Ahmet Özer's commentary on the reconciliation process: Notable remarks on Demirtaş

CHP's Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, who was arrested on charges of "being a member of the PKK" as part of an investigation into the "urban consensus" agreement between the DEM Party and the CHP during the local elections, has made important statements regarding the resolution process. Speaking to Nefes newspaper from Silivri Prison, Özer stated that for the new resolution process to function healthily, social peace must be achieved with the participation of all segments of society.

"CAN THERE BE PEACE IN A COUNTRY WHERE HALF OF IT IS EXCLUDED?"

Emphasizing that all social segments must be included to achieve social peace in the new resolution process, Özer said, "Can social peace be achieved by excluding half of Turkey? Can internal peace be ensured by besieging the CHP and liquidating the opposition? The process developed with a speed unseen in any similar case. Now it is time for democratic steps," he said.

Pointing out that the pressure placed on the CHP must be lifted, Özer stated that taking democratic steps is essential for the success of the resolution process. Özer said, "For example, one could start with the trustees. Both a path-clearing can be done for a new constitution and a gesture of goodwill can be demonstrated," he said.

Stating that public support is essential for the process to be successful, Özer said that to ensure this support, a "language of peace" must be created and the paranoia of division that has persisted for years must be eliminated. Özer used the expressions, "The state or government actors cannot do this alone. There is a need for actors who are loved by the people, have resonance with the public, and have worked on these issues."

Regarding the need for the resolution process to be based on a democratic foundation, Özer made the following criticisms:

"For example, why is Selahattin Demirtaş still inside during such a period? While a peace process is being conducted on one hand, why am I and scientists like me inside? Not just Demirtaş, but the fact that hundreds, thousands of politicians, elected mayors, and the main opposition party's presidential candidate İmamoğlu are inside casts a shadow over the democratic nature of this process."

News Source: 12punto