Key discussions on peace process: DEM Party meets with AK Party and Future Party

The Kurdish-oriented Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) has intensified its involvement in the ongoing “peace process” following a recent visit to imprisoned PKK terrorist group leader Abdullah Ocalan at Imrali Island on the Sea of Marmara.

A DEM Party delegation met with ruling AK Party members and Future Party (GP) Chairman Ahmet Davutoglu on Monday.

The delegation, led by prominent members of Ahmet Turk, Pervin Buldan and Sirri Sureyya Onder, recently met with the Speaker of Turkish Parliament Numan Kurtulmus and National Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahceli on Jan. 2.

AK Party and DEM Party: Focus on process

The DEM Party delegation met with AKP Group Chairman Abdullah Guler and other AK Party officials, including Efkan Ala, Omer Celik, and Ozlem Zengin, to discuss developments after the Imrali visit.  Their private meeting lasted for one hour and 20 minutes.

While President Recep Tayyip Erdogan did not attend, the discussion revolved around the key role of the DEM Party in aligning themselves and ringleader Ocalan toward a lasting peace process.

Galip Ensarioglu, AK Party’s Diyarbakir deputy, emphasized that the DEM Party’s position was crucial, arguing that their stance would be more significant than the PKK’s decision to lay down arms. Ensarioglu suggested that rejecting the PKK’s influence would end the trustee practices, giving DEM Party the freedom to pursue its own political goals.

Future Party and DEM Party: Need for democratic approach

In another significant meeting, the DEM Party delegation sat down with Future Party Chairman Ahmet Davutoglu to discuss the process.

The meeting, held at Future Party Headquarters in Ankara, focused on fostering a peaceful resolution for the Kurdish issue and the broader Middle East.

Davutoglu emphasized the importance of avoiding provocations and focusing on democratic principles. He stressed that lessons from past experiences should guide the efforts to strengthen internal unity within Türkiye and across the region.

Clarification on ‘Gaza’ statement

Tensions arose over a controversial statement by DEM Party co-chair Tulay Hatimogullari said, “Either we will build peace, or everywhere will turn into Gaza.”

Critics interpreted this as a threat, prompting a response from Hatimogullari. She clarified that her words were taken out of context and stressed that her party was committed to an honorable peace.

She affirmed that their efforts were focused on achieving a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue, both within Türkiye and the wider Middle East.

Ahmet Davutoglu also condemned the comparison to Gaza, emphasizing the distinct geopolitical realities and the importance of not trivializing the situation in Palestine.

DEM Party plays critical role in process

As the peace process continues to evolve, the DEM Party’s role in shaping its trajectory remains pivotal.

Their meetings with key political figures from the AK Party and Future Party signal a concerted effort to push for a peaceful, democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue, while navigating complex regional dynamics.