A significant meeting occurred between pro-Kurdish political party DEM and jailed leader Selahattin Demirtas as part of efforts to end Turkey’s long-standing Kurdish conflict. Discussions followed a prior meeting with Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK leader. Both sides emphasize the necessity of constructive measures and mutual dependency to foster democratic progress and resolve the enduring tensions.
A delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), a prominent pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey, met with imprisoned Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas at Edirne prison. This meeting marks a recent effort to initiate dialogue aimed at resolving the longstanding conflict between the Turkish state and Kurdish groups that has persisted for 40 years.
Demirtas, who has been incarcerated since 2016 on terrorism charges widely regarded as politically motivated, encourages all parties to envision a shared future. This discussion followed another recent meeting between DEM members and Abdullah Ocalan, the PKK’s imprisoned leader, who has been in custody since 1999 and is viewed as instrumental in peace negotiations.
Expressing the need for progress, Demirtas underscored the importance of taking swift, confidence-building measures. He stated, “Despite good intentions, it is necessary for concrete steps that inspire confidence to be taken quickly.” Among the delegation, Ahmet Turk emphasized mutual dependence between Turks and Kurds and the desire for democracy to flourish in the region.
The conflict, which has been ongoing since 1984, has resulted in significant loss of life and multiple unsuccessful peace attempts. Despite Ocalan’s imprisonment, he maintains considerable influence among many Kurds. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently reiterated the need for the PKK to disband, aligning himself with Bahceli’s suggestion to allow Ocalan the possibility of parole if he renounced violence.
Erdogan’s comments signal a potential shift towards a more collaborative approach to peace, emphasizing the importance of integrating Kurdish political mechanisms into the broader democratic framework of Turkey. The unfolding situation indicates a cautiously optimistic pathway towards resolution, provided both sides commit to dialogue and negotiation.
The meetings between Kurdish leaders and imprisoned figure Selahattin Demirtas reflect a crucial step in the ongoing pursuit of peace in Turkey. Both parties express a willingness to evolve dialogue while acknowledging the necessity for constructive actions. As stakes remain high in negotiating a resolution to decades of conflict, the involvement of influential figures like Ocalan and emerging political strategies may pave the way towards a more harmonious future.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
