AKP shuts door on 'status' demand for Öcalan: New solution proposals on the agenda

A negative response has come from the AKP front regarding the proposal made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli to the public for a special status for terrorist leader Öcalan, such as a "Peace Process and Politicization Coordination." AKP officials assessed that "for a status specific to him to be formed, the conviction must first be removed." However, party representatives underscored that as a different path, the opportunities for dialogue could be expanded.

EMPHASIS ON DIALOGUE INSTEAD OF STATUS

Ruling party officials stated that it is legally impossible for Öcalan to gain status with a definition such as "chief negotiator." The officials explained, "We are talking about a convict whose sentence is currently ongoing. Especially without amnesty or the removal of the conviction, a legal status cannot be provided." Nevertheless, they said that the way could be opened for him to share his ideas more with various segments of society. They expressed the view that "the way could be opened for journalists or academics to go to İmralı and receive direct opinions, and for closer contact to be established with representatives of associations working for the benefit of society."

AKP sources conveyed that the title or designation under which meetings with Öcalan might take place does not carry importance. "There is no need for a special definition for these meetings, which take place with the approval of the Ministry of Justice. The opportunity to convey his ideas to society can be improved," it was said. The officials also stated that the communication currently running only through the İmralı Delegation leads to disconnects from time to time, and that a more transparent environment could be provided.

WARNING OF DELAY REGARDING DISARMAMENT

AKP executives recalled that in the joint report of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, disarmament was evaluated as a "critical threshold." "Since February 27, Öcalan has used strong expressions for the DEM and the PKK to lay down arms; however, sufficient progress has not been achieved in practice. These delays both weaken Öcalan's effectiveness and the resistance of Qandil and the failure of the DEM to take sufficient steps disrupt the process," it was said.

SEARCH FOR NEW MECHANISMS AND LEGAL UNCERTAINTY

AKP representatives, recalling that the proposal to put a "temporary law" on the agenda was suggested in the prepared joint report, said that for this, laying down arms is a prerequisite. AKP officials responded to the DEM Party's proposal of "simultaneous disarmament with legal regulation" with the commissions formed and current efforts. "The current commission has contacted numerous institutions and individuals, a visit to İmralı was carried out, and a joint report was created. However, a satisfactory level of disarmament was not seen," they said.

Evaluating the necessity of a new mechanism, AKP officials stated that it is not meaningful to build a new structure before the current mechanism is completed. It was underscored that a clear ground is also needed from a legal perspective: "A new legal situation cannot be defined without arms being laid down and the organization dissolving itself. Law must be based on material reality."

News Source: 12punto