Pervin Buldan: Report doesn't solve Kurdish Issue but it's new phase

Our agency, ANHA, conducted an interview with a member of the Imrali Delegation, Pervin Buldan, regarding the achievement of democratic integration, the duties incumbent upon political parties and social groups, the role of parliament, and the obstacles facing the process.

The following is the text of the interview:

Democratic integration is the guarantee of laws, standards, and political rights

In the last meeting on Imrali, leader Abdullah Ocalan stated that this is the meeting of democratic integration. How should this statement be understood?

This topic is very important because it is a compass for a new phase. Again, in the last meeting, he said: "How will we live together?", and his answer is democratic integration. Mr. Ocalan referred to it as the "meeting marking the beginning of democratic integration"; this means he does not see the issue merely as a silencing of weapons, but in its essence as the political and social architecture of living together. The integration he speaks of here is not cultural assimilation; rather, it is a consciousness of union based on non-denial, on the basis of equal citizenship, and the guarantee of laws, standards, and political rights. That is, it is an invitation to move from "negative peace" to "positive peace." The fundamental issue in Mr. Ocalan's approach is to remove the Kurdish issue from security frameworks and make it a subject of democratic politics, social covenant, and living together.

There is another point I would like to draw attention to; in the 1990s, Mr. Ocalan published a book titled "How Should We Live?". In 2026, we are trying to provide an answer to this work titled "How Should We Live?". Yes, how do we live? For Mr. Ocalan, this question is always alive and encompasses all other questions. The phase we have reached now is "integration that protects differences with a democratic perspective, without society's groups denying each other, and coming together around a common covenant." This is the answer provided to this question.

"The Report does not solve the Kurdish Issue, but it is a new phase"

The "Commission for Democracy, Brotherhood, and National Solidarity" prepared its report on the process and submitted it to parliament. You have expressed some criticisms regarding the report. Besides these criticisms, in your opinion, can this report signify the beginning of democratic integration?

Undoubtedly, many things can be said regarding the report. There will be criticisms, and most of them are extremely justified. This report is a document that paves the way for politics and laws in the Turkish parliament, signed by 5 parties for the first time in Turkey's political history. Our task is not to belittle this path or sanctify it; our task is to pressure and develop this path from all sides.

We do not see this report as the "final word," but as the beginning of a new phase. We know that this report does not solve the Kurdish issue, and there is no effort in this report to do so. Mr. Ocalan's warning was also that the report should be compatible with societal reality. Despite all the shortcomings, we say we must "move to a new time and place on a ground that does not block the path for politics." We say it must be in accordance with social reality. The way to achieve this is for the framework outlined in the report to be implemented immediately. When we move to a process of drafting concrete laws, it will undoubtedly pave the way for the beginning of democratic integration. The point we have reached is no longer the time for issuing statements of good intentions.

According to statements made, the majority of the work will now be concentrated in parliament. Will parliament be able to play its role in overcoming the criticisms?

From now on, there is no higher task for parliament than this. Our insistence on democratic politics is, at the same time, an insistence that this process be managed within parliament. Democratic politics, which replaces violence and discrimination, is a necessity for society like "water and bread," and it is a vital ground.

Concepts like (consensus, legal standards, free citizenship, local democracy, and democratic society) must be used instead of the language of "liquidation/security." The place that will achieve this and institutionalize it is parliament. Parliament is not just a technical address; it is the center of political legitimacy and legal productivity for democratic integration.

"Political parties and social groups are compelled to become active actors"

What role do political parties and social groups play for the success of the peace process and a democratic society?

What we expressed at the beginning is that political parties and social groups, first and foremost, are not merely passive spectators of peace, but are compelled to be active and constructive actors. Trade unions, women's and youth movements, intellectuals, religious communities, and professional organizations must become the social guarantee. If we want to cultivate hope instead of fear, truth instead of denial, and democratic participation instead of silence, this will only be possible if everyone desires peace.

"steps must be taken legally"

In your opinion, what are the obstacles facing the process, and what must be done to overcome these obstacles?

Now, the most important and vital thing is for the administrative mechanism to take some concrete steps. This will greatly enhance trust in the process because we are facing the most important moment in Turkey's political history. As we know from experiences of conflict and resolution, there is a very fine line between "writing history" and "exiting from history." We are in times of entering history, in times where decisions must be transformed into practical applications. All our effort and concern is this, and we must not lose this opportunity. Mr. Ocalan expressed this clearly in the last meeting; he said: "The necessary legal architecture for integration must be built."

Mr. Ocalan says, "Politics must speak," and by speaking here, he means making proposals and contributing to the solution. If the opposite happens, it will lead to deadlock and procrastination. Looking from this perspective, we can say: "Through parliament, and within a framework based on societal reality and legal guarantee; steps must be taken to institutionalize democracy, free citizenship, and public participation."

The Imrali Delegation is expected to make a detailed statement about the process on February 27th.

A-H

ANHA