Ozturk stressed that parliament is the right place to discuss it. He noted challenges ahead but emphasized that: “The Kurdish movement, socialists, and even some CHP members may form a pro-democracy bloc in the parliamentary commission. Regardless, a starting point is needed.”

 

GOVERNMENT RESISTS TAKING FIRST STEPS

 

Referring to the government’s refusal to take major initial steps such as releasing unjustly imprisoned individuals, improving Öcalan’s communication rights, and withdrawing trustees from municipalities, Ozturk said: “The government is stuck and resists. But once the first step is taken, others will follow naturally. For example, if trustees are withdrawn, refusing to release prisoners won’t make sense.”

 

Ozturk emphasized that the AKP-MHP alliance wields significant power aimed at maintaining the status quo and suppressing democratic principles. He acknowledged the reality of negotiating with this coalition: “It’s a struggle. DEM Party and socialists must push for peace, democracy, and workers’ rights within the commission, while the government pursues its own agenda. Without efforts, setbacks will occur.”

 

ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT AND STRUGGLE ARE NECESSARY

 

Ozturk argued against distancing from the process or ignoring government proposals: “We must engage, debate, and struggle to ensure the process benefits the peoples and workers. Erdogan’s claims of alliances with DEM Party do not mean actual coalitions; political negotiation is normal.”

 

He also noted the AKP’s parliamentary majority but saw the commission as a field of struggle: “Even accepting qualified majority in the commission marks democratic progress in a country where trustees are still imposed on elected municipalities. Solving the Kurdish issue is hard for all sides, but eventually common ground will be sought, from Hakkari and Mardin to Şişli.” 

 

MA / Melik Celik