Turkish Opposition Parties Unite in Call for Permanent Peace Process and Dialogue

Major Parties Advocate for End to Conflict

In a significant development for Turkey's peace process, the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Imrali delegation held a pivotal meeting on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the CHP's general headquarters in Ankara. The discussions, which lasted over an hour, culminated in a unified call for a permanent cessation of armed conflict and a renewed focus on dialogue over confrontation in Turkey.

Özgür Özel, the Chairman of the CHP, and key members of the DEM Party's Imrali delegation, including Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, emphasized that 'the time for peace has arrived' and that the nation must ensure conflict does not re-emerge. The joint press conference following the meeting highlighted a vision for a future defined by 'negotiation, not altercation,' advocating for domestic and regional stability.

Context of Renewed Peace Efforts

This high-profile meeting is part of a broader series of engagements by the DEM Party delegation, which has been actively consulting with various political entities across Turkey. These include the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), the Future Party, and the Workers' Party of Turkey (TİP). The current peace process represents a renewed initiative, building on developments earlier in 2025 where the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) declared a unilateral ceasefire, announced its decision to dissolve, and withdrew its forces from Turkish territory.

The DEM Party's Imrali delegation plays a crucial role as a communication channel, conveying messages and engaging in discussions with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The delegation has met with President Erdoğan multiple times throughout 2025, including in April, July, and October, to advance the peace talks.

Prioritizing Dialogue and National Unity

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel articulated a vision for stability that extends beyond Turkey's borders to include neighboring Syria, expressing a profound desire for an end to suffering within the country. He framed the peace process as essential for securing the future of all citizens, regardless of their ethnic background. 'We hope that the shedding of tears in this country stops and that brotherhood and peace prevail,' Özel stated, aspiring for Turkey's diverse demographics to stand 'hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with each other in peace in the future of Türkiye.'

The CHP has consistently affirmed its commitment to contributing to efforts that resolve Turkey's long-standing issues and foster peace. However, the party has also maintained a cautious stance regarding the transparency of the peace process, particularly concerning direct engagements with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. The DEM Party emphasizes that the 'Kurdish issue is a matter above politics' and that finding a solution is a collective responsibility.

Upcoming Engagements

The diplomatic efforts of the Imrali delegation are set to continue. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the delegation is scheduled to hold further high-level meetings with Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç at the Ministry of Justice and with Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. These ongoing discussions aim to strengthen the legal framework for peace and build a broad political consensus for the future direction of the peace process in Turkey.