Turkiye's Erdogan Signals New Phase in Peace Process with Kurdish Militants
President Erdogan open to jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers.
ANKARA: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday that Turkiye has entered a 'new phase' in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence.
He signaled openness to the idea of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers.
Erdogan stated that he held 'very constructive' discussions last week with senior pro-Kurdish DEM Party leaders, who have advocated for Ocalan to address a parliamentary commission on PKK disarmament.
Erdogan urged all parties involved to contribute to this process.
'It appears we have reached a new crossroads on the path toward a Turkiye free of terrorism,' Erdogan told his ruling AK Party lawmakers.
'Everyone needs to step up and do their part.'
Erdogan valued the idea of hearing from all relevant parties, including those with differing opinions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue.
The comments suggested a potential engagement with Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999.
Ocalan previously played a pivotal role in urging his militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disarm and dissolve, steps announced earlier this year by the PKK.
DEM party representatives have proposed that the commission, which includes their participation alongside other parties, engage with Ocalan in prison due to his significant influence on Kurdish public opinion and his involvement in past peace initiatives.
Erdogan's government has not confirmed any plans to involve Ocalan in these discussions.
The PKK initiated its insurgency in 1984.
A prior peace initiative failed in 2015, leading to increased violence in Turkiye's southeast.
The current framework of the ongoing effort remains undisclosed by the government.
Erdogan made these remarks a day after his nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli, suggested it would be beneficial to release Selahattin Demirtas, the former pro-Kurdish party leader jailed since 2016.
Bahceli's previous stance has been critical of Kurdish political demands, yet he effectively initiated peace talks with the PKK by proposing the idea a year ago.
Erdogan expressed optimism about successfully concluding this process, expressing hope that with greater courage and effort, they would achieve a resolution 'with God's permission.'
He signaled openness to the idea of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers.
Erdogan stated that he held 'very constructive' discussions last week with senior pro-Kurdish DEM Party leaders, who have advocated for Ocalan to address a parliamentary commission on PKK disarmament.
Erdogan urged all parties involved to contribute to this process.
'It appears we have reached a new crossroads on the path toward a Turkiye free of terrorism,' Erdogan told his ruling AK Party lawmakers.
'Everyone needs to step up and do their part.'
Erdogan valued the idea of hearing from all relevant parties, including those with differing opinions, emphasizing the importance of inclusive dialogue.
The comments suggested a potential engagement with Ocalan, who has been imprisoned since 1999.
Ocalan previously played a pivotal role in urging his militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disarm and dissolve, steps announced earlier this year by the PKK.
DEM party representatives have proposed that the commission, which includes their participation alongside other parties, engage with Ocalan in prison due to his significant influence on Kurdish public opinion and his involvement in past peace initiatives.
Erdogan's government has not confirmed any plans to involve Ocalan in these discussions.
The PKK initiated its insurgency in 1984.
A prior peace initiative failed in 2015, leading to increased violence in Turkiye's southeast.
The current framework of the ongoing effort remains undisclosed by the government.
Erdogan made these remarks a day after his nationalist ally, Devlet Bahceli, suggested it would be beneficial to release Selahattin Demirtas, the former pro-Kurdish party leader jailed since 2016.
Bahceli's previous stance has been critical of Kurdish political demands, yet he effectively initiated peace talks with the PKK by proposing the idea a year ago.
Erdogan expressed optimism about successfully concluding this process, expressing hope that with greater courage and effort, they would achieve a resolution 'with God's permission.'
