Wise Persons’ sub-groups begin nationwide journey

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

Diyarbakır Mayor Osman Baydemir (R) gives a rose to actor and director Yılmaz Erdoğan, who is a member of the Wise Persons’ Commission. DHA photo

Members of the government-formed Wise Persons’ Commission have begun their activities through the sub-groups that represent the seven geographical regions of the country, conducting their first official visits since being formed earlier this month.

Peace was the main topic of discussion in nearly all the meetings, which served as the introductory phase of the group’s interactions with the broader public following an initial meeting with the prime minister. While some regions’ groups conducted visits in their assigned cities, other groups announced future events that were set to kick off attempts in the regions.

The Southeastern Group began its activities with a series of visits that included nongovernmental organizations, provincial units of Turkish political parties and local politicians. The group paid a visit to Diyarbakır Mayor Osman Baydemir as well, receiving a warm welcome. The group moved on to visit several other political units in the city, including the co-chair of the Kurdish-umbrella organization, the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), Ahmet Türk, who is also a deputy.

Aegean Group member Baskın Oran gave a speech in İzmir, attending a dialogue forum which brings together different parties and nongovernmental organizations. Oran stressed the need for peace despite minor opposition he received from a small group in the forum that demonstrated against him.

The Eastern Anatolia group chose to attend a public debate following a visit to Harput’s historic Sara Hatun Mosque, during which the group members discussed the issue of peace with the local public.

The Central Anatolian group scheduled its first meetings for tomorrow in Konya with a meeting with nongovernmental organizations in the city. The group will then move on to Cihanbeyli, Kulu and Karaman.

The Mediterranean group will start its activities on April 13 by attending a meeting with the Burdur Governor’s Office, with guests from NGOs and public offices joining the group for its first event.