DEM Party eyes meeting with Erdogan amid Ocalan’s reported disarmament call

Tuncer Bakirhan, co-chair of the People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), has confirmed that a long-anticipated meeting between the party’s delegation and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could take place this week.

“Our delegation will likely meet with the president this week. We hope it will happen within the week,” Bakirhan said, speaking to journalists after the party’s group meeting.

Imrali delegation’s political outreach

The DEM Party’s so-called “Imrali delegation” recently visited representatives of other political parties following a reported call by Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned ringleader of the terrorist organization PKK, for the group to lay down arms.

In response, President Erdogan had previously stated that he would be open to meeting with the delegation should such a request be made.

On Monday, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesperson Omer Celik confirmed that a meeting could be scheduled this week and noted that President Erdogan might offer an appointment to the DEM Party delegation.

No official date yet

When asked about the timing of the meeting, Bakirhan reiterated that while a meeting is expected soon, no official date has yet been communicated to the party.

“The government spokesperson has already made a statement. As of now, we have not been informed of a confirmed time,” he said.