phase and that the choices made today would shape future freedoms and opportunities for all communities. Citing the legacy of late PUK founder Jalal Talabani, he reiterated the movement’s long-held position that violence only deepens divisions: "Since 1975, the PUK has believed that solutions are achieved only through political dialogue. War and conflict have no winners."

He highlighted peace and stability as the foundation of a dignified and prosperous life.

Nechirvan Barzani: "Peace is a strategic vision - Turkey is stronger in peace"

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani reaffirmed Erbil’s long-standing commitment to peace, describing it as a strategic and unchanging policy.

Barzani stressed that peace is not merely an end to armed conflict but a process of "building trust, accepting one another, and finding common ground." He underlined Turkey’s pivotal role: "Turkey is an important and strategic neighbor. Its stability directly impacts the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. Turkey is stronger in peace and can play a greater role."

Barzani commended President Erdogan for his "courageous vision," and also praised Öcalan, Devlet Bahçeli, and other figures working for peace. He noted that while obstacles are inevitable, persistence and patience are essential: "Such a sensitive process may face setbacks, but obstacles must not discourage peace. However long it takes, peace requires continuity."

A rare moment of unified Kurdish messaging

The simultaneous release of messages from Öcalan, Masoud Barzani, Bafel Talabani, and Nechirvan Barzani marks a rare moment of cross-party Kurdish support for a renewed peace process in Turkey.

The Istanbul conference framed the initiative as an international effort toward democratic transformation in the region, with speakers emphasizing that dialogue and political negotiation-not armed conflict-must guide the future.