Bafel Talabani Meets DEM Party Delegation, Expresses Support for Kurdish Peace Talks in Turkey

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Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), met with a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) today in Sulaymaniyah. During the meeting, Talabani expressed his support for any initiative aimed at protecting the rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey.

"As the PUK, we will help make this historic effort a success. The Kurdish peace process in Turkey, which was laid by Mam Jalal, must be revived," Talabani stated. The DEM delegation conveyed a message from Abdullah Ocalan, detailing their party’s political decisions, policies, and options regarding regional events and the ongoing peace discussions.

According to a statement issued by Talabani, he emphasized that peace and stability in the region cannot be achieved until the Kurdish issue is resolved. "As we have always said, the Kurdish issue will not be resolved through weapons and war. The only option is to return to serious dialogue," he added.

Talabani further stressed the importance of collective efforts to make this historic opportunity a success, saying, "We must work diligently based on partnership, brotherhood, and commitment to peace and stability. We believe in peaceful coexistence and extend a hand of brotherhood to all. We hope for a sincere intention to strengthen Kurdish-Turkish relations and make this national effort successful."

DEM Delegation Meets with KRI President Nechirvan Barzani

Yesterday, the DEM delegation also met with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, who described the peace process in Turkey as an "important and historic opportunity." Barzani urged the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to adopt a strategic approach and not miss this chance.

"Experience has shown that war and weapons cannot resolve any problem. We have always advocated for peace and for issues to be addressed through dialogue," Barzani stated. He emphasized the significance of this moment in achieving a lasting resolution and urged the PKK to engage in negotiations strategically.

Meanwhile, the delegation conveyed Abdullah Ocalan’s special greetings to Barzani and highlighted key steps in the peace process. They acknowledged Barzani’s longstanding role in supporting peace efforts and encouraged him to continue his contributions to the negotiations.

Massoud Barzani Affirms Support for Peace Process

On February 16, 2025, the DEM Party delegation met with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Massoud Barzani to discuss Ocalan’s message regarding the peace process. According to Barzani’s office, discussions covered Turkey's political landscape and the broader implications of Ocalan’s message.

Massoud Barzani reaffirmed the need to prioritize peace and called on all sides to intensify efforts toward a successful resolution. "This opportunity should not be missed," he stated, expressing his full support for the process.

PKK Receives Ocalan’s Message on Peace Initiative

The PKK has confirmed receipt of a letter from Ocalan regarding the Kurdish peace process. Cemil Bayik, a senior member of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK), noted that Ocalan aims to transition the Kurdish struggle from armed conflict to a political resolution. Bayik emphasized that improving Ocalan’s prison conditions is essential to facilitate effective communication and advance the peace process.

Negotiations between the Turkish government, Kurdish political parties, and Ocalan continue in an effort to resolve the decades-long conflict. Informed sources indicate that an agreement may be imminent, with Ocalan expected to make a key announcement regarding the PKK’s potential disarmament.

DEM Party lawmakers met with Ocalan for the second time on January 22, 2025, to relay responses from Turkish political parties regarding the peace process. The PKK leadership has confirmed that Ocalan is actively engaged in the discussions. This follows a significant meeting on December 28, 2024, when pro-Kurdish lawmakers met with Ocalan on Imrali Island. During that meeting, Ocalan reiterated his commitment to reviving the peace process, emphasizing the need for Turkish-Kurdish unity and democratic reforms.

Political Reactions and Future Prospects

In a statement issued during the last months by DEM Party lawmakers Onder and Buldan, Ocalan outlined a comprehensive framework for addressing the Kurdish issue and ensuring regional stability. He warned that unresolved grievances, coupled with external influences, necessitate immediate action. Ocalan urged Turkish political parties to adopt an inclusive approach, highlighting the importance of parliamentary involvement and political cooperation.

"The strengthening of Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is not only a historical responsibility but a decisive necessity for all nations," Ocalan stated, calling for constructive dialogue beyond ideological divisions.

Shifting Dynamics in Turkish Politics

The meeting between Ocalan and pro-Kurdish lawmakers marked the first direct communication since the collapse of the 2014 peace process, which had led to renewed conflict. Ocalan, imprisoned on Imrali Island since 1999, has had limited contact with the outside world. His last family visit was in October 2024, when his nephew, DEM Party lawmaker Omer Ocalan, met him for the first time since 2020.

In a significant shift, the Turkish government has recently softened its stance on Ocalan. MHP leader Devlet Bahceli has suggested allowing Ocalan to address the Turkish parliament to announce the PKK’s dissolution, signaling a potential turning point in relations.

Founded in 1978 with the goal of establishing an independent Kurdish state, the PKK has since shifted its focus to advocating for autonomy within Turkey. It remains designated as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

As the successor to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), the DEM Party continues to play a critical role in Kurdish political representation and peace negotiations. With Ocalan’s anticipated message to the PKK leadership in Qandil, hopes for renewed dialogue and a path toward lasting peace in Turkey have been rekindled.