Kurtulmuş on 'Terror-Free Turkey': The law will not be a general amnesty

Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş made statements to journalists following his visits to political parties with groups in Parliament as part of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process. Stating that a new era has begun with the organization laying down its arms, Kurtulmuş expressed that the goal is to pass the legislative regulation regarding the process through a broad consensus.

In his assessment of the main framework of the regulation, Kurtulmuş said the law would be "temporary and independent" in nature. Emphasizing that the regulation must include a mechanism for the detection and confirmation that the organization has laid down its arms and has become defunct, Kurtulmuş stated that this should not be viewed as a general amnesty or an amnesty specific to any individual.

''This law must never be a general amnesty or an amnesty belonging to an individual.''

Kurtulmuş expressed that a regulation that would enable organization members to lay down their arms and come to the country, or demonstrate that their organizational activities have ended, especially during the summer months, should be brought to the agenda in an "enabling and inclusive" manner.

HE POINTED TO THE PARLIAMENTARY CALENDAR

Stating that he saw a consensus in terms of the framework during his meetings with political party groups, Kurtulmuş conveyed that in the next phase of the process, the parties' group chairs and deputy group chairs will work on the details of the law. He stated that a joint study could be carried out with representatives from all parties if necessary.

Noting that the proposal could be referred to the commission after being submitted to the Speaker of Parliament, Kurtulmuş said, "I hope it comes to the Speaker of Parliament next week and is referred to the commission. If there is time, Parliament will accept and finish it next week."

Noting that the regulation will not be a very comprehensive or long text, Kurtulmuş said the text will include the principles regarding what the law covers and does not cover, and how the inspection and observation mechanism will function.

Kurtulmuş also emphasized that the issue is not just a law-making process. Stating that terrorism should not find a place in the minds and hearts of people in Turkey, Kurtulmuş noted that it is natural to have political differences, but the process must be carried out with "state wisdom and the conscience of the nation."

News Source: 12punto