The Parliamentary Commission on the Kurdish issue convened today for its first session. Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş chaired the meeting.
Kurtulmuş delivered the opening speech at the meeting held in the Parliament’s Ceremonial Hall. Afterward, representatives of political parties will share their views and evaluations within the commission. The meeting will also determine the working procedures, principles, and rules of the commission. The commission was planned to have 51 members, but the İYİ Party did not appoint any members. Currently, the commission consists of 48 members. From the DEM Party are Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit, Meral Danış Beştaş, Saruhan Oluç, and Cengiz Çiçek.
In his opening remarks, Kurtulmuş said: “We are witnessing the beginning of a new era in this hall. We are at a historic turning point. This commission is not an ordinary body. The process is not the concern of any individual or institution, it is the concern of our honorable nation.”
Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is a core principle
Kurtulmuş continued: “We are here to turn our shared pain into shared hope. Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood is a fundamental code of our region. This bond of fate is not only about battlefields but also about walking together in hope. Parliament is the legitimate address for a solution.”
Stressing unity within the commission, he said: “The disarmament process is never the result of a negotiation or a bargain. It is a reflection of our nation’s determination for peace and unity.”
Transparency, pluralism, and informed public
Kurtulmuş highlighted the presence of all political parties, adding: “Every step and briefing will be conducted transparently. From day one, we must clearly express the operational principles of this commission.” He emphasized that openness and pluralism will be key guiding principles: “Public communication should be accurate, timely, and transparent. This is one of our top priorities.”
Democratic and Pluralistic Turkey
Kurtulmuş also said: “The commission will not be a battleground for clashing ideas. It will be a platform to conduct analyses based on emerging needs. Provocations can occur at any time, but the safeguard against them is our democratic and pluralistic structure. No opinion should be dismissed. Every MP should be aware that they are participating in these efforts on behalf of the people. Together, we will build a democratic and pluralistic Turkey.”
Source: ANF News
