At a panel discussion in the southern Turkish province of Hatay on the future of the region, democracy, and peace, the co-chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), Tülay Hatimoğulları, emphasized the importance of a cross-party consensus in the ongoing dialogue process on the Kurdish question. She said that the process was not a party alliance, but a state-led peace and solution process.
The panel was organized in the district of Defne by the DEM Party together with the Socialist Refoundation Party (SYKP), the Labor Party (EMEP), and the Platform for Socialist Solidarity (SODAP). The focus was on regional peace dynamics, the democratization of Turkey, and the political situation in the Middle East.
Criticism of CHP and Yeni Yol
Hatimoğulları referred to the recent decision by the parliamentary “Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy” to hold talks with Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, who is imprisoned on the prison island of Imrali.
She criticized the CHP (Republican People’s Party) and the “New Path” (Yeni Yol) group for not wanting to send any of their commission members to Imrali, calling it a “failure.” Decisions in the committee should ideally be made by consensus. “We would have liked the CHP to participate—and we still hope for a change of heart,” she said.
“The state is the negotiating partner, not the parties”
Hatimoğulları emphasized that this is a process being conducted on behalf of the state, with the government as the executing authority. “Neither the Kurdish people nor the DEM Party would ever support an authoritarian government,” Hatimoğulları said. “This process is not a political alliance. The state is the actual negotiating partner.”
She dismissed concerns that the process could be exploited by the ruling AKP for electoral purposes. “This peace process is more important than any election. A democratic solution to the Kurdish question would pave the way for fundamental rights, freedom of association, and social struggles.”
“Solidarity is a matter of principle for us.”
Hatimoğulları called for broad involvement of the opposition. Given the history of repression against the DEM Party’s predecessor, the HDP, similar measures against the CHP will not be tolerated, she said. “We know state repression only too well. If similar methods are used against the CHP today, we will protest just as loudly,” she said. “Our solidarity is a matter of principle—we reject any form of disenfranchisement of elected representatives.”
Warning against provocations and outside influence
The DEM Party co-chair also warned against possible provocations and outside influences that could jeopardize the process. “There are actors—states, organizations, political forces—that do not want this process,” she said. “That is why it is all the more important that everyone clearly position themselves in favor of a solution.”
Aslan: It is not the people, but politics that has created conflict
EMEP Chairman Seyit Aslan made it clear that the root of the Kurdish question lies not with the people, but with the state’s refusal to acknowledge their rights. “The millions of voices of the Kurdish population have been ignored for decades,” he said. A solution is only possible if national demands are recognized, mother-tongue education is made possible, and political prisoners are released.
Aslan also praised the steps taken by the Kurdish movement, including the PKK’s laying down of arms. “These steps are valuable and must not go unanswered. Even if the government is pursuing tactical goals, that should not be a reason to reject dialogue.”
Konukçu: Socialist forces must not be marginalized
SODAP spokesperson Kezban Konukçu pointed to political tensions and increasing repression against opposition forces. She said the state was reacting with increasing nervousness and viewed the peace process primarily as a threat to its power base. “Nevertheless, left-wing and socialist groups should not merely observe the process. If the peace process gets underway, then we too must take responsibility and actively contribute,” she said.
Titiz: Peace needed in highly sensitive geopolitical zone
SYKP co-chair Mert Titiz emphasized that the Middle East is located at a geopolitically sensitive intersection—culturally, economically, and in terms of power politics. The region, he said, is both an interface for global projects such as the New Silk Road and a hotbed of conflict between major powers. “Peace here is not only possible, but necessary—also in Turkey’s interest.”
Titiz also recalled the steps of peace from the Kurdish movement, such as Öcalan’s call on February 27 or the withdrawal of guerrilla forces from Turkey, and criticized the government for not responding to them. The continued imprisonment of individuals such as former HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş and cultural patron Osman Kavala is preventing social openness, he added.
“The opportunity for peace must be seized.”
Even though there have been no official talks yet, a new phase has begun in which “the ground for peace” is being explored, Titiz said. “We must take this opportunity seriously. A turning point like June 7, 2015, is rare and should not be allowed to pass unused.”
The panel was followed by a question-and-answer session. Seyit Aslan once again emphasized the need to forge broad alliances, for example in the fight against femicide, child labor, and authoritarian interference in local self-government.
When asked whether the CHP could withdraw from the process, Tülay Hatimoğulları concluded by saying: “The CHP has stated that it will not send anyone to Imrali, but will remain at the commission table. We are speaking on the basis of the current situation; speculation is not helpful. Of course, we are also preparing for all scenarios.”
The commission in parliament will present its final report in the next two weeks. Hatimoğulları spoke in favor of legal reforms to ensure that the peace process continues to progress positively.