Main opposition CHP reiterates promise of support for peace process

ANKARA

A ruling AKP delegation led by Ankara deputy Emrullah İşler is welcomed at the CHP headquarters by a delegation led by deputy chair Umut Oran. AA photo

A senior executive of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) reiterated a promise voiced by his party’s leader a day ago to contribute to the acceleration of the “peace/resolution process,” a process that could end the three-decade long painful era of conflict in Turkey.

A ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) delegation led by Ankara deputy Emrullah İşler was welcomed at the CHP headquarters by a delegation led by deputy chair Umut Oran as the delegations to exchange holiday greetings on Aug. 9, the second day of Eid al-Fitr.

The CHP side brought up the issue of the “peace/resolution process” – aimed at ending the three-decade conflict between Turkey’s security forces and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) – during the conversation, according to a report by Anadolu Agency.

Referring to his 17-article “Freedom and Democracy Declaration,” previously announced by CHP leader Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, Oran said they knew that the government had also been working on “a democracy package” set of reforms and asked İşler about the state of affairs concerning the package.

İşler said the package was expected to be finalized next month, and Oran spoke about Turkey’s troubles in regards to freedoms and democracy, while also recalling the Gezi Park unrest and leading societal demands raised during that unrest.

Both the government and the main opposition party should present the required contribution to the package taking the society’s demands into consideration, Oran said, adding that their party was always ready to present this support. Oran also said the CHP was not the “Freedom and Democracy Declaration” to be included in this package. CHP party assembly member Ekrem Kerem Oktay described the two delegations’ meeting as “very civilized,” and said it was what “the Gezi spirit” had asked for. “I wish our leaders would meet too,” Oktay said, and İşler agreed.