KNK calls on NATO leaders to support peace between Kurds, Turkey

Today, the Executive Council of the KNK sent an open letter to the heads of state and government of NATO member countries ahead of the alliance’s summit in the Turkish capital, Ankara, on July 7–8, 2026, calling for support for the ongoing dialogue process between Leader Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish movement, and the Turkish state. The letter stated:

"To the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, July 7–8, 2026:

Your Excellencies,

On behalf of the KNK, we write ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara to draw your urgent attention to the ongoing dialogue process between Leader Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish movement, and the Turkish state, aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace. As a strategically important member of NATO, developments in Turkey have consequences beyond its borders. A democratic solution to the Kurdish issue would strengthen stability in Turkey and contribute to security throughout the region.

At a time when Syria, Iraq, and Iran are all facing deep uncertainty and conflict, the dialogue process in Turkey represents a rare opportunity that could contribute to a more stable and democratic Turkey and help ease tensions across the region, particularly concerning Rojava in Syria and the Kurdistan Region. The unresolved Kurdish issue lies at the core of many political and security challenges affecting the region.

The Kurdish side has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to a political and negotiated solution. Leader Ocalan’s call on February 27, 2025, for the PKK to lay down its arms and dissolve itself opened a historic opportunity for peace and was followed by concrete steps, including a unilateral ceasefire and a decision to end armed struggle. Accepted by millions of Kurds as their legitimate representative, and having played a central role in the 2013–2015 peace talks, Mr. Ocalan remains a key interlocutor for an effective and dignified peace. However, for negotiations to succeed, the Kurdish side must also be able to participate under fair conditions. Continued restrictions on access to Mr. Ocalan and his ongoing isolation are not compatible with a credible peace process.

A just and lasting peace in Turkey would not only strengthen the country internally but would also serve the broader security interests of other NATO member states. It would reduce the risk of renewed conflict and displacement, ease pressure from refugee movements toward Europe, and help curb broader extremism fueled by ongoing war and instability in the region.

Therefore, we urge NATO member states, as they prepare for the summit in Ankara, to support the necessary conditions for a serious and successful peace process. In particular, we call on NATO leaders to support:

Monitoring and continuing the dialogue process between the Turkish state and the Kurdish movement.

Freedom for Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the creation of legal conditions that allow him to participate freely and effectively in dialogue with Turkish authorities.

A democratic and legitimate framework recognizing the fundamental collective rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey.

A political approach that understands peace and democracy in Turkey as a contribution to broader regional peace and stability.

A just and lasting peace between the Turkish state and the Kurdish people would strengthen Turkey, reduce tensions across the Middle East, decrease the risks of displacement and extremism, and contribute to the long-term security interests of the alliance.”

A-H 

ANHA