Pressure Mounts on Turkey to Resume PKK Peace Talks Following Syrian Developments

Post by : Mina Rahman

Turkey faces intensified calls to rejuvenate stalled peace discussions with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) following significant political shifts in neighboring Syria. The pro-Kurdish DEM Party asserts that the government lacks justification for delaying the peace initiative any longer.

This urgency stems from a pivotal agreement reached on Sunday in Syria, where the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) consented to operate under the authority of Syria's central government in Damascus. This development is perceived as a crucial realignment in the region with potential ramifications for Turkey’s enduring conflict with the PKK.

For many years, Turkey has maintained that Kurdish military factions in Syria possess close ties to the PKK, which Ankara deems a terrorist organization. Consequently, the Turkish administration has frequently argued that initiating peace talks domestically is challenging while Kurdish groups across the border retain autonomy.

The DEM Party counters that this rationale is now obsolete. They assert that the Syrian agreement has eliminated a critical barrier Turkey consistently referenced to circumvent dialogue.

Leaders of the DEM Party articulated on Monday that the government must act without hesitation to initiate a genuine peace process with the PKK. They underscore the timeliness of this moment, as political dynamics in the region shift rapidly. They believe Turkey is presented with a rare chance to diminish violence, enhance stability, and meet Kurdish political aspirations through diplomatic engagement rather than military interventions.

Additionally, they emphasize that peace would extend beyond just Kurdish interests, suggesting that resolution of the conflict could foster greater security, economic development, and social cohesion across Turkey.

For years, the SDF has been a formidable force against extremist factions in Syria, controlling vast territories in the northern and eastern regions and receiving backing from Western powers. This situation has long instilled fear in Turkey, concerned that a robust Kurdish force along its borders could inspire similar movements within its own territories.

However, the recent agreement shifts this landscape. By aligning under Damascus' control, the SDF relinquishes some level of autonomy, responding to Turkey's long-standing demand that Kurdish entities in Syria should not function independently of the central government.

In light of this new context, Kurdish politicians in Turkey are urging Ankara to demonstrate goodwill by addressing its Kurdish challenges through political dialogue.

TheTurkey-PKK conflict has persisted for decades, resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of lives. While peace talks approximately a decade ago brought some hope of resolution and a temporary reduction in violence, these discussions later collapsed, reigniting conflict and eroding trust between the involved parties.

Since then, the Turkish government has predominantly relied on military operations domestically and abroad. Many among the Kurdish population feel that political avenues have been sidelined, with the government arguing that decisive measures are essential for national security.

The DEM Party asserts that the Syrian agreement alters the regional dynamics. With Kurdish forces in Syria now connected to the central authority, Turkey’s principal security concerns are alleviated. The party warns that avoiding negotiations may exacerbate divisions and squander a unique opportunity for peace.

Analysts suggest that pursuing a peace process could also enhance Turkey’s relations with neighboring states and lower the potential for future conflicts.

Thus far, the Turkish government has not confirmed plans to resume peace talks, reiterating that security remains the foremost priority, necessitating complete cessation of violence by armed factions.

Nonetheless, the demand for action is growing from Kurdish leaders, civil organizations, and observers, all asserting that enduring peace cannot be attained through military might alone. Many consider the developments in Syria as a pivotal moment, with Turkey’s forthcoming decisions potentially shaping the nation’s trajectory for years to come.

The DEM Party’s stance remains unwavering: the chance for peace exists, and they believe the government ought to seize it.