Turkey's framework law a step toward political solutions, not an end: DEM Party leader

DEM Party Co-chair Tuncer Bakırhan has described a recently passed "framework law" in Turkey as a crucial threshold for moving away from armed conflict and towards political and legal solutions. Speaking at his party's congress in Aydın, Bakırhan noted that the law is not a definitive resolution to the Kurdish issue or a guarantee of equal citizenship for Alevis, but rather a mechanism to eliminate the grounds for violence.

Bakırhan highlighted the 42-year history of armed conflict in Turkey, which began with actions in Eruh on August 15, 1984. He stated that this prolonged period of violence has inflicted severe economic, political, and social damage on the country. The new law, he believes, is significant because it aims to replace violence with politics, law, and democratic rights and freedoms.

"This law is not the solution to the Kurdish issue, nor does it grant legal status to Alevis' equal citizenship rights," Bakırhan said. "It is simply a law that removes the ground for violence and establishes a legal and political framework. Therefore, this law is a beginning, not an end." He envisions a future where the Kurdish language and identity are free, along with the languages of all peoples in Turkey. He also hopes for a society where Alevis and other beliefs can express themselves freely and equally, where conflict and bloodshed are absent, and where young lives are not lost.

Bakırhan stressed that the law is not about "give and take" but about stopping violence and bloodshed. He believes that through democratic struggle and legal methods, the nation can now secure its language, identity, culture, and rights. "There is no winner or loser in peace; peace is a good thing, peace is abundance, peace is beautiful," he stated, adding that peace will prevent the country's resources from being squandered and instead direct them towards workers and retirees. He concluded by emphasizing the importance of the congress and the ongoing struggle to achieve results worthy of their labor and values.