The Imrali delegation of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) and the chairman of the conservative Future Party, Ahmet Davutoğlu, met for a political exchange on the current status of the Turkish-Kurdish peace process. The meeting on Tuesday focused on the need for political and social understanding and the establishment of a stable legal framework for future steps.
Phase requires political and social approval
The meeting at the Future Party headquarters in Ankara was attended by DEM MPs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar, as well as lawyer Faik Özgür Erol from the Asrin Law Office, representing the Imrali delegation. According to Sancar, the meeting served to exchange information about the latest developments in the context of the peace dialogue. The delegation’s visit to Abdullah Öcalan on the prison island of Imrali on December 2 was also reported on.
Sancar emphasized that the process of resolving the Kurdish question had reached a new phase: “The key prerequisite is a legal framework under the concept of peace law. This includes legal regulations that enable political agreement, but are also based on broad social consensus. Transparency, openness, and ongoing consultations are necessary to achieve this consensus.”
DEM Party plans meeting with Erdoğan
Pervin Buldan also spoke after the meeting. She said Davutoğlu was informed about the current status and asked for support in the next phase, which will primarily focus on the legal framework of the peace process. After completing the current round of talks with various parties, including the CHP, a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and another trip to Imrali are planned to discuss the results with the Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, she added.
Davutoğlu: Swift legislation and clear communication required
Ahmet Davutoğlu emphasized the need to proceed with care and speed. He spoke of a three-stage approach: first, the domestic process; second, the security aspect in northern Iraq—meaning the complete disarmament of the guerrillas in South Kurdistan; and third, developments in Syria.
The situation is particularly tense there, Davutoğlu said, referring to the recent attack on US troops. “A stable course in Syria is also crucial for domestic peace in Turkey,” he said. Regarding the domestic political situation, Davutoğlu called for the ongoing commission work in parliament to be completed quickly. He remarked that legislative process must be expedited in order to avoid provocations and to be able to respond appropriately to new developments in security policy.
“All languages deserve respect”
When asked about controversial statements made by the MHP regarding minority rights and linguistic diversity, Sancar replied that the matter would be discussed internally. He said that the process was a political negotiation, that differences were legitimate, and that the decisive factor was the search for common ground.
Davutoğlu made it clear that his party regarded the recognition of one’s mother tongue as a human right: “All languages deserve respect – they are part of human dignity.”
Criticism of AKP: Delays jeopardize trust
Davutoğlu criticized the ruling AKP for delays in the final report of the “National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission.” He said that the AKP had not yet made any contribution and had requested an extension for its own report. “The greatest responsibility lies with the government. We can make suggestions, but only the AKP can implement them,” Davutoğlu said. Transparent communication is necessary to avoid social uncertainty, he added.