Kamuran Tanhan said that the terms used reflect both the nature of the process and the intentions of its actors, and that “terrorism” must be the first to go.
Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) MP Kamuran Tanhan stated that “a great peace is within reach” and emphasized that this process could only be made possible not just by silencing weapons, but also through a transformation in language, law, and politics.
In his remarks to ANF, Tanhan said that following the weapon-burning ceremony, politics must be re-organized and legal and constitutional reforms must be implemented.
Tanhan also drew attention to the importance of the government and its media developing a new language appropriate for the process.
Tanhan noted that in such processes, negotiations must be carried out by strong leaders and that peace must be demonstrated with transparency and sincerity both in rhetoric and in practice.
Tanhan said, “The very first thing the state and government must ensure in approaching this process is undoubtedly seriousness.”
The process could have been defined differently
Kamuran Tanhan also criticized the government for failing to provide a clear definition of the process in light of recent developments and continued: “Although we are still in the pre-negotiation preparatory phase, what has been happening could have been framed and named differently. The terms used do not only define the process itself but also reflect the intent and stance of the actors involved. That is why incorrect or inadequate definitions can have an impact significant enough to determine the fate of the entire process. In this sense, we have many reasons to say that the government and the state are lacking seriousness.”
Mr. Öcalan had previously stated, ‘The issue is not about the quality or quantity of demands; it is about the method of negotiation and the sincerity of approach.’ Tanhan added: “Even the necessity and gravity of ultimate decisions such as dissolution and the burning of weapons have not yet been fully grasped by the government or the state. Their response to the ‘right to hope’ issue is a clear example of this. The continuation of the KCK trials, the closure case against the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) the failure to release political prisoners, and the statute of limitations applied to unsolved political murders all undermine the seriousness of the process.”
Concrete and sincere steps are needed
Kamuran Tanhan emphasized that state officials must express more commitment to peace, both in rhetoric and in action. He noted that organizing peace rallies or seeing respected public figures visibly engaged in the process could make important contributions. Tanhan said: “Another and perhaps the most critical issue is the terminology used by state officials when referring to the process, terms like ‘terror’ or ‘a Turkey without terrorism.’ In peace and resolution negotiations such as this, it is a fact that the first agreement should be made over how the process is named. The discourse of ‘terrorism’, in every sense, and especially in terms of intent and seriousness, must be the very first to be abandoned.”
Tanhan also pointed to a statement made by Co-Chair of the KCK, Besê Hozat, during the weapon-burning ceremony, in which she said, “The obstacles before democratic politics must now be removed.” He continued: “In this process, which has so far advanced unilaterally, the state must take concrete and sincere steps to rebuild the declining trust, particularly within Kurdish society.”
The commission’s mandate must be broad
Kamuran Tanhan stressed that establishing a clear timeline would be important for ensuring the process functions properly and stated that the commission to be formed under the leadership of Parliament must be granted broad authority.
Tanhan explained that this commission should address a wide range of issues, from past human rights violations to cultural rights, from property disputes to reforms in local governance. He said, “The most important message is to not lose hope and to make the suffering of the victims visible. Acknowledging the truth and building a new shared life on these pains is the most dignified way for this society to confront its own history.”
Some proposals
DEM Party MP Kamuran Tanhan also outlined some of his proposals as follows:
* Clearly defining the necessary constitutional and legal amendments.
* Ensuring disarmament includes not only organized structures but also individual armament; in particular, investigating the fate of weapons distributed after the coup attempt on July 15.
* Initiating the integration process and pursuing it with determination.
* Supporting the process with education, media, and civil society activities to strengthen public support.
* Implementing trauma recovery programs to support societal peace.
*Ensuring the commission and relevant parties deliver consistent messages that build public trust.
* Using careful and inclusive language in the process; replacing exclusionary terms such as “terrorism” with language that prioritizes peace and centers on resolution.
* Encouraging the media to adopt a constructive and responsible tone that fosters social consensus, instead of approaches that criminalize the process
