The discussions included “Turkey’s democratization process, the meeting of the DEM Party Imrali Delegation with [jailed PKK leader] Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, and the congress decisions announced by the PKK on May 12 and subsequent developments,” DEM Party said in a statement.
The parties also discussed the necessary steps to ensure the success of the peace process, including “the role that the parliament will undertake,” according to the statement.
The PKK announced its dissolution and an end to its four-decade armed struggle on May 12, responding to a call from Ocalan to end the conflict that has claimed around 40,000 lives and pursue a political and democratic path.
Ankara has welcomed the move but wants the decision to materialize. The PKK expects democratic steps from Ankara.
DEM Party is the main mediator of the talks, and its delegations have made several visits to Ocalan and relayed his messages.
On Tuesday, Turkish President and AKP leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed his commitment to drafting a new constitution while praising the DEM Party for adopting “a responsible tone” on the issue.
Erdogan’s recent effort to end the decades-long conflict with the PKK has been seen by some as an attempt to gain Kurdish backing for a new constitution.
DEM Party has long advocated for a new constitution. In late March, DEM Party MP Salihe Aydeniz told Rudaw, “The current constitution does not represent all people nor does it acknowledge all languages,” referring to Kurdish among others.
Founded in 1978, the PKK initially sought an independent Kurdish state but later shifted its focus toward achieving broader political and cultural rights for Kurds in Turkey. The group has been labeled as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its allies.
