The Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK) organized an event in Mersin under the slogan ‘‘Discussing Peace and Democratic Society.’’ The event, held at the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality Congress and Exhibition Hall, was attended by representatives of civil society organizations and members of the public. MP from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), Perihan Koca and Ali Bozan, as well as Mehmet Emin Ekmen, an MP from the Democracy and Progress Party (DEVA Party), also participated in the event. HDK Spokesperson Meral Danış Beştaş emphasized at the gathering that they are waging a struggle to build a democratic society.

Meral Danış Beştaş noted that the question "What do the Kurds want?" is frequently asked and said: ‘‘We want to be Kurdish. But we cannot be. In other words, we cannot find a way to live by defining and defending our identity. The Kurds want to live freely on these lands, in their common homeland. They want to live with their own identity, with their language. They value their culture, their language, and their identity as vital parts of their existence.

The Kurdish question can be solved through dialogue. It can be solved by opening political channels. It can be solved through the free expression of ideas. As the DEM Party, we are not a counterpart regarding the laying down of arms, dissolution, or other such issues. We are a counterpart within the field of democratic politics. In the end, Abdullah Öcalan is calling on his organization to lay down arms. That issue must be resolved, but our concern lies in the following: we have supported this process from the beginning. We have always advocated for a solution through non-violent, non-military methods. As the third largest group in Turkey’s Parliament, we are already struggling within the political arena. However, the requirements of this call must also be fulfilled. How will the necessary conditions be prepared? The ruling bloc and the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) say there are no preconditions, but there are necessities. It is not always necessary to label things as conditions; there are requirements. In every aspect of life, if you truly seek a solution to an issue, you must take steps that serve that solution. What does this mean? For example, one heavily debated issue is: where exactly will the arms be laid down? Where will those who lay them down go? What will be the legal framework? Operations are still ongoing. Will the congress truly be able to take place? How will the ground for that congress be prepared? We have made our own statements on this matter, as have many others in the Middle East and around the world. Although a clear answer has not yet been given, we hope and expect that the necessary steps will be taken at the congress.

The political actor capable of resolving this process is being held in isolation. In such circumstances, the process cannot proceed in a healthy way. Mr. Öcalan can only express his ideas correctly in a free environment. When the aim is to resolve an issue comprehensively, such a narrow perspective cannot be accepted. The key point is ensuring free working conditions.

This is a matter that must involve not only political parties but all democratic forces. The consent of society is essential. For years, propaganda and manipulation have created a racist mindset. We approach this issue with the perspective of a democratic nation. We advocate for coexistence across all parts of Turkey. In the end, we will all win through this struggle. The resolution of the Kurdish question stands above internal political disputes. On our agenda, this call represents a great opportunity. Let us all embrace its requirements and organise for peace together. Great responsibilities fall on all of us to establish peace.’’