ANKARA - Speaking at the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission’s 17th meeting, Numan Kurtulmuş said: “Our work will be completed not with an ordinary report, but with a valuable note recorded in history. This time, we will win together.” 

 

The National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, established in Parliament within the scope of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, gathered for its 17th meeting.  At today's meeting, Defence Minister Yaşar Güler, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and National Intelligence Chief İbrahim Kalın will provide information on the process. 

 

Meanwhile, the commission is expected to discuss visiting İmralı Island to meet with Abdullah Ocalan. 

 

NO JUSTICE WITHOUT LISTENING 

 

In his opening speech at the meeting, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus said that the establishment of the commission had also improved the environment for negotiation. Kurtulmus emphasised that individuals from all segments of society were being heard by the commission. 

 

“We are getting to the root of the problems and striving to find solutions in principles. Because there can be no justice without listening. Without understanding, brotherhood cannot be strengthened and the standards of our democracy cannot be raised,” he said. 

 

Kurtulmuş stated that the commission works on the basis of reconciliation and mutual consent rather than conflict, noting that the commission's work has increased social trust. 

 

Kurtulmuş added: "It marks a period in which terrorist acts that cause pain and loss have now come to an end. This welcome development has been achieved to date through decisions taken with broad consensus, unanimity and unanimous votes. We want to strengthen the awareness of equal citizenship, make the rule of law a standard in daily life, and carry the language of brotherhood from the local to the central level and from the centre to the entire region."

 

Kurtulmuş criticized negative attitudes towards the process: “Our path is one that combines the seriousness of the state with the propriety of its words. Our commission offers a framework for shaping Turkey's future together.” 

 

JUSTICE WILL PREVAIL

 

Kurtulmuş said that after the commission completes its work, the “daily” counterpart of fundamental rights and freedoms will be strengthened, adding, "Our peace at the local level will grow, trust will be established at the national level, and political competition will continue within civilised limits. If we lighten each other's burdens, Turkey's burden will be lightened. If brotherhood grows, crises will diminish. If the law works, justice will prevail. As our Parliament grows stronger, our citizens will be more comfortable. We express these views not as wishes but as goals. The Commission's achievements are deepening our culture of democracy."

 

Kurtulmuş stated that hate speech would not be tolerated: “The will that empowers this commission is not a passing enthusiasm, but a historical responsibility. In this period of global change, we are intensifying our efforts to be an example of peace, justice and stability in our region.”

 

“This process will be successful,” said Kurtulmuş and added: “Our work will be completed not with an ordinary report, but with a valuable note recorded in history. This time, we will win together. This time, we will speak together and succeed. The losers will be the saboteurs.”

 

THE MEETING BEGAN

 

Following Kurtulmuş's speech, a vote was held on whether the meeting should be closed or open. The People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Justice and Development Party (AKP), Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and New Path Group voted in favour of a closed meeting. The Republican People’s Party (CHP) abstained. As the majority voted in favour of a closed meeting, the meeting continued behind closed doors.