DEM Parliamentarian: Kurds still asked to integrate, but into what system?

Gulistan Kılıç Koçyiğit participated in a public meeting at the Agri Center in Eskişehir, Northern Kurdistan, as part of the “Peace and Democratic Society Meetings,” attended by parliamentarians from the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Republican People’s Party (CHP).

She provided an assessment of the current stage of the peace process, emphasizing that the Kurdish issue is a matter of historical identity. She added: “This is not a matter of terrorism or security, but of historical identity, rooted in denial and erasure.”

“Imrali visit surpassed a critical stage” 

Gulistan Kılıç Koçyiğit referred to the parliamentary committee’s meeting with Leader Abdullah Ocalan on November 24, noting its significant political and psychological importance. She explained that Leader Ocalan stated during the meeting: “We have reached an understanding with the state, but now we seek a political agreement. I accept the delegation as a political delegation, and this meeting is historic.”

She said: “We are in a more hopeful and determined phase than before. The PKK’s disarmament is crucial for completely ending the war in our lives, but we bear the social responsibility of building peace.”

“The people must take responsibility in this process”

Gulistan Kılıç Koçyiğit emphasized that the process should not be left to political parties alone. Referring to the 2013–2015 peace process, she said: “When the possibility of failure existed back then, if millions had taken to the streets, the process could not have ended in that way. Today, we must take the same responsibility.”

Laws guaranteeing freedom for those who laid down arms are necessary

She explained that progress has been made following Leader Ocalan’s call, stating that the parliament must fully play its role at this stage. She continued: “Now it is up to us, in parliament and politics, to take responsibility and quickly pass the necessary laws. On July 11, they laid down their arms, but could not come because no law existed. Laws guaranteeing the return of those who laid down arms must be enacted. The parliament must promptly pass laws enabling participation in social and political life.”

She noted that the Justice and Development Party’s stance has effectively turned into opposition to the ongoing process. She said: “What began on March 19 has not ended; since then we have experienced repeated forms of repression. How many times have we faced this repression since March 19? Since 2016, our municipalities and the will of our people have been seized.” She added: “The solution table was formed because the process continues, not because we adopted AKP policies or joined the People’s Alliance. We continue our path according to our independent political and ideological line.”

“What are Kurds expected to believe? What guarantees are given to them?”

Koçyiğit stated that the country needs a new and comprehensive constitution, noting that ongoing discussions about Rojava hinder progress. She explained: “There is much debate in Turkey; certain parties continue raising the issue of Syria and Rojava, making continuous statements on television. Phrases are repeated, such as: ‘The People’s Defense Forces must lay down arms, or the process will not continue.’ At the same time, Kurds are still asked to integrate. But the question is: into what? Is there a functioning democracy they can integrate into? What are Kurds supposed to believe? If tomorrow Kurdish homes are attacked, their property violated, or they are physically assaulted, and if scenarios of massacres previously committed against Alawites and Druze recur, what guarantees are offered to Kurds?”

A-H 

ANHA