Recent developments indicate a renewed focus on dialogue concerning the peaceful settlement of the Kurdish issue in Turkey, with the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party announcing preparations for a significant visit. DEM Parti spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan stated on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, that the party is planning a visit to İmralı Island "as soon as possible" to meet with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Doğan announced that a DEM Parti delegation, potentially including co-chairs, intends to consult with Öcalan to "understand and explain the current period and to organize more strongly." She added, "It is also highly probable that Mr. Öcalan will meet with representatives of different political parties in the coming days." This potential for broader engagement arises in the context of what Doğan referred to as a "process and roadmap" initiated by Öcalan's call on February 27.
A key proposal from DEM Parti involves the establishment of a specially authorized commission within the Turkish Parliament to address the issue. Doğan urged Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş to take the initiative, suggesting he could convene political party representatives to discuss the formation of such a commission before the parliamentary recess. "The Kurdish issue is not solely the problem of the Kurds," Doğan emphasized, calling for a democratic solution viewed as a "political, social, and humanitarian necessity." She confirmed DEM Parti had prepared a draft proposal regarding the commission's methodology and principles.
Discussions are reportedly ongoing with various political entities. Doğan mentioned that DEM Parti has been in contact with opposition parties, who have expressed a desire for "direct contact, information, and transparency." She also confirmed that talks have been held with the ruling AKP and its ally MHP, and these dialogues are expected to continue with both parliamentary and non-parliamentary parties.
Öcalan has reportedly presented a "perspective document" or "political program," which, according to Doğan, aims to "open a space for discussion not limited to his organization or the PKK." She described the document as an effort to "build a new life" and invite broad public debate, emphasizing its role in fostering consultation and dialogue. Doğan also stated that Öcalan wishes to meet with prominent Kurdish political figures from Iraq and Syria, including Mesut Barzani, Nechirvan Barzani, Mazlum Abdi, Qubad Talabani, and Bafel Talabani, a step DEM Parti believes would be beneficial.
Echoing this sentiment, DEM Parti Deputy Group Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit suggested on Thursday, June 12, that all political parties should consider visiting İmralı. "We believe this would make a great contribution to the ongoing process and further develop it," Koçyiğit stated, urging the Ministry of Justice and the government to facilitate such visits.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) reported on June 12 that there has been an "increase in the number of terrorists surrendering" following what it described as "the terrorist organization's dissolution decision." Ministry sources indicated that developments on the ground are being closely monitored.
However, the People's Defense Forces (HPG), the armed wing of the PKK, issued a statement on the same day, accusing the Turkish military of intensifying attacks, including the alleged use of chemical gas and high-impact explosives against guerrilla positions in the Zap and Metîna regions of Northern Iraq. The HPG claimed these actions were an attempt to "sabotage the developing peace process" and exploit the ceasefire position adopted by their forces following Öcalan's call and decisions from the PKK's 12th Congress. The HPG warned that if such attacks continue, their forces would resume an "actional position."
Adding an international dimension, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed on June 12 that France has been involved in mediation efforts between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkey and maintains regular contact with SDF General Commander Mazlum Abdi.
These varying reports and mixed messages highlight a complex period, with diplomatic overtures and calls for dialogue occurring alongside continued military activity and serious accusations from armed groups, underscoring the challenges inherent in seeking a peaceful resolution.
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