Message on 'Right to Hope' from Tülay Hatimoğulları

DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları answered journalists' questions after her party's group meeting at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM). Speaking about the planned meeting with Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç, Hatimoğulları said, "The main idea of this meeting is to take certain steps regarding the democratization of Turkey." Drawing attention specifically to the issue of sick prisoners, Hatimoğulları assessed, "It is very important that concrete steps are taken on this matter."

"RIGHT TO HOPE, EXECUTION, AND ANTI-TERROR LAW ARE ALSO ON THE AGENDA"

Responding to journalists' questions about whether topics such as a possible change in execution regulations, amendments to the Anti-Terror Law, and the "right to hope" being brought back to the agenda would be discussed, Hatimoğulları said, "Of course, the topics you mentioned will also come to the agenda. There is no need to enact special laws; if the Constitution is implemented, all of these can be realized." She emphasized that a detailed exchange of ideas would take place during the meeting.

IMRALI DELEGATION WILL ALSO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING

Hatimoğulları announced that in addition to DEM Party deputies Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder, who were part of the Imralı delegation in the past, the DEM Party Group Deputy Chairs will also be present at the meeting with Minister Tunç.

NO INFORMATION REGARDING PKK'S DISSOLUTION CONGRESS

Responding to a question regarding claims about the dissolution of the terrorist organization PKK, Hatimoğulları said, "We do not have any information regarding a date for the PKK's dissolution congress. However, there is information that the dissolution congress will be held once certain legal and concrete steps of this process are taken. But there is no clarity regarding a date."

"ÖCALAN'S CALL IS BEING IGNORED"

At the end of her statement, Hatimoğulları touched upon the past calls of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, stating, "Mr. Öcalan's call was an invitation for democratic transformation. However, the government is ignoring this historic opportunity."

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

A new resolution process began after Devlet Bahçeli, in his speech at the MHP TBMM Group Meeting on October 22, addressed the terrorist leader Öcalan, saying, "If the isolation of the terrorist leader is lifted, let him come and speak at the DEM Party Group Meeting in the TBMM. Let him shout that terrorism has completely ended and the organization has been liquidated," and called for him to benefit from the "right to hope" under this condition. The process, which continued with the DEM Party's visits to Imralı, was followed by Öcalan's call. 

On February 27, Öcalan made the long-awaited call, announcing that the PKK should dissolve itself and all groups should lay down their arms. Öcalan's call included the following statements: "I am making a call to lay down arms in this climate created by the call made by Mr. Devlet Bahçeli, the will put forward by the President, and the positive approaches of other political parties toward the aforementioned call, and I am assuming the historical responsibility of this call." Öcalan said, "Convene your congress and make a decision for integration with the state and society." 

Following Öcalan's statement that the terrorist organization PKK should dissolve itself and all groups should lay down their arms, the organization's so-called executive committee stated that they agreed with Öcalan's call and would fulfill its requirements. The committee also demanded the release of Öcalan.

News Source: 12punto