First meeting lasted 8 hours: Name of the commission established for the opening process has been determined

The commission established in the TBMM as part of the new reconciliation process, which was architected by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli and named 'Terror-Free Turkey' by the government, held its first meeting yesterday.

The first meeting, held in the Parliament Ceremony Hall, was chaired by TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş. Following the eight-hour meeting, it was announced that the commission would hold its second meeting on Friday at 14:00.

The Minister of Interior, the Minister of National Defense, and the Head of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) have been invited to brief the commission at Friday's session.

NAME AND POWERS OF THE COMMISSION DETERMINED

In the first meeting, the name of the commission was determined as the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission. A three-fifths majority of the total number of members will be taken as the basis for the decision-making mechanism.

The purpose of the commission was defined as removing terrorism from Turkey's agenda, strengthening social integrity, consolidating national unity and brotherhood, and developing the principles of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. In line with this, necessary legal regulations will be determined, legislative proposals will be prepared, and regular information will be provided to the public.

WORKING PROCEDURES

The commission will be chaired by the TBMM Speaker. In the absence of the Speaker, commission members assigned by the Speaker will be able to chair the sessions in turn. The term of office of the members will continue throughout the commission's work. Political parties will be able to make changes to the members determined from their own quotas.

The meeting call will be made by the TBMM Speaker, and the suggestions of political parties will be taken into account when determining the agenda. The commission will be able to decide to hold sessions behind closed doors. Secretariat services will be carried out by the TBMM General Secretariat's Department of Laws and Decisions.

QUORUM FOR MEETINGS AND DECISIONS

The quorum for meetings will be an absolute majority of the total number of members. Decisions regarding the preparation of legislative proposals will be taken with a three-fifths majority. For other matters, an absolute majority of those attending the meeting will be sufficient.

Full minutes will be kept at the meetings, and the commission will decide whether these minutes will be disclosed to the public. Notes taken during closed sessions will remain confidential.

In addition to legislative experts, experts from public institutions, universities, and non-governmental organizations will also provide support to the commission's work when deemed necessary.

WORKING PERIOD AND EXTENSION AUTHORITY

The commission will serve until December 31, 2025. At the end of this period, the term of office may be extended for two months at a time with a three-fifths majority of the total number of members. A decision to end the commission's work early may also be taken with the same majority.

Representatives of institutions and relevant persons invited in accordance with the agenda will be able to attend the meetings. The press will be able to follow sessions that are not closed; however, if deemed necessary, all or part of the meetings may be closed to the press.