Tuncer Bakırhan announced: When will the separatist organization PKK announce its congress decisions?

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan made important statements regarding the new opening process during a live broadcast on Habertürk TV. 

“WE ARE DISCUSSING A 100-YEAR-OLD ISSUE”

Bakırhan stated that they are pleased that the Kurdish issue, which has marked the last 100 years of Turkey, is now being discussed openly, and said the following:

“Over the last 50 years, weapons, violence, and conflict have come to the fore in this matter. Now, we are in a new process that began with Mr. Bahçeli's call, gained strength with Mr. Öcalan's messages of peace, and is being approached positively by President Erdoğan. We will do our best to create an environment in this country where no one sheds tears anymore.”

“PKK'S CONGRESS DECISIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED”

Bakırhan also stated that the terrorist organization PKK will announce the decisions reached at its congress to the public within a few days. Noting that the process is being conducted transparently, Bakırhan said, "There are no more back-door negotiations. Whatever is being discussed, the people of Turkey know and are watching."

“WEAPONS WERE PUT AT THE VERY TOP THIS TIME”

Bakırhan noted that they have studied peace processes around the world in the past, and in light of these experiences, the issue of weapons has been placed at the very top of the agenda in this new period.

“For the first time, even before the process began, Öcalan declared that he was ready to take the issue of weapons out of the equation. This is a very important step. If this is the obstacle, the call was made to talk in an environment without weapons. This gives hope to the process. The positive signals given by the government and the opposition encourage us.”

“TURKEY IS ALSO THE HOME OF THE KURDS”

Emphasizing that the solution to the Kurdish issue must be carried out within Turkey and together with the people of Turkey, Bakırhan said, “This issue is our issue, it is the issue of this country. Turkey is the home of the Kurds. Therefore, the search for a solution must also be carried out here, all together.”

“THERE ARE NO SECRET BARGAINS”

Stating that this time everything is proceeding in front of the public eye, Bakırhan used the following expressions: 

“We have shared the meetings in Imralı with the press, political parties, and the public. We are operating an open process that is not hidden from society. We have held meetings in more than 140 centers. We have carried the issue to our people from Thrace to the Black Sea.”

“THERE IS SUPPORT FROM SOCIETY, HOPE IS HIGH”

Stating that as the DEM Party they have never lost hope, Bakırhan said, “At the point we have reached today, we see serious support from the public. From Edirne to Çanakkale, to the Black Sea, people are reaching out to us and want peace. This is not just the demand of the Kurds, but the common demand of all of Turkey.”

“THE PARLIAMENT MUST DO ITS PART”

Stating that the most important step for a solution will come from the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM), Bakırhan said, “If the political institution acts courageously on this matter and does what is necessary, this century-old issue can finally be solved through dialogue. This would be the greatest step taken for the future of Turkey.”

“AS A PARTY, OUR HOPE IS FULL”

Expressing their belief as a party that the process will move forward, Bakırhan used the following expressions:

“Weapons were removed from the agenda right at the beginning this time. This shows that there is an intention for a solution. There is sincerity and belief on the Kurdish side. We will do our best for this process to progress through democratic methods. Society also wants and supports this process. Our hope is great.”