Turkish MP calls for rapid implementation of framework law to resolve Kurdish issue

The Justice and Development Party (AKP) submitted a 12-article framework bill to the Turkish Parliament—co-signed by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM)—titled "Strengthening National Unity and Social Integration," as part of the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue. The Justice Committee has begun debating the bill, with expectations that it will be put to a vote before August 13.

In this context, DEM Party MP Gülcan Kaçmaz spoke to Hawar News Agency about the bill and its legal and political dimensions.

MP Gülcan Kaçmaz emphasized that the proposed framework law—part of the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" to resolve the Kurdish issue—represents a significant development. Despite what she described as its shortcomings, she noted that, for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic, it places the Kurdish issue within a legal framework.

Kaçmaz stated that the law is "insufficient, with many flaws and deficiencies," yet she stressed that it cannot be dismissed as valueless, noting that framing the Kurdish issue legally represents, in her view, a significant shift.

She added that "the Kurdish issue cannot be resolved by a single bill," urging that the law be viewed as a "first step" toward establishing a foundation for democratic politics and achieving social peace. She further stated that this process must not be limited to legislation but requires societal participation and the development of accompanying political and legal mechanisms. Language Rights, Citizenship, and Local Democracy

Regarding the draft’s failure to directly address issues such as equal citizenship, the right to use one’s mother tongue, local democracy, and the end of guardianship practices, Gülcan Kaçmaz stated that these matters constitute fundamental aspects of the Kurdish issue.

She affirmed that "the right to one’s mother tongue is a legitimate and vital right," emphasizing the importance of equal citizenship and the expansion of local democracy for Kurds, Alevis, and other segments of society in Turkey.

She maintained that a lasting solution "cannot be achieved through a single law, a single signature, or a single step," yet noted that acknowledging the existence of the Kurds within the current process establishes a foundation upon which rights and freedoms can be further developed in future stages.

Call for Parliamentary Oversight of Law Implementation

Regarding mechanisms for overseeing the law's implementation, she noted that the experience of the previous peace process between 2013 and 2015 demonstrated the importance of having clear legal rules and parliamentary oversight mechanisms.

Guljan Kaçmaz stated that the parliament's role should not be limited to merely passing the law; rather, it must extend to monitoring implementation and establishing a clear program for subsequent democratic steps. She emphasized that oversight and supervisory mechanisms must not be unilateral.

She added, "The more the process is bilateral and driven by dialogue, the greater its chances of success," noting that the strongest guarantee for the process's continuity lies in legal measures and societal participation.

Subsequent Legal and Political Measures

Regarding the steps required after the law is passed, she called for shifting the Kurdish issue from the realm of conflict to a legal and political track, emphasizing the need to strengthen civilian politics and develop a democratic society.

She stated that the priority is "implementing the framework law fairly, swiftly, and without delay," alongside establishing the legal conditions that allow leader Abdullah Ocalan to exercise his rights regarding work and holding meetings.

She also called for addressing the situation of sick prisoners, ending the system of state-appointed trustees (replacing elected officials), removing obstacles to freedom of thought and organization, and taking concrete steps to advance local democracy and the Kurdish language—ultimately ensuring equal citizenship and societal pluralism through a democratic constitution. Guljan Kaçmaz, an MP for the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) in the Turkish parliament, concluded by stating that these steps "will not be achieved through a single law or within a short timeframe." However, she maintained that the adoption of a framework law would place a greater responsibility on political forces to advance the democratic process, asserting: “We are ready for this and confident in ourselves”.

Sh-S

ANHA