ANKARA – Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit, Deputy Group Cahir of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party and a member of the newly formed parliamentary commission on the Kurdish issue, emphasized the need for a clear roadmap and inclusive dialogue. Stating Abdullah Ocalan continue his efforts despite isolation she said: “He is trying to develop a solution-oriented mindset within the state.”
The “Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy” has held three sessions so far and plans to meet with Peace Mothers and associations of families of fallen guerrillas, soldiers, and police officers on August 19-20. Civil society groups insist that direct contact with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan is essential to the commission’s credibility.
‘THE LANGUAGE USED IS CRUCIAL’
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit criticized the government’s framing of the process under the slogan “A terror-free Turkey” saying the problem is being misrepresented: “Reducing a century-old issue rooted in denial, rejection, and assimilation to mere terrorism ignores the historical truth. The cause must be addressed, not just the outcomes.”
She stated that real solutions require a deep understanding of the historical context and genuine recognition of Kurdish identity: “There was a Kurdish issue before the PKK. Kurdish people have risen up many times in history. Without understanding this background, sustainable solutions are impossible.”
‘OCALAN WANTS TO BUILD A DEMOCRATIC FUTURE’
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit stated that Ocalan’s efforts from İmralı Prison focus on encouraging democratic transformation within the state: “He envisions a system that guarantees Kurdish existence and rights. We are in constant dialogue to push for changes in language and policy at the state level.”
She said the commission also serves this purpose, pressuring the government and opposition alike to change.
‘NO ROADMAP YET’
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit pointed out that the commission currently lacks a defined roadmap or schedule: “We’ve expressed the urgency of having a concrete work plan, not just in commission meetings but directly to the Speaker of Parliament. We want to be part of shaping that schedule.”
LEGISLATION AND RECONCILIATION
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit said the commission will go beyond disarmament-related laws to propose both legislative drafts and policy recommendations. A key focus is on reintegration: “We need clear legal frameworks for those who disarm, can they return? What will their legal status be?”
She also called for changes to several laws: “The Anti-Terror Law should be abolished. The Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code must be revised. The law enabling state-appointed trustees (kayyım) must be repealed.”
‘BOTH SOLDIER AND GUERRILLA MOTHERS MUST BE HEARD’
Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit stressed the importance of inclusive public dialogue to bridge the divide between Kurdish and Turkish communities: “Healing can only happen when all voices are heard, mothers of fallen soldiers, but also mothers of guerrillas like Cemile Çağırga, Uğur Kaymaz, and Ceylan Önkol.”
She proposed holding meetings across regions, from the Black Sea to Marmara, to gain public trust.
‘DON’T PUT THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE’
Responding to the CHP’s broad demands for the commission’s scope, Gulistan Kilic Kocyigit said: “The Kurdish issue is directly tied to democratization in Turkey. You can’t solve everything at once. We need a focused approach and a clear set of priorities.”
She warned against overwhelming the commission with unrelated demands: “If you bring in a 29-point declaration and say, ‘solve it all or none,’ you miss the point. Let’s not put the cart before the horse.”
MA / Mehmet Aslan