The government's hands are tied: Demands postponed, swords are drawn!

Journalist Hilal Köylü shared striking insider information regarding the Imralı Process, which began following the PKK terrorist organization's laying down of arms. Stating that activity in Ankara's political circles has intensified, Köylü remarked, "The corridors are ablaze; tensions have gone beyond mere friction, and swords have been drawn."

Recalling that even at the very beginning of the commission meetings, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş pointed out that heated debates would occur, Köylü said, "This period is seen as a breaking point where all parties' policies are being reviewed and reshaped."

"BAHÇELİ'S MOVE SHAPED THE PROCESS"

Reporting that MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's bringing up the February 27 call by terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan with the words "founding leader" has fueled political debates, Köylü shared the information that "Bahçeli opened the door to the process with the words, 'Don't hesitate, he already called him the founding leader.'"

Köylü assessed, "This message is not just for the DEM Party, but for all political parties. A 'terror-free Turkey first' approach has been adopted in the process."

"DEMOCRATIZATION STEPS POSTPONED"

Köylü recalled the CHP's demands regarding the end of trustee appointments, trial without detention, and the binding nature of ECHR and Constitutional Court rulings. However, stating that the process would not proceed in this direction, she noted the following:

"It was seen and observed that the democratization package and the terror-free Turkey process will not move forward together. The statements by Presidential advisor Mehmet Uçum also showed the course of the process. Uçum revealed the approach by saying, 'The return home of those who laid down their arms and were not involved in actions will be ensured. The democratization package will come later.'"

"THE GOVERNMENT'S HANDS ARE TIED"

Köylü stated that criticisms regarding the lack of steps toward democratization within the government wing are increasing. She used the expression, "Everyone is expecting something. However, the government wing is sending the message that 'there are conditions that tie our hands.'"

Expressing that a phased roadmap, referred to as the "step method," is being followed in the process, Köylü said, "A step-by-step, controlled progress plan is being implemented."

"APO SLOGANS BACKFIRED"

Stating that debates continue regarding whether the commission will go to Imralı, Köylü said that the "Apo" slogans chanted in Parliament have raised tensions. Reminding that Bahçeli reacted to this slogan, Köylü said, "Bahçeli said, 'This is rowdiness, I cannot allow it.' The DEM Party responded, 'This is our democratic right.'"

Köylü reported that there is also debate within the DEM Party, adding, "There are also DEM Party members who say these slogans backfired and that 'it would have been better if it hadn't happened.'"

HARSH REACTION FROM IYI PARTY

Recalling that the IYI Party has not provided members to the commission since the beginning of the process, Köylü said, "Statements were made from the IYI Party front saying, 'We refuse to meet with Öcalan, we do not believe in this process.' Chairman Müsavat Dervişoğlu also criticized the process with words like 'treachery' and 'baseness.' They say the government is acting in concert with the DEM Party."

Köylü stated that Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş will go to Diyarbakır on Friday with commission members and that the pulse of public opinion will be taken on the ground. Köylü remarked, "Everyone is waiting for a confidence-building step. However, a major fracture is occurring in the process. Political campaigns are now also being shaped around this process."