Statement from President Erdogan about claims regarding new “peace process” to solve Kurdish issue: ‘We are always ready’
After returning to Turkey following his visits to Albania and Serbia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed journalists on the plane, discussing the recent “new peace process” debate that emerged after MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli shook hands with DEM Party members. Erdoğan stated that they are “always ready” to resolve issues in Turkey through non-violent means, emphasizing the importance of a broad consensus.
Erdoğan expressed that he was not surprised by Bahçeli’s handshake with DEM Party members and found it a positive step for Turkey’s democratic efforts. He highlighted the significance of Bahçeli’s call for reconciliation and dialogue, stressing that such moves could not be overlooked. Erdoğan also mentioned that an increase in similar gestures would help broaden the societal consensus needed for a new constitution. He reiterated that their political approach had always been based on resolving national issues through wide-ranging agreement and that they had been advocating for this for many years.
Bahçeli had earlier stated during a parliamentary group meeting that “there was no other Turkey,” urging everyone to pull back from hostility. On the same day, Bahçeli was seen warmly greeting DEM Party members during a parliamentary session. Following this gesture, DEM Party’s deputy chairperson, Gülistan Koçyiğit, had remarked that the handshake was natural in politics and should not be given special meaning. However, she acknowledged Bahçeli’s comments about peace, emphasizing
The Peace Process
Turkey’s peace process refers to the negotiations between the PKK and the Turkish government from 2013 to 2015, aimed at peacefully resolving the Kurdish issue. The process included discussions on disarmament, democratic reforms, and expanding rights related to Kurdish identity. However, the process ended in 2015 when conflicts resumed.
