Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) School Co-Spokesperson Doğan Erbaş said that the visit by the “Solution Commission”, the parliamentary body established as part of the “Democratic Society and Peace” process, to Imralı Island to hear from Abdullah Öcalan signifies a de facto entry into a democratic negotiation framework.
Erbaş emphasised that the meeting, conducted with the support of the majority of parties represented in parliament, is significant in its own right. He said it should not be viewed as a symbolic gesture but as an expression of political will, recognition and an intention to carry forward a negotiation process. He added that the step is historically important, opening a window of opportunity, and noted that the next actions taken will shape how the process develops.
Not symbolic, but an act of recognition and an intention to negotiate
Doğan Erbaş recalled Abdullah Öcalan’s earlier calls for a parliamentary commission and pointed to the beginning of a democratic negotiation process: “During the 2012 resolution process, Mr. Öcalan made a similar call. He requested the establishment of a commission in parliament, a body that represents the political will of society and asked that this commission meet with him. In this period as well, during his meetings with our delegations since October, he emphasized that parliament should take part, and that not only the governing parties but all parties should be involved in the process.
He specifically underlined that the Republican People’s Party (CHP) should also participate in the commission. Now we can say with confidence that a democratic negotiation framework has begun. Even if the delegation was not exactly as envisioned, the meeting took place with the approval of a majority of the parties represented in parliament. This, alone is significant.
Mr. Öcalan’s meeting with the legislative body marks the beginning of democratic negotiations. The steps that follow will be evaluated in due course. This meeting is not symbolic, it is a historic beginning that signifies recognition of political will and an intention to carry out negotiations.
In the coming days we will see whether the current members, or possibly new ones, will make another visit. This issue will certainly be discussed at the next commission meeting. DEM Party will determine its stance. DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları also gave a detailed assessment during the group meeting. We will advocate for the continuation of the talks on behalf of the commission and for the delegation to visit Imralı again.”
The emphasis on peace and a democratic society is significant
Doğan Erbaş said that, beyond the importance of the statement made by Parliamentary Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, the emphasis placed on peace and a democratic society was particularly noteworthy: “The brief statement by the Parliamentary Speaker was important. His highlighting of the call for peace and a democratic society, his references to social cohesion, and his mention of the 10 March Agreement in North and East Syria were remarkable. Instead of the usual ‘terror’ rhetoric, the emphasis shifted toward social peace, brotherhood and coexistence.
This statement signals that legal and constitutional steps may be taken to move the process toward peace and democracy. In the coming period, the words of the Parliamentary Speaker will certainly be taken into consideration.”
Bahçeli’s remark that Imralı is the key interlocutor is significant
Erbaş said that the stance of Devlet Bahçeli, Chair of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), was also noteworthy and continued: “Mr. Bahçeli’s assessments are significant in their own right. Although he has made various statements in the past, the position he has reached today is worth examining from the perspective of political history. His remark that ‘the most serious interlocutor is Imralı’ carries particular weight. It is also noteworthy that he made this statement after receiving information from the deputy chairs who took part in the visit.
Abdullah Öcalan has long emphasised sincerity and seriousness; Bahçeli’s words evoke this approach. His statement, ‘If no one goes, I will go,’ also helped accelerate the process. At the same time, this remark carries a critical message directed at the government.
Bahçeli’s stance shows that he favours concrete steps rather than stretching the process over time. I believe it also signals a tendency toward engaging with Öcalan directly in the next stages.”
The significance of the meeting should not be overshadowed
Doğan Erbaş also addressed the discussions surrounding the CHP and said the party’s absence should not overshadow the importance of the meeting. Erbaş also said: “This meeting remained somewhat under the shadow of debates about the CHP. The fact that the CHP did not go to the island was widely discussed, because it is one of the country’s largest parties. But this should not overshadow the significance of the meeting. Even on its own, it is a historic step.
I believe the CHP will change its position in the coming days following these debates and criticisms. As a party that has been speaking of change and transformation for the past year, and attempting to reckon with its past, it cannot continue on this line. It is also aware that its recent successes in local administrations were achieved with the support of the Kurdish people. For this reason, it will eventually be compelled to join the process.
Let me add this: Mr. Öcalan’s mission, ideas and commitment to a democratic solution must be communicated to the public much more strongly. For shared life and lasting peace, political actors must abandon their old reflexes and approach the issue anew.”