Bahçeli's Öcalan remarks stir the People's Alliance: Differing voices from the AKP

The architect of the second opening process, dubbed a 'Turkey without terrorism,' MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, raised the stakes at his party's parliamentary group meeting by bringing the issue of the status of Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, back to the agenda.

Bahçeli stated, “Discussing the status issue of Abdullah Öcalan is, as we have expressed before, important from our perspective. It is not possible for the process to function healthily by acting as if this issue does not exist. To put an end to these debates, I propose that this be named the ‘Peace Process and Politicization Coordination’.”

While these remarks by Bahçeli received support from the DEM Party front, it is noted that different assessments are being made within the People's Alliance. According to a report by Cumhuriyet, sources close to the MHP argue that the terrorist organization has not yet fully laid down its arms, suggesting that Bahçeli's statements are intended to exert pressure on the organization.

"THE GOAL IS TO FORCE DISARMAMENT"

In assessments made among party staff, it is stated that Bahçeli and Erdoğan have acted in consultation throughout the process, while the view is expressed that, “The goal is to force the organization to lay down its arms. The process is currently stalled, but there is no desire to give the impression that it has completely fallen apart.” It is also being discussed that there are figures within the party who are uncomfortable with some of the expressions used, though this is not being openly voiced.

EMPHASIS ON VOTER SENSITIVITY IN THE AKP

AKP sources, on the other hand, state that there is discomfort with the name of Abdullah Öcalan being brought to the forefront so prominently throughout the process. Party circles point out that AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has specifically avoided using Öcalan's name in his statements regarding the process.

AKP staff express that the nationalist voter base, as well as the families of martyrs and veterans, are uncomfortable with these discourses, assessing that, “This situation harms the process and increases the risk of losing voters.”

It is also noted in ruling party circles that criticisms regarding the DEM Party's approach to the process are increasing. While AKP members argue that the DEM Party is “imposing maximalist demands,” they state that the government's current line regarding legal regulations has not changed.

“NO CONCRETE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE”

AKP sources emphasize that since the beginning of the opening process, the fundamental condition has been for the terrorist organization to lay down its arms with all its elements. While it is stated that reports from the security bureaucracy have not met expectations, ruling circles make the following assessment:

“Other than a symbolic ceremony regarding disarmament, no concrete progress has been made. For the process to move forward, the organization must lay down its arms with its entire structure.”

News Source: 12punto