Speaking at the Erbil Forum organized by the Rûdaw Research Centre, HÜDA PAR Chairman Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu delivered a compelling address on the Kurdish issue in Türkiye and the ongoing disarmament process.

During the forum, he answered questions posed by journalist Ruşen Çakır, offering insight into his party’s stance on key political developments.

Bahçeli’s Statement on Abdullah Öcalan

One of the most striking topics discussed was the recent statement made by MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, suggesting that Abdullah Öcalan should be allowed to speak in parliament. Yapıcıoğlu remarked on the unexpected nature of Bahçeli’s position, describing it as a surprising development.

“We consider it a chance that such a call came from Mr. Bahçeli. Of course, we were surprised. What was shocking was not just the call itself but the bar he set—that Abdullah Hodja could address the DEM group in parliament. However, his statement included a conditional clause. He suggested that if Öcalan were to say certain things, then he could be allowed to speak. The real message here might have been that some things are now digestible even to that extent,” Yapıcıoğlu said.

He emphasized that there was no realistic expectation that Öcalan would physically appear in parliament but suggested that such a move could reflect a shift in the political landscape regarding the Kurdish issue. He also pointed out that previous discussions on the matter often saw the government making proposals that were later blocked by their political partners. “After the failure of the 2015 solution process, it was often said that while the government might want to take steps forward, its alliance with the MHP prevented it. However, now we see new dynamics at play,” he added.

HÜDA PAR’s Workshop on a Humanitarian Solution to the Kurdish Issue

Yapıcıoğlu also defended HÜDA PAR’s decision to organize a workshop in Diyarbakır focused on a humanitarian solution to the Kurdish problem, stating that the event was an important initiative.

“We do not regret organizing the workshop. We did not do anything wrong. Of course, some people are angry about it, but many of those who are angry would be upset with us no matter what we do. We do not shape our policies according to such reactions. Those who hold an ontological opposition to us will continue to do so regardless,” he said.

He reiterated that political diversity and differing opinions were natural in any democratic society and that discussing the disarmament process and political representation openly was essential for long-term peace. “If the weapons are laid down, everyone in politics will be able to speak more freely. We do not have weapons in our hands, and we believe that disarmament is necessary,” he stressed.

On Disarmament and the Role of Political Parties

Yapıcıoğlu reaffirmed that all political parties bear a responsibility in the disarmament process and should actively encourage the removal of weapons from the equation.

“Regardless of whether the government takes steps to resolve the Kurdish issue, the first and foremost step must be the removal of weapons. The gun must be taken out of the circuit. We have made our call clear, and we believe all political parties, regardless of their ideological stance, should contribute to this process,” he stated.

He also addressed the perception that HÜDA PAR had attempted to influence or disrupt the process by organizing their workshop. “Some claim we organized the workshop to play a role in the process, while others accuse us of trying to derail it. These two views contradict each other, yet both were said about us,” he remarked.

DEM Party’s Stance and Political Dialogue

Responding to questions about the DEM Party, Yapıcıoğlu revealed that the party had not reached out to HÜDA PAR for discussions regarding disarmament.

“We have always been open to dialogue. We never turned away anyone who came to our door, nor did we specifically invite them. But frankly, we did not expect them to visit us. If the discussion is solely about disarmament, then it makes sense for those holding weapons and those calling for them to be laid down to engage in talks. We do not have a direct role here beyond making our call for peace,” he explained.

He recalled that HÜDA PAR had invited all political parties, including the HDP (now DEM Party), to their first major congress in 2013, but the HDP did not attend. Later attempts to establish dialogue, including ahead of the 2018 elections, were also ignored. “We knocked on the door three times, and it was not opened. We decided not to knock again. However, we remain open to dialogue should they choose to engage,” he said.

Federalism and the Constitution Debate

Regarding the possibility of a federal system in Türkiye, Yapıcıoğlu dismissed the idea, stating that Türkiye’s conditions did not align with such a structure.

“In our party program, we emphasize that all political ideas should be expressed freely, including discussions about federalism, without resorting to violence. However, we do not see a geographical or corporate federal system as suitable for Türkiye. More than 90% of Kurds in Türkiye oppose a geographically-based federation. Many Kurds have migrated westward, integrated economically and socially, and do not support such a separation,” he explained.

He also addressed the debate over the first four articles of the Turkish Constitution, criticizing the perception that they have been untouchable since 1924. “This is a misconception. The only unchangeable clause in the original 1924 Constitution was that Türkiye is a republic. The additional unchangeable provisions were introduced by the military junta after the 1980 coup,” he noted.

He argued that laws and constitutions should be adaptable to changing times. “Saying that certain articles can never be amended essentially mortgages the will of future generations. Constitutions are human-made documents, and they should be flexible to address new realities,” he asserted.

A Call to End Violence and Strengthen Peace Efforts

Yapıcıoğlu underscored the importance of ending violence, noting that Kurds had suffered immensely due to armed conflicts over the past 40 years.

“Violence has done the greatest harm to Kurds—not just in Türkiye but also in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. In the Barzan region alone, locals from 500 villages cannot return to their homes or graze their animals. This is a severe issue,” he stressed.

He pointed out that recent developments indicated ongoing discussions between Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and Abdullah Öcalan since early 2024. “It seems that negotiations have reached a certain point. I hope the outcome will be favorable, reinforcing brotherhood and ensuring justice,” he concluded.

Zekeriya Yapıcıoğlu’s statements at the Erbil Forum highlighted the shifting dynamics of the Kurdish issue in Türkiye, the importance of disarmament, and the need for open political dialogue. His remarks suggested a possible evolution in Türkiye’s political landscape, with renewed hope for peaceful resolutions in the years to come. (ILKHA)