Disarming Not Enough for Kurdish Issue, Says Ex-Mayor

Ahmet Özer, the recently dismissed mayor of Esenyurt, has asserted that laying down arms is insufficient to resolve the Kurdish issue, arguing that the root causes must be addressed. Speaking at a conference in Van titled 'The Language of Peace Must Be Law and Democracy,' Özer declared his support for a new peace process, emphasizing that while disarmament is important and historically significant, it does not equate to a solution.

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Laying down arms does not mean solving the Kurdish issue. Laying down arms is important, it is historical. We support it. But the root cause is the Kurdish issue. If you cannot solve the Kurdish issue, other problems will emerge tomorrow. However, the government is not approaching this, it doesn't even accept it.

Özer outlined a four-stage process for achieving peace: disarmament, establishing a legal framework, facilitating return, and ensuring social integration. He acknowledged the report initiating this process as a significant step, particularly given the diverse political representation within the commission, including members from MHP, DEM Party, AK Party, and CHP. However, he expressed disappointment that the necessary steps are not being taken, warning that delays could lead to the process becoming 'infected' and 'provoked,' thus squandering a valuable opportunity.

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It is not a day for anger, sulking, or resentment; it is a day to put these aside and lead this work to success.

The former mayor shared his personal experience, recounting his arrest on fabricated charges of 'membership in an organization' shortly after Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), called for peace. Özer claims he was offered a deal: hand over the municipality and face the charges later. He believes this situation has harmed the peace process and that discussions around 'absolute nullity' are similarly detrimental.

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We are now content with the minimum, not even the maximum, so we say 'As long as it gets done.' Even at this point, the necessary steps are not being taken. There is stalling. This is wrong. Because if these kinds of things drag on, they become infected, provoked, and this opportunity is wasted.

Despite these challenges, Özer remains committed to supporting the peace process. He reiterated his core argument: disarmament alone is not the solution to the Kurdish problem. He noted that while the ruling party has been reluctant to acknowledge the issue, Özgür Bey (presumably referring to a political figure) included a member in the commission despite potential backlash from his base, acknowledging the existence of the Kurdish problem. Özer stated his willingness to support the government if it resolves the issue, and if not, his own administration would aim to do so.

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Give me the municipality, go to jail; we'll look at what your crime is later.