The process initiated with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s Call for Peace and Democratic Society—aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue through democratic means—has continued with a series of steps, including the PKK’s decision to dissolve, disarm and withdraw the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s forces to the “Media Defense Zones.” The state and the government, however, have yet to take any concrete measures apart from establishing the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission.

 

‘LEGAL BASIS FOR MOTHER-TONGUE EDUCATION MUST BE CREATED’

 

Felicity Party (Saadet) Van Provincial Chair Özay İlhan said they have been closely following the process, noting that their greatest expectation is a resolution to the Kurdish issue.

 

İlhan added: “With the latest developments, a legal basis for mother-tongue education must first be established, and the region must be developed. Problematic articles in the country’s laws need to be amended. Justice lies at the heart of the matter. And everyone involved in this process must act sincerely.”

 

‘THE COMMISSION HAS LOST PUBLIC TRUST’

 

DEVA Party Van Provincial Chair, Lawyer Ahmet Sönmez, said the commission formed within the scope of the process lacks a legal foundation, and therefore necessary steps must be taken “urgently.”

 

“We believe that key issues—such as the appointment of trustees, democratisation and recognition of legal rights—have been delayed. Unfortunately, we think the commission has lost public trust during the period since its establishment,” he said.

 

‘THE COMMISSION MUST LISTEN TO IMRALI’

 

Emphasising the need to hear from İmralı (Abdullah Öcalan), Sönmez recalled that all major decisions taken by the PKK until now were ultimately determined by İmralı. Sönmez said: “The MHP (Turkish Nationalist Movement Party) insists that the commission should go to İmralı, but there are political parties opposing this. The AKP (Justice and Development Party) has not yet taken a concrete step. The President must take ownership of this process and clearly state his views on whether the commission should visit İmralı.”

 

Sönmez underlined that the main expectation from the process is the adoption of legal measures, especially after the disarmament phase, which makes such steps even more vital. Noting the sensitivity of the process, he added that issues such as political prisoners and the appointment of trustees must also be addressed.

 

‘ERDOĞAN MUST USE CLEARER LANGUAGE’

 

CHP Van Provincial Chair Seracettin Bedirhanoğlu stressed the importance of the process progressing without difficulty. He said all developments so far have been significant and that it is important for the main opposition CHP to fully support the process. Bedirhanoğlu also emphasised the need to learn from past experiences.

 

Stating that the process must not be perceived as election-driven or as a stalling tactic, Bedirhanoğlu said: “Many segments of society are still waiting to hear clearer statements from President Erdoğan,” adding that the public should be better informed.

 

Recalling that legal reforms are essential, Bedirhanoğlu underlined that political prisoners must be released and the appointment of trustees must come to an end. He also highlighted the importance of transparency in the process.

 

MA/ Lutfu Pala