Former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has voiced support for renewed peace talks between Kurdish political actors and the Turkish government, calling for inclusive dialogue and the release of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.
In a video message released on Saturday, Adams described Öcalan’s statement of 27 February calling for “peace and a democratic society” as a significant moment. Öcalan, who has been held in solitary confinement on Turkey’s İmralı Island since 1999, is regarded by many Kurdish groups as a key figure in any future peace process.
“Sinn Féin supports the development of a Kurdish-Turkish peace process based on the principles of inclusivity, dialogue, mutual respect, justice and equality,” Adams said. He added that he and Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney had signed a joint statement with other political leaders endorsing Öcalan’s call.
Adams emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach. “It is imperative that any peace process between the government of Turkey and Kurdish political representatives involves all sides. Dialogue is essential,” he said. “Above all, Sinn Féin believes that Abdullah [Öcalan] should be released from prison – his freedom is fundamental to the achievement of an inclusive process leading to a political agreement.”
Adams played a central role in the Northern Ireland peace process, which culminated in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. His message implicitly draws lessons from that experience, where dialogue with former armed actors, including the Irish Republican Army, was key to ending decades of conflict.
The video also expressed support for broader peace efforts in the Middle East. Adams condemned the Israel’s treatment of Palestinians calling for an end to “the Israeli state’s persecution of Palestine”.
The message comes amid renewed political debate in Turkey over the Kurdish question and possible future negotiations.
