Sinn Féin chairman Declan Kearney has described the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) recent decision to disband and pursue peaceful, democratic means as a “hugely significant” and “courageous” step towards resolving the Kurdish question in Turkey. Speaking to Medya News’ Erem Kansoy, Kearney urged the Turkish government to respond positively and without preconditions by initiating inclusive peace talks with Kurdish representatives.
He stressed the essential role of jailed Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan in any meaningful negotiations and called for his immediate release, while also emphasising that any international involvement must serve to guarantee and implement the outcomes of such talks.
“The announcement made by the PKK is hugely significant, and I consider it to be a courageous decision which is being taken clearly in the interests of building peace and advancing the national and democratic rights of the Kurdish people,” he said. “I hope that the Türkiye [Turkey] administration will now reciprocate by opening inclusive talks – and on an unconditional basis.”
This follows a statement from former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in April, who likewise shared support for an end to the armed struggle and a new phase of political reconciliation – as called for by Öcalan in February and followed by a disarmament declaration at the PKK’s 12th Congress in May.
Kearney took a cautious approach to international involvement, stressing that the Turkish government and Kurdish representatives must lead the negotiations as the “primary actors”, while recognising that external actors could play a guarantor role. “In the event that other international actors can play a constructive role … it must be on the basis of guaranteeing the outcomes of the negotiations of talks and ensuring that agreements are fully implemented,” he said.
“Now the government in Türkiye must move forward and agree that talks should take place without any form of precondition,” the chair concluded. “Critically, it is essential that Abdullah Öcalan is released immediately in order to take a seat at the talks table.”
Prominent Irish republicans have frequently expressed support for the Kurdish freedom movement and drawn parallels with their own struggle, highlighting the vital importance of dialogue within a broader peace process. They also warned that such efforts risk failure if the state does not respond constructively.
Related articles:
Podcast: Irish and Kurdish struggle, Sinn Féin chairman talks paths to peace, reconciliation
Sinn Féin’s Paul Gavan condemns PACE’s inaction on Kurdish rights in final speech
