Following Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call on February 27, the Peace and Democratic Society Process continues with concrete steps from the Kurdish Freedom Movement. The Movement announced its entry into the second phase, where legal and political reforms are discussed, by withdrawing its forces to the Media Defense Zones. 

 

While the state and government have yet to take tangible steps, MP Serhat Eren emphasized the necessity of moving beyond the stage of silence of arms to one where laws institutionalize peace and coexistence.

 

‘THE STATE PERSISTS IN ITS REPRESSIVE POLICIES’

 

Eren noted that the state continues to insist on coercive policies: “Mr. Öcalan and the Freedom Movement have taken historic decisions that challenge all established norms. The Movement has clearly demonstrated its commitment to the strategic vision put forward by Mr. Öcalan.”

 

DEMOCRATIC INTEGRATION

 

Eren highlighted the need for legislation to enable social and democratic integration. “What Mr. Öcalan consistently refers to are integration laws. These do not mean assimilation into a dominant nation; rather, they ensure that diverse peoples can build a common future within pluralism, preserving their languages, cultures, and identities. Therefore, integration laws must be enacted without delay,” said Eren and added: “To elaborate, laws must be introduced that allow guerrillas—who have declared disarmament and the dissolution of their organizations—to participate in social, political, and democratic life. This step should not only concern former fighters but also reintegrate all Kurds who have been excluded from the legal order or marginalized through political and judicial practices.”

 

LEGAL REFORMS

 

Stating that enacting laws enabling democratic participation also secures democratic politics itself Eren said: “How do you guarantee democratic politics? You may return to society and engage in democratic work, but as long as the Anti-Terror Law (TMK) remains in place, it obstructs such participation. Unless amendments are made to the Turkish Penal Code, democratic politics will continue to face obstacles. The Criminal Procedure Law, Execution Law, Political Parties Law, and protections for freedom of expression and association all require reform. Such legal changes are essential to safeguard democratic politics. Undoubtedly, these steps are crucial for advancing the positive peace process.”

 

FROM NEGATIVE TO POSITIVE PEACE

 

Eren noted that while the negative peace process has helped repair certain wounds, only a positive peace process can bring true liberation for peoples: “The positive peace process is one that ensures the coexistence of diverse cultures, languages, and identities. It will also secure the Kurdish people’s language rights, identity, citizenship, and equal participation. Of course, this will not happen overnight, it is a gradual process.”

 

‘THE RIGHT TO HOPE MUST BE RECOGNIZED’

 

Referring to the European Court of Human Rights’ ruling that Abdullah Öcalan’s right to hope has been violated, Eren called for the decision to be recognized and implemented. He also criticized the parliamentary commission for failing to meet with Öcalan: “Across the world, many conflicts and wars have been resolved through dialogue. Peace processes become possible only through meaningful engagement. In Colombia, peace was achieved after talks with FARC commander Timochenko. Similarly, Nelson Mandela, once branded a ‘terrorist’, later met with the apartheid regime’s president as a recognized peace leader. In Nepal, negotiations with commander Prachanda also paved the way for peace.”

 

‘THE COMMISSION MUST MEET WITH ABDULLAH ÖCALAN’

 

Eren emphasized that a direct meeting between the parliamentary commission and Abdullah Ocalan would accelerate the process: “If such a meeting takes place, it will advance not only the current negative peace but also facilitate the transition toward positive peace.”

 

MA / Fethi Balaman