Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson for the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), held a press conference regarding current developments following the party’s Central Executive Committee (MYK) meeting on October 8.
Regarding the Gaza war, Ayşegül Doğan expressed their support for the ceasefire agreement.
‘The stage we have reached in Turkey is very critical’
Referring to the anniversary of the beginning of the international conspiracy against Abdullah Öcalan on October 9, 1998, Doğan said: “Despite everything, the October 9 International Conspiracy was thwarted by Öcalan’s persistent efforts for peace and democratization. What was intended on October 9, 1998, was clearly to ignite a Turkish-Kurdish war. Fortunately, it did not succeed. However, a great struggle and a heavy price were paid to make it fail. In terms of its regional impact, the stage we have reached in Turkey is very critical. It is a very important and historic threshold. Its critical and historic nature can be seen even when looking only at the developments that have taken place in Turkey and the Middle East region over the last 30 years.”
‘Öcalan proposed a model for a democratic life’
Ayşegül Doğan further stated the following: “To thwart this conspiracy, which also involved international actors, Mr. Öcalan, despite 27 years of isolation, proposed a model for a democratic life, weaving it together stitch by stitch, both for Turkey and the Middle East region. For this very reason, when we evaluate what is happening today, we cannot consider it independently of yesterday. We do not merely condemn this conspiracy, this conspiratorial mind that wants to cause a war, destruction and migration and orchestrate a huge war between peoples. We have been fighting against it for years. We are fighting with our lives to prevent it from happening. We see that this mind is still at work everywhere.
‘No one can tolerate any more loss of life’
Yes, we are talking about a failed conspiracy, but this mindset is still struggling. It is still trying to narrow the possibilities and scope for a lasting peace, an honorable, equal, and just peace. They will definitely fail, as we have seen over the past 10 years. But no one can tolerate any more loss of life. Neither we nor the country, or the Middle East region can. That is why everyone must understand the value of this process and approach what needs to be done from now on with seriousness.
‘A new life model that Öcalan has presented to the world’
The democratic communal society, eco-economy, eco-industry, democratic society socialism, democratic integration, and finally, deliberative democracy… These conceptualizations should not be treated merely as concepts. These are not merely theoretical developments; nor are they just words or concepts that open the door to new debates. They are the key words of the new life model that Öcalan has presented to the world, to Turkey, to the region, and to the peoples living in the region. They are also an indication of how profound and rich the perspective on the Kurdish issue is.
‘The state of non-conflict must be made permanent’
Mr. Erdoğan said, “Every positive step will lead to the next.” Similarly, MHP leader Mr. Bahçeli said, “First, the weapons must be silenced, then everything can be discussed.” The silence of weapons is important, but the state of non-conflict must be made permanent. Certain steps must be taken to this end. Now that the weapons have been silenced, the law, justice, and democracy must become visible and recognition and acceptance must be legally ensured. However, no single action has been taken yet. Important words are being spoken, valuable statements are being made, and the mold is being broken in the discourse, but speaking it is not enough.
‘New social and political developments must occur’
In order for us to understand that we are in a transition period, certain new developments must occur, both socially and politically. Everything points to the need for a transition to a new era. On the other hand, no concrete steps are being taken in this regard. In the new era, the rule of law must be upheld and justice must be established. Again, for example, we need to see the end of isolation. It must be explained why it is essential for him (Öcalan) to speak, and this should not be left solely to the DEM Party. This is not just the DEM Party’s issue; it is Turkey’s issue, society’s issue, politics’ issue. The responsibility we face is our shared responsibility. Therefore, we must all work together to take some steps on this issue.
‘The commission must establish contact with Öcalan’
The commission must establish contact with Mr. Öcalan. Bahçeli made statements on this matter, which we welcome. Although belated, these remarks are of great value to Turkey. However, there has still been no statement on this matter from the Speaker of Parliament or the commission chair.
Plans for the new term
Our “We want peace, because…” campaign continues. It will continue throughout October. The campaign is being carried out in all our provincial and district organizations, in every region of Turkey. At the same time, new plans are being made. In addition to the meetings we have held so far, preparations are also underway for the new term of the Parliament, and our Central Executive Committee has discussed the issues we will address in the new term. We will have some plans related to this issue in the new term.
‘No steps have been taken’
The process is at a critical stage. On the one hand, there are those who are following developments in Syria and trying to establish connections. On the other hand, there are questions over the commission’s work in Turkey. There are those who ask, “How will it happen? How will Öcalan’s views be conveyed? How will this be ensured?” All of this shows us that no steps have been taken. As far as we can observe, the responsibility for the process has essentially been left to Mr. Öcalan. That is the impression we have gained from his care, sensitivity, and the information conveyed to us from the meetings. This is very important and very valuable. However, it requires a response. This response must not be delayed.
‘Two separate countries, different conditions’
They say that the SDF ignores the interim government’s calls for dialogue and express that they are prioritizing the issue of YPG integration above all other issues. In other words, integration should not be evaluated in terms of one side being subordinate to the other. Integration should be accepted as a mutual exchange and transformation. From this perspective, yes, it does concern Turkey, because we are also talking about democratic integration, about re-establishing that integration. There was a specific reference to this in Mr. Öcalan’s call on February 27. But we are not evaluating it as directly connected. It is about two separate processes, two separate procedures, two separate countries, different conditions.”