A high-level delegation from the Equality and Peoples’ Democracy (DEM) Party arrived in the Kurdistan Region to discuss the Kurdish peace process with key political leaders. The delegation, led by lawmakers Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, met with Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Masoud Barzani and plans to engage with other regional leaders. The talks aim to advance stalled peace negotiations and address the Kurdish issue in Turkey and the broader region.
Delegation Arrives in Kurdistan for Peace Talks
The DEM Party delegation, including prominent figures such as Pervin Buldan, Sirri Sureyya Onder, and Keskin Bayindir, arrived in Erbil on February 16, 2025. Their visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to engage with Kurdish political leaders and discuss the ongoing peace process in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan. The delegation had previously met twice with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), in December 2024 and January 2025, to discuss strategies for advancing peace.
Meeting with Masoud Barzani: A Step Toward Peace
The delegation’s first major engagement was a meeting with KDP leader Masoud Barzani at his office in Pirmam. During the discussions, the DEM Party representatives shared their perspectives on the political situation in Turkey and the outcomes of their meetings with Ocalan. They also conveyed a message from Ocalan to Barzani, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution.
Barzani reiterated his support for the peace process, calling it the only viable path to resolving the Kurdish issue. He urged all parties to intensify their efforts and offered his assistance in facilitating the process. The meeting, which lasted nearly two hours, underscored the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to fostering dialogue and supporting regional stability.
DEM Party’s Role in Mediating Peace
The DEM Party has positioned itself as a key mediator between the Turkish state and the PKK, aiming to end decades of conflict. Despite being viewed by Turkish officials as the political wing of the PKK, the party has denied any formal ties with the armed group. The delegation’s visit to the Kurdistan Region is part of a broader strategy to garner support from Kurdish leaders and advance the peace initiative.
Keskin Bayindir, co-chair of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), highlighted the significance of Barzani’s support, describing it as a source of pride and optimism for the Kurdish people. The delegation’s efforts reflect a growing consensus among Kurdish political actors that peaceful dialogue is essential for achieving lasting solutions.
Upcoming Engagements and Broader Implications
Following their meeting with Barzani, the DEM Party delegation is scheduled to meet with Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani. These discussions aim to explore potential avenues for advancing the peace process and addressing the Kurdish issue in Turkey.
The visit comes at a critical juncture, as Ocalan is expected to release a “historic message” in the coming weeks, advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. Political observers believe this message could mark a turning point in Kurdish-Turkish relations, potentially paving the way for broader negotiations and regional stability.
The DEM Party’s diplomatic efforts highlight the Kurdistan Region’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Kurdish politics and peace-building initiatives. As the delegation continues its engagements, the outcomes of these talks could have far-reaching implications for the region’s political landscape.
