The 11th President Abdullah Gül evaluated the 'new process'.

The process that began after MHP General Chairman Devlet Bahçeli's call on October 22 for terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan to "apply for the right to hope and make a speech in the TBMM from the DEM Party benches" under the condition of disbanding the organization continues.

11TH PRESIDENT ABDULLAH GÜL MADE A STATEMENT

After the meeting of the DEM Party delegation with Öcalan in İmralı, the first round of the ongoing discussions was completed, and notable evaluations regarding the issue came from the 11th President Abdullah Gül. Speaking to Sema Kızılarslan from Karar, Gül described Bahçeli's call as "an extraordinary step," stating, "I also consider this step as the greatest service rendered to Turkish nationalism."

"IT HAS BECOME THE MOST DETERMINING ISSUE OF THE LAST 30-40 YEARS"

Recalling that he expressed in 2009 that the Kurdish issue should be resolved on the basis of democracy and human rights, Gül said, "This issue, which some in Turkey call the 'Kurdish issue' and others the 'terror issue,' is one of the most important problems of the country. This problem, which has persisted since the establishment of the Republic and has become the most determining issue of the last 30-40 years, has deeply affected both politics and society. I also saw this issue as Turkey's biggest problem during my presidency and in my previous positions. At that time, I made great efforts to resolve this issue and argued that it must be removed from the agenda through Turkey's own initiative. As someone with this perspective, I evaluate Mr. Devlet Bahçeli's statements as 'an extraordinary step.'

"I SEE IT AS THE OPENING OF A NEW PAGE"

Stating that the MHP has historically had the sharpest stance on this issue, Gül conveyed that he sees Bahçeli's initiative as the opening of a new page. Gül said, "Because in such issues, it is essential for the groups with the most opposing views to develop dialogue and understanding for a solution. Otherwise, polarization continues, and each side tries to consolidate the issue according to its own perspective. In this context, considering that the Nationalist Movement Party has historically had the sharpest stance on this issue, Mr. Bahçeli's step is an extremely important development. I see this initiative as the opening of a new page and hope that this process will progress smoothly and reach a conclusion."

"THE GREATEST SERVICE RENDERED TO TURKISH NATIONALISM"

Emphasizing that Turkey will become a stronger country with the resolution of the issue, Gül stated, "I consider this step as the greatest service rendered to Turkish nationalism. When you approach Turkish nationalism from a broad perspective, the meaning is that Turkey becoming a strong country, shedding its problems, and focusing all its energy on the happiness and welfare of its people, means being a distinguished society that inspires others on the international stage. I believe that Turkey must now devote all its energy to the happiness of its people."

"I THINK THE PRESIDENT'S MORE CAUTIOUS APPROACH IS THE RIGHT ONE"

Gül concluded his remarks as follows: "The attitudes of the past need to be left behind. In this process, I want to express that I have sincerely seen the support of the government and Mr. President. Some groups may want to see the President take a more active role. However, I believe that it is the right approach for the President to act more cautiously due to his position."