Syrian Kurds celebrate the 'positive influence' of peace talks with Turkey

The push for reconciliation between Turkey and the Kurdish militant group PKK has been welcomed by Syria's Kurdish leaders, who see it as an encouraging step toward dialogue with Ankara, according to one senior official on Saturday.

Earlier this year, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) ceased its armed campaign against Turkey after nearly 40 years, following the guidance of its imprisoned founder Abdullah Ocalan. The group is now prioritizing democratic political engagement to advance the rights of Turkey's Kurdish population.

This shift has sparked optimism among Kurds across the region, particularly in northern and northeastern Syria, where they hold significant territory.

"The peace initiative in Turkey has had a direct influence on northern and eastern Syria," said Elham Ahmad, a senior official in Syria's Kurdish administration. "We aim for a dialogue with Turkey that reflects our perspective as Kurds in Syria. We hope for open borders and constructive communication," she said via video link at an Istanbul peace conference organized by Turkey's pro-Kurdish DEM party.

Speaking in Kurdish, Ahmad commended Turkey for initiating the reconciliation process but emphasized that releasing Ocalan from Imrali prison, where he has been in solitary confinement since 1999, could accelerate progress. "Abdullah Ocalans release could enhance his role, speeding up and improving the peace process," she stated.

Ahmad also praised Ankaras careful approach in engaging with the new Damascus administration that emerged after Bashar al-Assads departure. "Turkey maintains communication channels both with the Syrian government and with us, showing a cautious and thoughtful approach," she said.

Ocalans Potential Role

Turkey has historically viewed Syria's Kurdish SDF forces with suspicion, considering them an extension of the PKK, and has sought their integration into Syria's military and security structures. While an agreement was reached in March, it was never fully implemented.

Turkey recognizes that its own peace efforts with the Kurds are linked to the broader Kurdish issue in Syria. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted Ocalans potential influence on the SDF, noting his personal involvement with the PKK leadership during earlier peace attempts between 2009 and 2013. "I believe he can play a role," Fidan said at the Doha Forum, warning that unresolved issues from the past could resurface.

Ahmad stressed Turkeys significant influence in regional developments, asserting that peace in Turkey and Syria could have far-reaching effects across the Middle East. Syrias Kurdish community supports coexistence and opposes the division of nations, viewing unity as essential for regional stability. "We do not endorse the partition of Syria or any other country. Divisions only pave the way for conflict, which is why we advocate for peace," she concluded.

Author: Benjamin Carter