The Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Imrali Delegation members Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Numan Kurtulmuş, in Ankara on Thursday.

Speaking to the press after the meeting, which was closed to the press, Pervin Buldan said that it was somewhat of a courtesy visit as Kurtulmuş has been re-elected the Speaker of Parliament three weeks ago.

“At the same time, we discussed and consulted on the stages reached in the peace process. Our visit, which was quite positive and constructive, lasted about half an hour,” she said.

More meetings will follow

Buldan thanked Kurtulmuş for his interest and attention, saying, “We will be meeting with him more frequently in the coming days as the process has reached a certain stage. We will share details in the coming days, but I would like to emphasize that we have reached an important stage.”

Pervin Buldan stated that they would also meet with MHP (Nationalist Movement Party) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, CHP (Republican People’s Party) Chairman Özgür Özel, and AKP (Justice and Development Party) Chairman Erdoğan within two weeks before going to İmralı for a meeting with Abdullah Öcalan.

“We believe that it is important for this process to move forward through dialogue and within the parliament,” she added.

The Parliament will play a vital role

Mithat Sancar said the following about the parliamentary commission that is expected to be formed in relation to the process: "It has been discussed for a long time that the Parliament must step in for this process to continue with strengthened social participation and support and for more solid steps to be taken towards peace. This was also our wish. There was a consensus among the public and political parties that the most important step to be taken in this regard was the establishment of a commission in the Parliament. Talks are ongoing regarding the nature of the commission, its working conditions, and other details. We have no doubt that the involvement of Parliament will put this process on a much firmer footing. Parliament will play a vital role in terms of social legitimacy, legal assurance, and steady progress. Our Speaker of Parliament is very determined and committed to this issue. Seeing that he is open to all kinds of work on this issue is an important opportunity for Parliament to play its role. We consider it important for all parties to express their criticisms and objections constructively during this process, as this will strengthen dialogue and the search for consensus in Parliament. Yes, everyone may have criticisms, objections, or reservations. However, expressing these in a democratic manner and with a view to reaching consensus in Parliament will greatly contribute to social peace.”

Answering questions from journalists, Pervin Buldan said their meeting with Erdoğan will take place as soon as possible, likely next week, as they are waiting for a response.

Our friends in prison must be released immediately

Buldan was also asked about the newly announced reasoned decision in the Kobanî trial. The reasoned decision states that the defendants were tried on charges of “establishing or leading a terrorist organization,” “aiding in the disruption of the unity and integrity of the state,” and “incitement to commit a crime.” With the announcement of the reasoned decision, consisting of 32,630 pages, the appeal process for the politicians on trial has officially begun. The appeal process is only seven days.

“The reasoned decision does not contain any tangible evidence of a crime committed by our friends, who have been held in prison for 7.5 years without any justification or legal basis. All our friends, Figen Yüksekdağ and Selahattin Demirtaş in the first place, must be released, and this unlawfulness must come to an end immediately. When we look at the reasoned decision, we see that the Kobanî Case is null and void.”

The commission is meant to be established as soon as possible

Asked about the number of members and details of the commission, Mithat Sancar said that Kurtulmuş is currently awaiting written opinions from other parties: “Once those opinions are received, we will present our own proposal. After that, an assessment will be conducted. If necessary, an additional round of discussions will be held. The composition, authorities, working methods, and establishment of the commission will be determined by consensus. This is what Mr. Numan Kurtulmuş has conveyed to us. He said he would do everything in his power to establish a commission based on a common view among all parties. This is also our request and desire: that the commission be established as soon as possible and have a structure that will function effectively. He is indicating a timeframe before the parliament adjourns. It is understood that this will be the case.”