Turkey Urged to Initiate Fresh PKK Peace Talks Amid Syrian Shift

Turkey finds itself under mounting pressure to revive long-stalled negotiations with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) after an important political shift in Syria. Leaders from Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Democratic Regions Party (DEM) argue that the government should no longer delay the peace process.

The renewed urgency follows a critical agreement revealed on Sunday in Syria. The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have consented to align under the authority of Syria’s central government, a development many view as a significant turning point impacting Turkey’s enduring conflict with the PKK.

For years, Turkey has maintained that armed Kurdish groups in Syria are closely associated with the PKK, which it deems a terrorist organization. Consequently, Turkish officials have often cited the strength of Kurdish forces across the border as a barrier to initiating peace talks domestically.

However, the DEM Party asserts that this justification no longer stands. They believe that the recent Syrian agreement has eliminated one of the primary obstacles previously used by Ankara to avoid meaningful dialogue.

On Monday, DEM Party representatives urged the government to act promptly and commence serious negotiations with the PKK. They emphasize that the current moment is critical as political circumstances in the region are rapidly evolving, presenting a rare opportunity to mitigate violence and respond to Kurdish political aspirations through dialogue instead of military responses.

The party underscored that achieving peace would benefit the entire nation, beyond just Kurdish communities. They argue that resolving the conflict could enhance security, drive economic growth, and promote social cohesion across Turkey.

In Syria, the SDF has been a formidable force for years, particularly in the battle against extremist factions. It governs significant territories in the northern and eastern regions of the country and has garnered support from Western allies. This situation has raised concerns in Turkey, which fears that a powerful Kurdish faction near its borders might embolden similar movements within Turkey.

The new agreement alters this dynamic. By agreeing to integrate under the control of Damascus, the SDF is relinquishing some level of its autonomy. For Turkey, this agreement satisfies a longstanding demand that Kurdish armed factions in Syria should not operate outside the jurisdiction of the central government.

In light of this development, Kurdish politicians in Turkey argue that Ankara should demonstrate goodwill by actively addressing its Kurdish issues through political dialogue.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK has persisted for decades, resulting in tens of thousands of fatalities. Approximately a decade ago, peace negotiations briefly raised hopes for a sustainable resolution, leading to a temporary decrease in violence. However, the talks ultimately collapsed, leading to renewed fighting and a breakdown of trust between both parties.

Since then, the Turkish government has predominantly relied on military measures, both domestically and abroad. Many Kurds contend that political solutions have been overlooked, while the government insists on the necessity of decisive action to ensure national security.

The DEM Party maintains that the Syrian agreement has shifted the balance in the region. With Kurdish forces in Syria now connected to the central authority, Turkey’s critical security concerns have diminished. The party cautions against continuing to sidestep negotiations, as this could exacerbate divisions and squander a pivotal opportunity for peace.

Several analysts also suggest that a peace process could enhance Turkey’s relationships with neighboring countries and lessen the likelihood of future conflicts.

As of now, the Turkish government has not clearly indicated whether it intends to revive peace negotiations. Officials continue to stress that security remains the top priority, asserting that armed groups must completely renounce violence.

Nonetheless, pressure is rising from Kurdish officials, civil society organizations, and observers who contend that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through force. Many view the developments in Syria as an opportunity for a new beginning, and Turkey’s next actions could profoundly influence its future.

For now, the DEM Party’s position is resolute: the chance for peace is present, and they insist the government should capitalize on it.