The Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy’s decision to meet with Abdullah Öcalan led to a delegation composed of Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chair Feti Yıldız and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Deputy Chair Hüseyin Yayman visiting Imrali Island to hold talks with Abdullah Öcalan.
Writer Mehmet Karakuş, who spoke to ANF about the latest developments in the peace process, shared the following remarks: “First of all, considering the steps taken since 27 February, the fact that the commission, though not including all parties, met with Mr. Öcalan marks the crossing of an important threshold. However, this step alone is not sufficient. It should also be noted that had the Republican People’s Party (CHP) joined the meeting, the situation could have taken a somewhat different direction. CHP’s decision not to participate does not have the capacity to completely nullify the process; but it is an important issue for CHP itself. Because from now on, it will not be possible for CHP to receive votes from the Kurdish people.”
Karakuş continued: “The fact that the meeting was held is a very important step, but it is not sufficient. This step must be followed by other issues that need to be addressed. First of all, certain steps must be taken in terms of a holistic legal framework. The articles on ‘Freedom’ and ‘Democratic Integration’ must be removed. Without doubt, a comprehensive constitutional amendment is needed at the outset. The period of a legal process must now begin.
In particular, anti-democratic laws must be changed. These steps will be important for resolving the issue. Especially Article 42 of the Constitution, which blocks mother-tongue education, and Article 66, which regulates citizenship, must be amended.”
Abdullah Öcalan is binding for everyone
Karakuş stated the commission’s meeting with Abdullah Öcalan represents a crucial stage in efforts to resolve the Kurdish question, and said: “As the chief negotiator, it is essential to hear Öcalan regarding what should be done to resolve the issue, because his position is binding for all sides. The fact that the commission has shown this courage is linked to the changing conditions in the world and the region, the ongoing efforts to redesign the region, and Turkey’s understanding that it cannot play an important role without overcoming its existing problems. Turkey knows that as long as it fails to resolve this issue, it will face a very difficult situation.”
Legal steps must be taken
Karakuş stated that once the legal process begins, the peace process will move toward results more quickly, and said: “First, legal steps must be taken, because the initial move toward ensuring democratic integration must consist of legal regulations. Laws that can enable integration need to be enacted. The legal basis of democratic integration must be established in a way that guarantees political, social, economic and self-defense structures; laws that strengthen confidence must be prepared swiftly.
The obstacles before this issue can be overcome by amending certain key articles and introducing democratic provisions.”