The framework law introduced in Parliament as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process and approved with the votes of 467 MPs has been published in the Official Gazette. The 12-article “Law on Strengthening National Solidarity and Social Integration” will now enter the implementation phase, with attention turning to the National Security Council’s (MGK) “verification and determination” report.

 

The law will be temporary and remain in force for six months. The period may be extended by the Presidency if deemed necessary. There is no fixed date for when the law will take effect, but it is expected to be discussed at the National Security Council (MGK) meeting scheduled for October 5. Once the “verification and determination” report is submitted to Erdoğan, the law will begin to be implemented.

 

FIRST COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED BY CEVDET YILMAZ

 

Three committees are expected to be established to oversee the implementation of the law. One of them will be the “Monitoring and Evaluation Committee,” chaired by Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz. Yılmaz announced the formation of the committee shortly after the law was officially enacted. Yılmaz said the ministries and state institutions that will be represented on the committee had already begun work. The committee includes the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of National Defence, as well as Yılmaz and National Intelligence Organization (MİT) chief İbrahim Kalın. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled for August 24. The establishment of subcommittees may also be considered depending on the needs of the process.

 

PARLIAMENTARY MONITORING AND OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

 

A Parliamentary Monitoring and Oversight Committee is also expected to be established. Chaired by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and comprising representatives of the political parties in Parliament, the committee will serve as an oversight body. It will monitor the implementation of the law and may make recommendations.

 

The committee chaired by Yılmaz will also regularly brief the parliamentary body on the work being carried out to implement the law. Its membership has yet to be finalized, but it is expected to comprise 17 members. The establishment of subcommittees under this body is also being considered, with civil society organizations and delegations expected to take part in them.

 

COMMITTEE TO INCLUDE ABDULLAH ÖCALAN

 

A committee that would include representatives of the Kurdish Freedom Movement is also being considered. According to information obtained, Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan is expected to take part in the Peace and Politicization Committee/Board. Abdullah Öcalan is expected to serve on the body in a coordinating role.Plans are also under consideration to improve Abdullah Öcalan’s working conditions so that he can participate in the process through the committee. The committee is also expected to work in coordination with the state committee.

 

As part of these arrangements, Abdullah Öcalan is expected to be given improved means of communication, allowing him to meet with journalists and academics and engage with a wider range of groups in the coming period.

 

DELEGATION TO VISIT İMRALI           

 

Members of the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) İmralı Delegation, Pervin Buldan, Mithat Sancar and Faik Özgür Erol, are expected to meet with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan on İmralı Island in the coming days to discuss the latest developments. The implementation of the law, the situation of the committees and the next steps in the process are expected to be on the agenda.

 

Meanwhile, further legal amendments are also expected to be considered in the coming period, alongside the committees. In line with Article 7 of the parliamentary committee’s report, democratic steps and legislative changes are expected to be brought onto the agenda.

 

MA / Ömer Güngör