Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, addressing his party’s 8th Ordinary Provincial Congress in Trabzon, focused on ongoing political discussions, particularly the recent indirect talks with imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. He described his administration’s approach as a “carefully planned and meticulously thought out” policy.
“We aim to achieve a Turkey where conflict, violence and instability are consigned to history. For this, we are pursuing a comprehensive policy where every step is intricately planned,” Erdoğan said, adding, “We will not fall into the traps of imperialists or those who sow discord in these lands. No one can disrupt our ancient unity, and together, we will overcome terrorism and achieve our goals more swiftly.”
The talks with Öcalan have been facilitated by a Peoples Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party delegation which has started a process of shuttle meetings. The delegation visited İmralı Prison on 28 December to meet with the Kurdish leader, and since then has been meeting with the leaders of governmental party leaders.
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In the meantime there are rumours suggesting that Erdoğan may visit the Kurdish-majority city of Diyarbakır (Amed) on 11 January, followed by a stop in Urfa (Riha) on 12 January. If confirmed, this would be his first visit to Diyarbakır since discussions of a renewed reconciliation process began, heightening the significance of such a visit.
The DEM Party delegation is continuing its meetings with party leaders this week, including Future Party leader Ahmet Davutoğlu and representatives of parliamentary parties, including the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) Party and the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP).
DEM Party delegation members Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder have characterised the current process as more promising than previous attempts at negotiations, emphasising the need for discretion and maturity in handling ongoing developments.
