Archive · 5 Nov 2025
Erdogan Heralds New Phase in PKK Peace Process, Open to Ocalan Addressing Lawmakers
Turkey's President Erdogan announced that the country is starting a new chapter in trying to stop the long-running conflict with Kurdish militants.
He said he had good talks with leaders of a party that supports Kurdish people.
Erdogan also mentioned he is open to the idea of letting Abdullah Ocalan, a leader of the militant group PKK who is in jail, speak to lawmakers.
Ocalan has been in prison for a long time, but he has helped encourage the PKK to stop fighting and break up, which they announced they would do this year.
Another important politician, Devlet Bahceli, who is friends with Erdogan, suggested that a different jailed Kurdish leader, Selahattin Demirtas, should be let out of prison.
A previous attempt to make peace with the PKK failed in 2015, causing more fighting.
Erdogan expressed hope that this new effort will be successful, urging everyone to help.
President Tayyip Erdogan announced Turkey has entered a 'new phase' in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence.
Erdogan signalled openness to the idea of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers.
The announcement follows previous peace talks with senior pro-Kurdish DEM Party leaders.
Nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli suggested releasing jailed former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas.
Erdogan expressed hope for the successful conclusion of the process, following steps by PKK militants towards disarmament.
- Who
- President Tayyip Erdogan and nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli
- What
- Signalled a 'new phase' in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence and expressed openness to jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers.
- When
- Wednesday (Erdogan's statement) and Tuesday (Bahceli's statement)
- Where
- Ankara, Turkey
- Why
- To foster a 'Turkey free of terrorism' and conclude the peace process, following steps by PKK militants towards disarmament and dissolution.
Pro-Kurdish and Peace Advocates
Government and Nationalist Stance
Engagement with Abdullah Ocalan
Pro-Kurdish and Peace Advocates
Advocates believe Ocalan, jailed since 1999, should address lawmakers via a parliamentary commission, as he remains central to Kurdish public opinion and is key to urging PKK disarmament and dissolution. The DEM Party sits on a commission that should be allowed to engage Ocalan in prison.
Government and Nationalist Stance
President Erdogan signalled openness to the idea of jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan addressing lawmakers, considering it valuable that all relevant parties are heard. The government has not publicly confirmed such a step.
Release of Selahattin Demirtas
Pro-Kurdish and Peace Advocates
Release of jailed former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas would be beneficial.
Government and Nationalist Stance
Devlet Bahceli, Erdogan's nationalist ally, suggested Demirtas's release would be beneficial for Turkey.
- President
- Tayyip Erdogan
- Key Political Figures
- Abdullah Ocalan (jailed PKK leader), Selahattin Demirtas (jailed former pro-Kurdish party leader), Devlet Bahceli (nationalist ally)
- Involved Parties
- PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party), DEM Party (pro-Kurdish)
- PKK Actions
- Announced steps towards disarmament and dissolution earlier this year
- Previous Peace Initiative
- Collapsed in 2015, leading to renewed bloodshed
- Erdogan's Announcement
- Entered a 'new phase' in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence