The Palace defines the process: Mehmet Uçum's 'citizenship definition' statement

MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli, who is the architect of the new opening process that the government calls a 'Terror-Free Turkey,' continues to work through the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM).

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's chief advisor, Mehmet Uçum, made notable statements regarding the process.

Responding to questions from Can Medya Group Ankara Representative Fevzi Çakır, Uçum stated that the name of the process is not a 'resolution process' but a 'transition process.'

Uçum gave the following response to the question: "Reminding us of the deadlock experienced in the previous resolution process: What are the fundamental differences in the method followed this time? What is the state doing differently now?"

"The fundamental difference was to initiate this new phase by carrying out the practices of combating terrorism, both active and support elements, in an uninterrupted and determined manner. In other words, the name of this process is not a 'resolution process' similar to the previous one; it is a 'transition process.'"

A state initiative has been put forward regarding the transition to a 'Terror-Free Turkey,' and this transition process is being managed as a state policy. As prerequisites for the transition process, the dissolution of the terrorist organization took place and a decision to lay down arms was made. With the decision to dissolve and lay down arms, the transition process has concretely begun. Now, there are efforts underway to successfully complete the transition process."

Uçum also made evaluations regarding the new constitution and the definition of citizenship.

Noting that "a clearer emphasis on Turkish citizenship being a legal bond rather than an ethnic one" and "a local government reform that will support the unitary structure and strengthen local councils" could come to the agenda, Uçum stated the following:

These are issues that will always be evaluated within the scope of developing and strengthening democracy and a new constitution.

In this context;

A much more emphatic definition of Turkish citizenship as a legal bond in the constitution, and the inclusion of a provision such as "Everyone who is legally bound to the Republic of Turkey, regardless of their ethnic identity or religious affiliation, is a Turkish citizen," may be on the table.

The fact that Turkish is the language of the state, meaning the sole official language and the language of education, is of course not a subject of debate. However, a constitutional provision could be introduced stating that the procedures and principles regarding the teaching of languages other than Turkish will be regulated by law.

A local government reform that will support the unitary structure, strengthen local councils regarding local budget drafts and oversight, and increase the responsibility of the center in local execution may come to the agenda. However, these are now common issues for the entire society. They will be addressed and resolved through common policies, not through separatist approaches."