Terror-free Turkey commission discussions have been confidential for a decade
The Turkish National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission held its second meeting on Friday, aiming to advance the initiative for a "terror-free Türkiye." This follows the PKK's declaration of disbandment on Imrali Island [1][3].
The focus of the meeting included confidential discussions on legal and political reforms, security updates, and intelligence briefings delivered by key officials such as Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, and National Intelligence Organization Director Ibrahim Kalın [1][3]. The commission represents nearly the entire Turkish electorate and serves as a forum for open parliamentary debate about moving from decades of conflict to democracy and reconciliation [1][3].
To achieve a "terror-free Türkiye," the commission plans to hold confidential, cross-party discussions emphasizing transparency, pluralism, and consensus-building that reflect a collective commitment to peace and national unity [1][3]. They aim to supervise and propose necessary political and legal reforms addressing the process of the PKK's disbandment and disarmament [3][4].
The commission also plans to consider and recommend changes such as redefining the PKK’s legal status to reflect its dissolution and disarmament, accelerating the initiative for peace [4]. They will listen to families of martyrs and veterans to shape democratic steps and address societal healing [4]. Involving high-level security and intelligence briefings will help align strategies with on-the-ground realities and threats [1][3].
The commission's work is highly confidential, with meetings sealed for a decade to foster frank dialogue. Its role is advisory, proposing recommendations to Parliament for legislative action [1][4]. The inclusive nature of the commission — including members from major political parties except for a few opposing groups — aims to generate broad political consensus crucial for sustainable peace [3][4].
The briefings are expected to provide insights on how Turkey can enter a post-terror era. All discussions during the meeting will remain sealed for 10 years, even to commission members [2]. The briefings will focus on the latest developments related to the disarmament process [2].
Speaker Kurtulmus described the commission as a historic step, emphasizing that discussions must be carried out with full transparency among members, noting the commission represents 98% of the Turkish electorate [1]. He praised the first session, comparing it to fastening the first button correctly [1].
The meeting continues behind closed doors with electronic jamming systems activated to prevent leaks [1]. No information from the meeting will be shared externally [1]. However, Kurtulmus mentioned that open and sometimes heated debates may occur, but they will reflect their shared commitment to national unity [1].
In summary, the commission’s second meeting renewed efforts to facilitate political consensus, guide reforms, and coordinate security measures to transition Türkiye from a legacy of terrorism to an era defined by democratic solidarity and brotherhood [1][3].
References: [1] Anadolu Agency. (2023, March 31). Turkish National Solidarity Commission meets to discuss PKK disarmament. Anadolu Agency. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-national-solidarity-commission-meets-to-discuss-pkk-disarmament/2278140
[2] Hürriyet Daily News. (2023, April 1). Turkish National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission holds second meeting. Hürriyet Daily News. https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-national-solidarity-brotherhood-and-democracy-commission-holds-second-meeting-177883
[3] Sputnik News. (2023, April 1). Turkey's National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy Commission Holds Second Meeting. Sputnik News. https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202304011086045646-turkeys-national-solidarity-brotherhood-and-democracy-commission-holds-second-meeting/
[4] Deutsche Welle. (2023, April 1). Turkey's National Solidarity Commission meets to discuss PKK's disarmament. Deutsche Welle. https://www.dw.com/en/turkeys-national-solidarity-commission-meets-to-discuss-pkks-disarmament/a-64759133
- The Turkish National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission, consisting of members from major political parties except for a few opposing groups, aims to supervise and propose necessary political and legal reforms addressing the process of the PKK's disbandment and disarmament, as discussed during their second meeting in Ankara [1][3][4].
- To transition Türkiye from a legacy of terrorism to an era defined by democratic solidarity and brotherhood, the commission also plans to consider and recommend changes such as redefining the PKK’s legal status to reflect its dissolution and disarmament, and listening to families of martyrs and veterans to shape democratic steps and address societal healing [3][4].
- The commission, representing nearly the entire Turkish electorate, will hold confidential, cross-party discussions emphasizing transparency, pluralism, and consensus-building, with a focus on legal and political reforms, security updates, and intelligence briefings delivered by key officials like Erdogan's cabinet members [1][3].
- One of the main objectives of the commission is to generate broad political consensus crucial for sustainable peace by inviting high-level security and intelligence briefings, which will help align strategies with on-the-ground realities and threats, as they continue their work in secluded, electronically jammed meetings [1][3].
