On Friday, members of the DEM party’s Imrali delegation met with Ali Babacan, leader of the opposition DEVA Party, in Ankara to discuss the progress of the dialogue process surrounding a political solution to the Kurdish question. The meeting focused on the demand for legislative steps toward a comprehensive solution process.
The meeting at the DEVA party headquarters was attended by DEM MPs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, as well as lawyer Özgür Erol, who are members of their party’s Imrali delegation. Babacan spoke afterwards at a joint press conference of an “important exchange in a sensitive phase of the process.”
“We discussed the next steps, risks, and prospects for success,” Babacan said. “If there is even a five percent chance of a solution, we will support it.” Babacan said his party wants to contribute to a successful process with its knowledge, experience, and political stance. At the same time, he criticized the government and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for a lack of transparency: “We expect more communication and more public information from the president.”
Pervin Buldan emphasized that the first stage of the ongoing dialogue had been completed and that legal steps were now necessary. “A peace law is required,” she said. “This process needs a legal basis in order to be successful.” Mithat Sancar underscored the importance of broad political and social support. Such processes are complex and challenging, he said, but can be sustained through consensus and participation.
Sancar also spoke of a new phase in which concrete legislative initiatives would be discussed. As soon as the final report of the “National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission” is available and submitted to parliament, corresponding draft laws will be drawn up. The politician also announced further talks between the delegation and representatives of other parties.