CHP's Alp calls for 'legislation for the call process': 'To avoid future liability'

Speaking at the General Assembly, Alp recalled the resolution process between 2013 and 2015, stating, "In 2014, Law No. 6551 was enacted, which stipulated that those involved in the resolution process at that time would not face legal liability. After the process failed, those acting on behalf of the government were protected under this law, but many civilians were victimized and faced accusations."

Alp continued his speech as follows:

"Today, efforts are being developed for the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue. In order for these efforts to succeed and for our social integration to be achieved, certain steps will naturally be taken over time.

I submit to the appreciation of our parliament, as a concrete proposal, the enactment of a new framework law similar to Law No. 6551 but addressing its shortcomings, so that those who are carrying out all these efforts do not face any liability in the future."

WHAT HAPPENED?

PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan, to whom MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli had made a call to "end terrorist acts and dissolve," 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 statements, "I am making this 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 used the phrases, "Convene your congress and make a decision for integration with the state and society." 

In addition to Öcalan's "Peace and Democratic Society" call, a note he sent was also read, stating, "While presenting this perspective, undoubtedly, in practice, the laying down of arms and the dissolution of the PKK require the recognition of democratic politics and the legal dimension." 

Following Öcalan's statement regarding the PKK dissolving itself and all groups laying down their arms, the PKK Executive Committee stated that they joined Öcalan's call and would fulfill its requirements. The Committee also demanded the release of Abdullah Öcalan.

The PKK Executive Committee announced that they had declared a ceasefire effective from March 1, emphasizing that no armed force would take action unless attacked.