In Istanbul, senior members from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish political party were scheduled to meet Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader, to advance peace talks with Ankara and the banned Kurdish group.
The delegation from the Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) is slated to deliver a message from Ocalan, rumored to encourage the PKK to disarm. If successful, this gesture could conclude a conflict lasting over four decades and costing tens of thousands of lives.
Ocalan, 75, has been held on Imrali Island near Istanbul since 1999 after a treason conviction. Despite his imprisonment, he still has substantial sway over the PKK. Analysts predict his directive would likely influence the group heavily, though some factions might resist.
The renewed peace dialogue was initiated in October when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s coalition partner, nationalist politician Devlet Bahceli, proposed Ocalan’s potential parole if the PKK renounced violence and dissolved.
This peace movement emerges as Erdogan might require the DEM party’s parliamentary backing to establish a new constitution, potentially extending his political tenure.
Under the Turkish Constitution, Erdogan, who has held office since 2003, cannot seek reelection unless an early election is called, necessitating the pro-Kurdish party’s endorsement.
The DEM party has consistently advocated for enhanced democracy in Turkey and the rights of the Kurdish population, including better treatment for Ocalan.
The PKK, launched by Ocalan in 1978, began its insurgency in Turkey’s southeast in 1984. Recognized as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies, prior peace discussions with the PKK, notably in 2015, have failed.
Despite ongoing peace efforts, Erdogan’s administration expanded its crackdown on the opposition, targeting journalists and politicians, and removing several elected Kurdish mayors in favor of state-appointed officials.
The meeting on Thursday marks the third occasion DEM party representatives have met Ocalan for peace discussions, alongside visits to Iraqi Kurdish leaders for further negotiations.
