PUK Highlights Urgency of Türkiye Peace Process at Istanbul's SI Council Meeting

Dr. Dara Khailany's X

Dr. Dara Khailany, a member of the PUK Leadership Council, speaking at the SI Council Meeting.

A representative of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) reaffirmed the critical importance of seizing the momentum offered by recent peace process initiatives in Türkiye, during the Socialist International (SI) Council meeting held in Istanbul.

Dr. Dara Khailany, a member of the PUK Leadership Council and Head of the party’s Foreign Relations Department, represented the PUK at the gathering, which took place from 23 to 25 May 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

A key focus of the meeting was the peace process in Türkiye and the constitutional rights of Kurds there. Participants stressed the necessity of renewed engagement and called for the expansion of relations and mutual understanding between the PUK and fellow member parties represented at the meeting.

“Representing the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and other members of the Kurdish Working Group at the Socialist International Council meeting in Istanbul, I emphasised the critical importance of seizing the momentum presented by the latest peace process initiatives in Türkiye,” Dr. Khailany wrote on the X platform.

He added: “I also underscored the need for continued support and solidarity with the Kurdish people in Rojava and eastern Kurdistan, as they strive for peace, dignity, and democratic rights.”

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the recently reactivated Committee on Kurdish People within the SI at the initiative of the PUK and through the efforts of Kurdish member parties. The discussions underlined the Committee’s potential to play a vital role in garnering support and mobilising international solidarity for the Kurdish cause across the region.

The Socialist International is recognised as one of the most influential global political organisations, comprising over eighty political parties, including many socialist and centre-left parties from across the West. It is currently led by Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Spain and leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

The organisation has long-standing ties with the Kurdish political movement. President Mam Jalal (Jalal Talabani) played a historic role within the Socialist International, being elected Vice President at its 23rd Congress on 30 June 2008. In recognition of his lifelong struggle for democracy and his impactful leadership in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the Middle East, he was later named Honorary President of the organisation at its 25th Congress in 2017.

The SI Council meeting, held under the theme "United for the World We Deserve – A Global Vision for Values and Solidarity," opened with statements from the SI Presidency and included a high-level discussion on “Protecting Democracy in the Digital World.” The session addressed growing challenges to democratic institutions posed by disinformation and the manipulation of digital media.



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