The DEM Party delegation from İmralı met with the CHP, and the time that has passed drew attention.

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On December 28, 2024, the DEM Party delegation that met with PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in Imralı continues its political party visits.

THE LONGEST MEETING IN THE PARLIAMENT

The DEM Party delegation in Imralı first met with the CHP today. The delegation led by CHP Chairman Özgür Özel included Secretary General Selin Sayek Böke, Group Deputy Chairman Gökhan Günaydın, and Deputy Chairman Gökçe Gökçen. The meeting, which started at 10:30 in Özel's office in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, lasted approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. It was noteworthy that the DEM Party had the longest meeting in the Parliament with the CHP.

"WE EXPRESSED OUR CONCERNS AND CRITICISMS"

After the meeting, CHP Leader Özel and Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly Önder made a statement on behalf of the delegations. Özel said, "We listened to them and expressed that we, as the CHP, would contribute to any steps to be taken to eliminate a problem that has persisted in Turkey for 50 years, to dry the tears of mothers, to avoid being shaken by new martyrs, and to prevent further losses. We shared these views with our valuable delegation. We openly expressed our expectations, concerns, both positive and negative aspects we observed, and our criticisms regarding the past and the future. We articulated our proposals and stance as the CHP for the future. Our historical consistency is that such a process should progress with the focus of the Parliament, under the leadership and supervision of the Parliament. We have no doubts or differing opinions on this matter. We openly stated that there is a need for a strong commission work in the Parliament involving all political parties for all steps to be taken in the future."

"WE EMPHASIZE THAT THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN MUST BE TRANSPARENT"

Özel continued his speech with the following statements: "We expressed that social consensus is important and that steps should be taken without ignoring the most sensitive feelings of society. We have said before: When we talk about social consensus, we mean a process in which the entire society feels included and not excluded. Especially, we expressed our proposals for mechanisms to be created where the families of martyrs and veterans can voice their concerns, fears, and feelings without being offended or excluded during this process. I emphasize that for the steps to be taken for Turkey's peace, there should be no political interests, bargaining, or expectations; what is essential is to elevate the hopes of all citizens in Turkey together, to stop the flowing tears, and to halt the bloodshed. We emphasize that all steps to be taken from here on must be both democratic and legal, and they must be conducted transparently.

"WE MAINTAIN HOPE"

We are also pleased to see our consensus on the need for a process that completely excludes the possibility of questions like 'Are there any political interests involved? Are these the first steps of a constitutional change?' The important thing is to prevent bloodshed, tears, and the loss of Turkey as a whole, and to be able to look to the future with hope together. We maintain this hope."

ÖNDER: WE OWE A PEACEFUL COUNTRY TO OUR CHILDREN

Önder, in his statement, said, "We had the opportunity for a very comprehensive meeting. As the President mentioned, we listened to the suggestions, contributions, and concerns. All of them were valuable. Especially, concerns and objections are even more meaningful to us than the support given. Because this is not a political maneuver of a narrow segment; it concerns the future of the entire society, so we must take all of them into account, listen to all of them, and find solutions for all of them. Because we owe our children and grandchildren a peaceful country. We cannot escape this debt. We approach this responsibility with the assurance that we will achieve this together as a society, and we greet you all."

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