The DEM Party delegation, facilitating shuttle talks between jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan and Turkish governmental party leaders, continues its series of meetings following a recent visit to İmralı Prison. On Monday the delegation met with Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu at the party’s headquarters in Ankara. The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to address Öcalan’s recent statements and explore the potential for a renewed reconciliation process to resolve Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish issue.
The DEM Party delegation, consisting of Parliamentary Deputy Speaker Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Van (Wan) MP Pervin Buldan, and former Mardin (Mêrdîn) Metropolitan Municipality co-mayor Ahmet Türk, met with Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu and senior party officials. Following their discussions, both sides issued statements to the press.
“As part of our ongoing discussions, we had a constructive meeting with Mr Ahmet Davutoğlu, with whom we have previously worked in past peace processes,” Önder said. “We shared insights from recent developments and sought his recommendations and evaluations. While we are still in the consultation phase, we will provide a comprehensive update after meeting with each relevant party.”
Describing the meeting as a “candid exchange of views”, Davutoğlu emphasised that the discussion centred on how lessons from previous peace processes could guide current efforts. “This is a critical period for Turkey, and I stressed the importance of maintaining public order, fostering reconciliation, and building a strong future for the country,” he said.
The meeting comes in the wake of Davutoğlu’s recent remarks on Halk TV, where he spoke of Abdullah Öcalan’s potential role in the reconciliation process. He said, “If steps such as house arrest for Öcalan are on the table, they must be approached with care. The state is as much the state of Kurds as it is of other citizens. Reconciliation is essential.”
The DEM Party delegation is set to continue its visits to other parliamentary parties on Monday, including the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Felicity Party (Saadet Partisi). These discussions aim to foster a comprehensive dialogue on Öcalan’s recent statements and address the broader political challenges in Turkey, with a focus on advancing peace and stability.
