Ali Babacan Criticizes 'Framework Law' Process for PKK Dissolution

Ali Babacan, leader of the DEVA Party, has voiced criticism regarding the legislative process for a proposed "framework law" aimed at the dissolution of the PKK. While acknowledging the bill's objective as a positive step towards ending terrorism, Babacan expressed strong reservations about the method of its drafting.

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We see the submission of the bill of law, which aims to complete the process of dissolving all elements of the PKK/KCK terrorist organization and handing over all weapons and ammunition under its control, to the Turkish Grand National Assembly as an important and positive stage.

Babacan stated that the bill's goal of achieving the complete dissolution and disarmament of the PKK is a significant and positive development. He noted that the legislative proposal largely aligns with a previously published commission report. However, he strongly objected to the practice of collecting signatures behind closed doors without sharing the final text with political parties beforehand. He argued that societal legitimacy can only be achieved through transparency, consultation, and full respect for parliamentary will.

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However, we also want to express that we do not find the method of collecting signatures behind closed doors before finalizing a text in such a vital process to be correct. Societal legitimacy can only be achieved through transparency, consultation, and full respect for parliamentary will.

A significant concern raised by Babacan is the law's failure to uphold the principle of equality before the law, leading to differential treatment of individuals. He pointed out that excluding other detainees, convicts, and defendants with similar legal circumstances weakens the sense of justice. The DEVA Party leader expressed hope that these shortcomings would be addressed during the commission's deliberations.

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We consider the bill's failure to observe the principle of equality before the law and to differentiate treatment among individuals as a significant deficiency. The exclusion of other detainees, convicts, and defendants with similar legal circumstances weakens the sense of justice.

Ultimately, Babacan reiterated his party's desire for the bill to be enacted and successfully implemented to remove terrorism from Turkey's agenda. He stressed that Turkey needs an approach that strengthens the rule of law while ending terrorism and preserves justice while fostering social peace. The party also reminded the government of the need to take immediate steps in areas of law, justice, democracy, and freedoms, as outlined in the seventh section of the commission report.

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Turkey needs; an approach that strengthens the law while ending terrorism, preserves the sense of justice while ensuring social peace, and is transparent and inclusive.