DEM Party questions 'Why should we believe the AK Party'

A discussion titled "Give Voice to Peace" was held in the Hopa district of Artvin as part of the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) "We Will Build Peace" program. The event was attended by HDK Co-Spokesperson and DEM Party Erzurum MP Meral Danış Beştaş, HDK İstanbul Co-Spokesperson Didem Yıldız, representatives from the DEM Party Artvin provincial organization, and participants from various political parties and non-governmental organizations.

In her speech, Beştaş explained how social diversity has been marginalized throughout Turkey's constitutional history and built upon a 'single identity,' drawing attention to the ongoing problems faced by different social segments from the past to the present. Beştaş stated, "In the process that began with the 1924 Constitution and continues today, the country has been defined through a single identity, a single faith, and a single gender. These policies continue under the AK Party government. We are one of the political traditions that has experienced one of the greatest grievances, and we know this process closely."

SOLUTIONS TO KURDISH AND ALEVI ISSUES DELAYED

DEM Party Erzurum MP Beştaş stated that the problems of Kurds and Alevis in Turkey have not yet been resolved, saying, "Today, the Alevi faith is still not officially recognized, cemevis are not accepted as places of worship, and education in the mother tongue has not been realized. Differences have been consistently ignored by society and governments. Even as all governments have changed, this approach of denial has not. Policies of assimilation and denial against Kurds have continued to be implemented. Our country has experienced many painful experiences from Dersim to Hrant Dink, from Roboski to Ağrı, but a significant struggle has also been waged against this."

In her speech, Beştaş provided examples, saying, "When I say Kurdish, I also count the Laz, the Alevi, and the Circassian among these differences. These identities have never been fully recognized and have always been treated as the 'other'."

POINTED TO DEMOCRATIC POLITICS AND PARLIAMENT

Drawing attention to the importance of dialogue, negotiation, and legal change in the resolution of the Kurdish issue, Beştaş noted that reports prepared by commissions established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey contain common proposals from many segments of society but have still not been implemented. Beştaş stated, "The main address for dialogue, negotiation, and democratic gains is the parliament. The jointly prepared report includes many topics such as the European Court of Human Rights, Constitutional Court decisions, and the Law on Political Parties. However, despite six months having passed, these proposals have not been implemented."

Addressing the debates regarding the AK Party's desire to bring the DEM Party on board in the process, Beştaş said: "We believe in our own struggle. Why should we believe the AK Party or why should we believe any other party? There is no such reason. We have to advance this process by struggling and growing social opposition. You say, 'They want to take us on board.' Yes, they want to take everyone on board, and they do. But we are the only ones they cannot take. Which of our municipalities did they take? Which of our MPs did they take? Which of our provincial organizations did they take? Which one of us were they able to make make this statement?"

News Source: 12punto