Nationalist Party MHP declines talks with CHP until ‘terror-free Türkiye’ initiative stance

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Deputy Chairman Ismail Ozdemir announced that the party has decided not to engage in discussions with the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) until further clarity is provided on their stance regarding the ‘terror-free Türkiye’ initiative.

The decision follows remarks made by CHP Party Assembly Member Ali Haydar Firat during a television broadcast.

MHP’s stance on the issue

In a statement posted on social media, Ozdemir criticized Firat’s comments and accused the CHP of lacking a clear stance on the matter. “MHP and the People’s Alliance have a clear, transparent, and firm stance on the goal of a ‘Terror-Free Türkiye.’ The CHP Party Assembly member failed to provide a consistent answer on behalf of his party when questioned about the issue. This aligns with the stance of previous CHP officials as well,” Ozdemir stated.

He further stated, “This decision aligns with the stance of our chairman, Devlet Bahceli.”

The stance of the MHP and the People’s Alliance on our goal of a terror-free Türkiye is very clear, clean and unambiguous.

The fact that the CHP party assembly member could not give a consistent answer on behalf of his party to the question we asked about the issue in the program was an attitude that confirmed all the CHP officials before him. The CHP aims to distract the public with empty concepts and inconsistent sentences.

For this reason, as the Nationalist Movement Party, we would like to share with the esteemed public that we will not have any contact with the CHP regarding this issue until it clarifies its stance and opinion regarding the goal of a Terror-Free Türkiye and clearly states its stance on the issue of an independent Kurdistan, and that our esteemed Chairman also wishes this.

MHP Deputy Chairman Ismail Ozdemir

MHP’s criticism of main opposition’s position, remarks from CHP

Ozdemir also gave reference to Firat’s remarks on live television, asserting that they were unacceptable to the Turkish public. “Ali Haydar Firat must clearly answer whether the CHP supports the establishment of an independent Kurdistan under the guise of democratization,” he said.

“The question remains: Does the CHP advocate for a divided Türkiye? Until their position is clarified, we will not initiate dialogue with them,” Ozdemir concluded.

In a social media post on X, CHP Party Assembly Member Ali Haydar Firat stated: “Our country is going through the most important process in our history. From the beginning of this process, I have expressed the following on every platform with the same sincerity and consistency.”

“Mr. Devlet Bahceli’s move is historic; it must definitely be embraced and supported. This important call cannot be kept silent, it cannot be watched from afar. I have resolutely supported it on every platform and will continue to do so. Each of our citizens has a great patriotic duty to save Türkiye from terrorism. The success of this process is vital for the unity of our nation and the uniqueness of our state,” Firat said.

“Once the terrorism problem is solved, there will be no unsolvable problem left in our country. The holy trinity of our Republic is the unity of the state, the unity of the nation, and the indivisible integrity of the country. We have to ensure the broadest unity within the country to protect our country and our nation from the ring of fire right next to us,” he added.

“The priority and urgency is for the terrorist organization to unconditionally lay down its arms. Everyone should raise their voices and take a clear stance on this issue. The fractures in world geopolitics force us to be much more careful and strong. Our state and nation have this courage, democratic knowledge, administrative intelligence, and the capacity to direct events,” Firat concluded.

Context: PKK’s disarmament announcement

The MHP’s decision comes amid significant developments regarding the terrorist organization PKK. Following repeated calls from MHP leader Devlet Bahceli and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, PKK ringleader Abdullah Ocalan recently called for the group’s dissolution and a cessation of armed activities in October 2024.

In his statement in late February, Ocalan acknowledged the broader political climate and urged the PKK to convene a congress to formalize its disbandment.

“In light of the current political landscape, including the commitment expressed by President Erdogan and the broader consensus among political parties, I assume the historical responsibility of calling for the PKK to lay down arms.”

Shortly after Ocalan’s statement, the PKK’s so-called Executive Committee confirmed that they would comply with the call and implement the necessary steps for disarmament.