ISTANBUL – Journalist and political commentator Ali Bayramoğlu stated that legal guarantees are essential for militants who lay down arms. “Progress can only be made if the AKP and MHP open up democratic space,  and that includes reaching societal consensus,” he said.

 

Following the symbolic disarmament ceremony held on July 11 in Şikefta Casenê 8Jasene Cave), Sulaymaniyah, the pace of parliamentary discussions in Turkey has increased. 

 

As part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, a delegation from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party visited the leaders of CHP, MHP, and the Future Party. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın also began meeting with political parties as part of the process.

 

‘AKP IS MOVING TOO SLOWLY’

 

Bayramoğlu, reflecting on past peace efforts, emphasized that the Kurdish question is deeply rooted and complex. “This is a 200-year-old issue; it won’t be solved by a few parliamentary decisions. On one side are Kurdish demands, on the other, Turkish nationalism. Steps must be taken cautiously and inclusively,” he said.

 

He criticized the AKP’s slow response: “Yes, they are moving slowly. But more urgency is needed. Laws must be enacted for PKK prisoners and those convicted. Perhaps even constitutional amendments and partial amnesty laws will be required. These are not tasks a single party can handle alone. A parliamentary commission will need to address these stages — and no one understands these dynamics better than Öcalan.”

 

‘LEGAL FRAMEWORKS FOR RETURN AND REINTEGRATION’

 

Bayramoğlu underscored that legal protections for those who disarm are essential: “Who can return? Under what conditions? What about those currently in prison? These are fundamental questions. Legal reforms and amnesty laws must be discussed.”

 

He added that ensuring broad political participation is key: “The process must continue without interruption. A permanent political solution depends on creating the conditions for free democratic participation. That means reforming party laws and parliamentary procedures.”

 

‘THE SOCIALIZATION OF PEACE IS CRUCIAL’

 

Bayramoğlu also pointed to the importance of developments in North and East Syria (Rojava) and questioned whether the Turkish government would accept a democratic resolution. “Will the AKP-MHP bloc allow for a democratic space? Will they accept the existence of an autonomous region like the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)? These are major questions that require attention,” he said.

 

While acknowledging the difficult path ahead, Bayramoğlu expressed cautious optimism: “In 2013, only the AKP supported the peace process. Today, nearly 80% of political parties are supportive. Still, it will take time for peace to take root in society. The trauma of conflict is everywhere — not just among Kurds, but also in places like Kayseri, Yozgat, and Çanakkale. Overcoming that will require genuine democratization and persuasion, not just policy.”