Tuncer Bakırhan responds to claims he 'apologized to Bahçeli'! Calls on CHP regarding the 'right to hope'

Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan has made statements regarding allegations that he called MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, the architect of the second peace process, to apologize following his speech in Nusaybin.

Responding to questions from Independent Turkish Editor-in-Chief Nevzat Çiçek, Bakırhan addressed the claims circulating on social media and some news websites.

EMPHASIS ON "NO MEETING TOOK PLACE"

When asked, "It was written on social media and some news sites in recent days that you called Devlet Bahçeli and apologized for your speech in Nusaybin. Is the news true? Did you apologize to Mr. Bahçeli?", Bakırhan gave the following response:

"Politics cannot exist without dialogue; meetings and the exchange of ideas are the foundation of politics. When the time and place are right, we will certainly meet with Mr. Bahçeli. The country needs peace, democracy, and common sense. For this need, contact and meetings are possible and should be possible in principle. However, no meeting with Mr. Bahçeli has taken place recently. But if one were to happen, it would be beneficial on the path to achieving peace. If the goal is to prevent negotiation and dialogue with such operational news, they will not succeed."

WHAT DID BAKIRHAN SAY IN NUSAYBIN?

In his party's group meeting held in the Nusaybin district of Mardin on Tuesday, January 20, Bakırhan had addressed MHP leader Bahçeli with the following words:

'Mr. Devlet Bahçeli calls him the "founding leader of the PKK" but does not do what he says. He says, "Every inch must be cleaned, dried out." Are you a dry cleaner? No one can either clean or dry out the ancient people of those lands.'

CALL TO CHP FOR 'RIGHT TO HOPE'

Regarding the question, "The CHP is approaching some issues, especially the 'right to hope,' more cautiously. How did you find their stance on Syria? How do you find the CHP's position in this process?", Bakırhan made the following assessments:

"CHP Chairman Mr. Özgür Özel's stance during the Syria process was truly valuable. The sensible attitude he showed, especially in days when racist rhetoric against Kurds was rising, set an example for politics. As we stated in our meeting with them, this language is exactly what the country needs.

The CHP's contribution to this process is of vital importance, and their sensible approach so far is promising. The expectations of society and the tasks ahead for the country are clear. Now is the time to take concrete steps in the fields of democracy and law.

The second century of the Republic is a call for historical responsibility for the CHP. As the founding party of the first century, the CHP can make the Republic permanent in the second century by courageously contributing to peace on a democratic basis. This is not just a political preference, but a mission that history has given to all of us and to the CHP.

The right to hope should be seen not just as a matter for an individual, but as a regulation that will strengthen Turkey's hope for social peace. Because the right to hope is not merely a legal regulation, but one that will serve as a bridge in building social peace. It could be one of the significant contributions the CHP makes to the peace process. The CHP can become the driving force of the process with the courageous steps it will take. We believe that they can show the same common sense and courage they demonstrated on the Syria issue in this process as well."