Turkey has entered a “new phase” in efforts to end Kurdish militant violence, President Tayyip Erdogan announced on Wednesday, suggesting potential engagement with jailed PKK l1eader Abdullah Ocalan.

Speaking to lawmakers from his ruling AK Party, Erdogan said recent talks with senior DEM Party leaders, who advocate for Ocalan’s involvement, had been “very constructive.” He urged all relevant actors to participate in the process. “It appears we have reached a new crossroads on the path toward a Turkey free of terrorism. Everyone needs to step up and do their part,” Erdogan said.

“We consider it extremely valuable that all relevant parties are heard without leaving anyone out, and that different opinions — even if contrary — are expressed.”

Ocalan, imprisoned since 1999, has historically played a central role in peace efforts, advising the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to disarm and dissolve. Earlier this year, the PKK announced steps toward disarmament, and DEM has argued that the parliamentary commission overseeing this process should be allowed to engage Ocalan in prison.

Erdogan’s government has not officially confirmed any direct engagement with Ocalan. The PKK insurgency, which began in 1984, has fueled intermittent conflict in Turkey’s southeast, with a previous peace initiative collapsing in 2015 and reigniting violence.

The president’s comments followed remarks by nationalist ally Devlet Bahceli, who suggested the potential release of former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas, jailed since 2016, could aid the process. Bahceli first signalled support for renewed talks with the PKK about a year ago.“With a bit more courage and effort, and with God’s permission, we will successfully conclude this p rocess,” Erdogan said, underscoring his optimism for the new phase.

While details of the framework remain undisclosed, Erdogan’s remarks signal a potential thaw in relations with Kurdish political actors and a renewed focus on resolving decades-long conflict in Turkey’s southeast.