The deputy chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, spoke at a press conference in the Turkish parliament about the planned commission to resolve the Kurdish question. She called for transparency and social participation in the emerging political process.
Kılıç Koçyiğit emphasized that the public has a right to comprehensive information: “Whether the commission’s work is completely public or partially closed to the public is secondary. It is much more important that society is informed about the process in a clear and comprehensible manner.”
Regarding the commission process, Kılıç Koçyiğit said that they welcome the format of a parliamentary commission to resolve the Kurdish question in principle. However, she said, broad political participation is crucial. “We want all parties represented in parliament to have a place in this commission and have submitted our proposal to this effect,” the politician said.
Regarding the official name of the commission, Kılıç Koçyiğit said that the Speaker of Parliament had already proposed a wording that her parliamentary group could also support. She added that details would likely be discussed at the first meeting.
With regard to the format of the commission meetings, Kılıç Koçyiğit said: “A purely public or completely non-public format is not realistic. There will be phases in which confidential information from security agencies such as the secret service or the Ministry of Defense will be presented. However, this does not mean that the entire process must be non-transparent. It is important that there is a common consensus on public communication.”
“We would like society to be regularly informed about progress by the Speaker of Parliament or the spokespersons of the Commission—in a factual and responsible manner, rather than in the form of heated debates about alleged statements made behind closed doors.”
The commission, which was established as part of the “process for peace and a democratic society” initiated by Abdullah Öcalan, is scheduled to officially begin its work on August 5 at 11:00 a.m. in the ceremonial hall of the parliament. The event will begin with an opening speech by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. The members will then comment on the foundations, goals, and rules of procedure for the commission’s work. The exact working methods and structure of the body will be determined afterwards.