Syrian Kurds Seek Dialogue with Turkey Amid Peace Efforts

Efforts to establish peace between Turkey and the Kurdish militant group, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), have generated a “positive impact” on the Kurdish population in Syria, according to Elham Ahmad, a senior official in the Kurdish administration in northeastern Syria. This development comes as the PKK shifts from a decades-long armed struggle to a focus on democratic political activism for the rights of Turkey’s Kurdish minority.

Ahmad expressed optimism during a video address to an Istanbul peace conference hosted by Turkey’s pro-Kurdish opposition DEM party. She highlighted the peace initiative’s influence on the Kurdish communities in northern and eastern Syria, emphasizing the desire for an open dialogue with Turkey. “We want a dialogue process with Turkey… We want the borders between us to be opened,” she stated.

A key aspect of the ongoing peace dialogue is the involvement of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed founder of the PKK. Ahmad noted that Ocalan’s release from solitary confinement on Imrali prison island could significantly enhance the peace process. “We believe that Abdullah Ocalan being released will let him play a much greater role… that this peace and resolution process will happen faster and better,” she said.

Turkey’s Strategic Dialogue with Syria

Ahmad also praised the Turkish government for its diplomatic approach toward the new regime in Damascus, which emerged following the ousting of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad a year ago. She acknowledged the importance of Turkey maintaining open communication with both the Syrian government and Kurdish groups, describing this as a “careful approach” to regional stability.

The Turkish government has historically viewed the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with suspicion, perceiving them as an offshoot of the PKK. Turkey has pushed for the integration of the SDF into the Syrian military framework. Although an agreement was reached in March 2023, its terms have yet to be implemented.

Speaking at the Doha Forum, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underlined the significance of Ocalan’s influence on the SDF. He indicated that the peace process in Turkey cannot be disentangled from the Kurdish issue in Syria. “I believe he can play a role,” Fidan stated, reflecting on his past engagements with the PKK leadership during earlier peace efforts from 2009 to 2013.

Ahmad asserted that Turkey has a “very important role” in shaping the dynamics of the Middle East. She emphasized the Kurdish community’s commitment to coexistence and their opposition to any attempts to divide Syria. “We do not support the division of Syria or any other country. Such divisions pave the way for new wars. That is why we advocate for peace,” she concluded.

As peace discussions continue, the Kurdish population in Syria remains hopeful that constructive dialogue with Turkey will lead to a stable and unified future for the region. The implications of these talks extend beyond national borders, potentially influencing broader Middle Eastern relations and stability.