HÜDA PAR Leader Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu has spoken out following the National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission’s decision to send a delegation to İmralı Island to meet with jailed PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan.

Speaking to ILKHA, Yapıcıoğlu confirmed that the motion passed with a strong majority despite firm objections from his party.

He explained that the Commission’s 18th meeting focused primarily on whether a delegation should be formed to hear Öcalan. The meeting consisted of two sessions—one open, one closed. In the open session, political parties presented extensive statements outlining their positions, all of which were officially recorded and will eventually be accessible to the public.

According to Yapıcıoğlu, the vote resulted in 32 in favor, 3 against, and 2 abstentions, thereby approving the visit. One of the “no” votes was cast by him, while the Yeni Yol Group provided both abstentions. He added that HÜDA PAR submitted an alternative proposal recommending that the entire Commission hear Öcalan through a video-conferencing system rather than sending a smaller delegation. The proposal, however, received only six votes and was rejected.

“A qualified majority emerged, and now the Commission will go to İmralı and listen,” Yapıcıoğlu said, noting that all parties must wait for the delegation’s report before drawing conclusions. “We will see what was said, what was heard, and what discussions took place once they return.”

Responding to public criticism that the process is moving too slowly, Yapıcıoğlu stressed that the conflict spans generations. “We are dealing with violence that has lasted more than 40 years—longer, if we consider the broader historical background. Such deep-rooted issues cannot be resolved overnight,” he said. He emphasized that HÜDA PAR’s main priority is ensuring that violence and terrorism are eradicated completely so that “no family ever receives a funeral because of this conflict again.”

Yapıcıoğlu also said no formal legal proposal has yet been submitted to the Commission. He criticized references by some members to laws enacted after the 1928 Ağrı and Sheikh Said uprisings, arguing that century-old legislation cannot address today’s realities. He confirmed that the Legal Commission—of which he is a member—has drafted a new bill and presented it to the President, with plans to share the text with other political parties soon.

He underlined that the closed session of the meeting, during which parties exchanged detailed evaluations and political positions, will remain confidential for 10 years. “I will not disclose anything from that part,” he said firmly.

After the İmralı visit, the Commission will compile its findings into a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Each political party is expected to prepare its own contribution, which may later be merged or accompanied by dissenting opinions if no consensus is reached.

In his final remarks, Yapıcıoğlu argued that eliminating violence alone will not guarantee lasting peace. “If you ignore the underlying reasons and the broader Kurdish question, the result will not satisfy anyone,” he said. He called for a sincere, comprehensive effort to restore what he termed the “law of brotherhood,” describing it as essential for strengthening national unity and achieving meaningful, durable peace.

“I hope terror and violence will be completely removed from our country’s agenda,” he concluded. “We will continue to contribute with determination and sincerity so that this process leads to real and lasting stability.” (ILKHA)