The process that began following the call made by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February continues with concrete steps by the Kurdish Freedom Movement. All eyes are now on the steps the state will take and the integration laws it will implement. 

 

In this context, the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party's Democratic Local Administration Council held a “Local Democracy Conference” in Istanbul, where the topics of “Urban Peace” and “Local Democracy and Kayyum system (Trusteeship)” were discussed. 

 

DEM Party Deputy Co-chair Mehmet Rüştü Tiryaki participated in the conference. Pointing out that even the end of the conflict alone would open many doors, Tiryaki recalled examples of conflict and resolution around the world. He emphasised that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) had taken the decision to disband under very difficult conditions, held a ceremony to burn its weapons, and subsequently decided to withdraw from Turkey. 

 

'INTEGRATION AND SOCIAL UNIFICATION'

 

Tiryaki stressed that they were at the most important stage of the solution and that steps needed to be taken to ensure the end of the conflict, adding that they were not yet talking about the solution to the Kurdish issue and the local administration problem. Tiryaki stressed that transition laws must be prepared and regulations concerning guerrillas, political prisoners and Kurds in the diaspora must be put in place. 

“Taking steps in this regard will pave the way for integration, social cohesion and true brotherhood between Kurds and Turks,” he said. 

 

'PARLIAMENT MUST TAKE THE INITIATIVE'

 

Noting that Parliament, which is currently in its budget period, can make legal regulations both during this period and during interim periods, Tiryaki recalled that the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, established in Parliament to resolve the Kurdish issue, has one last hearing left. 

 

Stating that the political parties in the commission will prepare their reports after the final hearing, Tiryaki said: “Every political party has its preparations for the process. Parliament should take steps on this matter as soon as possible; this will be a step that will both build social trust and ensure the socialisation of peace. Rest assured that once this legal regulation is made, we will be able to discuss many issues much more comfortably in this country.”

 

STEPS THAT CAN BE TAKEN WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE CHANGE

 

Emphasising that there are many steps the government can take in accordance with existing law on certain issues, Tiryaki recalled that the Ministry has taken a decision to continuously remove mayors from DEM Party municipalities by appointing kayyums, and that if this decision is not taken, the problem will be solved. He noted that prisoners held in prisons could also be released by ending the practices of the Administration and Observation Boards, which do not require constitutional amendments. Recalling that the use of Kurdish in public spaces is prohibited, Tiryaki stressed that this practice could also be lifted without the need for a constitutional amendment. 

 

RIGHT TO HOPE

 

Recalling that Turkey is a party to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) rulings on the “right to hope,” Tiryaki noted that the first ruling in Turkey concerned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. 

Tiryaki concluded: "This decision concerns not only Mr Öcalan, but thousands of prisoners in Turkish jails. The ECHR's ruling takes precedence over Turkey's constitution. Only by implementing the ECHR's decision can a step be taken towards the ‘right to hope’. Our people are full of hope; they hope that this conflict will end and they want to believe it will. However, there is a problem of trust in the political authorities. Taking these steps will lead to the socialisation of peace and will enable broad sections of the public to believe in this process." 

 

MA / Yesim Tukel