DEM Party Co-Chair Hatimoğulları responds to questions on PKK and politics: 'We are not practicing taqiyya'

Hatimoğulları stated, "Our concern is democracy. Our concern is a truly democratic republic. Our concern is not about 'what might happen' in a single election. It is about democracy winning in this country. A historic opportunity has arisen for this."

DEM Party Co-Chair Tülay Hatimoğulları answered journalists' questions on Halk TV regarding the terrorist organization PKK's decision to lay down arms and dissolve.

Hatimoğulları responded to the question, "The physical freedom of Öcalan and the removal of obstacles to his political work are being demanded. What should we understand from this? What kind of legal arrangement is being demanded for Öcalan?" with the following statements:

"Yes, the statement very clearly expresses that Öcalan must manage and direct this process. This is a very important point. We believe that if Öcalan cannot directly manage this process, it will not be possible for this process to progress healthily. We frequently underline this as well. Furthermore, there are three other important headings in the organization's statement: the recognition of the right to democratic politics, the provision of robust and comprehensive legal guarantees, and the necessity for parliament to be the address of the solution process. This is an approach that suggests the peace process should progress on a parliamentary basis by opening the way for democratic politics. However, of course, the most decisive factor for the process to function healthily is for Mr. Öcalan to be provided with the conditions to manage this process. In this context, he needs to be able to establish contact with all segments, hold meetings, and therefore, the isolation must be ended."

"PKK TOOK THIS DECISION IN A HOLISTIC MANNER"

Hatimoğulları answered the question, "Could there be armed elements within the terrorist organization PKK who will resist or oppose this decision? Is there a disagreement or a rift visible on this issue?" by saying,

"As far as we can see, the PKK took this decision in a holistic manner. How the congress was technically convened and which delegates participated were also shared with the public. This wholeness is also felt in the dissolution declaration. After the call Öcalan made previously, the PKK had also clearly stated that this call was essential for them. We all already know that Öcalan's influence over the PKK is great. He is an influential leader not only in Turkey but also over the Kurdish people in Syria, Iran, and Iraq. For this reason, we do not expect a rift within the organization."

WILL QANDIL BE EVACUATED?

Hatimoğulları said, "It is not possible for me to say anything clear on this matter, because this is not a subject I can know directly. However, I can say this: We are going through a period where the PKK is entering a process of laying down arms and organizational dissolution. We believe that as the democratic struggle strengthens, this process will progress faster."

ON SILIVRI AND FREEDOMS...

Hatimoğulları responded to the question, "Can such a peace process be carried out before Silivri is freed?" as follows:

"First of all, I must say this: everywhere must be freed. Before Silivri, you know there was Kandıra. Of course, I am including them as well; since Silivri is a symbol... Yes, there was Edirne. In Kandıra, dear Figen Yüksekdağ and our elected deputies, our co-mayors; in Edirne, dear Selahattin Demirtaş and many of our friends are imprisoned. And of course, there are nearly 10 thousand political prisoners in this country who have paid very heavy prices but unfortunately, whose names the public does not know, and do not even know which prison they are held in.

Among these 10 thousand people are intellectuals, writers, journalists, and politicians. Of course, certain names are symbols; they are very meaningful to us. But I want to emphasize this number specifically to show how heavy this picture is. All of them need to be freed. If there is truly going to be a solution, if a peace process is truly going to be built, if democratization is to be achieved in this country; then there should be no one left in prison for their thoughts, their ideas, or for exercising their freedom of expression.

There are people in prison because they engaged in politics, because they served as mayors, co-mayors, or council members; simply because they were in an opposition party. Imprisoning them is already a crime in itself. These individuals need to be released as soon as possible. Very serious legal arrangements need to be made on this matter."

"I EXTEND OUR THANKS TO ÖZGÜR ÖZEL"

"Today, Mr. Özgür Özel made a very constructive, very important statement. He said; this country should be governed in the most inclusive way, not with daily calculations or election plans, without excluding any political party or social segment. He describes the solution and what needs to be done this way. We agree very much with dear Mr. Özgür Özel. He says that the solution to all problems in our country, including the Kurdish issue—look, this emphasis is very important—passes through the rule of law, justice, and democracy. These three concepts should be both the medicine and the prescription for Turkey right now. For this reason, I extend our thanks on behalf of our party to Mr. Özgür Özel for understanding and making sense of the process from the very beginning, for grasping how important this process is for our 85 million citizens, and for making positive statements that go beyond political party interests."

"WILL IT BE A PART OF THE PEOPLE'S ALLIANCE?"

Hatimoğulları answered the question, "Will you be a part of the People's Alliance?" as follows:

"Now, I want to express this very clearly. There are such complex problems, complex questions in the public's mind. Yesterday, our co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan, also as a Kurdish politician, expressed with this clarity, 'Why should people see us as if we have to be someone's backup, someone's part, or someone's partner?' On the other hand, when we look at the recent elections, discussions of 'Did they make a deal with so-and-so?' are carried out on the eve of every election. But in the last elections, we stood by the opposition against the anti-democratic practices in Turkey and supported the opposition's candidate. For example, when Mr. Kılıçdaroğlu was a candidate, we supported him in the most open way.

"WE ARE NOT PRACTICING TAQIYYA"

Now, we have to keep this memory in mind. When we say 'democratic society,' we are not practicing taqiyya. These questions create perceptions as if taqiyya is being practiced or will be practiced. Please, let this not be misunderstood either; it is not about you personally or your question. On the contrary, I find it very valuable and important for the broadest segments of society, especially the opposition's base, to know our views on this matter. In that respect, I found your question important. To summarize, I would like to say this: Our concern is democracy. Our concern is a truly democratic republic. Our concern is not about 'what might happen' in a single election. It is about democracy winning in this country. A historic opportunity has arisen for this."

News Source: 12punto