DEM Party Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit called on Parliament to make legal regulations so that the path opened through the Kurdish freedom movement’s decisions could be utilized.
Speaking at the third meeting of the “Commission for National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy”, DEM Parti Group Deputy Chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit pointed to 50 years of conflict and highlighted the need to come up with a solution to the Kurdish question through democratic ways.
Calling the Kurdish question one of the most important problems in the hundred years of the Republic, Koçyiğit stressed that democratic deficiencies are among the root causes of the problem.
“We believe that this issue will be resolved through the will of the Parliament and the common will of politicians and the people. We are fighting for a democratic and peaceful solution both inside and outside the country,” she said.
Koçyiğit pointed out that the current circumstances offer a new opportunity for a solution and called on members of parliament to face whether they see the Kurdish question as a problem of their own. She stated that acting under social pressure or party interests would be a crime before history and society, saying, “We will all bear the burden of this process.”
Koçyiğit pointed out that they trust in peace and the wisdom of the parliament, stating, “Let us not waste time counting our sorrows. We need to establish internal peace in Turkey and peace in the region.”
Remarking that the path opened by the Kurdish movement’s decision to lay down arms must be utilized, Koçyiğit called on parliament to take responsibility and make legal regulations to achieve a permanent solution.
“We need to make the necessary legal arrangements here. We need to have a discussion on legislation that will truly expand and advance democracy and ensure that it is permanent. This Parliament, this commission, must be the most liberal in its discussions, defending liberal ideas, and capable of listening to the most radical views with discernment and openness. We need to decide what we will do by October 1,” she continued.
AKP Deputy Group Chairman Abdülhamit Gül stated that it was important for Parliament to address the issue, saying, “We will manage this process with common sense and consultation. Turkey will be the winner.”
Cüneyt Yüksel, Chairman of the Parliament’s Justice Commission, said that the examples of ETA and IRA should be examined, drawing attention to the importance of legislative compliance, fair trial, and legal certainty.
