Imrali Delegation meets Öcalan as he reaffirms commitment to peace

IMRALI, Turkey — In a continued effort to seek a peaceful resolution, the Imrali delegation met for the fourth time with Abdullah Öcalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistanê, PKK), to discuss potential solutions and the implementation of a peace agreement in Turkey. The meeting comes amid renewed political debates over governance, Kurdish rights, and Turkey’s approach to reconciliation.

Delegation member Pervin Buldan emphasized that Öcalan remains committed to the peace process and reiterated his willingness to pursue avenues for reconciliation. “Despite the challenges, Öcalan remains dedicated to fostering a peaceful and democratic path forward,” Buldan stated, highlighting his consistent calls for a resolution that benefits all parties involved.

During the meeting, Öcalan extended a personal message to delegation member Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who is currently ill, wishing him a speedy recovery. He praised Önder’s unwavering dedication to peace, describing him as a “dear friend” and recalling their shared efforts in past negotiations. Öcalan underscored that figures like Önder play a vital role in shaping constructive dialogue, urging continued collaboration in securing long-term stability.

In a related political development, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Halkların Eşitlik ve Demokrasi Partisi, DEM Party) announced that its parliamentary leadership—rather than the Imrali delegation—would be meeting with the Turkish Justice Minister to discuss Öcalan’s vision for peace and a more democratic society. The shift in approach signals an evolving strategy within Kurdish political circles, emphasizing institutional engagement as a means to advance negotiations.

The Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), founded in 2023 as a successor to the HDP and Green Left Party, champions minority rights, decentralization, and inclusive governance in Turkey. Among its co-founding partners is the Federation of Syriac Associations in Turkey (SÜDEF), which has played a crucial role in ensuring Syriac concerns—such as cultural preservation, linguistic rights, and political representation—are embedded within the party’s vision. This collaboration strengthens DEM’s commitment to representing diverse ethnic and religious communities while advocating for pluralistic democracy.

Additionally, the party dismissed speculation that Önder would be replaced in the delegation, confirming that he remains under medical treatment and will continue to be part of future discussions. The DEM Party reiterated the need for sustained dialogue and legal guarantees to reinforce Öcalan’s proposals, emphasizing that a comprehensive peace effort requires engagement across all political sectors.

The meeting has stirred reactions across Turkey’s political spectrum, with supporters of the peace process viewing Öcalan’s reaffirmation as a sign of ongoing commitment to negotiation, while nationalist factions continue to oppose his involvement in any political framework. Analysts suggest that the renewed discussions signal an opportunity to revive stalled efforts toward reconciliation, particularly as Turkey faces shifting political dynamics and security concerns.

Observers note that the timing of the meeting aligns with broader discussions on Kurdish rights and Turkey’s approach to governance in historically disputed regions. Whether this latest engagement will lead to concrete steps toward peace remains to be seen, but Öcalan’s message reinforces his stance that dialogue remains the key to resolving long-standing conflicts.