DEM Party calls for Turkey to sit at the table with the SDF

DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Sezai Temelli and a party delegation visited the Parliamentary Correspondents Association as part of the January 10 Working Journalists Day. During the visit, Temelli answered journalists' questions regarding the agenda.

Addressing the recent attacks and tension in Syria, Temelli stated that the situation in the region is being reflected in a distorted manner. Recalling ISIS attacks on civilians in Syria, Temelli noted that it is not accurate to label what is happening as a conflict. "The SDF is not there; the civilian population is under a major threat. The number of wounded is high, and there have been deaths. It is essential that the attacks be stopped," he said. Pointing out the importance of security in the region being provided by local public order forces, Temelli indicated that central forces have become dysfunctional. "People do not know who to entrust their security to. The traces of massacres are still fresh. Turkey must take initiative on this issue," he said.

"WE REJECT THE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE SDF"

Addressing the statement from the AK Party that "the SDF is a subcontractor of Israel," Temelli said they do not accept such accusations. Temelli made the following assessments:

"The SDF is a structure formed by the peoples in Northeast Syria; throughout the war, the region has been one of the most stable areas. These accusations have no validity. Everyone knows who has established relations with Israel; the Damascus government is making deals with Israel, attacks are directed at the SDF, and then the SDF is blamed. The purpose of these statements is to create a perception."

Criticizing the threats made against the SDF, Temelli expressed that the environment for negotiation must be preserved both in Syria and in Turkey. "It is essential to continue the negotiation processes that began in March in Syria, and continued in Turkey on October 1 and February 27 with Mr. Öcalan's declaration. We do not accept the stalling or obstruction of the talks; the process must move forward," he assessed.

"STEPS MUST BE TAKEN FOR NEGOTIATIONS"

Emphasizing that Turkey should be a mediator in solving Syria's problems, Temelli said, "If Turkey truly wants a solution, it must take the SDF as an interlocutor and begin negotiations. Negotiations should be advanced based on the March 10 Memorandum."

"THE WAY MUST BE OPENED FOR A MAZLUM ABDI-ÖCALAN MEETING"

Regarding the possibility of a meeting between Mazlum Abdi and Abdullah Öcalan, Temelli said that this issue is not directly within their jurisdiction and that the process could move forward with the meeting requests of the relevant parties. "We want the path to dialogue to be opened in every field. The problems experienced in Turkey are also being solved through negotiation. We are in favor of not closing the door to dialogue. Why not? It would be beneficial for it to happen as soon as possible," he assessed.

Responding to a question about his party's request for a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Temelli stated that they have not received a response so far and that a response could come according to the President's schedule.

"NEED FOR A RADICAL REGULATION FOR RETIREES"

Touching upon the increase in pension payments, Temelli stated that although the lowest pension was raised to 20 thousand liras, it is not enough, and he described the increase as "comical." "The public was given hope for weeks, but there was only an increase of 1,100 liras in the lowest pension. In general, pensions are low, and the average pension is below the hunger threshold. Unless there is an overall improvement, the problems will continue," he said.