Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus spoke at the opening of the second meeting of the Commission on National Solidarity, Fraternity and Democracy established in the Parliament. Stating that the commission is a historical step, Kurtulmus said: “It is a great opportunity, it needs to be utilised. The commission has historical duties in order to establish an environment where peace and brotherhood are spoken, where weapons, fights and conflicts are silent. It is a success that we accepted the articles with the common votes of the deputies and with an alliance. I believe that this spirit of alliance is important in terms of the implementation of the decisions to be taken here from now on in terms of negotiations. I would also like to sincerely thank all the political party leaders who supported this process before the formation of the meeting and everyone who really contributed to this work.”

 

'WE ARE OBLIGED TO CARRY OUT WITH CAUTION'

 

Kurtulmus stressed that the Commission is a historical opportunity: “We have to take our steps very carefully in order to utilise this historical opportunity. We have to express our views very clearly. Ultimately, the commission in this hall representing 98 per cent of Turkey. Therefore, we have to carry out the process with a sensitivity and caution that can meet the opinions and expectations of the nation. There will be sessions with very open and harsh discussions, but all of these will be the result of the common intentions of all of us to increase the unity and solidarity of Turkey.”

 

'THERE WILL BE LEGAL ARRANGEMENTS'

 

Kurtulmus continued: “The eyes and ears of almost everyone in Turkey are on this commission. A consensus and understanding that will emerge here will satisfy the great masses of Turkey. The main reason for the formation of this commission is that after the statement made from İmralı, the organisation (PKK) accepted to lay down arms, accepted to dissolve itself. And with that the Parliament should take part in the process, make preparations and of course send them to the general assembly to take decisions.”

 

Kurtulmus then put it to a vote whether the meeting should be closed or not. Commissioners unanimously accepted that the meeting should be closed to the press. 

Kurtulmus added: “The conversations here will be fully recorded. But it will never be published. It will not be given to the members of the commission for 10 years. None of the issues discussed at this meeting will be discussed outside in any way.”

 

The commission then continued in closed session. 

 

Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya and National Intelligence Organisation (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin will make presentations at the meeting. Each presentation and speech is expected to last 20 minutes.