Following the “Peace and Democratic Society” call made by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, he made a second historic video statement on July 9. For the first time in 26 years, Öcalan made a video call, once again emphasizing that the process should be anchored in constitutional and legal grounds, and that all segments of society should be included in the process. 

Ali Bozan, Mersin Deputy from the People’s Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, spoke about the call and what needs to be done.

 

‘A HISTORIC DUTY FOR THE PARLIAMENT’

 

Bozan underlined the historical significance of Öcalan’s video call: “The process that has been developing since October has now entered a new phase. Mr. Öcalan, the PKK, and the Kurdish people have done their part.” 

 

He added that the Parliament has a historic duty to socialize the process and that Öcalan’s call also places a clear responsibility on the Parliament. Bozan said: “A parliamentary commission should be established as soon as possible. The call text also mentions that this commission should be founded by law. One of the most valuable steps is this commission to be formed in Parliament. Starting its work will also build public trust.”

 

‘THE PEOPLE TRUST ÖCALAN’

 

Referring to the “Democratic Society Meetings” held within the scope of the process, Bozan said: “In the public meetings, we have seen that Kurds and their friends trust Mr. Öcalan, trust their struggle, and trust their party. However, there is distrust on the state’s side. This distrust is due to the state’s failure to take steps. Socializing peace is not a burden to be left only to the Kurds or DEM Party. The state must also fulfill its responsibilities.”

 

Bozan also drew attention to the constitutional and legal dimensions of the process, emphasizing the need for related regulations to be enacted promptly. Stressing that the state must now take action, he said: “Prisons remain a major problem today; political prisoners whose releases are delayed by the decisions of the Administration and Supervision Board are still behind bars. Their release depends on the AKP. Political prisoners must be released immediately. These steps will also increase public confidence.”

 

Emphasizing that the process should not only be between the direct parties but also include the public, Bozan added: “What urgently needs to be done on the public side is to establish the society’s trust in this process. Now it’s the ruling government’s, the state’s turn to act. If these steps are taken, the process will advance faster and proceed more healthily. Everyone must explain to the public how essential peace and a democratic society are in this geography.”

 

MA / Abdulkadir Ayten