CHP issues written statement following İmralı decision: 'It does not align with the purpose of its establishment'

The "National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy" commission, established in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) as part of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process, met for the 18th time. During the meeting, the decision on whether to hold talks with Öcalan, the leader of the terrorist organization PKK, was discussed.

The AKP, MHP, and DEM Party delegations supported holding talks with Öcalan. The CHP announced that they would not provide members for a potential delegation to visit İmralı Island.

Following the decision to hold this commission meeting behind closed doors as well, the CHP left the meeting. The decision for the meeting to be closed was taken with the votes of the AKP, MHP, and DEM Party.

The Republican People's Party (CHP) published a written statement regarding its decision not to provide members for a potential delegation to visit İmralı.

"WHILE SOME DENY EVEN THE EXISTENCE OF KURDS, WE ARE THE PARTY THAT PROPOSES SOLUTIONS TO THIS PROBLEM"

The statement included the following remarks:

As the Republican People's Party, we have always advocated for the resolution of the Kurdish issue through democratic means, in line with historical consistency, and we continue to do so.

While some, let alone the Kurdish issue, deny even the existence of Kurds, we are the party that courageously voices the existence of this problem and offers solutions.

Just as in the past, we are supporters of sincere steps to be taken for peace and resolution today as well.

We are the proponents of the idea that the issue should be discussed and resolved through a commission to be established under the roof of Parliament, with transparency and without hiding anything from the nation.

From now on, we will continue to be in the Commission as a requirement of our responsibility to our nation, with the determination to build a Terror-Free and Democratic Turkey.

The commission in Parliament is holding its 18th meeting today.

However, at the stage we have reached, trustee appointments that place a mortgage on the national will continue.

People have been languishing in prisons for months in shameful trials that criminalize Kurds for entering municipal councils.

No progress has been made in political imprisonments reaching 10 years; on the contrary, our democracy has been placed under a coup-like siege with new political trials.

Instead of opening the way for democratic politics, it has been further obstructed by political trials.

"OUR NATION DOES NOT CONSENT"

In such a period, while solutions should be produced for these problems to ensure our internal peace, our nation does not consent to the entire issue being compressed into the question of whether or not to go to İmralı.

Defining this decision as indispensable and presenting it as a historical crossroads and the only option is not compatible with the purpose of the Commission's establishment.

Of course, every opinion that will contribute to the process is valuable.

To this end, state officials are already meeting with İmralı, and a delegation consisting of members of parliament is already traveling to and from the Island.

There are 51 members of parliament from 11 parties in our Commission.

But instead of just 5 members of parliament going to the Island without even a Chairman for our Commission, it is possible to manage a process that is easier, more participatory, and less controversial by utilizing technological means.

"POLITICS IS CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY"

Politics is not conducted by taking stances on faits accomplis, but according to the needs and expectations of society.

Society is not convinced of what contribution this insistence will make to the will for a solution in a process where even the most essential, easy first steps—such as the removal of trustees, the implementation of Constitutional Court (AYM) and European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings, and the opening of the way for democratic politics—are not taken.

In this direction, we do not find it appropriate to provide members from our party to the Commission delegation that will go to İmralı Island with the decision of other parties, primarily the AK Party.

We would like to remind you that: The Republican People's Party, whose words everyone is waiting for today, is facing a closure case.

16 elected mayors and a Presidential Candidate are in prison.

Women, children, and families are being oppressed.

But despite everything, our Party continues to remain in this Commission with the hope of democracy, peace, and resolution.

If the peace hopes of this nation are once again attempted to be squandered for personal ambitions and passions, as they were 10 years ago, the Republican People's Party will continue to stand firmly where it stands.

Our party possesses the will to bring both peace and democracy and justice to this country.

News Source: 12punto