Turkey's committee to design blueprint for terror-free nation
Terror-Free Turkey Initiative Gains Momentum
A significant political effort is underway in Turkey to end the long-standing terrorism issue linked to the PKK, with the formation of a special parliamentary committee. Known as the Terror-Free Turkey initiative, this committee is tasked with guiding the political and legal roadmap for the disarmament of the PKK following its recent declaration of dissolution.
The committee, chaired by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, comprises members from various political parties represented in Parliament, including the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Republican People's Party (CHP), Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), and others. The committee's broad spectrum of members aims for transparency, consensus, and public support, although some parties have declined participation.
The MHP's leader, Devlet Bahçeli, is considered the informal architect of this initiative. The process does not constitute negotiations or concessions to the PKK but serves as a framework to effectuate disarmament and sustainable peace, with no concessions to the terrorist group.
The committee's work will serve as a guideline for future bills on terrorism, focusing on the state of PKK terrorists who abandoned arms and those who were incarcerated for aiding and abetting the PKK. Media reports indicate that the committee will chart a roadmap for the initiative and discuss regulations and amendments, including those similar to the "Homecoming Law" implemented in 2003.
The PKK's recent announcement of its dissolution and end of its terror campaign is being closely monitored by Turkish intelligence. In May, the PKK announced its dissolution and the end of its four-decade terror campaign. Most recently, in a ceremony across the border in Iraq last month, PKK members destroyed their weapons as part of the process.
The initiative aims to reinforce unity in Turkey in the face of Israeli expansionism. A recent survey shows that more than 61% of the population supports the initiative. However, the far-right Good Party (IP) opposes the initiative and plans to hold nationwide "First Duty" rallies to voice its opposition.
The CHP endorses the initiative but expresses reservations about its success. The DEM Party, which is a key actor in the terror-free Turkey initiative due to its links to the PKK, is represented in the committee by its deputy parliamentary group chair Gülistan Kılıç Koçyiğit.
The committee's name is currently under debate and may be named "the Committee for Social Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy." The seminal committee for the terror-free Turkey initiative will gather on Tuesday for its first meeting. The committee will likely debate about the future status of the PKK once the group entirely abandons arms. The process at the committee should be "transparent," although some parts may need to be closed to the media due to the sensitive nature of the initiative.
- The Terror-Free Turkey initiative, a significant political effort aimed at ending war-and-conflicts with the PKK, has gained momentum in Turkey, with discussions extending to the arts, opinion, and general-news.
- Amidst the progress of the Terror-Free Turkey initiative, politicians are debating the committee's name, with potential titles such as "the Committee for Social Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy," signifying a broader focus beyond policy-and-legislation.
- As the Terror-Free Turkey initiative moves forward, various political parties, including those represented in Parliament and the general public, have shared their opinions on war-and-conflicts, politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news, with the aim of fostering a society that embraces peace and unity.
