The People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) held its “Interim Meeting on Democratic Local Governance” at the Çand Congress Center in Amed (tr: Diyarbakır).

The meeting was held under the slogan “Democratic local governance for a democratic society.”

The event began with a moment of silence, followed by speeches by the DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Chair Keskin Bayındır, and co-mayors of provinces and districts.

'We are hopeful and we will further strengthen our efforts'

The first speaker, Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayor Doğan Hatun, said that they were hopeful both in terms of serving the public and in terms of peace.

Doğan Hatun said, "In this process, when we are talking about democratization and building social peace, the responsibility of local authorities has increased, and we have set ourselves the task of strengthening local authorities, bringing them closer to the people, and making them the subject of social construction. Our burden is heavy, but we are on the eve of a period in which we will further strengthen our efforts in this direction."

‘There is a need for global and regional peace’

DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan drew attention to developments in the Middle East and around the world, saying, “Wars are being waged in the Middle East, right next to us, just as everywhere else in the world. It is now a reality that the world order cannot continue in this way.”

“There is a need for global and regional peace, just as the case in the Middle East,” Bakırhan said, underscoring their commitment to peace in the region, around the world, and in Turkey.

‘The law of brotherhood is the law of equality’

Noting that Turkish-Kurdish relations have a long history, Bakırhan emphasized the need to strengthen these weakened relations.

Bakırhan said, “It was precisely at this point that Mr. Öcalan mentioned ‘the law of brotherhood and a new social contract’ in his last meeting. These two concepts describe the moral and political foundation for coexistence and a way out of conflict. The law of brotherhood, as Mr. Öcalan said, is the law of equality. It is equal coexistence on a democratic basis.”

‘The legal groundwork will be laid by the Parliament’

Bakırhan added, “Do you know what the essence of the Kurdish question is? It is the fact that we have been discussing it for years on various occasions, but we have never been able to reach a mutual agreement and put it into a written legal document.”

Stating that the legal groundwork will be laid by the Parliament, Bakırhan said, “Why the Parliament? Because peace can only be achieved through laws, not just declarations of good intentions. That is why we point to the Parliament.”

‘Local governments are a mirror’

Noting that a total of 13 municipalities, including 10 run by the DEM Party, had been usurped by trustees, Bakırhan said, “You need to withdraw the trustees you appointed to the municipalities. Our imprisoned co-mayors and elected friends must be released immediately.”

Emphasizing that “local governments are a mirror, a bridge, and a roadmap for the democratization of the state,” Bakırhan highlighted the need to strengthen democracy at the local level.

‘We reject the language of the media’

Criticizing the hostile language used by the Turkish media, Bakırhan said, “They are using superficial, shallow, irritating, and disturbing language. We reject this language. Can Turkey's centuries-old social peace be discussed with such small-minded people?”

Stressing that “Peace will take root locally,” Bakırhan concluded: "In the new period, we must put forward a practice that transcends the old. For the sake of a great peace, we must work tirelessly, day and night, for brotherhood and for Mr. Öcalan, who initiated this process. You are currently playing a pioneering role. I urge you to adopt a practical stance and language befitting this pioneering role. The future of the resolution process depends on the knowledge and will of local administrations. With the belief that we will use this will correctly and bring an honorable peace to the Kurdish region, the region, and Turkey, I greet you all with respect and love."