New 'solution process' statement from DEM Party's Tuncer Bakırhan: 'It may have to end'

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call regarding terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan continues to maintain its place on the political agenda.

Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan attended the 13th General Assembly of the Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) in Istanbul.

Bakırhan made statements regarding the agenda there.

"THE ISOLATION ON ÖCALAN MUST BE LIFTED"

Stating that social peace must be achieved in Turkey, Bakırhan said, "First and foremost, the Kurdish issue must be solved through dialogue, negotiation, and democratic methods. Above all, the isolation on Mr. Öcalan must be lifted, and Mr. Öcalan's thoughts and ideas must be allowed to meet with the peoples of Turkey."

Speaking about the new 'solution process,' Bakırhan said, "It is clear that the sovereigns and the rulers are interpreting this situation in their own way. We have all been watching a discussion process in recent days. We need to watch where these discussions evolve, whether these discussions will bring anything to the peoples, or whether they will initiate a stronger liquidation process. It is not enough to just watch; in the face of possible positive or negative outcomes, the HDK must be an organized, sensitive force that takes its own stance against this situation."

"I WANT TO STATE THAT WE COULD EVOLVE THIS INTO A PROCESS"

Stating that "Turkey is going through a critical period," Bakırhan continued:

"An perception is being created as if a new process has begun. Processes begin between parties. If there is a process, there are parties to this process. If a process is to be continued, it cannot be carried out with only one-sided interpretations and statements. The society of Turkey needs to know what the other parties to the process say, think, and propose regarding the issue, but because everything is 'Turkish-style,' these discussions are also proceeding in a 'Turkish-style.'

Political parties belonging to the government are making statements and talking about things, but the most important parties to this issue itself are not involved. I want to state that these discussions are not yet a process, but that we could evolve them into a process."

"THE PROCESS IS BEING CONDUCTED BY SPEAKING UNILATERALLY"

We care about these discussions evolving into a process. We want these discussions to solve the Kurdish issue, which is one of the most important issues we have experienced, through negotiation and dialogue. We exist for this. We are fighting for the Kurdish issue to be resolved through discussion, negotiation, and dialogue, but whether this process is that process, unfortunately, I cannot say anything clear and definite on this matter. I cannot say anything about whether these discussions will really evolve into that process, but there is one thing I know for sure.

Governments, powers, and rulers never enter into direct contact with the parties fighting for rights or the parties fighting for their labor. They do not accept their struggle. Therefore, they are conducting these processes by speaking unilaterally. For these discussions to become a process, it is our greatest duty and responsibility to ensure that the parties to the process sit at the table and share their thoughts with the peoples. We exist for this.

"THESE DISCUSSIONS MAY HAVE TO END WITHOUT BECOMING A PROCESS"

The language used until now must be abandoned, because we are once again facing a condescending, threatening language. Especially by members of the government, this language that poisons society must be replaced by a more political, more mature, more inclusive, and respectful language. Otherwise, these discussions may have to end without ever becoming a process.”

THE ARREST OF AHMET ÖZER AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A TRUSTEE IN HIS PLACE

Speaking about the arrest of CHP's Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer and the appointment of a trustee in his place, Bakırhan noted the following:

“They talk about peace in Turkey, they talk about a process, but on the other hand, oppression continues at full speed. There are very serious contradictions. The appointment of a trustee to the Esenyurt Municipality makes us ask, 'What is this inconsistency?' If they are really going to manage these discussions in this way, nothing will come of it. We want to address the government that is holding these discussions from this congress hall today with the question: What is happening in Esenyurt? Is this how you will discuss this process? Is this how you will conduct it? You cannot evolve these discussions anywhere by throwing the will of the people into prison, by holding them captive, and by appointing a trustee to their will.

"YOU WILL DISREGARD THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE, THESE DISCUSSIONS WILL NOT EVOLVE ANYWHERE"

This society is no longer a society that will be fooled by words, especially the struggle waged by the Kurds and their friends. They are not at a point where they will be fooled by words or believe in these deceptive policies. The friends sitting here have come this far by paying great prices and struggling. We want to warn the government once again: Why did you start these discussions? Why are these policies of persecution and oppression continuing? Why did you appoint a trustee to Esenyurt? I want to state in advance that if you disregard the will of the people, these discussions will not evolve anywhere.”