In a statement on Tuesday, MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) Chairperson Devlet Bahçeli threatened that a military intervention, through the joint will of Ankara and Damascus, would become inevitable if the agreement reached on 10 March between the SDF and the Syrian Interim Government during Syria’s reconstruction process was not honored.
Speaking to Yeni Yaşam newspaper, Bakırhan reacted to the threatening statements made by MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli and AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik against the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, saying, “The resolution to problems lies not in threats of military operations, but in dialogue based on rights and the rule of law.”
Bakırhan said, “In order to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between Turks, Kurds, Arabs, and Persians in this region, the principle of equality must first be embraced. Defending the legitimate rights, dignity, and status of the Kurdish people in neighboring countries is also the expectation of millions of Kurds who are citizens of Turkey.”
Bakırhan stated that calls for “surrender” without offering the Kurds status and guarantees are incompatible with justice and peace.
Bakırhan emphasized that the “Democratic Nation” perspective, which Abdullah Öcalan has advocated for years, offers a peaceful solution for Turkey, Syria, and the entire Middle East. Stating that this understanding sees differences as a source of richness and an important opportunity for a democratic future, Bakırhan said, “The mind calling for Mr. Öcalan to be invited to Parliament should also be open to Mr. Öcalan’s proposed solutions and be able to discuss them.”
Commenting on the appointment of a trustee to the CHP Istanbul Provincial Directorate and recent judicial operations, Bakırhan said these practices were “unlawful and contrary to democracy.”
Bakırhan concluded, “We will resolve the Kurdish question and democratize Turkey together. We have no other choice.”