Turkish Parliament to rush to vote on Kurdish bid law package

Nuray Babacan ANKARA

DHA Photo

The Interior Ministry has prepared a seven item draft code package on key matters discussed within the scope of the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has insisted it should be voted on at Parliament before the body goes to recess June 1 for summer holiday.

Additionally, the timing is crucial, as Erdoğan wants to send a clear message to the Kurdish parties before the presidential elections on Aug. 10 in an attempt to net support.

The package includes a legal warranty for the actors in the process that promises exemption from being tried in the future for the role they take. Along with the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) and the Peoples’ Democracy Party (HDP), which are focused on the Kurdish issue, the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) has also repeatedly urged the government to sketch such a ground.

Erdoğan called on the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputies at an addressing yesterday to work extra to pass the awaiting laws.

The draft code defines the roles of politicians, bureaucrats and high-ranking soldiers in the peace process and offers protection for those involved in it and the struggle against terrorism.

Other items aim to ease the comeback and rehabilitation of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) militants on the mountains.

It puts a special emphasis on young people, especially under-aged members, on condition that they are not involved in clashes.

It also projects speeding up the forensic process regarding PKK inmates with health problems, paving the way for freedom to some.

However, a HDP demand on the regulations in pace with the European Charter of Local Self Government would offer a federalist framework by its nature, but is reportedly not included in the package.