With just a few days remaining before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TBMM) adjourns, contacts have intensified regarding the legislative amendments regarded as one of the most critical aspects of the regime’s ‘Turkey Without Terrorism’ project. Members of the DEM Party’s Imralı delegation – Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar and Özgür Faik Erol – travelled to Imralı yesterday to meet with Abdullah Öcalan. The visit to Imrali took place following meetings held by members of the DEM Party delegation with AKP Deputy Chairman Efkan Âlâ and AKP Parliamentary Group Chairman Abdullah Güler on 15 July, and with MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli at the TBMM on 16 July. As will be recalled, a written statement issued by the delegation following the meeting with MHP leader Bahçeli stated: “Following our discussions, we aim to hold a meeting with Mr Abdullah Öcalan on Imralı at the earliest opportunity.” The delegation had last met with Abdullah Öcalan on 24 May.

ÖCALAN’S POSITION

The Kurdistan Workers' Party has also issued a statement regarding the ‘Turkey without Terrorism’ solution process, as termed by the government, and the legislative debates, which are one of the critical aspects of the process. In a statement issued by the organisation’s leadership, emphasis was placed on the legal framework, and the following was stated: “If the conflict that has persisted for 50 years is to be resolved by bringing it onto a legal and political footing, keeping the leadership of the Freedom Movement away from a political environment where democratic politics can be freely practised will not produce a solution. From this perspective, the enactment of a law that ensures full freedom of organisation and thought—from the leadership down to the fighters—and facilitates participation in democratic politics is inherent to the nature of the problem that is to be resolved.” In the statement, which also addressed claims by certain circles close to the AKP that the framework law would not contain a provision regarding Öcalan, it was emphasised that “a law that does not include Rêber Apo’s physical freedom would be a law that solves no problems”, and that the law to be enacted must cover all organisation members, including its leaders.

CRITICAL WEEK

This week will witness the most critical meetings in the negotiation process that has been ongoing for nearly two years. Whilst it has been reported that the DEM delegation has requested a meeting with Erdoğan following their meeting with Öcalan, uncertainty regarding the date of the meeting persists.

Meanwhile, the issue of the framework law/fundamental law also remains unresolved. According to Ankara political circles, the gap between the proposals of DEM and the AKP has not yet been bridged. Whilst the AKP is pursuing limited legislative reform, DEM insists that the legislation to be passed by Parliament must create a basis for resolving the issue in its entirety. The statement to be issued by the DEM Party’s Imrali delegation following their meeting with Öcalan will provide a clearer picture of how the process will proceed. Whilst the government wishes to retain the support of Kurdish voters through the resolution process, it does not want to provoke a reaction from nationalist voters. It is therefore attempting to move the process forward whilst avoiding placing the PKK and Öcalan at the centre as much as possible. Although a certain balance has been maintained so far, the process stalls when it comes to concrete steps.

The government wants to usher in a new era in which DEM will be reluctant to walk away from the table and the link between the Kurdish issue and the country’s other concerns is severed. However, it is not only DEM that is likely to respond to this move. As the opposition in the country grows stronger, the government’s Kurdish card will lose its effectiveness accordingly.

CO-CHAIR MANEUVER

Doğan Hatun, Co-Chair of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, announced his resignation, citing health issues and shortcomings in the performance of his duties. Hatun noted that he felt he could not contribute to the process, known in public discourse as ‘Turkey without Terrorism’, to the desired extent. Claims have emerged in the public sphere that the resignation, which was also accepted by the DEM leadership, was driven by disagreements stemming from differing views on the progress of the peace process. Whilst the parties involved reject such assessments, it remains to be seen whether this resignation in Diyarbakır will be followed by further resignations.

Note: This article is translated from the original article titled Düğüm çözülemedi, published in BirGün newspaper on July 21, 2026.