Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, parliamentary group deputy chair of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), addressed the General Assembly about the delegation’s 24 November visit to Imralı as members of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission.

Koçyiğit said: “Following a decision of our National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission, on Monday, a historic meeting was held in Imralı with Abdullah Öcalan. This meeting marks an inclusive and hopeful step that can open a new chapter in Turkey’s journey toward peace and democracy. It should be recognised and evaluated as a development of historic significance, one that opens the long-awaited door to peace and fraternity. The meeting has the potential to create a platform for dialogue that can build the shared future of our peoples.”

A clear and unequivocal message

Commission member Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit added: “I would like to emphasise once again that during our meeting, Mr. Öcalan clearly and unequivocally reaffirmed the will of all peoples of the region, first and foremost the Turkish and Kurdish peoples, to live together in equality, freedom and peace. As of Monday, a threshold has been crossed in the Peace and Democratic Society Process. For Turkey’s future, it is vital that this process succeeds. Success requires the entire political sphere to embrace the process transparently, decisively and courageously, and to work together to strengthen peace at the societal level.”

The Kurdish question cannot be confined to day-to-day politics

Koçyiğit continued: “We would have preferred the full commission to travel to Imralı, but this did not happen. We assessed this with a critical eye. Even so, it must be said that this meeting brings no harm but, on the contrary, a significant benefit to Turkey and to all our peoples. We underline once more: the Kurdish question cannot be confined within the narrow limits of daily politics, nor can it be used as a tool for any party’s short-term interests. It is one of the fundamental obstacles standing in the way of democracy in Turkey, and it must be resolved.”

Legal and institutional steps must not be delayed

Koçyiğit said: “Turkey and the wider region need peace more urgently than ever. Everyone must adopt this perspective and develop policies and practices that align with it. As the DEM Party, we are fully aware of the responsibility we carry for ensuring the success of this process. But the government, the opposition and state institutions also bear significant responsibilities. For the path to peace to advance, the legal and institutional arrangements required for the process must be enacted without delay. Peace cannot be built through the efforts of a single actor; it must be constructed through the shared will of society.”

Koçyiğit added: “What must be done now is clear: this historic opportunity must not be postponed. The commission should complete its report as soon as possible, and the necessary legislative steps should be taken swiftly in the General Assembly. This threshold will gain meaning only through bold and determined action; peace will take root only by building trust and becoming embedded in society.”