ANKARA – Lami Özgen, a member of the “Wise People Committee,” stated that in order for the Peace and Democratic Society Process to move from a negative phase to a positive one, the legal and political status of Abdullah Öcalan must be defined.

 

The Peace and Democratic Society Process, which began with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s historic call on February 27, has seen progress through steps such as disarmament and withdrawal by the Kurdish Freedom Movement. However, despite the completion of the negative phase, the government and the state have yet to take concrete steps. The absence of legal or judicial regulations, despite a joint report adopted in the parliamentary commission, is preventing the transition to the positive phase.

 

Lami Özgen, who took part in the Wise People Committee formed during the 2013–2015 dialogue process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan’s Newroz message in Amed (Diyarbakır), evaluated the current stage of the process and the government’s approach.

 

‘EFFORTS TO SOCIALIZE PEACE ARE WEAK’

 

Özgen stated that for peace to become widespread, all segments of society must be involved. He recalled that during the 2013–2015 period, around 70–75% of society supported peace. He argued that current efforts toward building social peace are weak, noting that while the Kurdish political movement is making efforts, the state and government are not adequately engaged.

 

‘A DEMOCRATIC LEGAL FRAMEWORK IS NECESSARY’

 

He emphasized that a democratic legal foundation is essential for coexistence and that this can only be achieved through mutual political, administrative, and legal steps. According to him, such steps are required to move the process into a positive phase.

 

Özgen warned that if the current process fails, it could push all sides into a more difficult and negative phase. He pointed to the lack of implementation of decisions by the Constitutional Court of Turkey and the European Court of Human Rights, stating that applying these rulings could significantly contribute to progress.

 

‘THE MAIN ACTOR MUST BE RECOGNIZED’

 

Criticizing both Turkey and European institutions, Özgen stressed that no peace process can succeed if the main negotiating actor is not properly recognized. He highlighted the importance of the “right to hope” ruling issued by the Council of Europe, noting that it has not been implemented.

 

He concluded that recognizing Abdullah Öcalan’s legal status and ensuring appropriate working conditions for negotiations are essential steps, reiterating: “This is a necessity.”

 

MA / Sema Bingol