Damascus, Syria – Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan warned that the ongoing fighting between the Syrian army and Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria constitutes an attempt to sabotage the peace process initiated in Turkey with the PKK. He reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process and the need to advance it. Öcalan’s remarks came after a visit by a delegation from the pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (Equality and Democracy Party), known as the “Imrali delegation,” to Imrali Island in Turkey. The delegation met with Öcalan on January 17, 2026, in a meeting that lasted approximately two and a half hours. During the meeting, Öcalan reiterated his commitment to the peace process and the building of a “democratic society.” He also emphasized that the February 27 initiative remains in place and called for taking the necessary steps to strengthen it and move the political process forward.
The delegation explained that developments in Syria were the main focus of the discussion. Öcalan expressed his deep concern regarding the clashes and escalating tensions in the northeast of the country. He asserted that the continued fighting threatens peace efforts and undermines the prospects for a political solution. He emphasized that all problems in Syria can be addressed through dialogue, negotiation, and common sense, far removed from violence and military escalation. Öcalan also affirmed his readiness to assume his responsibilities to contribute to resolving this issue through dialogue and avoiding conflict. He reiterated his call for all actors to play positive roles and act with responsibility and utmost sensitivity, as this serves stability and strengthens the chances for peace in the region.
