A shuttle delegation from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democracy and Equality (DEM) Party met today in Erbil (Hewlêr) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) with KRI President Nechirvan Barzani. The meeting, which followed earlier talks with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani, took place at the KDP leader’s office and focused on advancing the Kurdish peace process and ensuring political unity among Kurdish movements.
The delegation was led by key members who had previously met with imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. The delegates included Pervin Buldan, Sırrı Süreyya Önder, Keskin Bayındır and several members of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) as well as DEM Party MPs. In addition to discussing Öcalan’s initiative for a renewed peace process, the delegation discussed the political landscape in Turkey and stressed the need for Kurdish unity in facing regional challenges. The meeting was seen as part of a wider effort to engage with Kurdish political figures and promote dialogue on Kurdish issues at both national and regional levels.
In his remarks following the meeting, Bayındır said that Nechirvan Barzani had expressed his full support for the peace initiative proposed by Öcalan, which aims to foster better relations between the various Kurdish political forces and create a basis for lasting peace in Turkey, Iraq, Syria and beyond. Bayındır also noted that Barzani was optimistic about the future of the peace process and was committed to using his influence to support these efforts.
The talks also focused on the role of Kurdish political actors in bringing about a peaceful solution. “From Iraq to Turkey, Kurdish people face similar struggles. The process of reconciliation must be inclusive and take into account the needs and voices of all Kurdish communities,” said Bayındır.
Another key issue discussed during the meeting was the involvement of all Kurdish political forces in the peace process, ensuring that no faction is left out. Barzani stressed that peace cannot be achieved in isolation and that cooperation between Kurdish factions is crucial to advance political solutions.
Bayındır also highlighted the wider implications of a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, in particular how it could affect political stability in the Middle East. He noted that a successful solution could lead to improved relations between Kurdish communities and their neighbouring states, as well as contributing to the stabilisation of the wider region.
The delegation’s visit to Erbil is part of an ongoing diplomatic effort to garner support for Öcalan’s peace initiative and to build support for Kurdish unity. Later in the day, the delegation is expected to travel to Sulaymaniyah (Silêmanî) to meet with leaders of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), including Bafil Talabani and the KRI’s Deputy Prime Minister Kubat Talabani. These meetings are seen as crucial to broadening support for the peace process and are part of a concerted push to build consensus on the need for a Kurdish political solution that is both regional and inclusive.
Upon their return to Turkey, the delegation plans to issue a statement summarising the results of the talks and their next steps, including further outreach to key stakeholders. The ongoing efforts have raised hopes among the Kurdish people for a renewed peace process that will address their political rights and aspirations.
