ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) on Monday called on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to play a "constructive role" in solving the Kurdish issue in the country, stressing the need for an Ankara-centered solution.
“A constructive role falls upon President Erdogan. Mr Erdogan, the Kurdish issue is the most historical problem awaiting resolution in Turkey. The opportunity to make history by solving this issue lies before you,” DEM Party co-chair Tuncer Bakirhan said in a speech at the Turkish parliament.
“This Parliament should be remembered for delivering a solution. And without turning its gaze elsewhere, it should present the Ankara solution. If there is an Ankara vision, there must also be an Ankara solution,” he added.
Devlet Bahceli, the leader of the ultranationalist Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), who is Erdogan’s government ally, applauded Bakirhan’s speech.
In an unprecedented move in October, Bahceli proposed allowing jailed Kurdistan Workers’ Party leader (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan to appear in the legislature and call for the dissolution of the armed group. Bahceli’s proposal in October reignited the possibility of the renewal of a peace process in Turkey.
For years, the MHP leader has been a stubborn opponent of pro-Kurdish parties in the country, including the DEM Party, for their alleged PKK affiliation.
Last week, in a speech inside the Turkish parliament, Bahceli gave an ultimatum to the DEM Party regarding their position in Turkey’s politics.
“DEM will either become a party for all of Turkey or face no other option but to wither away and be rendered irrelevant,” Bahceli said.
Bakirhan said during Monday’s speech that for the first time there is a consensus among Turkey’s parties towards a solution for the Kurdish issue.
“A significant majority of opposition parties have displayed a resolute stance on a democratic solution and peace. Perhaps for the first time, we are witnessing a great consensus. This is a highly valuable stance and a historic opportunity. Let us not squander this opportunity,” he said.
Last month, the DEM Party submitted a request to the Turkish justice ministry, requesting a face-to-face meeting with Ocalan, who has been under strict isolation since 2021. The request came days after a Turkish court extended the isolation of the PKK leader for six months.
The calls for meetings with Ocalan come at a time when the Turkish government has increased its crackdown on pro-Kurdish mayors across the country.
Over the past two months, the Turkish government removed several DEM Party mayors from their positions for terror-related charges and replaced them with pro-government administrators (trustees).
The decision sparked fury among the supporters of the pro-Kurdish party and the country’s opposition.
