Pervin Buldan Praises PUK and Bafel Jalal Talabani’s Crucial Role in Kurdish Peace Process

Medyayazar

Pervin Buldan, Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Parliament and a member of the İmralı delegation.

Pervin Buldan, Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Parliament and a member of the İmralı delegation involved in negotiations between the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the Turkish state, highlighted the important role of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and expressed her gratitude to PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani for his contributions to the peace process.

In an interview with the Kurdistani Nwe Newspaper, Buldan spoke about the peace process and the Kurdish leaders' role.

Speaking about President Mam Jalal's role, she said: "Mr Öcalan -Imprisoned PKK leader- places great value on President Mam Jalal’s efforts in the pursuit of peace and a political solution, and he deeply appreciates the support he offered in this regard. He sees the success of this process not only as a tribute to Mam Jalal’s memory but also as a continuation of the legacy he left behind."

The PKK announced in May 2025 that it would formally disband and abandon its armed struggle, following a call from Öcalan in February for the group to convene a congress and begin a full disarmament process. Answering the call, the PKK took the first formal step towards disarmament on 11 July 2025, where a group of PKK fighters laid down their weapons and destroyed them in a ceremony held in Sulaymaniyah. The step marked a significant turning point after more than four decades of armed struggle.

Below is the full interview:

Q: First of all, could you speak about the health of Mr Abdullah Öcalan?

-Despite 26 years of imprisonment, prolonged periods of severe isolation, and the harsh conditions on Imrali Island, Mr Abdullah Öcalan has remained remarkably resilient, maintaining strong morale and unwavering determination. While he may naturally face some health challenges due to his age and the circumstances of his detention, he consistently prioritises his political work over his personal well-being. His focus remains firmly on resolving the Kurdish issue, safeguarding the rights of the people, and forging a new political path forward.

Q: As the process continues, have Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s views and hopes for the process grown? In other words, does he believe the process can succeed this time, given that previous efforts have ended in failure?

-Mr Öcalan recognises that resolving the Kurdish issue is a complex and challenging task... Bearing a great and heavy responsibility, he continues to advocate that a solution is not only necessary but possible... The progress we see today is grounded in the lessons learned from previous efforts. 

In this respect, both Mr Öcalan and the Imrali delegation believe that we are now closer to a resolution than ever before—and that, this time, a solution is within reach.

Q: How do you assess the overall process so far? Do you think it has progressed successfully so far?

- Today, we are at a more advanced stage than we were yesterday. The process is beginning to take shape according to its own internal dynamics. There is a growing sense of acceptance within society regarding the progress being made, and public support is increasing day by day—which is highly significant. 

Moreover, the will and determination of the parties involved remain steadfast. While there are undoubtedly challenges, the collective resolve to succeed continues to overcome them. Reaching this stage is, in itself, a victory; but the true achievement lies in completing the journey—bringing the process to a conclusion and resolving the Kurdish issue through legal and political means.

Q: When do you think this process will be completed?

- The problem we are talking about has a 100 year history, a problem that has caused pain and suffering. It is a problem with political, social, cultural, economic and military dimensions. Therefore, it cannot be easily cured overnight. But now there is a healthy process. Without rushing the process or extending it over time, we advocate that it be reached on the basis of a common consensus. Therefore, it is impossible to determine a timetable. Our goal is to have a clear path to a solution by 2026.

Q: Will the visits of the Imrali delegation continue until the end of the process?

- We believe that conditions must be established in which Mr Öcalan is able to communicate directly with all relevant parties and convey his messages to the public without reliance on any delegation, institution, or individual.

Our delegation will continue to fulfil its role as a facilitator in this context.

Q: Abdullah Öcalan’s brother, Mohammed Öcalan, stated after his last visit: “Öcalan has said that there is no longer neutrality; instead, he is speaking directly to the state.” What does Mohammed Öcalan mean by this? Is he suggesting that the Imrali delegation is no longer needed?

- As the Imrali delegation, we believe it is more appropriate to assess developments based on the outcomes of our direct discussions with Mr Öcalan and the diplomatic engagement we have carried out with the wider public. However, if such a statement has indeed been made, it may reflect a new and more constructive stage in the dialogue and negotiations surrounding the Kurdish issue.

Direct communication between the key parties is undoubtedly the most effective and appropriate path toward a lasting solution. Nevertheless, the responsibilities and role of our delegation are distinct. This statement should not be interpreted as a dismissal of our function. On the contrary, even if conditions are established for Mr Öcalan to engage directly with the public, our role as facilitators will remain essential.

Q: As you know, President Mam Jalal made significant efforts to advance the peace process from 1993 until his illness in 2012. How do you assess Mam Jalal’s role, and how does Mr Öcalan speak about him during your meetings?

- Mr Öcalan places great value on President Mam Jalal’s efforts in the pursuit of peace and a political solution, and he deeply appreciates the support he offered in this regard. He sees the success of this process not only as a tribute to Mam Jalal’s memory but also as a continuation of the legacy he left behind.

It is also worth noting that Mr Öcalan holds high expectations of all Kurdish political forces, including Mr Massoud Barzani and Mr Bafel Talabani, to contribute meaningfully to this historic effort.

Q: How do you assess the role of the PUK and PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani in the process?

- The role of Mr Bafel Jalal Talabani and other officials within the Kurdistan Regional Government in this process is highly significant. The meetings and negotiations taking place in Imrali are conducted in a Kurdish spirit and concern the entire Kurdish nation. Therefore, any support extended to Mr Öcalan is, in essence, support for the Kurdish people's aspirations for freedom, democracy, and peace.

The united stance demonstrated by Kurdish leaders today is both remarkable and deeply encouraging. The era of internal Kurdish conflict belongs to the past. Today, we are witnessing a collective effort to rise above past divisions, and new doors to national unity are beginning to open. We are sincerely grateful to Mr Bafel Talabani and to all other Kurdish leaders for their support and contribution.

Q: Do you believe that, with the success of the peace process, Türkiye’s policy towards Sulaymaniyah will change and its airspace will be reopened? Is Sulaymaniyah currently seen as the birthplace of peace?

- It must change — and it has to change. If peace is to be made with the Kurds, it cannot be selective. One cannot seek peace with the Kurds of Diyarbakir while maintaining hostilities with those in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Mahabad, or Qamishlo. Therefore, Türkiye must pursue peace not only with Sulaymaniyah, but also with Qamishlo and all other Kurdish cities.

Significant steps have already been taken—one of the most notable being the arms burning ceremony held on 11 July in Sulaymaniyah. This was a major milestone in the peace process. In this sense, Sulaymaniyah is indeed hosting peace. I use the word “hosting” deliberately, as the process is ongoing, and I believe Sulaymaniyah will continue to play this important role.

On this occasion, we wish to express our deep appreciation to our brothers in the Kurdistan Region and to the representatives of both the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), who played a role in this historic event. Their political will, support, and generous hosting were invaluable and sincerely appreciated.

Q: What will be the next stage of the peace process? What joint steps are expected to be taken?

- The first stage of this process is peace, and its final stage will also be peace. Fundamental principles such as democracy, the rule of law, equality, and justice form the cornerstone of this journey.

Each step taken serves as an invitation to the next. Significant milestones have already been achieved — including Mr Bahçeli’s recent statements, the PKK congress held on 27 February, the arms burning ceremony on 11 July, and the formation of a commission within the Turkish Parliament. These developments collectively signal meaningful progress.

The next phase will focus on establishing a legal and institutional framework to support and solidify the process.



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