Equality and Peoples’ Democracy party calls for swift steps to advance peace process

The co-chairs of the Equality and Peoples’ Democracy Party (DEM Partî), Tolay Hatem Oğulları and Tunçer Bakerhan, issued a statement during a meeting in Ankara regarding the decision of the Kurdistan Liberation Movement to withdraw its forces from within Turkey’s borders and the latest developments in the peace process.

Tunçer Bakerhan said, “We are living in a period that can change the course of Turkish history. This moment is the result of the struggle of all democracy activists and defenders of life. After a long journey, we have reached a critical stage in history with great hope. Turkey has paid a heavy price and endured immense suffering. Yesterday marked a historic development. Of course, we did not reach this stage suddenly. Looking at the past few months and recent days:

On October 1, 2024, Mr. Bahçeli made a welcoming statement in Parliament, which turned positions upside down. The next step, on February 27, saw a voice rise from İmralı, changing forty years of conflict. Mr. Abdullah Ocalan’s call to lay down arms and dissolve the PKK was not merely a call, but a decisive step that will be recorded in history.

The President met with a delegation from our party and extended his greetings, strengthening belief in the will for peace. Then, on October 26, our country witnessed a decisive moment, as the PKK, which had previously decided to disband, announced the withdrawal of its forces from Turkish territory, reaffirming its commitment to peace and solution. This decision opens a new door and represents a step toward a fair settlement and lasting peace.

This withdrawal is the truest expression of political will for peace. It declares a firm belief in a democratic and political solution. Yesterday’s decision is not just a withdrawal; it is a courageous step toward a democratic future. At the same time, it represents the chance to secure the next hundred years. The 20th century was one of wars, suffering, losses, and tears. The 21st century must be a century of peace, brotherhood, equality, coexistence, and democracy. History gives us this opportunity, and we must not squander it.

Political and Legal Steps

If we can properly lead this process, Turkey will become a model for solving problems through dialogue, offering hope for humanity and setting an example for the world. The time is not to repeat the pains of the past but to build the hopes of the future. It is a time for inclusion, unity, and brotherhood. With the first steps completed, including the decisions of the congress, disarmament, and withdrawal, a new chapter of history has begun. Now, without waiting for externally imposed solutions, it is time to write our story ourselves. We are entering a critical and sensitive phase, beginning legal and political steps toward societal peace. This is a challenging phase, but it carries deep meaning.

The process must advance based on rights and freedoms. There is an urgent need to strengthen the language of politics and democracy. Rights must be the foundation of peace, and justice the basis for the future. Mr. Abdullah Ocalan played a vital role in yesterday’s decision and in previous steps. His vision for peace paved the way for this. Even under the most difficult circumstances, he has always been open to political solutions. At this stage, his determination and efforts in building peace have been decisive. Therefore, it is essential to allow him to take further initiatives and open the path for him.

Responsibility for this process does not rest on a single party. The state, authorities, security bureaucracy, judiciary, and all official institutions must assume their responsibilities. Everyone must act in accordance with the will for peace. Previous negative statements and reactions must be overcome. The language of reason and democracy must guide the future. There is no need for hostility, nor to define others as enemies. Nationalistic or fear-driven policies must give way to freedom, hope, and coexistence.

Those defending the old regime, vested interests, and regional or international forces benefiting from war may try to sabotage this process, provoke incidents, create fear scenarios, or launch smear campaigns. But we remain firm in our commitment. We will continue on the path of peace. Everyone must know: we will not abandon peace. It is time for the government, opposition, civil society, media, and academics to assume their responsibilities.

A New Phase

Tolay Hatem Oğulları added that Turkey is witnessing a rare political moment. “This is not coincidental; it is the result of decades of persistent will and dedicated efforts. We are now entering a new phase. Our current mission is to cultivate this land carefully and build a democratic Turkey together. Engaging diverse social segments in this process is crucial for achieving a shared and equal future, a historical responsibility for all.

The founding of the Republic was significant, but it was not a democratic republic, and thus the core democratic problem in Turkey remains unresolved. For a hundred years, we have lived through major crises. This nation can no longer endure another century of suffering, injustice, and denial of rights. To advance justice and rights in the Republic’s second century, prevent discrimination, and establish a democratic republic, we bear a historic mission. The historic steps taken over the past year open great opportunities to transform the Republic in its second century into a democratic one.

Building peace based on democratic integration is the key to a democratic republic. This process is not only political but also a cultural and social transformation. Through conscious societal transformation, we must build peace and democracy together. No one should remain a passive observer. Divergent opinions or criticisms are natural but can strengthen us.

Our call extends to intellectuals, academics, and writers in Turkey to take responsibility for society and view support for peace as a moral and intellectual duty. We also call upon women and mothers, who have endured the most from wars, to take an active role in building peace. Mothers who have grayed from suffering, and those who have lost children despite differences in identity, share common grief. Uniting their voices for peace will form the strongest foundation for true peace. We also call on youth, who have made the greatest sacrifices, to embrace peace to the fullest extent, as the responsibility of building peace rests largely on their shoulders.

Our call to the state and authorities in this new phase of the process: it is crucial that political and legal steps are taken swiftly to advance the process. Once again, society expects action from the government and Parliament. It is time to heed the voice of the people.

ANHA