Former HDP MP: “Turkish State Evades any real action”

Botan spoke to ANHA Agency about the ongoing “Peace and Democratic Society Process” in Northern Kurdistan and Turkey, its current status, obstacles hindering its progress, and the Turkish government’s stance toward it.

He noted that almost a year has passed since the start of the process, during which the Kurdish people—under the leadership of leader Abdullah Ocalan—took very significant and strategic steps. These moves, he said, had a profound strategic impact not only in Kurdistan but also internationally.

Botan emphasized that major decisions in the movement’s history were made under pressure, describing the period as a historic phase marked by transformative decisions such as the proposed dissolution of the PKK, which he called “an exceptional and strategic turning point.”

The symbolic act of burning weapons by the guerrillas, he added, sent a strong message to Kurdish society, Turkish interlocutors, and the global public. Leader Ocalan’s letters to the Kurdish side, calling for unity, uplifted the morale of both the Kurdish people and international opinion.

Leader’s Steps are Acts of Great Sacrifice

Botan said that leader Ocalan had created fertile ground for overcoming difficult times and gave rival parties an opportunity to engage in dialogue—“a great act of sacrifice.”

However, he added that the Turkish state has not taken a single positive step in response.

“The only proposal of Mr. Ocalan that was implemented was the formation of a parliamentary committee,” he explained.

This committee received input from the public, civil society, and institutions. Yet when a Kurdish mother attempted to address the committee—formed ostensibly to solve the Kurdish-Turkish issue—in her mother tongue, she was not allowed to speak Kurdish.

The language was even referred to as ‘an unknown language’, which Botan described as a grave insult reflecting the fascist mentality of the Turkish state and revealing its bad faith.

According to him, this shows that the state seeks only to stall and buy time, without any genuine intent to reach a solution. As a result, society itself views the process with skepticism and distrust.

Kurdish People are Wary of the State’s Manipulations

Botan noted that although the process enjoys broad popular support, the Kurdish people and public opinion remain deeply concerned about the ruling AKP-MHP alliance and do not trust the state’s motives.

“No matter how much the state tries to evade, the outcome of this process will ultimately legitimize the Kurdish people’s achievements,” he said.

State’s Provocations Extend to Syria

Botan also drew attention to the Turkish state’s threats and attacks against Rojava (Western Kurdistan), as well as its actions targeting organizations, municipalities, intellectuals, and opposition groups within Turkey.

He argued that such acts demonstrate the government’s lack of enthusiasm and sincerity toward the peace process.

“A year has passed without any concrete action from the Turkish side,” he said.

“Their true intent is to block any resolution. While leader Ocalan continues to rely on dialogue, the Kurdish people—under his leadership—are effectively cornering the state and forcing it to act. Nevertheless, provocations continue in Syria, including the recent incidents in the Sheikh Maqsoud and Ashrafieh neighborhoods.”

Lasting Solution Requires Unity and Diplomacy

Botan concluded by stressing that to compel the Turkish state to take the process seriously, institutions, intellectuals, religious figures, democratic parties, labor unions, human rights organizations, and legal bodies must act as stakeholders, unite in a common front, and support democratic policies.

He praised the Kurdish people for resisting provocations during the process and maintaining a strong struggle.

“Most importantly,” he added, “the diaspora plays a vital role as another dimension of diplomacy. For a lasting solution, diplomatic efforts must be expanded, strengthened, and coordinated through dialogue with all Kurdish, regional, and international actors.”

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ANHA