Rıza Türmen, a former judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has described the recent developments surrounding the Kurdish issue as a significant opportunity for peace. However, he warned that “the greatest obstacle to resolution is the repressive regime in Turkey”.
In response to the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” issued on 27 February by imprisoned Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced on 12 May that it had decided to disband and disarm. These developments have raised hopes for a peaceful and democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue. The prospect of peace continues to be discussed across society through panels, conferences and public meetings. As part of these efforts, the Peace Initiative (Barış İçin Toplumsal Girişim) organised a conference in Istanbul on 22 June titled ‘Opening the Path to Peace’, bringing together politicians from various parties, as well as intellectuals, artists and writers.
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Among the attendees was Rıza Türmen, who shared his evaluation of the process in an interview with Mezopotamya Agency. He stated that the PKK’s decision to disarm following Öcalan’s call has created significant opportunities for resolving the Kurdish issue. “Following reciprocal steps by both sides, the approach of viewing the Kurdish question through a security-focused lens is being abandoned. This is a very important development. Shifting from a security-based view to one that seeks a solution marks the beginning of a new phase.” However, he added that “disarmament is only a small doorway in this broader opening. This door must be fully opened to launch a movement that addresses the root causes of the Kurdish issue. It must be a societal movement. The people must be its main actors. It must be embraced by society in its entirety.”
"The Kurdish question is an issue for all of society."
Stressing that the Kurdish issue is not merely a matter between the state and the Kurds, Türmen said that it is a matter that concerns society as a whole. “The Kurdish question is an issue for all of society,” he explained. “Therefore, it can only be resolved within a democratisation framework that includes everyone.”
Türmen emphasised that calls to increase the powers of local administrations are not solely confined to Kurdish municipalities. “Turkey operates under a very centralised system,” he continued. “What is needed is a nationwide approach that allows local administrations the space to breathe and function effectively.”
Türmen further stated that the right to mother-tongue education should not be limited to Kurds, but should also extend to Zazas, Circassians, and other ethnic groups. “In this respect, the process presents a significant opportunity. However, the biggest obstacle to its success is Turkey’s repressive regime,” he cautioned.
“We want this peace process to be linked with democratisation and the Kurdish issue to be resolved in that context,” he continued. “For that, a popular movement and the socialisation of the process are needed.”
Highlighting the importance of a parliamentary commission in this respect, he also urged caution: “It must not be under government control. It should include all parties represented in parliament and make decisions by qualified majority. Within the framework of this commission, efforts should be made to resolve both the Kurdish issue and achieve broader democratisation.” He noted that this was also the foundation of Öcalan’s initial proposal consisting of seven points.
Türmen also noted that the government’s repression of the opposition undermines the credibility of the peace process within society.
“On the one hand, the government claims it wants to create a violence-free Turkey, yet on the other, it resorts to violence itself. This creates disbelief and unease among people over the continued pressure.”
“How can we exercise social pressure on the government to move beyond the ‘Turkey without terror’ narrative and instead initiate a process that secures democratic rights?” Türmen remarked. “The first condition for embedding peace in society is to recognise the Kurdish issue as a matter of equal citizenship and avoid hierarchy among identities. To achieve this, the nationalist and entirely security-oriented outlook must be abandoned.”
Stressing the vital role of civil society organisations, Türmen concluded that such entities are essential to ensure the peace process is inclusive and credible. “That is why the parliamentary commission is important,” he explained. A parliamentary commission, he said, “must function properly and include civil society organisations. Their involvement is essential for the socialisation of the process. Without them, this matter would lead nowhere.”
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