ANKARA – DEM Party Spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan stated that there is no deadlock in the process, adding, “Our proposals regarding the commission’s working procedures and principles are ready. Our draft on this matter is prepared.”

 

Ayşegül Doğan made evaluations about current developments at her party’s headquarters.

 

Doğan criticized the AKP’s bill currently discussed in the Parliament, which allows environmental destruction including olive groves, and the Parliament’s attitude towards nature defenders before and during the commission. She said, “If the Parliament cares about farmers and villagers, it must open the commission doors to them. Those who want to decide how to live in their local area must be allowed in. Olive groves cannot be opened to mining for the profit of companies. Our principled stance is clear: this bill must not pass the commission.”

 

‘THE DEMOCRATIC POLITICAL SPACE MUST BE STRENGTHENED’

 

Referring to Kurdish Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call, PKK’s decision, and the ongoing talks, Doğan emphasized that the process is advancing at its own pace and there is no deadlock. “The current situation shows that the process parties are progressing at their own rhythm. There is no deadlock or crisis. The stagnation perceived by the public is due to the lack of visible practical indicators,” she said.

 

Pointing to developments in the Middle East, Doğan added: “One of the concerns frequently emphasized by Abdullah Öcalan is the situation in the Middle East. Neither the Kurdish issue nor Turkey’s democracy problem can be addressed separately from regional matters. We are now facing a regional problem that can be affected by regional developments. Our approach to the Middle East is the same as to Turkey’s issues. We believe that Middle Eastern problems should be resolved through dialogue and political negotiation. We oppose all regional expansionism, security-focused policies, and hegemonic approaches. It is hard to predict where the conflicts will lead. The democratic political space must be strengthened rapidly, and democratic progress accelerated. We reaffirm that the key to peace and ending the war is strengthening democracy and opening political dialogue and negotiation channels.”

 

‘WE MUST SEIZE THE PEACE OPPORTUNITY’

 

“Everything is changing, the Middle East is changing. All countries in the region are affected by these changes. Our hope and wish is that this change happens democratically and peacefully. We must interpret and approach these developments accordingly, developing appropriate paths and methods. The best way is to seize the historic peace opportunity emerging in this century, where unprecedented developments are taking place,” she said.

 

‘THE PARLIAMENT SPEAKER MUST TAKE INITIATIVE’

 

Doğan called on the Parliament Speaker to take initiative: “He can convene party leaders, co-chairs, or relevant officials to discuss the commission’s working procedures and share it with the public. We welcome Mr. Kurtulmuş’s recent positive statements and constructive attitude towards the commission. However, words alone are not enough. We need action to support those words. Society needs to see practical steps.”

 

‘OUR DRAFT IS READY’

 

She added: “We must show society that the democratic space is expanding and steps towards democratization are being taken. It is our duty as politicians to make these visible and fight for them. Mr. Kurtulmuş should now do what is necessary, gather the officials, and consult political parties on this issue. Our proposals regarding the commission’s working principles are ready. Our draft is ready."