Tuncer Bakırhan's statement on the resolution process: 'How will negotiations be conducted?'

The DEM Party Mardin Provincial Organization held its 2nd Ordinary Congress in a hotel conference hall. The congress was attended by DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, members of parliament, provincial and district organizations, party officials, and guests. As a result of the election, Nilüfer Elik Yılmaz took over the provincial presidency from Mehdi Tunç.

''THE KURDISH QUESTION IS BACK ON THE AGENDA''

Speaking at the congress, Bakırhan stated that the Kurdish question has begun to be discussed again in Turkey, saying, "Since October 1, this issue has come back to the agenda. Those who said 'there is no Kurdish question' are now looking for new ways for a solution."

''HOW WILL NEGOTIATIONS BE CONDUCTED?''

Drawing attention to Abdullah Öcalan's role in the resolution process, Bakırhan said, "How will Öcalan play his role in a 12-square-meter cell? First, this isolation must be lifted, and the doors of that cell must be opened," he expressed.

Expressing his hopes for the resolution process, Bakırhan said, "These discussions should evolve into a resolution process. We will not give up the struggle for an honorable peace." Emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation for the democratization of Turkey, Bakırhan stated, "Those who take this hand will win, and Turkey's future will be shaped. Those who strike this hand will lose."

Bakırhan spoke as follows:

"This is an important opportunity, an opportunity that does not come every day. How will the chief negotiator of a 100-year-old issue play his role in a 10-square-meter cell? While a 100-year-old issue is being discussed, how will Öcalan, whom they accept as the chief negotiator, play his role in a 12-square-meter cell? Therefore, first and foremost, this isolation, the doors of that 12-square-meter cell, must be opened.

The conditions for Öcalan to conduct negotiations must be created. First and foremost, the ground must be created for him to meet with his own organization and his colleagues. He must establish direct contact with his own party. We cannot call on the PKK in his place; if I did, who would listen to me? If you did, who would listen? It is his own organization, his own party, and you are the ones who will provide the dialogue with them. There can be no negotiation in 12 square meters."

'ÖCALAN IS FORMULATING THE PEACE'

Noting that a solution is being discussed today and that a struggle is being waged for it to evolve into a resolution process, Bakırhan said, “There is not the slightest step back in İmralı. In '94, he was talking about a Democratic Republic, equal citizenship for Kurds, equal citizenship for Alevis, and equal citizenship for Syriacs and Arabs. He is saying the same thing today. He says that Turkey's future lies in a democratic future. He wants Kurds to have their language and identity. He says that trustees should not be appointed to the will of the Kurds. He says that women should be pioneers and at the forefront in every area of life. And we thank Mr. Öcalan for the perspective he has offered and the paradigm he has put forward regarding women reaching where they are today,” he said.

Noting that the will that created this is working today in İmralı on how a democratic peace will be achieved, Bakırhan said, “This will is currently formulating how a democratic Turkey will be and the formula for peace,” he said.

News Source: 12punto