The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party met with three major Turkish opposition groups on Monday, urging action to end decades of armed conflict. The meetings—held with the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Labour Party (EMEP), and the Democracy and Progress (DEVA) Party—centred on Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s recent call for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the Kurdish question. Party leaders emphasised the need for dialogue, legal reforms, and a collective commitment to democratic principles.
“We are witnessing a moment where we can start anew,” said DEM Party co-chair Tülay Hatimoğulları during the meeting with CHP, the country’s main opposition, at their headquarters in Ankara. “A ceasefire, genuine negotiations, and a democratic framework could finally put an end to 50 years of conflict and suffering,” Hatimoğulları stressed. The meeting, described by both sides as “productive”, focused on laying the groundwork for legal changes that would enable a peaceful transition.
“Ending armed conflict and fostering coexistence is not just a political imperative but a human one,” Özel stated. “We must ensure that no more families endure the pain of losing their loved ones to violence.”
Hatimoğulları detailed Öcalan’s message, which calls for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to dissolve itself and adopt a democratic path forward. This move, she said, requires a comprehensive ceasefire and parliamentary reforms to safeguard rights and freedoms. “The call is directed at all of us—opposition parties, government forces, and society at large. The groundwork must be laid for a lasting peace,” Hatimoğulları told press after the meeting.
After the DEM Party’s meeting on Monday with EMEP, Seyit Aslan, EMEP’s general secretary, highlighted the importance of lifting Öcalan’s isolation and ending ongoing restrictions on political expression. “The current situation is untenable,” Aslan remarked. “We need tangible steps—ending state-appointed trustees in municipalities, ensuring press freedom, and creating a climate where peace is possible.”
Bakırhan stressed that the process could not rely solely on the ruling coalition or any single political actor. “This is not just a Kurdish issue; it’s about creating a fairer society for all. The call for peace is for Turkey’s 85 million citizens, not just one community,” he said.
Additionally, the DEM Party delegation met with DEVA Party leader Ali Babacan at his headquarters. Babacan expressed cautious optimism but noted that a clear roadmap for peace is still lacking. “Peace isn’t handed to you on a silver platter,” Babacan said. “It must be carefully constructed, step by step. Even a small chance of success deserves our full support.”
Both parties agreed that immediate actions—such as the recognition of Kurdish cultural rights and more inclusive governance—could pave the way for more substantial reforms. “We need to move from declarations to concrete steps,” Bakırhan said. “This is the time for action, not delay.”
Throughout the meetings, DEM Party leaders underscored the need for a unified effort. Hatimoğulları praised CHP, EMEP, and DEVA for their willingness to engage. “These talks are just the beginning,” she said. “Together, we can create a framework where every voice is heard, every community is respected, and every person can live in peace.”
