Aktash urges Turkey to take steps for democratic solution

Aktash made the remarks during the third session of the conference "Transformation to the Democratic Republic in Its Second Century," held in Istanbul, where he spoke in a panel titled "Democratic Integration in the Kurdish Issue and Building a Shared Life."

He stressed the importance of the conference, saying that the democratization of the republic should be at the top of Turkey’s agenda and that the current period requires tangible progress in advancing the Peace and Democratic Society Process.

Aktash explained that calls made by various political actors, along with leader Abdullah Ocalan’s message and the positions adopted by several Turkish political figures, have helped bring the process to a new stage. He noted that resolving the Kurdish issue requires reciprocal dialogue among all parties.

He added that “democratic integration” does not mean surrender or assimilation, but rather is based on mutual recognition and coexistence on the basis of equality. Achieving this, he said, requires democracy and dialogue free from exclusionary policies.

Aktash further stated that the current phase could represent an important opportunity for Turkey. He called for the establishment of a new social contract that guarantees the rights of all components of society, arguing that the success of such a process could make Turkey a democratic model for the Middle East.

ANHA