Ilknur Birol said the desire for democracy and a free, equal life belongs to all, and expectations must be supported with concrete steps.
Ilknur Birol, Executive Board Member of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), told ANF that the government must not avoid taking concrete steps, particularly regarding prisons. She said: “There are issues that could be resolved with a single presidential decree; others that a minister could swiftly finalize through administrative discretion. A parliamentary commission could also bring quick results. Turning expectations into disappointment benefits no one.”
Birol emphasized that the process took a new direction after Abdullah Öcalan’s call on February 27, one that signaled the necessity of a democratic path forward. She explained: “We are talking about an extremely complex issue, a 100-year-long problem, of which 50 years have been marked by conflict and deep consequences. Transforming this into peace and building an atmosphere in which nonviolent and democratic political mechanisms dominate both society and politics, is not easy. On top of that, the issue has evolved from a local matter to a regional one, making it even more complicated and dividing it into multiple stages.”
Birol recalled the PKK’s recent declaration of a ceasefire, its decision to dissolve itself through its congress, and its announcement to end its armed struggle against Turkey. She added: “Of course, this is not a one-sided process. So, it is natural that society develops certain expectations around it. This is a legitimate outcome, and everyone must accept it.”
Steps must respond to expectations
Birol underlined that the government, responsible for taking concrete and trustworthy steps in response to these expectations, should not choose to prolong the process indefinitely. She continued: “This is the main demand. The government, or the powers involved in this issue, those who hold the authority to make laws, enforce regulations, and take administrative measures, must provide this process with a legal and political foundation. Therefore, the parliament, as the most reliable institution in terms of legal and political legitimacy, must be involved, and a commission should be established. In addition to the government, the opposition must also take part in the process without stalling or avoiding responsibility.”
Public trust must not be eroded
Birol argued that when it comes to the Kurdish question, the most significant indicator is the situation in prisons. She stated: “The steps the state and the government take regarding prisons are of critical importance. This issue can be addressed through administrative initiative. Some aspects may require revisions in existing laws. Structures that hold power and represent governing authority must take swift action on this matter. If these steps are not taken, the public’s trust and confidence in the state will be shaken. The state is aware of this, but our responsibility is to remind and encourage measures that build trust. As the DEM Party, we are aware that we have an important role in the steps to be taken in the process of reshaping democracy. The issue of democracy is not only ours, it is a shared concern for all segments of society who demand change. The labor movement, faith communities, young people and women who call for democracy must also approach this issue with the same sense of responsibility, and this demand must be raised collectively.”
An equal and free life is for all of society
Ilknur Birol stressed that the issue should not be approached solely in terms of disarmament or moving away from conflict, but rather with an understanding that democracy is the only model capable of addressing poverty, oppression, and hopelessness imposed on an entire region. She said: “The state and those in power must be reminded of this once again. They must take action without questioning intentions, and they must approach this matter with seriousness, without giving space to short-term political gains or the pragmatic tendencies of narrow interest groups. The desire for democracy, for an equal and free life, belongs to the entire society. Rising expectations must be supported with positive steps. Especially with regard to prisons, all possible steps should be taken without hesitation. This is entirely in the hands of the government. There are issues that can be resolved with a single presidential decree; others that can be addressed quickly through the administrative discretion of a minister. All it takes is a directive from those in power. The same applies to the formation of a parliamentary commission. Turning these expectations into disappointment helps no one.”
