Turkey's Kurdish peace process is experiencing a serious rupture and crisis of confidence, with the government failing to take concrete steps beyond parliamentary commission meetings, according to Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM).
In an interview with Yeni Yaşam Newspaper on Wednesday, Bakırhan criticized Ankara for prioritizing its Syria policy over domestic reconciliation efforts, stating that the government has "devoted all its energy to North and East Syria" while neglecting practical initiatives that would address societal demands for Kurdish resolution.
Syria Conflict Deepens Mistrust
Bakırhan said the process was "sabotaged by the Aleppo attack," referencing recent Turkish military operations in northern Syria that have targeted Kurdish-held areas. The DEM Party leader warned that the government's Syria policy has engaged in "practices that will harm both regional peace and the solution process in Turkey."
"Had it devoted one-thousandth of the effort it spent on Syria to [the process] here, we would not be facing this picture today," Bakırhan stated, adding that his party had repeatedly urged officials not to prioritize the Syria file over domestic reconciliation.
The attacks on Kurdish areas in Syria sparked unprecedented unity among Kurds globally, with demonstrations occurring across Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and the diaspora. Bakırhan characterized this as a historic moment when Kurds transcended "party, faith, and worldview" differences to protest together.
Dispute Over Meeting Minutes
Controversy has erupted over the publication of minutes from a parliamentary commission meeting with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. Bakırhan accused the government of releasing a "manipulated summary" without consulting commission members, calling it "cheap political calculation" designed to turn public opinion against Öcalan.
"Minutes are not shared via interpretation, selection, or montage," Bakırhan said. "Doing otherwise is strangling the truth."
He emphasized that Öcalan is not merely an interlocutor but "the chief negotiator address for peace and democratic solution, carrying the historical weight of this issue."
Calls for Concrete Action
Bakırhan outlined specific demands to restore momentum to the peace process, including allowing Öcalan more frequent meetings with various groups so he can "make his voice heard by society." He also called for ending the "politicization of the judiciary" and lifting pressure on political prisoners, elected officials, and opposition members.
A joint parliamentary commission report expected by month's end must have "content that meets all social expectations," Bakırhan stressed, noting that hundreds of meetings have already produced clear determinations about necessary steps.
"What society wants, what science and sociology want, is clear," he concluded, requesting more frequent delegation meetings in the coming days.
Photo: T24