Aysegul Dogan, the spokesperson for the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, held a press conference at the party’s headquarters regarding the ongoing Central Executive Board meeting. She noted that one of the main topics discussed during the meeting was the proposed establishment of a parliamentary commission.

 

‘A COMMISSION SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED’

 

Stating that a specially authorized commission should be formed in the Parliamen, she called on Speaker of the Parliament Numan Kurtulmus to “take initiative.” Aysegul Dogan said: “This is a very simple initiative. But it will assume a historic responsibility to resolve a very serious, very complex, and very deadly issue. Therefore, it requires a serious approach; this issue cannot be resolved with a simplistic mindset.” 

 

Saying “The Kurdish issue is not only the problem of the Kurds,” she added: “What we are experiencing is proof of this. Therefore, when democratic resolution and peace are seen as political, social, and humanitarian necessities, and approached accordingly, Parliament can act swiftly. As DEM Party, we have preparations concerning the procedures, substance, and functioning of such a commission. We have a draft and suggestions.”

 

PREPARATION TO VISIT İMRALI

 

Aysegul Dogan stated that opposition parties they have met with demand “direct contact, communication and transparency on the issue.” She said they have also met with the ruling party AKP and MHP and talks will continue: “We are not only speaking with political parties represented in Parliament. Talks are also ongoing with various parties not represented in Parliament, and this will continue in the new period. Written statements have been released following these meetings.”

 

Aysegul Dogan continued: “As DEM Party, we are preparing to visit İmralı Island. We plan to conduct a visit there as soon as possible. With a delegation composed of our MYK members, including our co-chairs, we are preparing for direct dialogue and consultation with him [Öcalan]—to better understand this period, to explain our perspective, and to organize more strongly. We will visit him as the DEM Party delegation as soon as possible. It is also highly likely that Mr. Öcalan will meet with representatives of other political parties in the coming days.”

 

DESIRE TO MEET WITH KDP AND PUK REPRESENTATIVES

 

Aysegul Dogan further stated: “Given the scope and gravity of the issue, we believe it would be beneficial for him to meet with Mr. Mesut Barzani, Mr. Nechirvan Barzani, Mr. Mazloum Abdi, Mr. Qubad Talabani, and Mr. Bafel Talabani. We know that he wants to hold these meetings as well. We want to share this with the public. This is Mr. Öcalan’s request, and we also believe it would be beneficial. Meeting with leaders and prominent figures from different political parties is highly valuable and necessary for the coming period.”

 

DISCUSSIONS ON THE “PERSPECTIVE”

 

Aysegul Dogan noted that Mr. Öcalan has presented a “perspective text” to his organization, a kind of political program: “But it is clear in this text that the discussion space he opens is not limited solely to his organization or to the PKK. As DEM Party, we must express that there is a tremendous effort, labour, determination, and resistance aimed at building a new life.”

 

She added: “This text is quite extensive and invites public debate and dialogue. It creates space for words and consultation. It establishes a ground for discussion and conversation. That’s why we value criticism, responses, contributions, and support—because this is precisely the space Mr. Öcalan is inviting us into: a place for discussion, speaking, critique, consultation, and enhancing the value and impact of discourse. This is what is currently being discussed with this strong text. A broad public is now engaging with this text.”

 

DIRECT CONTACT NEEDED FOR RESPONSES

 

Aysegul Dogan said: “In the end, the text is being debated and invites a new space within a discussion framework. What’s in this text? There are some interventions regarding entrenched paradigms and traditional behaviors, ranging from real socialism to sectarianism and the perspective of communal living. That’s why it has garnered a very broad public impact. We believe that for this debate to proceed more clearly and healthily, all parties wishing to establish direct contact with Öcalan should do so.

 

This is not the first time we are saying this. The emergence of this text once again demonstrated the need. If this space expands, and if conditions for free engagement are established, then managing, conducting, and advancing the process will be much faster and healthier.

 

You are writing history, starting a new period, and taking a major initiative. With this initiative, you are also taking certain risks. Only those who are willing to take these risks can minimize them. Therefore, this space needs to be opened; for the process to progress and gain momentum, direct contact must be established with all necessary parties. This has always been one of our expectations.”