ANKARA - Tuncer Bakırhan said the second stage is the legal steps and called on the state to fulfil its duties. Tülay Hatimoğulları said democratic integration is the key to a democratic republic.
The Co-Chairs of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, held a press conference in Ankara following the Kurdish Freedom Movement's announcement on Sunday that all guerrilla units in Turkey were withdrawn to the Medya Defense Zones in southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
Speaking at the press conference, Bakırhan stated: “We are at a point that could change the course of history. This moment was born through the efforts of everyone who stands for democracy and life. We have arrived at a critical juncture in a long journey with great hope. Every inch of Turkey's soil has paid a heavy price and suffered greatly. Yesterday, a historic development took place. Of course, we did not reach this important milestone overnight. Let us look back at the months, even the days, behind us. On October 1, 2024, Mr. Bahçeli (MHP leader) extended a groundbreaking hand under the roof of our Parliament. Then came February 27. The voice rising from Imrali changed the course of a conflict that had lasted more than forty years. Mr. Abdullah Öcalan's call for the PKK to lay down its arms and disband was not just a call; it was a turning point engraved in the memory of history.
President Erdoğan's visit to our party's ranks and his handshake renewed confidence in the will for peace. And finally, on October 26, yesterday, we witnessed one of the most critical and meaningful steps for our country. The PKK, which had previously decided to disband, announced the withdrawal of all its forces from Turkish territory, declaring to the world that it was committed to a solution and peace. This decision is a step that opens the door to a new phase, paving the way for a solution and peace.
‘WE MUST NOT WASTE THIS OPPORTUNITY’
This decision to withdraw is the most concrete expression of determination on the path to peace, an unwavering step in the belief in a democratic and political solution. It is the strongest call for a new era, a new spirit. Yesterday's decision is not just a withdrawal, but a powerful leap toward a democratic future. This is also a step toward winning the next century. The twentieth century was a century of conflict, suffering, loss, and tears on these lands. The twenty-first century, however, must be a century of peace, brotherhood, equality, a shared future, and a democratic republic. History is giving us this chance; we must not waste this opportunity.
‘TIME TO MOVE ON TO THE SECOND PHASE, TRANSITION TO SOCIAL PEACE’
If we manage this process correctly, Turkey will present the world with an example of a country that resolves its problems through dialogue, gives hope to humanity, and illuminates the future. We believe that now is the time to build the hopes of the future, not to repeat the suffering of the past. We say that now is the time for embracement, unity, and brotherhood. At this point, the first phase of the process has been completed. Following the (PKK) congress decisions and the burning of weapons, a new page has been turned with the completion of the withdrawal. Now is the time to write our own story without waiting for a solution from elsewhere. It is time to move on to the second phase, which is much more critical and vital, namely the transition to social peace through ‘legal and political’ steps. This phase is as meaningful as it is challenging.
‘LAW MUST BE THE FOUNDATION OF PEACE, JUSTICE THE FOUNDATION OF THE FUTURE’
The process must develop through laws, rights, and freedoms. The language of politics and democracy must be strengthened. Law must be the foundation of peace, justice must be the foundation of the future. Mr. Öcalan has demonstrated great determination and a vision for peace both in the decision made yesterday and in paving the way for other steps. Even under the most difficult conditions, he has always taken a stance in favor of a political solution. At the point we have reached today, Öcalan's efforts, foresight, persistence, and role in building peace are decisive. In this regard, ways must be opened, and opportunities provided for him to take more initiative and play a more effective role in the process.
‘EVERYONE MUST DO THEIR PART’
In this regard, it is not just one side that is responsible for this process, but also the state and those in power, the security bureaucracy, the judicial system, and all other institutional structures. Everyone must do their part. Everyone must act in accordance with the will for peace. The negative reflexes and rhetoric of the past must be abandoned, and the democratic mind and language of the future must be embraced. The perception of the enemy must be replaced with the perception of the citizen, and the definition of threat must be replaced with the definition of rights. A language based on freedom rather than security must be used, and a policy of hope rather than a policy of fear, must be pursued. The guardians of the old order, the owners of the status quo, local and international powers that thrive on conflict may seek to undermine this process. Provocations may be staged. Fear scenarios may be created, smear campaigns may occur... But we will stand firm. We will continue on the path to peace. We will not give up on peace. Everyone should know this. Now is the time for the government, the opposition, the state, civil society, the media, academia, and everyone to take responsibility.”
‘ONE OF THE RARE MOMENTS IN TURKEY'S POLITICAL HISTORY’
Tülay Hatimoğulları stated the following: "We are witnessing one of the rare moments in Turkey's political history. This moment is not the result of coincidence, but of decades of unwavering determination and hard work. Today, we are crossing a new threshold. Now, it is our collective duty to carefully cultivate this ground and build a democratic Turkey together. The embracement of this process by different segments of society is crucial for securing a shared and equal future. And it is a historic responsibility for everyone.
‘WE ARE FACED WITH HISTORIC TASKS’
The establishment of the Republic is undoubtedly very important and valuable. However, the Republic failed to democratize. Consequently, it has been unable to resolve Turkey's democracy problem. For a century, it has endured great hardships. This country no longer has the time or patience to endure another century of suffering, to be trapped in past cycles, or to tolerate lawlessness. In the second century of the Republic, we are faced with historic tasks such as developing justice and the rule of law, eliminating inequalities, and crowning the Republic with democracy. If we interpret things correctly, the historic steps taken in the last year offer us the greatest opportunities to democratize the Republic in the second century.
‘BUILDING PEACE THROUGH DEMOCRATIC INTEGRATION’
Building peace through democratic integration is the key to opening the door to a Democratic Republic. This process is not only political, but also a process of cultural and social transformation. Through awareness and social transformation, we must work together to strengthen the construction of peace and democratization. No one should see themselves as outsiders to this process. No one should remain passive. Our thoughts and assessments may differ. We may have criticisms, but they will only strengthen us. We call upon intellectuals, academics, and writers in Turkey: It is our responsibility to Turkey’s society. Despite our concerns and doubts, embracing peace is invaluable. We call upon women and mothers: As the ones bearing the deepest wounds of conflict, we women must be the chief architects of peace. Mothers who turned their white headscarves into symbols of peace! Mothers who have buried their young children, different in identity but united in grief! Your shared cry for peace forms the strongest foundation for peace. We call upon young people: As those who have paid the highest price, we believe you will embrace peace with both hands. The responsibility for building peace rests most heavily on your shoulders.
We call upon the government and the state: In this new phase of the process, swift political and legal action is crucial for progress. I must emphasize once again that society has expectations and demands of the executive power and the Parliament, which holds the legislative power. The voice of society must now be heard.”