ANKARA - Ahead of today’s debate on the “Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration,” prepared as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, DEM Party lawmakers said the bill represented a historic step forward, while stressing the need for peace, a democratic solution and legal guarantees.

 

The debate on the “Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration,” prepared as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, began in Parliament’s General Assembly with lawmakers delivering speeches on matters outside the agenda. DEM Party MPs also addressed the bill.

 

Onur Düşünmez, a DEM Party MP for Colemêrg, pas the first to take the floor saying Parliament was witnessing one of the most important days in its history and added: “By a large majority, Parliament will put its signature to a position in favor of peace and end to war. We believe this. I hope we can make our future much brighter. I hope this step will be the first toward achieving a Democratic Republic.”

 

'DETERMINATION TO BUILD A NEW LIFE'

 

Speaking next, Şirnex MP Zeki İrmez said the bill being debated in Parliament was a cornerstone for a democratic and peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue and for taking further steps forward. İrmez continued: “In light of this understanding and awareness, we are optimistic, hopeful and determined. We do not forget those who stand in the way of steps toward resolving a major issue that has persisted for 100 years. We hope this new beginning will pave the way for peace among peoples and freedom in the Middle East. We have always worked for peace, the possibility of peace, and for making peace lasting. With the historic responsibility that our struggle, our resistance, and the shared future of the oppressed and all peoples place upon us, we will continue to raise the voice of peace, build a democratic republic and uphold our determination to create a new life.”

 

‘WE WANT NEW HOPES TO TAKE ROOT’

 

Istanbul MP Celal Fırat stressed that they valued every sincere step taken for the future of Turkey and said: “These lands have witnessed pain, tears, and division for many years. Mothers have carried the burden of every loss, while children have paid the price for every separation. We no longer want to see new sufferings, we want new hopes to take root. May Hak bless everyone who is helping make this possible today. For centuries, the Alevi faith has taught us the truth: Let us be one, strong and vibrant. These words are not merely advice, they are an ancient call to embrace the virtue of living together. Because peace is not a prescription, it is a precious conscience that allows everyone to breath and reminds us to care for one another. May Hak bless everyone who supports and contributes to this effort.”

 

‘THIS LAW MARKS HISTORIC PROGRESS’

 

Speaking next, Şirnex MP Beritan Güneş Altın began her speech by commemorating Aram Tigran on the anniversary of his death. Recalling Tigran’s words, “If I were born into this world again, I would melt down every tank, cannon, and rifle in the wold and turn them into saz and cümbüş (musical instruments), Beritan Güneş Altın said: “Today, the law being debated in this Parliament is opening up space for peace, art, children, young people and women. It is paving the way for the peaceful days that everyone longs for to come to these lands. Once again, we salute those who are building peace, those who are keeping the hope for peace alive, and those who are leaving peace as a legacy to young people, children, women, and society as a whole.  This law marks historic progress. However, if everyone is not provided with legal safeguards as the processs takes shape, it could lead back to conflict and suffering. Unfortunately, we experienced this during the first century of the Republic of Turkey. Now is the time to bring the ideal of the republic together with democracy. It is time to transform armed conflict into democratic politics and irreconcilable differences into democratic dialogue. Today presents us with a historic opportunity in this regard. This Parliament is experiencing one of the most important days in its history. We hope this historic day will mark the beginning of a peaceful future for our country and our region.”

 

‘CONSIDERATION OF SUGGESTIONS AND CRITICISM’

 

Mersin MP Ali Bozan said they were witnessing one of the most important and historic days in the Republic’s century-long history. Ali Bozan stated: “I don’t think we have ever seen Parliament this crowded, except perhaps during the Plan and Budget Committee sessions. That, too, is meaningful and significant. The framework law will now be debated. Constructive suggestions and criticism put forward during the discussions need to be taken into consideration. Doing so will also help eliminate confusion that could arise during the implementation of the framework law. I hope the framework law to be debated today will be beneficial to all 86 million citizens.”

 

Speaking next, Mêrdîn MP Kamuran Tanhan said: “Today, we are living through a historic day. We are witnessing historic times and moments. The call for a democratic society has begun to let light through, like openings in the darkness. This law lights the way to freedom, peace and peaceful coexistence.”

 

‘LET THIS BE THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LEGAL ORDER’

 

Amed MP Serhat Eren said the law does not emerge on its own and added:  “Throughout history, the law has reflected how a society envisions the future it wants to build. Today, we have a historic opportunity before us: to bring a conflict to an end. But more importantly, we have an opportunity to build a country that will not reproduce that same conflict. Today it is our responsibility to replace conflict with democratic politics and division with a shared life. Because peace is not simply about a society surviving. Peace means healing enough to live together. Let this law mark the beginning of a new legal order that does not carry the conflicts of the past into the future.”