Prof. Dr. Timuçin Kodaman: Claims of 'assimilation' and 'genocide' will come to the agenda more often, the nation-state could be targeted!

12punto.com.tr

Political scientist Prof. Dr. Timuçin Kodaman stated that the new process, which began with the remarks made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli on October 22, has moved to a different dimension with the statement made by Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2020, and the dissolution declaration published today following the PKK congress held recently. Kodaman said, "Technically, it appears the PKK has been dissolved. However, the real issue here is that no statement has been made regarding the KCK, which is the umbrella organization of the PKK. Similarly, no evaluation or statement has been made regarding the YPG in Syria. For this reason, it is debatable whether the dissolution of the PKK alone is sufficient or if it is a significant development. Because the PKK's structures in neighboring countries are still active. Therefore, I believe the real problem lies there."

THE 1924 CONSTITUTION AND LAUSANNE...

Kodaman continued his statement as follows: "The implication of a two-nation society model with the phrases 'Turkish and Kurdish nation' in the statement made from the Presidential Complex today is noteworthy. This can be perceived as a step toward establishing a decentralized structure."
On the other hand, the dissolution declaration makes various references to the nation-state, the 1924 Constitution, and Lausanne. How will the Republic of Türkiye respond to these declarations? This is an important question.
In particular, these developments resemble the plan previously envisioned for the region by the American James Jeffrey. Yes, it has been announced that the PKK has been dissolved, but all other elements—the KCK, the YPG, and the armed wings of these structures—are still standing. With an amnesty law that could be passed in Türkiye, a situation could arise where some PKK members inside the country, and even the murderers of our martyrs and veterans, are released. This could lead us to a decentralized solution process similar to the one in Syria."

Stating that he has various questions regarding the process and that answers are awaited, Prof. Dr. Timuçin Kodaman continued: "Will structures like the YPG remain standing with their armies? What will happen to the weapons of these groups? How will the Republic of Türkiye respond to these questions? Unfortunately, there is no one giving a clear answer to these issues at the moment."

'CLAIMS OF 'ASSIMILATION' AND 'GENOCIDE' MAY COME TO THE AGENDA MORE OFTEN'

Recalling that the emphasis on a 'terror-free Türkiye' stood out in the statements made by AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik, and noting that this could be an important move to create a positive perception in the public, Kodaman said, "However, the fact that the structures outside remain active does not change."

Emphasizing that the references to Lausanne and the 1924 Constitution are noteworthy, Prof. Dr. Timuçin Kodaman continued his evaluation:
"It shows that in the next 10-15 years, claims such as 'assimilation' and 'genocide' will come to the agenda more often, and Türkiye's nation-state structure could be targeted. The Republic of Türkiye was founded on the basis of a nation-state. If these fundamental values are being questioned today with criticisms directed at Lausanne, the state must definitely provide an answer to this."
President Erdoğan's statements and how the government evaluates these texts will be decisive. However, it seems that the security bureaucracy is not directly involved in these matters at the moment. If these issues are not handled seriously, perceptions that the PKK was established with foreign support and is now being closed down with similar support could also strengthen."

"UNACCEPTABLE"

Pointing out that the effects of this declaration will be seen more clearly in the coming process with the words, "Even if the dissolution of the PKK is presented as a positive development, structures like the KCK are still standing. What will the Republic of Türkiye do in the face of a declaration that openly rejects Lausanne? This is a very important question," Prof. Dr. Timuçin Kodaman continued his statement:
"There is also a noteworthy situation in the statements made by Mehmet Uçum: Are we heading toward a two-nation, decentralized structure? If the 'democratization' steps in Türkiye are to be carried out solely based on the interests of one ethnic group, this is unacceptable. Democratization is a process that concerns the entire Turkish public. As long as we do not solve these fundamental problems, it may be inevitable that we will face bigger problems. There may be a 'festive atmosphere' in the public opinion right now, but one must think long-term in such matters. I believe these are the issues that those who determine Türkiye's security policies should focus on."