Ayşegül Doğan, spokesperson of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), held a press conference at the party’s headquarters regarding the Central Executive Board meeting.

Ayşegül Doğan said that the meeting focused on Turkey’s democratization and the question of peace, emphasizing that the two are inseparable. Doğan said, “Because we know that if Turkey cannot achieve peace, it cannot democratize.”

Ayşegül Doğan said that they also discussed the commission planned to be established in Parliament and stated, “We can now say that we are about to enter a new phase. We can speak of several pillars of this new phase. One of these pillars is, of course, the commission expected to be formed in Parliament. The meetings regarding this commission, the expectations of political parties about how this commission will function, and the search for consensus between these different expectations and demands. This stage is an important stage. As DEM Party, from the beginning, we have been in a very intense effort for this. There is expectation in society, there is demand, there is desire, and there is also support. We see this as well.

We all see that a consensus has been formed regarding the commission in Parliament. There is such a consensus in society, and we see that there is an agreement among political parties as well. The idea of a commission is important because it can play a very important role regarding what is to be done from now on. This pillar must be strengthened. It can be strengthened with some legal preparations, it can be strengthened with some legislative preparations.

It is a very important issue in terms of social consensus, that is, social legitimacy. For this reason, our wish is that the commission be established through a legal regulation. However, as we have stated before, we attach importance to the consensus that will be formed among political parties. We care about the consensus that will be formed among political parties. When we look at it in terms of the field of activity of a commission to be established with a legal basis, we believe it will have more effective and lasting results. That is why our proposal from the very beginning is that, in order for effective and lasting results to be achieved, the commission must take a position above the interests of political parties and be one that addresses the concerns of society. It must have special powers, and if possible, be established on a legal basis, which is possible. There can be discussions that this is possible. As DEM Party, we prefer and care about it being established this way. As I said, we consider the search for consensus in this as important.

As a political party, again, we speak of social peace. We speak of reaching the broadest segments of society. That is, if the commission decides on such a procedure when necessary, it may conduct some meetings. When necessary, it may request reports from experts on the subject. When necessary, it may request documents. In decision-making or recommendation processes, we must also establish a mechanism that can receive the contributions of those who think differently or who have worked on peace and democracy until now.

One of the indispensable principles for our party is the principle of pluralism. That is why we believe the social pillar must be strong, and through mechanisms to be established in society, this may be a sub-commission, it may be other formulations but somehow it must reach the commission and be evaluated. This is important to us. We also believe this is important in terms of democratic functioning. Again, what can be done regarding parties that do not have a group in Parliament, how their participation can be ensured, how their views, suggestions, and support can be received, this will also be important for the commission.

Yes, we are entering a new phase. According to the information shared with us, within the next week, with a number of steps, we will witness a historic moment together. Again, according to the information shared with us, there is much talk about the location, there are many reports on this. We do not have the possibility to confirm these directly. However, this will become clear with the statements to be made by the parties. As DEM Party, we can share the information shared with us. A historic step is planned to take place in the Kurdistan Regional Government. This step will also be carried out in accordance with the congress decisions.

One of the important actors of the process is DEM Party. Therefore, we are also making some preparations on this matter. As DEM Party, we are aware that this historic step is a very important one. Even though our information about the content is still limited, even if we are not the direct addressee of this issue, from both the statements of the parties and the information shared with us, we understand that we will witness a development that is very important not only for all of Turkey but also for the Middle East. This development is not only a moment of witness, but also a moment of responsibility. No one should see the point the process has reached as a moment of relief. We are moving toward a stage that requires more responsibility and stronger, more concrete steps. That is why we say, before the General Assembly closes, before Parliament takes a break from its work, let’s establish the commission in the fastest and most effective way possible and let the commission continue its work.

The echo and result of this can only be possible through political and legal ground. What needs to be done now, I repeat, is to work more instead of falling into complacency, to take more responsibility so that the peace and democratic society process can reach its goal in the face of these developments. If we do not take more responsibility in the face of these developments, we may face difficulties in making this process permanent.”

Ayşegül Doğan responded to journalists’ questions following her statement regarding whether a message from Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan would be conveyed before the disarmament process and where the disarmament would take place. Ayşegül Doğan said, “We expect a historic step to be taken next week, in line with Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ dated February 27 and the congress decisions made on May 12. We cannot give you an exact date. As you can understand, this is not something that develops under our initiative. This process has its parties. The parties directly involved need to make the announcement. But based on the statements of state officials and organization administrators, and the information shared with us, the development regarding the new phase is this: next week we expect a development concerning disarmament, in accordance with the congress decisions. The exact day is not yet clear.”

Ayşegül Doğan said, “We have been informed that it will take place in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Southern Kurdistan / Başur). Whether it will be in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah is not yet confirmed. But it doesn’t matter which city. What matters is that we are approaching such a historic moment. What matters is that in this process, everything that needs to be done should be done by all parties, and that this state of non-conflict be made permanent. Once again, whatever is necessary for ending the war and for completely deactivating weapons, now is the time to do it. We are also expecting a statement from Abdullah Öcalan on this matter within the next few days.”

Ayşegül Doğan stated that they had no information regarding a possible ceremony for disarmament and the circulation of any images the next day, saying, “I want to say that the information attributed to DEM Party sources is not confirmed by us as DEM Party. There is no information that we base on our own sources. Because we do not have such information. I think now our position is understood. We expect this development to happen within the coming week. And we also expect Öcalan to share a statement and message about this issue within the next few days.”

Ayşegül Doğan said they have no information on whether the message would be delivered as a video but expressed that they hope it will be. She emphasized that society also holds such an expectation and that it would contribute to the process.