Peace negotiations in Turkey are progressing cautiously, but fears of sabotage loom large following a Turkish airstrike in northern Syria that killed nine civilians. The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) held meetings on Monday with both the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), even as they condemned the deadly strike.
A DEM Party delegation, led by Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, met with representatives from the MHP and AKP as part of their outreach following a peace appeal by jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan. On February 27, Öcalan called for the PKK to lay down arms, sparking new hopes for a resolution.
However, the meetings took place just hours after a Turkish drone strike in Kobani killed nine civilians, including seven children. Kurdish leaders fear that such military actions in Syria and Iraq could disrupt the peace process before it gains traction.
Concerns Over Delays and Provocations
Speaking after a prison visit to former Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş and ex-Diyarbakır mayor Selçuk Mızraklı, opposition lawmaker Sezgin Tanrıkulu relayed their warnings about potential sabotage.
“If this process does not move forward quickly, it may become open to abuse and provocation,” Tanrıkulu quoted Demirtaş and Mızraklı as saying.
MHP and AKP’s Shifting Positions
The DEM Party first met with the MHP at the Turkish Parliament, where Deputy Chairman Semih Yalçın described the talks as “very productive.” This marks a surprising shift in tone from the MHP’s traditionally hardline stance against Kurdish political movements.
MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, an ally of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had already signaled a possible opening for peace negotiations. In October, Bahçeli made a surprise offer of reconciliation, suggesting that Öcalan could be granted a political gesture if he fully renounced violence—a move later endorsed by Erdoğan.
Following their discussions with the MHP, the DEM Party also held a closed-door meeting with senior AKP officials, including Deputy Chair Efkan Ala, Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik, and Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair Abdullah Güler. However, no joint statement was released after the talks.
Meanwhile, DEM Party officials have requested a meeting with Erdoğan, who recently stated he would be open to personally meeting with the party’s delegation if they made a formal request.
Sabotage Concerns After Kobani Airstrike
Tensions escalated after a Turkish airstrike late Sunday killed nine civilians from the same family, according to the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF denounced the attack as a “war crime”, accusing Turkey of ethnic cleansing in Kurdish-controlled areas.
In response, the DEM Party issued a strong statement, calling the airstrike a deliberate attempt to derail the peace process.
“This is not a coincidence; it is a deliberate action meant to escalate tensions and sabotage peace efforts—just as Mr. Öcalan warned would happen,” the statement read.
The attack comes just days before Newroz, the Kurdish New Year, which many are calling the “Newroz of Freedom” following Öcalan’s peace appeal. However, with military operations intensifying, many fear the celebrations could be overshadowed by renewed conflict.
PKK Ceasefire in Question
Shortly after Öcalan’s February 27 appeal, the PKK declared a ceasefire. However, PKK co-leader Cemil Bayık recently stated that holding a congress to dissolve the group is “impossible” while Turkish military operations continue.
Turkey’s Defense Minister Yaşar Güler has rejected any conditions for a ceasefire, insisting that the PKK and its affiliates must surrender unconditionally. Erdoğan also warned that Turkey would continue its military operations if there was any sign of delay or deception in the peace process.
A Precarious Path Forward
As discussions continue, Kurdish leaders are urging political engagement and de-escalation, while Turkey remains firm on its security-driven approach. The DEM Party has called on parliament and opposition parties to play a more active role in fostering peace, while also demanding accountability for the Kobani airstrike.
With the situation at a crossroads, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether peace efforts move forward or are overtaken by renewed violence and political maneuvering.
