Erdogan: a new chapter in efforts to end PKK violence, with hope and prayer
Assalamu alaikum - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said this week that Turkiye has entered a “new phase” in trying to end Kurdish militant violence and suggested he might be open to the jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan having a role in discussions with lawmakers.
Erdogan told members of his AK Party that he had “very constructive” talks recently with senior leaders of the pro‑Kurdish DEM Party, who have proposed that Ocalan could speak to a parliamentary commission on disarmament. He asked everyone involved to do their part.
“It seems we’ve arrived at a new crossroads on the road toward a Turkiye free of terrorism,” he said, adding that it’s important for all relevant voices to be heard, even those we disagree with.
The DEM Party argues the commission should be allowed to engage with Ocalan in prison because he still carries influence in Kurdish society and was part of earlier peace attempts. The government hasn’t officially confirmed any move like that yet.
The PKK’s insurgency began in 1984, and an earlier peace effort fell apart in 2015, leading to renewed violence in the southeast. Details of the current plan haven’t been made public.
Erdogan’s remarks followed comments from his nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli, who said releasing former pro‑Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas - jailed since 2016 - “would be beneficial.” Bahceli, despite his past stance, helped put the idea of a peace process on the table a year ago.
Erdogan ended on a hopeful, faith‑tinged note: “With a bit more courage and effort, and with God’s permission, we will successfully conclude this process.”
May Allah grant peace and wisdom to all parties involved.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/