Meral Daniş Beştaş: Committee’s Meeting in Imrali will not be delayed

Following Abdullah Ocalan’s call to resolve the Kurdish question and achieve democracy in Turkey, the committee has continued its work, holding a series of meetings with political parties and figures. However, it has not yet engaged directly with the leader.

Speaking to ANHA agency, Beştaş evaluated the committee’s efforts, the prospects for a meeting with the leader Ocalan, the “right to hope,” and Turkish state threats toward North and East Syria.

Reflecting on the process, she recalled that during the 2013–2015 peace process, the leader had called for the formation of a parliamentary committee. This, she said, was both his goal and that of the Kurdish movement. Matters such as disarmament, the fate of thousands of political prisoners and the ill, the status of local administrations, mother-tongue rights, and broader freedoms were and remain critical issues.

“So far,” she said, “we have listened to many individuals and institutions. Seven meetings have been held, opening a framework for freedom laws. The work of the committee cannot be seen as negative, but steps must be taken quickly and concretely.”

Beştaş emphasized the urgency of the process, warning that it is vulnerable to provocations and attacks. She underlined that the committee must establish a roadmap and review legal reforms without delay.

She also highlighted the divergent positions of political parties: “Some members focus solely on disarmament, others still use the language of terrorism. But we must discuss democratic integration, freedom, and equality. The mentality of denial, contempt, and discrimination cannot serve peace.”

“No Option But to Meet Abdullah Leader Ocalan”

Both the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and the DEM Party have consistently underlined the necessity of the committee meeting with the leader.

Beştaş noted that although this issue has not yet been formally raised in the committee, the leader, on 27 February, declared his readiness to end conflict, disarm, and dissolve the party. “We have no choice but to listen to him,” she stressed. After hearing the views of other parties, the committee must officially move to engage with theleader, to understand why he issued this call, what his objectives are, and what legislative steps are needed to facilitate a solution.

“Unless you speak with your counterpart, listen to their demands, and engage in dialogue, no sound progress can be made,” she said.

Beştaş argued that political parties are blocking engagement with the leader for reasons of power and interest, adding: “No one should exploit the question of Imrali, the Kurdish people, or this process. Politics is one matter; the struggle for peace is another. The world is open to this path, and I believe that the visit to Imrali will not be delayed for long.”

Regarding the issue of the “right to hope,” Meral Daniş Beştaş stated: “The enactment of legislation on the right to hope has not yet been placed on the committee’s agenda. However, there are demands for the implementation of the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights. Recently, Bülent Arınç and several bar associations have also raised this matter. Naturally, we too support this, and it will certainly become one of the items on the committee’s agenda.”

“Threats in North and East Syria Endanger the Political Process”

Responding to threats made by Turkish officials and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli regarding North and East Syria, Beştaş said:

“These threats represent a serious dilemma. On one hand, they speak of peace, while on the other, they threaten another segment of the Kurdish people. This is inconsistent with the process. They must remain committed to it. While Druze and Alawite communities are suffering brutal attacks and massacres, they demand that Kurds submit to the dictates of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. They are effectively telling people to walk toward death. This is utterly indefensible and poses a grave threat to the political process here as well.”

a.k

ANHA