Meral Danış Beştaş: only obstacle to peace process is Turkish Government

On the first anniversary of the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), discussions surrounding the “Peace and Democratic Society Process,” launched by Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, 2025, have intensified, many questions are raised about the process is going through.

with growing questions about the direction this process will take.

Speaking to ANHA agency on the matter, Meral Danış Beştaş, member of the Democracy, Brotherhood, and National Solidarity Committee, shared the following remarks:

After the launch of the Peace and Democratic Society call, the PKK took several steps, and some measures were also taken in Turkey. Legal steps were expected as well, yet the state has not taken any concrete action so far. Why have no legal measures been implemented, and what are the obstacles?

“We clearly stated in the committee report that legal measures were necessary. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) has already dissolved itself and burned its weapons. There are no longer weapons  only political will. The party said: ‘I am burning my weapons and ending armed struggle.’ What stronger step could there possibly be?

However, at the current stage, the authorities have taken no concrete measures. In international experiences, when armed groups lay down weapons, governments usually begin by introducing legal guarantees. At present, the guerrilla fighters no longer possess weapons, yet there are no guarantees ensuring their return.

Although one side has demonstrated a strong will, the state has not presented any legal draft that provides guarantees.

Another issue under discussion is that of ‘verification and monitoring.’ Those insisting on verification regarding disarmament should look once again at the July 11 scenes of weapons being burned. Once again, legal reforms are an essential condition for the return of fighters who have destroyed their weapons. The committee drew attention to this issue, and the will of parliament is also aligned with this direction. There is only one obstacle to this: the absence of political will.

There is also the issue of implementing the rulings of the European Court of Human Rights and the Constitutional Court. The trustee system imposed on municipalities must be abolished, and existing laws must be respected. Yet even on this matter, there has been no progress. The sole obstacle remains the ruling government.”

Previously, Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli spoke about Abdullah Ocalan’s political status, and the recent statement by the Kurdish Freedom Movement also highlighted his political position. What needs to be done regarding Ocalan’s political status in order to move the process forward, and how do you assess this issue?

“The principal actor and interlocutor in this matter is Mr. Ocalan. Therefore, his political status should not even be a subject of debate, it should already be recognized and settled.

“Under the current circumstances, it is extremely difficult for Ocalan to meaningfully participate in the process while remaining in prison and being limited to occasional meetings. Is it really conceivable that such a major and complex issue could be resolved solely through periodic meetings with the İmralı delegation? At the same time, can such a process realistically succeed without granting him a clearly defined legal status?

On the other hand, the other side the ruling authorities possesses all the informational resources and communication capabilities, yet sees no need for a legal framework. While Mr. Ocalan is expected to resolve the issue and shoulder enormous responsibility, he is not being provided with the opportunities and means necessary to do so. This approach clearly reflects the authorities’ attempt to evade their own responsibilities.

It is said that if the Turkish state does not take concrete steps, it will harm both itself and the peoples of the region. How do you assess this issue?

“As we know, the Middle East is currently experiencing a profound state of uncertainty, as what amounts to a third world war for regional redivision is now underway. Turkey stands at the very center of these developments, and it will not be able to safeguard itself if a major upheaval occurs.

The immediate step that must be taken is the achievement of internal peace. Once social peace is established within Turkey, it will provide the country with strength and resilience, the positive effects of which will also extend to the other peoples and states of the region.”

ANHA