ISTANBUL – Özgül Saki said the Peace and Democratic Society Process is at a “standstill”, adding that organised social pressure is needed to move it forward. “We need to demonstrate our seriousness to the state and the AKP government through struggle,” she said.

 

The Peace and Democratic Society Process is ongoing. Within this framework, the Kurdish Freedom Movement has taken steps including a dissolution decision and disarmament, while the state has limited itself to establishing a parliamentary commission. No concrete steps have been taken regarding the recommendations included in the report prepared by the commission, and criticism over the lack of action continues.

 

 

Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Istanbul MP Özgül Saki called for concrete measures to be taken.

 

Highlighting the importance of resolving the Kurdish issue for the Middle East, Özgül Saki said addressing what she described as the “root problem” would contribute to solving many others. She added that Turkey’s unitary structure based on a single language and identity does not correspond to the realities of society and has led to ongoing conflict and accumulated problems.

 

‘A NEW PEACE WITH SOCIETY IS NEEDED’

 

Özgül Saki said people in Turkey demand democracy and peace, adding: “What Turkey needs is to establish a renewed peace with society through resolving the Kurdish issue.” She noted that the Kurdish movement has both political and armed dimensions and longstanding demands, and said previous opportunities for peace had been missed, stressing the importance of not missing the current one.

 

‘THE PROCESS IS AT A STANDSTILL’

 

Underlining that the process is at a “standstill”, Özgül Saki referred to the parliamentary commission’s report, recalling that national and international courts have made recommendations regarding political prisoners, including Kurdish people’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, as well as proposals for equal citizenship. She said that while not all political parties agree with the report, it remains significant.

 

Referring to statements by the AKP-MHP government that it would prepare regulations based on the report, Özgül Saki said the government is producing “excuses”. She argued that the government appears to be delaying action until elections to maintain its position, while also monitoring developments in the Middle East. Noting that the PKK has laid down arms, Özgül Saki said laws for democratic integration should be introduced and participation in democratic politics by those who disarm should be regulated. She also said the state must abandon policies of denial and destruction.

 

‘THE KURDISH PEOPLE ARE NOT WITHOUT ALTERNATIVES’

 

Özgül Saki described the construction of a democratic society as a call for struggle directed not only at the state but also at society. “If the AKP-MHP government continues to delay, the Kurdish people are never without alternatives,” she said, adding that the Kurdish people still want peace and that the opportunity should not be missed.

 

‘TIME TO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE AKP GOVERNMENT’

 

Özgül Saki said an organised social struggle is needed to advance the process more effectively, adding that movements in areas such as ecology, labour, youth and women could mobilise around the Peace and Democratic Society Process.

 

“For example, the energy seen on 8 March and in Newroz celebrations was an indication of this struggle. Now is the time to channel that energy and mass participation into organised pressure against the government’s delays and excuses. We need to organise with the awareness that compelling the AKP government to act will come through pressure and struggle,” she said.

 

She added that Abdullah Öcalan should be granted the “right to hope”, saying that such a step would increase confidence in the process.

 

Özgül Saki also stressed that the commission’s report should be brought before parliament, noting that while the government says it has prepared legislation, it has not disclosed its content. She said the government must present these proposals to both the public and political parties.