ANKARA - Assessing the latest developments, DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan said: “A verification and assessment mechanism, along with various bodies, is envisaged for the implementation of the law. The establishment of these bodies and the start of their work are matters that will become clearer in the coming days.”

 

DEM Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan briefed reporters on the latest developments following the party’s Central Executive Board (MYK) meeting at its headquarters yesterday. Ayşegül Doğan said Parliament had passed a law whose significance would become clearer in the months ahead, describing it as an important piece of legislation for the party.

 

‘WE PROPOSE MOVING FORWARD ALONG THIS PATH’

 

Emphasizing that the legislation does not resolve all the outstanding issues, Ayşegül Doğan said the law creates new political and legal opportunities. She continued: “Recognizing the importance of this first step does not mean overlooking the aspects that still need to be addressed. On the contrary, for us, recognizing the importance of this first step means placing greater emphasis on what remains to be completed. Criticizing its shortcomings does not diminish its value. We do not need to turn our backs on this law simply because of these shortcomings. Nor do we need to reject it. The law has been passed, opening up significant new possibilities for addressing the Kurdish issue and advancing Turkey’s democratization. That is why we propose moving forward along this path.”

 

‘CONFLICT DID NOT MAKE THE STATE STRONGER’

 

Ayşegül Doğan said years of conflict had not made the state stronger, adding: “If conflict had made the state stronger, we would be talking today about a strong democracy and a strong economy. Instead, thousands of people have lived in fear, and millions of families have suffered loss. All because of policies focused on security. That is why every step toward ending the conflict is valuable for us, despite its shortcomings and limitations, it is still an important step.”

 

NEW BODIES TO BE ESTABLISHED

 

Ayşegül Doğan said: “New bodies will be established. There is nothing being kept secret or hidden. There are shortcomings, we know that, and we are also working to address them. Does the law meet all of our expectations? No. But is it realistic to expect a single law to meet all of our expectations? That would not be realistic either. We need to strengthen our collective efforts to make the law meet our expectations. We are talking about a law that directly affects the lives and freedom of thousands of people, one that could pave the way for thousands to be released and allow many others, including those abroad, to return.

 

THE LAW POINTS TO FURTHER LEGAL STEPS

 

Another group opposing the law argues that fundamental rights are once again being postponed. It is true that fundamental rights are not addressed under this law. However, when we bear in mind that this law is intended to provide legal framework for a transition from conflict to democratic politics, then these fundamental rights, demands, and the issues about Turkey’s democratization, point to further legal steps, as the Speaker of Parliament himself has said. The same point is made in the report of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission. As you know, a verification and assessment mechanism, along with various bodies, is envisaged for the implementation of the law. The establishment of these bodies and the start of their work are matters that will become clearer in the coming days.”

 

Ayşegül Doğan said the party was bringing forward its previously announced congress from September 20 to September 6. The congress will be held at the Nazım Hikmet Cultural Centre in Ankara with the participation of delegates and will mark the beginning of a restructuring process within the party.