Tongues and words, the modes of expression these can create, such as moderation, patience and sincerity of intention -- without these, how can you settle the most important issue of Turkey?There has been bloodshed for the last 25 years. Some derive certain benefits from this bloodshed. Ergenekon operates with unresolved murders, assassinations and bomb attacks. Lives are claimed and mothers mourn for their lost children. Everyone says that “it must be settled,” but when they are invited to give some serious thought to settlement, you find the walls of the status quo rise up to meet you.
These walls can only be overcome by the sincerity of the advocates of settlement. Those who are sincere should keep their tongues in check and pay attention to what they say. Tongues and words are two golden keys today. It is easy to say, “Let us be sisters and brother and let us not be divided,” but are you ready to stand like true men and be sisters and brothers in your hearts? It is easy to say, “Let us be equal citizens of this country,” but are you ready to waive your haughtiness and the illegal facilities, status and authorities you hold?
We have reiterated so many times in the past that an overall perspective should be adopted with respect to the Kurdish issue. Terrorism cannot be stopped, and people cannot be prevented from going to the mountains in revolt. The support the people in these regions give to the pro-Kurdish political parties, which are nothing but Stalinist leftist parties supporting the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), is increasing. This means that there is not only a terrorism issue at hand. Separatism actually stems from the lack of settlement of the problem. Yes, there is a problem that we must settle as soon as possible. Even former chiefs of general staff have admitted that they have done wrong. Almost every day it is reasserted that there are social, cultural and economic aspects of the issue other than security. We have said this so many times: Why don't/can't you settle it then?
Mr. Devlet Bahçeli and Mr. Deniz Baykal are speaking without restraint. The harshness of their hearts is reflected in the furious tones and the words uttered coarsely. Harsh criticisms are voiced, but when they are asked, “What is your solution?” they go into utter silence. They mumble in speech. I don't want to say this, but the fact that these two parties obtained only 3 or 5 percent in total in the eastern and southeastern provinces is making them go wild. Disappointed with Kurdish citizens, they seek shelter in nationalist heroism. But they should know that they are hurting Kurdish citizens. The language they use is bitter and ruthless. They seem to forget that one can cause greater damage with one's tongue. They forget that the tongue is a small organ that can create big problems.
Why do people who govern the country and who have responsibilities not pay attention to their words? Words may bring about peace or war.
Why do institutions and their heads not want to stay within the borders set out by the Constitution for them? Why do they want to have the final say? Take the case of the military for instance. Five days ago they discussed these matters at the National Security Council (MGK). They have undersigned a statement jointly with civilians. Why do they then engage in these debates and respond to politicians? Are they trying to say, “Do not talk in vain as we will have the final say in this country”? Which military officials should we listen to: those who speak during the MGK meetings or those who penned the e-memorandum of April 27, 2007 and who assert that they will have the final say in press conferences or statements which are rarities in democratic countries?
The source of the problems in this country is the lack of sincerity with respect to democracy. If everyone keeps his/her word or acts on his/her word, then should anything more be said?
This is for the executives of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party). Know everyone well. Do not believe in every word. Continue to speak from the heart, but do not falter. If your tongue becomes bitter, you will lose. So keep your language in check. Your initiative has served to show us who is who in this arena. For now, concentrate on your work.
As seen with the Ergenekon case, the status quo is resisting and will continue to do so. There is one way out: to step up democratization, focus on the EU membership process, and accelerate the race for providing better services to the people through economic improvements. Do not waste your time bickering with those who put obstacles in your way.
