In Presence of PUK President’s Representative, Istanbul Conference Examines Prospects for Resolving the Kurdish Issue

PUKMEDIA

International Conference for Peace and Democratic Society in Istanbul, 6 December 2025

The International Conference for Peace and Democratic Society kicked off on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at the Cem Karaca Culture and Congress Centre in Istanbul, with wide participation from political leaders, academics, and civil society activists, including representative of Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)

The two-day conference, organised by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), is examining the peace process and the democratic society initiative launched by Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February, alongside relevant international experiences.

A number of prominent international figures are participating in the conference, including former Senator and Chair of the Parliamentary Constitutional Committee Mohamad Bhabha; Member of Parliament and President of Sinn Féin Declan Kearney; former President of Catalonia Pere Aragonès García; Member of the Basque Parliament and International Relations Coordinator for EH Bildu Igor Zulaika; and politician Azimi Işık. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jody Williams is also scheduled to participate via Zoom.

Dr Dara Khailany, representative of the PUK President at the conference, read the PUK President's message at the conference, which read: 

Good morning,
My sincere thanks to the organisers of this timely and important forum on the impact of peace and democratic development in our societies.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Scholars and peace-lovers,

It is my pleasure to convey the warm greetings and wholehearted regards of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, and the PUK Politburo to all of you. We extend our best wishes for a productive gathering—one that not only inspires meaningful discussion but also leads to practical, measurable steps that advance peace and strengthen democratic processes in the months ahead.

We are proud Kurds, but unfortunately are from a region long shaped by conflict and political turmoil. For decades, the Middle East—and particularly our part of it—has experienced wars, displacements, and cycles of violence that have stalled development and claimed countless innocent lives. Because of this lived experience, we understand more than most; the true and irreplaceable value of peace and stability. In short, we have witnessed firsthand how conflict produces no winners.

As we gather today to reflect on the urgent need for peace and stability—the foundations upon which prosperous and dignified lives are built—we do so at a moment when our region stands once again at a crossroad where geopolitical dynamics in the region are up to enter a new era. The decisions we make now will shape our present and the next generation’s opportunities and freedoms—not only for the Kurds, but for all the ethnic and religious communities that make up our diverse society.

Since its founding in 1975, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has adhered to a consistent belief: that violence deepens divisions, and that durable solutions can only be achieved through political dialogue, negotiation, and respect for legitimate rights. This principle defined the leadership of President Mam Jalal—whose courage, moral clarity, and commitment to peace turned critical moments of uncertainty into opportunities for reconciliation. His vision transformed Kurdish politics, opened pathways for negotiation, and set enduring precedents for democratic engagement across the region.

Today, the renewed initiative associated with president Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a peaceful and democratic resolution arrives at a crucial and sensitive moment. Around the world, there is growing recognition that ethnic, national, and regional conflicts cannot be resolved through military means. They require diplomacy, democratic reforms, and inclusive negotiations rooted in justice and dignity for all communities. We believe these principles apply equally to the Kurdish question and to relations between Kurds and the Turkish state.

This time, the response to this initiative has been positively different. Thanks in part to the dedicated efforts of our comrades in the DEM Party, the Turkish state—perhaps for the first time—has taken this peace offer seriously and responded constructively. We take pride in acknowledging and appreciating the important role played by our sisters and brothers in the DEM Party, who have worked tirelessly to consult with others, to build an unprecedented solidarity among Kurds from all parts of Kurdistan, and to advocate for peace within Türkiye and across the broader region.

Such steps opened the door to turning a painful page and beginning a new chapter grounded in dialogue rather than confrontation. 

We hope that the current positive atmosphere will lay the foundation for a new phase of normalization and constructive engagement—one that strengthens stability in Kurdistan and contributes to the regional peace. The ripple effects of peace are powerful: where stability grows, investment follows; where security expands, education and innovation flourish; and where democratic norms take root, societies become more resilient and more just.

Guided by hope for peace and democracy, we reaffirm our full and unwavering support for any initiative that prioritises dialogue, protects civilians, and advances the rights and dignity of all peoples.

For the PUK, supporting peace is not simply a political stance—it is a national duty. A duty to our people, to our history, and to the generations who deserve to live without the shadow of war. We call for a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity between Kurds and Turks and all other ethnic groups, and we urge all sides to seize this historic moment with wisdom, responsibility, and courage.

Let this moment be remembered not as the closing of a conflict, but as the beginning of a new era—an era built on mutual respect, recognition of each other enshrined in states’ constitutions, and the unwavering pursuit of peace.

Once again, I hope that the discussions of this forum will lead to clear, actionable, step-by-step guidelines for implementing the next stages of this peace process.
biji Kurdistan.
biji Ashti u Azadi.
biji Demokrasi

 


PUKMEDIA