Selahattin Demirtaş's 'Imralı' statement: 'No bargaining has taken place'

The process initiated by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli continued with the statement from PKK terrorist organization leader Abdullah Öcalan calling on the PKK to "lay down arms and dissolve yourselves," and a statement from the terrorist organization indicating they would comply with the call.

Another notable statement has come from the imprisoned former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş regarding the process closely followed by the public. In his statement, Demirtaş included the words, "Not a single word has been spoken, nor has any bargaining taken place, on issues such as constitutional amendments, elections, or alliances."

Here is the article written by Demirtaş on the subject:

"If we cannot show our courage, we will never escape this whirlpool, and while we consume each other, we will not be able to avoid carrying water to the mill of global imperialism. Indeed, Öcalan and Bahçeli do not shy away from taking great risks while demonstrating this courage. President Erdoğan also takes risks by standing behind this will and does not refrain from leading the solution. Likewise, the Chairman of the CHP, the founding party of the Republic, Özel, does not shy away from being a part of the solution with all his reservations.

"EVERYONE MUST BE READY FOR THIS"

Öcalan did not hesitate to call on the PKK to dissolve itself with a firm and decisive attitude. From now on, we will move forward together toward the new by breaking molds, stereotypes, and fears. Everyone must be ready for this. The Republic of Turkey is the state of us all, period. In this sense, the duty to democratize the Republic is also ours, period. We will build the rest step by step together, with unity of action and heart, because weapons, blood, and pain are now out of the picture. The only obstacle before us is our dependence on the old; we will evolve that into the new with courage.

"THERE ARE NO CONDITIONS IN THE CALL TEXT, BUT..."

We will all win together with peace. Are there conditions? There are no conditions in the call text, but there are mutual requirements. That is, there is flour, oil, and sugar, but to make halva, you also need a pot, a spoon, and a stove. These are not conditions for making halva, but requirements. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify how and where the weapons will be laid down, and what the legal and political status of those who lay down their arms will be. Taking a legal and political step for this is a requirement of the nature of the work.

LISTED THREE TOPICS: NO BARGAINING TOOK PLACE

At no stage has a single word been spoken, nor has there been any bargaining, on issues such as constitutional amendments, elections, or alliances. However, based on the fundamental principles of democracy, the DEM Party also has the right to meet with everyone and to make political and electoral collaborations; this right is legitimate and as pure as mother's milk. It does not need to ask anyone for permission for this, nor will it.

"I AM CALLING OUT TO THE TURK, TO THE KURD: DO NOT FEAR! PEACE"

In other words, the struggle for, the search for, and the construction of democracy will certainly continue uninterrupted because it is the duty of us all to crown the Republic of Turkey with democracy and make it grow even further in its second century. We founded the state together, we will grow it together, manage it together, and democratize it together. For this reason, I am calling out to the Turk, to the Kurd, to the entire society: Do not fear! Peace."