The People's Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) convened its Central Executive Committee (MYK) following the decisions of the PKK's 12th congress, announced earlier today.

Party spokesperson Ayşegül Doğan made a statement regarding the meeting at the party headquarters in Ankara, saying: “Our MYK meeting goes beyond a routine meeting and carries great meaning and importance. We began by paying deep respect to all our people who lost their lives in the long period of conflict. We reaffirmed our commitment to building our shared future, carrying our collective grief in our hearts and safeguarding the memory of all those we have lost as a sacred trust, without distinction. Today, for the first time, our Central Executive Committee began its meeting with a moment of silence in honor of this commitment.”

'We are aware of our responsibility in this process of change and transformation'

Referring to the PKK's decision to disband and disarm, Doğan further stated the following: “The PKK announced its dissolution. Actually, it was an expected decision because immediately after the February 27 call, PKK leaders announced in their statements that they would fulfill the requirements of this call if the conditions were met. We emphasize the historic significance of this decision. This is not just a dissolution decision. It is a new process of construction that invites everyone to democratic change and transformation. As the DEM Party, we emphasize that this decision is therefore very important. A period is coming to an end. Yes, the door to a new period full of hope is opening for all of us. We are not merely witnessing a new history; we are also aspiring to write a new history. Therefore, the decisions we will make today at the Central Executive Committee meeting and the roadmap we will draw up are being discussed with the seriousness that will shape not only this moment but also the future of the country. We are aware of our responsibility in this process of change and transformation, and we are ready. We believe that all the work we will do in the coming period will strengthen the foundations for a peaceful life together. We sincerely hope that the decisions announced today will bring benefits to all of us, especially mothers, children, young people, and future generations. This development has opened the door wide to a political solution to the Kurdish question, which has been causing us pain for years and breaking our hearts every day.

Everything that has been presented as an obstacle to the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question, everything that has been brought to the table as an excuse time and time again, now seems to have been removed because the PKK announced today that it is laying down its arms. We must not squander this great opportunity. We must not say, “If only.” We must be able to say, “We did the right thing.” We must be able to say, “We built the century of the peoples together.” This is a heavy and sacred responsibility on our shoulders. Therefore, we must all approach it with care.

‘Mr. Öcalan's decades-long efforts for a democratic solution are now bearing fruit’

Another important point we would like to emphasize here is that, despite the conspiracies, assassination attempts, sabotage, provocations, and years of isolation, Mr. Öcalan's decades-long efforts for a democratic solution are now bearing fruit. When we recall the circumstances, the past periods, the failed processes, the provocations, and the historical background behind them, the fact that this has been achieved and has come to light today should not be evaluated as a decision, but rather approached in this manner. We would like to express our satisfaction with the statements made by the ruling party on this issue up to this point. As far as we have been able to follow, the initial statements made so far have been positive. However, we will continue to monitor the coming days and the days that follow.

‘We need to unite our forces to make this historic opportunity permanent’

We are now faced with the responsibility of establishing equal citizenship and an egalitarian law of brotherhood on the basis of democratic politics. That is why what happens from now on concerns everyone, from those in power to those in opposition. This is a great responsibility. This step, taken after 53 years of painful history, is the cry of the peoples' desire to live together, the Kurdish people's longing for a peaceful solution, and the demand for equal citizenship. It should be seen this way. As the DEM Party, we see today's decision as a brand-new opportunity based on peace, democracy, and freedom. We invite everyone to come together around this opportunity. We need to come together and unite our forces to make this historic opportunity permanent. Our tasks are now clear. We are talking about a period where words, not weapons, will speak.

‘We are faced with the task and historic responsibility of building a democratic republic’

We are faced with the task and historic responsibility of building a democratic republic where law and politics prevail. One of the most important addresses for this is, of course, the Parliament. We have been saying this for quite some time. Because the Grand National Assembly of Turkey is faced with the responsibility of doing the most beneficial work of the century. Our hope is that the Parliament will take on this responsibility thoroughly and approach it in this manner. We are faced with a historic moral obligation, not only toward politics but also toward the social dynamics of society. That is why we are appealing to politics and the entire society; we all have a role to play in this process. We can all contribute to this process with our criticism, suggestions, and constructive contributions because we want to build a democratic republic together.

‘Peace is no longer a dream’

Peace is no longer a dream. Peace is no longer just a possibility. Peace is no longer just a topic we can talk about. It has gone far beyond that. If we want it, if we can do it, if we unite our forces, we can achieve great social peace.

As the DEM Party, we invite everyone, every single person, to break their mold. We invite you to take a position in conformance with the seriousness of this opportunity. This process is not one of concession or surrender, nor is it one of victory or defeat. This process is one of building a peaceful and democratic society.

'We need to act quickly and reinforce the process through law'

There is no need to rush, but we need to act quickly because processes like this are inherently fragile. To prevent fragility, we need to act quickly without rushing and reinforce the process through law. To this end, the responsibilities of various institutions and society need to be fulfilled. That is why we must guard this process.

Mr. Öcalan is under isolation. You cannot ask him questions at this moment. There is no direct contact or communication. We have repeatedly stated that these conditions must change. We have stated that he must be allowed to work freely and participate in this process actively. We hope that this will happen in the coming period. In the meantime, we do not have answers to your questions regarding Qandil. We do not have any details beyond the decisions announced to the public. Apart from that, there is nothing new to add to the roadmap I have shared so far.”