The discussions on the solution of the Kurdish issue, which started with the talks with Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, entered a new phase with Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society". While the PKK declared that it would comply with Abdullah Öcalan's call and declared ceasefire, discussions on the steps to be taken for the success of the process took its place on the agenda of politicians and society.

 

Former Confederation of Public Laborers Unions (KESK) Chair Lami Özgen, who was a member of the Wise People's Delegation during the dialogue process in 2013, called the "Resolution Process", stated that the missed opportunities should be reviewed and that progress should be made within the framework of the call and a result should be reached. Emphasising that the call is important not only for Kurds but also for all others and the peoples of the Middle East, Özgen reminded that Kurds and the peoples of the Middle East were denied and paid a price during the 100 years of monist understanding. Özgen stated that the text of the call analyses this and shows an alternative way out for the whole society and said, "Parallel to the analysis of 100 years of political history and authoritarianism, a basic framework comes to the fore, which aims at the realisation of democratic politics and the peace and solution process, and the coexistence, equal and free life of the others. This basic framework is not simple. After all, since its foundation, the Republic of Turkey has been a monist, authoritarian state organisation that ignores others. It puts a democratic solution for the transformation of this structure and a historic democratisation opportunity in front of Turkey. In this sense, it is a historic call. It is an opportunity to review the opportunities missed in the past, to move forward within the framework of the call and to reach a result."

 

Referring to the insecurity experienced by the society, Özgen said, "The environment of insecurity stems from the 100-year authoritarian mentality and its tradition of intimidation and destruction. But this has now reached an unsustainable point. After all, it is obvious where Turkey has come as a government, state and society. Therefore, there is nowhere they can take society with more authoritarianism. If common attitudes can be developed and some legal, political and cultural changes are made, mistrust will decrease. After all, what is declared and what is thought may be different. Now the other side needs to consider its own trust problem."

 

'DIFFERENT FROM THE PAST PROCESS'

 

Stating that the process is a continuation of the 2013-2015 process to a certain extent, Özgen said, "But it is also a new process to a certain extent. In the previous process, there was an approach that was initiated and maintained as if it was under the control of the government. This was one of the most important handicaps of that process. From the beginning, the government approached that process within the framework of its own needs. This was seen, but it was continued to give it a chance. But this period continues in a more coordinated and centralised manner. Another important point for this process is that all the steps that will develop after this call will proceed under the roof of the parliament, unless the intention differs. In the past, the Parliament did not take any responsibility. But there are certain statements at the moment. It is important that the CHP centre makes positive statements in this period. Anyway, it can no longer escape from this. The main cause of this problem is itself as a party and its politics at that time. Therefore, it cannot stand against as a party."

 

Özgen noted that Kurds have a social reality in the dimensions of language, culture and identity that are denied and said that it would be effective to bring these to life within the framework of a constitution that includes democratic legal norms. Stating that the parliament should play a role within this framework, Özgen said: "All segments of the society in Turkey have a duty. The call is a beginning, a declaration to pave the way for peace. From this point of view, the state should also make a call. Upon this, the government should bring forward a new road map by uniting its will with all social segments on the floor of the parliament. After the weapons silent, it should move on to the negotiation process. A discussion ground should be created under the leadership of the Parliament for the segments that remain under the hegemonic influence of the monist, authoritarian mentality. An empathising ground should be emphasised so that these groups can be transformed in their mentality. From this point of view, a solution can be found."

 

MA / Tolga Güney