Imrali delegation meets with Kurdish leaders to advance peace talks

SULAYMANIYAH, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — In a significant step toward advancing peace efforts, a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) has initiated a series of high-profile meetings in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) following its visit to Imrali Prison. The delegation’s mission is to convey messages from Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned founder of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK), to key Kurdish political figures, with the aim of revitalizing the peace process in Turkey.

Meeting with Bafel Talabani

On 18 February 2025, the delegation met with Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (Yekêtîy Nîştimanîy Kurdistan, PUK), in Sulaymaniyah. The discussions centered on Öcalan’s messages regarding the Kurdish issue and the broader peace process. Both parties emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among Kurdish factions to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. Talabani expressed his support for the peace initiatives and reaffirmed the PUK’s commitment to facilitating dialogue.

The delegation, which arrived in Sulaymaniyah on 17 February, included prominent figures such as Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder from DEM Party, along with the Co-Chair of the Democratic Regions Party (Demokratik Bölgeler Partisi, DBP) Keskin Bayındır and members of the party’s foreign relations committee. Their visit represents a renewed effort to unite Kurdish political factions in support of reconciliation initiatives in Turkey.

Engagements with Nechirvan Barzani and Masoud Barzani

Before their meeting with Talabani, the Imrali delegation held discussions with Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, on 17 February 2025. The talks focused on Öcalan’s perspectives regarding the resolution of the Kurdish issue and the importance of unified efforts among Kurdish factions. President Barzani recognized the significance of Öcalan’s messages and reaffirmed the regional government’s willingness to support peace initiatives.

On 16 February 2025, the delegation also met with Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (Partiya Demokrat a Kurdistanê, KDP). The dialogue aimed to garner support for the peace process and to explore the role of Kurdish political entities in Turkey’s reconciliation efforts. Masoud Barzani expressed his support for peaceful resolutions and offered assistance in facilitating discussions. The DEM Party delegation also met with Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Masrour Barzani.

Today, I met with the Dem Party delegation to discuss the peace process in Türkiye and reaffirm my full support for efforts that pave the way for lasting reconciliation.

The KRG stands ready to assist. pic.twitter.com/2jfSx1q7Ac

— Masrour Barzani (@masrourbarzani) February 19, 2025

As part of its broader mission, the delegation has engaged with local political leaders, including Arbca’ilo (Erbil) Governor Omed Khoshnaw, to address the political landscape in the Kurdistan Region and its influence on Kurdish-Turkish relations.

Broader Outreach and Future Plans

The Imrali delegation’s visit is part of a broader strategy to engage with various Kurdish political entities, including the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Kurdish leadership in Europe. These efforts aim to synchronize approaches and foster a cohesive stance on the Kurdish issue across different regions. The delegation intends to continue its diplomatic engagements, seeking to build a unified front that can effectively advocate for Kurdish rights and contribute to regional stability.

In the coming days, the delegation is scheduled to meet with Shanaz Ibrahim Ahmed, a member of the PUK’s political bureau, to discuss further coordination among Kurdish political factions. This itinerary underscores their ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Kurdish groups and establish a collective approach to resolving the Kurdish issue.

Context of Peace Efforts

These initiatives take place against the backdrop of renewed interest in resolving the decades-long conflict between Turkey and the PKK. Abdullah Öcalan, imprisoned since 1999, remains a central figure in the Kurdish movement. Recent reports indicate that Öcalan may soon make a “historic call,” potentially influencing the trajectory of peace negotiations.

However, the path to peace is fraught with challenges. The intricate dynamics involving Kurdish forces in Syria, particularly the US-backed People’s Protection Units (Yekîneyên Parastina Gel, YPG), and Turkey’s security concerns add layers of complexity to the negotiations. The success of these peace efforts depends on the political will of all parties involved and their ability to navigate both the domestic and international intricacies of the Kurdish issue.

Road Ahead

The Imrali delegation’s diplomatic mission highlights a determined effort to reinvigorate the peace process through direct engagement with influential Kurdish leaders. The outcomes of these discussions could be pivotal in shaping the future of Kurdish-Turkish relations and advancing the broader pursuit of peace in the region.

Through continued dialogue and political coordination, the delegation seeks to establish a foundation for lasting peace, emphasizing the critical importance of unity among Kurdish factions in promoting their shared interests.