The public discourse surrounding Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” and the PKK’s 12th Congress decisions continues. The focus remains on how to socialize and broaden support for a democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue and democratization of the country. 

 

‘PROCESS MUST BE EXPLAINED TO SOCIETY’

 

Bekaroglu underlined that the entire society must be included in the process, stating that war and conflict have exacted a cost on everyone. “In Diyarbakır, Muş and Hakkari, mothers whose sons are missing suffer the same pain as mothers in Black Sea region whose sons have died and had their names placed on overpasses. As many people as possible should be involved. This happens by revealing the truth, what happened, what was lost, and what peace can bring. I don't think this has been done entirely or adequately so far. How can it be achieved? First, by the effort of those who truly believe in peace. One barrier to socializing the process is the language of peace. This language must be rebuilt. Peace cannot be built with the language of war,” he emphasized.

 

‘THE EXCUSE OF TERRORISM IS DISAPPEARING’

 

Bekaroğlu stated that the current process differs from the 2013–2015 period: “The aim now is to solve problems through discussion, negotiation, and voting. Democratization is hardly possible in an environment of armed conflict. We have brought many reasonable demands to those in power, such as reforming the political parties law or constitutional articles that hinder free politics. Each time we are told, ‘There is terrorism, there is separatism,’ and the proposals are postponed. Even minor requests are blocked with this excuse. That excuse is now fading. So, we will demand the full opening of the path for free politics.”

 

‘DUAL LEGAL SYSTEM FOR 40 YEARS’

 

Bekaroğlu pointed out that Turkey has had a dual legal system for 40 years and said: “The state of emergency was officially lifted, but counter-terrorism laws and internal security packages were put in its place. The appointment of trustees to municipalities won by the DEM Party reflects this. When mayors are removed in other places, a council member is elected instead. These double standards are unsustainable. If we are to live together, all legal reforms must apply to everyone. Everyone who wants democracy must be able to make the same demands. As a society, we deserve democratic, liberating reforms.”

 

‘LEGAL REFORMS NEEDED FOR DISARMAMENT’

 

Bekaroğlu stressed the necessity of legal reforms to enable disarmament: “This is necessary for disarmament to be realized. Questions about how the process will proceed and the fate of those carrying it out can only be answered this way.” 

 

He explained that a parliamentary commission would be formed: “There are 16 political parties represented in the parliament, and the aim is to have at least one representative from each party on the commission. All segments of society must be informed about the legal reforms needed to enable democratic and free politics. Those participating in the talks are sharing and discussing them. Efforts are being made to actively include the opposition. While carrying out this work, it is also essential to explain it to the public—using all scientific methods and the tools of political communication simultaneously.”

 

MA / Yeşim Tükel