NEWS CENTER - According to sources familiar with discussions, representatives of the DEM Party and the AKP met to discuss the proposed framework law. During the meeting, it was stated that the draft consist of 10 articles. While agreement was reached on some issues, discussions continued to clarify others. The proposal is expected to be submitted to Parliament tomorrow, with Monday indicated as the expected date of its passage.

 

Following the meeting held on 20 July and 2 August between the İmralı Delegation of DEM Party and Kurdish People’s Lader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island, talks over the proposed framework law have intensified. With the process entering a critical week, the framework law became the central topic of the latest meetings with Abdullah Öcalan. In its most recent statement, the DEM Party İmralı Delegation shared Abdullah Öcalan’s views with the public. Abdullah Öcalan described the planned legislation as the key to advancing the process in his latest message, calling it an important beginning. Abdullah Öcalan said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” and that the process could open the way for a historic breakthrough with the organized strength of society. 

 

The framework law draft, which is expected to be submitted to Parliament tomorrow, will be introduced to the Speaker’s Office under the title “Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration.”The legislation is expected to be passed over the weekend or at the latest, on Monday.

 

‘LAW EXPECTED TO BE ENACTED BY MONDAY AT THE LATEST’

 

According to sources familiar with the talks, delegations from the DEM Party and the AKP met yesterday to discuss the proposed framework law. During the meeting, the AKP delegation asked the DEM Party to join as a signatory to the proposal.  AKP delegation also said they would seek the signatures of other parties, adding that the MHP expected to sign, although it was unclear whether any others would do so. The DEM Party said it was aware of the request and that its party bodies would consider the matter before making a decision.

 

DRAFT LAW CONSISTS OF 10 ARTICLES

 

Reports emerged last week of tensions between the DEM Party and the AKP during talks on the proposed framework law, reportedly over the AKP’s position. According to information shared following the lates meeting, the draft framework law consists of 10 articles, with its main provisions in line with those previously shared with the DEM Party. It was also stated that objections raised on several points had been taken into consideration.

 

Sources said that the DEM Party delegation again requested that the term “terror” be removed from the draft law. The AKP delegation said the term would remain in first and second articles, while only “organization” would be used in the remaining provisions.

 

The DEM Party delegation also renewed its request for replace the phrase “surrender of weapons” with “destruction or laying down arms” in the article defining the “purpose and scope” of the law. The AKP delegation reportedly took note of the proposal for further consideration. Another issue discussed was the scope of the exceptions, which would cover the offense of intentional homicide and life imprisonment for offenses committed before 2005. 

 

ISSUE OF THE COMMISSION AND SUB-COMMISSION 

 

During the meeting, the AKP delegation reportedly said that the Peace and Politicization Commission would be established alongside the law, even though its name would not be included in the legislation. The delegation also said they were considering the creation of at least three additional sub-commissions. One commission is being considered to examine past demands and legal issues, while another would focus on the socio-economic conditions of those who return. The delegation reportedly said they would not announce details before the commissions are established, as they did not want to create an opportunity for negative propaganda.

 

The DEM Party delegation requested that a statement be added to the article on the sub-commissions to be established under the commission, stating that “women’s representation would be taken into consideration in these commissions.” The AKP delegation was said to have taken note of the request.

 

The DEM Party delegation also proposed adding an introductory statement to the law noting that it is a framework or foundational law and that it marks the beginning of further democratic reforms. The AKP delegation reportedly agreed with this approach, saying that they viewed the law in this way and that such an assessment could be included in the explanatory notes of the law rather than text itself. It was also stated during the meeting that the Parliamentary Monitoring Commission should be established by the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, which would also determine the number of its members.