Turkish Parliamentary Committee to submit Kurdish Issue recommendations on October 1

Following the call issued by leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, titled “Peace and Democratic Society”, the "National Solidarity and Brotherhood and Democracy Committee" was established in the Turkish Parliament to address the Kurdish issue. The committee held its first meeting on August 5 and has since conducted 11 meetings, receiving opinions and proposals from different parties, including discussions with leader Ocalan himself.

To learn more about how the committee operates, its current conclusions, and whether there is a schedule for a meeting with leader Ocalan, ANHA Agency interviewed committee member and Turkish Parliament deputy from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party, Saruhan Oluc.

The "National Solidarity and Brotherhood and Democracy Committee" has held 11 meetings so far, listening to various parties and receiving their suggestions. The committee will continue its meetings this week. However, there are criticisms from some quarters that the committee is delaying its work. Is this true, and if so, why?

The committee has been active for a month and a half, continuously engaging with various parties and political groups. If the committee submits a proposal when Parliament convenes on October 1 regarding the “laws that need to be amended, the legislative changes required, and the relevant committees”, it indicates that the committee is performing its duties and not delaying. If no report is submitted at that time, then it could be considered that the committee is stalling.

One agenda item is a meeting with leader Abdullah Ocalan. Different discussions took place on this issue last week, and opinions were exchanged. Some supported the idea of holding this meeting, but it has not yet occurred. In your view, are there any obstacles to the meeting? If so, how can they be assessed, and will they be overcome?

Meeting with Mr. Abdullah Ocalan in Imrali is a natural requirement of this process. Why? Because Mr. Ocalan is the architect and main actor of this process. Since his February 27 call, and in the video he sent to his organization on July 9, he guided all stages, beginning with the reasons for disarmament. Considering the process and the necessary legal and constitutional adjustments, it is impossible to ignore leader Ocalan’s assessments if the process is to succeed in an organized manner. Therefore, the meeting is essential. This is not a matter of debate for us. Some parties had questions, but we believe those have been overcome. We hope a delegation from the committee will meet leader Ocalan in the coming weeks to hear his criticisms, suggestions, and opinions to ensure the process proceeds peacefully and successfully.

Historical developments have occurred, and important steps have been taken following the February 27 call. One of these steps was the formation of a parliamentary committee. However, there are many criticisms directed at state and government officials and some media outlets for not changing their discourse or tone, which leads to a lack of trust. How do you evaluate this? Why hasn’t their tone changed yet?

Since the handshake on October 1, 2024 (when Devlet Bahçeli shook hands with deputies from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party), we have always emphasized the importance of language. The state and authorities must change their language to match this new phase. If this is a new stage, and steps have been taken toward peace, democracy, and resolution, everyone must adjust their language. Unfortunately, some politicians and journalists still use the old, aggressive language. Changing language requires, first and foremost, a change in mindset. Those who have not changed their language have also not changed their mentality or policies. This is an arena of struggle for us. If we overcome errors in thought and awareness, language will also change. This is a responsibility that falls on all of us.

Were these issues included in the agenda? Especially regarding the steps to be taken following the receipt of opinions and proposals, what is the committee’s plan moving forward? Are there discussions or a plan regarding these matters?

After the Parliament convenes, the committee is expected to submit some proposals to Parliament. First, certain legal amendments need to be made. Some laws must be amended to allow those who have surrendered or destroyed their weapons to be reintegrated—this is an urgent necessity. Other amendments could also be made in this context.

What are the other amendments? Our comrades in prison face serious problems that must be addressed, and there is broad agreement on this issue. Additionally, there should be an agreement regarding the reintegration of those who surrendered their weapons. However, the exact type of legal amendment remains under discussion.

Some changes need to be made to the Turkish Penal Code and the Anti-Terror Law. But this alone is not sufficient; there must also be legal amendments concerning the appointment of guardians or trustees. Of course, work must also be done to democratize the Local Administration Law. The committee should submit proposals on these issues, but this alone is not enough to resolve the Kurdish issue.

a.k

ANHA