Turkey's Pivotal Moment in Kurdish Peace Process After Syrian Integration

The pro-Kurdish DEM Party in Turkey claims that Syria's integration deal removes Turkey's excuses for delaying peace with the PKK. With Kurdish forces aligning with Damascus, Turkey must now take actionable steps to address Kurdish rights and maintain progress in the peace efforts.

Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM Party declared on Monday that the Turkish government can no longer delay the peace process with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) following a significant integration agreement in Syria.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) agreed on Sunday to align under Damascus's authority, a move long sought by Ankara to further its peace negotiations with the PKK. Tuncer Bakirhan, co-leader of the DEM Party, urged the government to take decisive action as the key obstacle, Syrian integration, has now been addressed.

Amid calls for recognition of Kurdish rights, Bakirhan warned that diminishing Kurdish territorial influence in Syria should not halt the peace talks in Turkey. Erdogan emphasized the necessity of incorporating Kurdish fighters into Syrian forces, signaling Turkey's support in advancing the process.

(With inputs from agencies.)