Framework law for the resolution process could pass in Parliament by the end of July: Reports from BBC Turkish on AKP backchannels
According to information gathered by BBC Turkish from AKP and MHP backchannels, the framework law, consisting of 10-11 articles, could be enacted by the end of July, contingent upon the condition of the PKK laying down its arms.
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According to information gathered by BBC Turkish from AKP and MHP backchannels, concrete steps are expected to be taken in July regarding the framework law that will form the legal basis for the new resolution process, which the government describes as a "Terror-Free Turkey" and the DEM Party as "Peace and Democratic Society."
According to AKP backchannels, it is being discussed that the proposal could be submitted to the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) following the NATO Summit on July 7-8 and could be enacted before Parliament goes into recess.
As reported by AKP sources, the framework law, which is expected to consist of 10-11 articles, will be time-bound and will enter into force on the condition of the "verification and determination that the PKK has laid down its arms." It is stated that the proposal might be submitted to Parliament with a title similar to "Draft Law on the Dissolution of the PKK-KCK Terrorist Organization, Laying Down Arms, and Ending Its Legal Existence."
STEPS ACCELERATING THE PROCESS
The resolution process traffic has intensified following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's statements at the parliamentary group meeting on May 20
AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik announced after the Central Executive Board (MKYK) meeting that the stage of evaluating the legal framework for the "Terror-Free Turkey" process has been reached. AKP officials interviewed by the BBC Turkish team state that the Iran-Israel tension and developments in Syria had slowed the process for a period, but that the course of the war has dispelled this expectation and that social acceptance of the process has increased.
According to information provided by security units from the field, it is stated that some areas on the Zap-Metina line have been evacuated, and partial withdrawals have occurred in the rural areas of Gara, Hakurk, and Qandil. However, AKP sources emphasize that, considering the organization's manpower and logistical capacity, the steps taken are not yet seen as "at a satisfactory level." An AKP official assessed, "There have been some symbolic images of laying down arms and withdrawals in certain areas. But to say that laying down arms has become permanent, a more concrete picture is needed."
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE LAW
According to information provided by AKP sources, the framework law will regulate how the organization's dissolution and laying down of arms will be verified, investigation and prosecution processes, the status of convicts in prisons, and the legal status of organization members returning to Turkey. Organization members who return to Turkey within the determined period—which the ruling party envisions as one year—will be able to benefit from the law.
The DEM Party demands that organization members returning to Turkey be allowed to engage in politics; however, both the AKP and MHP oppose this demand. AKP officials state that they foresee a five-year political ban for organization members who have not been involved in crimes. It is stated that organization leaders will not be included in the scope of the law in the first phase.
Despite MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's proposal to grant Abdullah Öcalan a special coordinator status, the AKP remains distant from this suggestion. Party sources interviewed by BBC Turkish state that Öcalan is still in the status of a convict in Imralı and that no regulation in the nature of an amnesty will be included in the framework law. However, it is reported that within the framework of the current execution regime, Öcalan's prison conditions could be improved and he could be allowed to meet with journalists and academics.
AKP staff interviewed by BBC Turkish emphasize that if the proposal is submitted to Parliament by July 10-11, it could pass through the committee and General Assembly stages by the end of the month, but the schedule will depend on developments in the field and the course of the disarmament process.