Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, Parliamentary Group Deputy Chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), held a press conference in the Parliament where she addressed recent developments on the national agenda.

Bill submitted for the recognition of the Anfal genocide

Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit paid tribute to the victims of the Anfal campaign, the genocide carried out by Saddam Hussein’s regime against the Kurdish people in 1988. She said: "Like other massacres committed against the Kurds, the Anfal massacre has gone unpunished, no justice has been served, and due to the lack of adequate response within the political context of that time, it cost the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kurds."

She announced that, as the DEM Party, they will submit a bill to Parliament this week, calling for the official recognition of the Anfal massacre as genocide.

"We hope this proposal will receive a positive response from Parliament with a unified voice and a shared approach," she said and added: "If we are to build a common future, we must also learn to mourn shared tragedies, to grieve together, and to remember the pain of the past. We must confront these memories."

KCK operations were an act of sabotage

Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit also reminded that 14 April marks the anniversary of the 2009 operations launched against the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK).  She said: "On that day, a dark force intervened and attempted to sabotage the efforts toward a peaceful resolution through the KCK operations. Unfortunately, that sabotage succeeded."

She added: "Today, once again, I want to underline the necessity of dialogue and a political solution."

Core principle: negotiation

Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit stated that they are fighting for a Turkey where everyone can benefit from rights and justice. She said: "We are carrying out this struggle with determination. One of the most fundamental aspects of this struggle is the principle of negotiation."

She also stated: "We do not separate negotiations from the struggle for a democratic Turkey or from the pursuit of a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish question. It is essential to advance both the struggle and the negotiation dynamic together, to recognise their connection and how they mutually reinforce one another. In this context, we have held meetings with many political parties and non-governmental organisations. We are also engaged in various diplomatic efforts with countries in the region that we believe can contribute to a solution. Our delegations are holding talks across a wide range of countries, from European Union (EU) countries to Russia, from India to Iraq."

Meeting with President Erdoğan

Koçyiğit continued: "Last week, our delegation to Imralı held a meeting with President Erdoğan. This meeting marked an important turning point. It reflected the fact that Abdullah Öcalan is attempting to take a historic initiative. Mr. Öcalan's Call for Peace and a Democratic Society aims to eliminate violence and conflict from the Kurdish question and to promote a renewed Kurdish-Turkish alliance. We view this development with satisfaction. The meeting included a discussion of the shortcomings and obstacles that have emerged throughout the process so far. It was once again confirmed that the necessary steps must be taken to lift the isolation imposed on Imralı and to ensure the conditions needed for Mr. Öcalan to carry out the efforts he has envisioned. This is a key dynamic of the entire process."

The most important actor remains under isolation

Koçyiğit underlined that "each time we speak about the need to lift the isolation, there are circles that insist on not understanding. We see that there are deliberate attempts to distort the meaning of this issue. Is Mr. Öcalan not the most important actor who can take the necessary steps to make the peace and resolution we all dream of possible? Yes, he is. And did he not clearly express this will during the recent meeting held with him? Yes, he did. If there is a genuine desire for weapons to be silenced, for them to be removed from the equation, and for violence to come to an end, then why is the very person who can make this possible still being held in isolation?"

The parliament has taken no action

The MP added: "In light of all this, we would like to ask the public once again: Who is placing these obstacles in the way? And who is it that does not want peace and a solution? If we have truly decided together to lift this historical burden from the country’s shoulders, if we have embarked on such a path, and if we are standing at a critical historical crossroads to which so many have attached great meaning, then why are we still hearing references to legal precedent and procedural rules? We genuinely struggle to understand this.

We have discussed this issue dozens of times under the roof of this Parliament. What will this Parliament do for a democratic solution to the Kurdish question?  Since October, there have been countless debates. Certain phases have been reached, meetings have taken place, and public calls have been made. But we have not seen a single step taken in Parliament. Not even a single leaf has stirred. No initiative has been developed. We find this very difficult to understand.

Since October, there have been endless discussions. There have been developments, meetings were held, and calls were issued. Yet there has been no sign of progress in Parliament. Not a single step has been taken. No initiative has emerged. We truly struggle to make sense of this."

A meeting will be held with the minister of justice

The DEM Party MP continued: "Our party and the people expect and demand regarding the steps needed to build a democratic society and achieve peace is clear. There is no ambiguity or confusion in this regard. On the other hand, the silence of the Parliament is deeply concerning. It is long past time for Parliament to abandon its passive stance, take initiative, and assume responsibility. This week, our Imralı Delegation will meet with Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç. The meeting will focus on legal aspects of the current process, including issues related to criminal enforcement law and other relevant areas. If the process is to move forward in a meaningful way, Parliament must take on an active role and contribute to the establishment of a realistic legal framework. At present, we are far from having such a framework. Efforts are being made to carry this process forward without it – but this is unsustainable."