Erdogan Meets Pro-Kurdish Party, Hopes Raised for Peace Talks

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently held talks with the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, marking the first such meeting since 2012, as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The DEM Party described the discussions as 'extremely positive and hopeful,' following PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan's recent call for disarmament and a unilateral ceasefire. While Erdogan's engagement is seen as a significant step, the Turkish government has yet to address key Kurdish demands, including Ocalan's release from prison. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also emphasized the importance of reviving the peace process during a meeting with Erdogan, calling it a historic opportunity. Despite the ceasefire declaration, Turkish military operations against the PKK continue, raising concerns about the viability of sustained peace talks. The evolving dialogue could potentially reshape regional politics and end decades of conflict if successful.