Open Letter To the Heads of State and Government of NATO Member States


Ahead of the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey, 7–8 July 2026

 

Excellencies,

On behalf of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), we write ahead of the forthcoming NATO Summit in Ankara to draw your urgent attention to the ongoing dialogue process between Abdullah Öcalan, 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 far beyond its borders. A democratic resolution of the Kurdish question would strengthen stability in Turkey and contribute to security across the wider region.

At a time when Syria, Iraq, and Iran all face deep uncertainty and conflict, the dialogue process in Turkey represents a rare opportunity. If allowed to advance meaningfully, it can contribute to a more stable and democratic Turkey and help reduce tensions across the wider region, particularly in relation to Rojava in Syria and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The unresolved Kurdish question lies at the heart of many of the political and security challenges affecting the region.

The Kurdish side has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to a political and negotiated solution. Abdullah Öcalan’s call of 27 February 2025 for the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) to lay down its arms and dissolve 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 Öcalan remains the key interlocutor for an honourable and effective peace. For negotiations to succeed, however, the Kurdish side must also be able to participate on fair terms. The continued restriction of access to Mr Öcalan and the maintenance of his isolation are incompatible 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 countries. It would reduce the risk of renewed conflict and displacement, lessen the pressure of refugee movements towards Europe, and help curb wider radicalisation fuelled by ongoing war and instability far beyond the region.

We therefore urge NATO member countries, as they prepare for the summit in Ankara, to support the conditions necessary for a serious and successful peace process. In particular, we urge the leaders of NATO’s member countries to support:

• the observation and continuation of the dialogue process between the Turkish state and the Kurdish movement;
  freedom for Abdullah Öcalan’s isolation and the establishment of legal conditions that allow him to participate freely and effectively in dialogue with the Turkish authorities;
• a democratic and lawful framework for the recognition of the fundamental collective rights of the Kurdish people in Turkey; and
• a political approach that understands peace and democracy in Turkey as a contribution to wider 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, lower the risks of displacement and radicalisation, and contribute to the long-term security interests of the Alliance.

We thank you for your attention and consideration.

Yours sincerely,
Executive Council of the Kurdistan National Congress