While the discussions on the solution of the Kurdish issue continue, the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) organised "Social Peace and Freedom Meetings" and rallies in 3 cities. During the meetings, discussions were held on the paradigm put forward by PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, developments regarding the process and the importance of the inclusion of all segments in the solution. After the rally in Amed (Diyarbakır), 12 people, including 1 child, were beaten and detained during the police attack on the marching mass. 

 

 

Evaluating the meetings and the process, DEM Party Youth Assembly member Rezan Kağanarslan stated that the government must take reassuring steps for a solution.

 

Kağanarslan underlined that they organised the rally in order to socialise the solution of the Kurdish issue in the light of the ongoing talks in İmralı and noted that the demand for peace and freedom came out strongly at the rally. Kağanarslan said, "In the rallies held in Mersin, Amed and Istanbul, the demand for peace and the message that Mr Öcalan is seen as an actor came out strongly. As long as peace and solution processes are not finalised between the actors at the table, both sides will do their best to weaken the other side. Mr Abdullah Öcalan defines the state as consisting of power groups that come together. Therefore, we should not expect states to act as one body in the resolution of conflict processes. While various factors within the state insist on a solution, there is also the possibility of provocations by certain groups against those in favour of a solution. The attack after the rally in Amed should also be handled on this basis. Despite the provocations and tortures, we will continue to insist on the honourable demand for peace. Because if we do not force the government and state forces to peace in the social sense; there will be no peace."

 

Kağanarslan stated that the government must approach this process seriously and take practical steps to create confidence in this interlocutor and said, "If the way for democratic politics in our country is paved and practical steps are taken, some changes in the 'fight against terrorism' law and the execution regime can give confidence to the society. In terms of the progress of the process, practical steps are important for the society to support it. In other words, practical steps must be taken to socialise the solution. In the first stage, reassuring steps must be taken to eliminate these perceptions on the grounds of dialogue. It is clear what these steps are. These can be done through legal arrangements and can be developed at the level of discourse. By taking practical steps, the confidence of the society in the parties will increase even more."