NEWS CENTER - Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party members of the Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy established in the Parliament made a statement on the last two meetings: "All the presentations we listened to over the two days reminded us once again of the heavy burden of the past."  

 

Commission members Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, Meral Danış Beştaş, Hakkı Saruhan Oluç, Celal Fırat and Cengiz Çiçek made a written statement regarding the last two meetings held on 19 and 20 August.

 

The statement said: "The ‘Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity, and Democracy’ has completed its fourth and fifth sessions. Over the course of two days, people and institutions agreed upon by the political parties represented in the commission were heard. First and foremost, we would like to thank, on behalf of our party, all the individuals, communities, and institutions who openly shared the pain and grievances they experienced, as well as their criticisms, views, and suggestions.

 

In the speeches delivered, it became clear that the years in which the Kurdish issue unfolded on the basis of conflict have had profound social, political, and economic effects, foremost among them loss of life. Every story, every experience, every observation and suggestion was a piece completing this larger picture.

 

Although the reasons, foundations, and definitions expressed by people and institutions from very different political perspectives and social groups varied, the fact that they declared their support for the current process and their wishes for its success was highly valuable.

 

We are, of course, aware of the differences between their perspectives and proposals. Yet we are also aware that the support these people and institutions expressed for the process places historical responsibilities upon the political sphere. Against approaches that create hierarchies of suffering or pit one pain against another, we want to recall and emphasize once again the role of politics in resolving social problems.

 

All the presentations we listened to over the two days reminded us once again of the heavy burden of the past. We feel the weight of this burden, and we underline our determination to make every effort throughout the commission’s work so as not to pass this burden on to the next generations.

 

Within this framework, we maintain our firm stance against all attempts to sabotage the commission’s work through lies and provocations from outside, to undermine its growing legitimacy within society, and to obstruct steps to be taken toward peace and the democratic solution to the Kurdish issue."