Nechirvan Barzani: Turkey Serious About Peace Process, Ocalan’s Message to Be Released Soon

Peregraf 

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani stated that he discussed the peace process with the Turkish Foreign Minister and that Turkey is taking the Kurdish peace process very seriously. He added that a crucial message from jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan is expected to be published by the end of this month.

“I feel that Turkey wants to conduct this process very seriously. Everything depends on the DEM Party delegation that visited the Kurdistan Region and the message Abdullah Ocalan will soon issue. I expect this message to be released by the end of the month. The first step is for Qandil to seriously consider welcoming Mr. Ocalan’s call,” Barzani said in a press conference.

He also confirmed that he will meet with the DEM delegation tomorrow, adding, “They have come with a message from Mr. Ocalan. We expect it to be a message of peace, mainly directed at the PKK. We hope the PKK will take a stance and welcome Mr. Ocalan’s message.”

Earlier today, a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) met with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Massoud Barzani to discuss Ocalan’s message about the peace process between the PKK and the Turkish government. Barzani’s office stated that they talked about Turkey's political situation and the importance of Ocalan’s message for ongoing peace efforts. Barzani emphasized that pursuing peace is crucial and urged all involved to work harder toward successful negotiations, expressing his full support for the process.

The DEM Party delegation includes two lawmakers who have met with Ocalan twice since December. They will next visit Sulaymaniyah to meet with Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Talabani and KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani. Key members of the delegation are Sirri Sureyya Onder, Pervin Buldan, and Keskin Bayindir.

The PKK confirmed it received a letter from Ocalan regarding the Kurdish peace process. Cemil Bayik from the KCK mentioned Ocalan's desire to move the Kurdish issue from armed struggle to a political solution. He called for improved conditions for Ocalan in prison to facilitate better communication.

Negotiations among Turkish and Kurdish political parties are progressing, with expectations for a significant announcement regarding PKK disarmament. Following recent meetings, Ocalan has advocated for a revival of the peace process and highlighted the need for unity and democratic reforms.

Ocalan has outlined a framework for resolving the Kurdish issue, warning of the urgency due to ongoing grievances. He has called for constructive dialogue and political cooperation, suggesting key Turkish leaders could play important roles in moving forward. Ocalan's direct communication with pro-Kurdish lawmakers marks a notable development in Turkish-Kurdish relations and raises hopes for renewed understanding and peace negotiations.