Celal Fırat, an Istanbul deputy of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), emphasized that direct contact with the key interlocutor is indispensable for a lasting and honorable peace. He criticized Speaker of Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş for statements that tied the process to external dynamics. Fırat noted that in the new legislative term they expect concrete steps on issues such as transitional laws, the strengthening of local administrations, and trial without detention. He underlined that there is no legal barrier preventing the Commission from visiting Imrali.
Celal Fırat, a member of the Commission for Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy and an Istanbul deputy of the DEM Party, responded to ANF’s questions.
As the DEM Party, you argue that the Commission for Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy must establish direct contact with Abdullah Öcalan in its work. What kind of political ground or legal framework do you foresee for this demand to be met? Does the Commission have the will or preparation in this regard?
One of the most fundamental conditions for us in achieving a lasting and honorable peace is direct dialogue with the true interlocutor of this issue. No one can deny the determination that Mr. Öcalan has shown so far on the question of a solution. For the Commission to progress in a healthy way, it must recognize this determination. In fact, there is no real obstacle to this. Even among the statements of some spokespeople of the People’s Alliance reflected in the press, there are opinions that there would be no objection to a delegation of 3–4 members from the Commission visiting Imrali. For this, no new legal regulation is required; it is sufficient for political will to demonstrate determination. As the DEM Party, we continue our efforts to ensure that this determination is displayed.
Yeni Şafak newspaper (one of the AKP’s outlets) accused the DEM Party of undermining the functioning of the Commission with this demand. What does this mean for the peace process?
Just as political circles make their own assessments, certain media outlets also evaluate this process from their own positions. We know that the editorial policy of Yeni Şafak is close to the government. At the same time, some media outlets that consider themselves opposition also directly target the process. However, as members of the Commission from the DEM Party, we are fully aware of how insistently our people demand an honorable peace. In all our work, we use the language of peace and resolution, and it is precisely this language that has won the appreciation of the public.
Those who have not suffered the pain of war or paid its price, unfortunately, cannot grasp the true value of peace. We, however, will continue our struggle under all circumstances for the honorable peace that our people have long yearned for and for the restoration of their usurped rights. No matter which circles target this process, we will continue to resist them as well. Outlets like Yeni Şafak must now adopt the language of peace. Rather than circling around the subject, focusing on its essence would be beneficial for everyone. To ignore the true interlocutor and main actor of the solution, and to describe dialogue with Imrali as an attempt to undermine the process, only diminishes the support the Commission currently enjoys. If there truly exists a political will for resolution, then it must take the prudent steps that will end such debates without delay.
Tuncer Bakırhan stated that developments in Syria should not be placed as a barrier before the peace process in Turkey. Speaker of Parliament Numan Kurtulmuş, however, presented the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), including all its elements in Syria, as a precondition for moving the process into the legislative stage. Why is Turkey’s domestic peace process being tied to external dynamics?
As Tuncer Bakırhan has said, we do not find it right that developments in Syria are being presented as a condition for Turkey’s domestic peace. The Speaker of Parliament’s insistence on all structures in Syria laying down their arms as a precondition carries the risk of delaying and obstructing the process. Linking the consolidation of internal peace in Turkey to external dynamics is not the correct approach. It only postpones the solution, makes it more difficult, and may drive it into deadlock. We believe that internal peace is a common interest of the peoples of Turkey, and for this reason it must be addressed independently of the problems in Syria.
As the DEM Party, what concrete steps do you expect to be taken in the new legislative term regarding the solution of the Kurdish question?
Last year, with the opening of Parliament on October 1, the concrete response to Devlet Bahçeli’s extended hand was Mr. Öcalan’s decision to end the organization’s armed struggle. This year, the handshake of the President and his meetings with party leaders indicate that the process will continue. The responsibility now lies with Parliament. Our primary expectation in the new legislative term is that integration laws be urgently placed on the agenda. The Transitional Period Law, amendments to the Penal Enforcement Law, the Anti-Terror Law, the Turkish Penal Code, and the Criminal Procedure Code should be addressed as a priority. This also applies to sick prisoners and those whose sentences have been postponed. Ending the practice of trusteeships, reinstating all elected officials who have been removed from office, and ensuring trial without detention are among the confidence-building steps that must be taken. These steps will strengthen the peace process for us.