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Türkiye’s National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission held its second meeting Friday under tight security and complete confidentiality, as the country explores a roadmap for a “terror-free Türkiye.”
The session began with a unanimous vote to designate the meeting as fully confidential. Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus announced that no information would be shared externally and that official transcripts would be sealed for 10 years.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin were scheduled to deliver presentations during the closed session.
The meeting began with a short media-accessible portion, during which Guler, Yerlikaya, and Kalin entered the hall together, greeting each lawmaker individually. Speaker Kurtulmus arrived shortly after and personally greeted all commission members.
Kurtulmus described the commission as a historic step, stating: “With the declaration that the terrorist organization has disbanded itself, we are now facing a rare opportunity to ensure that arms and conflict are no longer part of our national discourse.”
He emphasized that discussions must be carried out with full transparency among members, noting the commission represents 98% of the Turkish electorate. “Open and sometimes heated debates may occur, but they will reflect our shared commitment to national unity,” he said.
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The session was unanimously declared “tam kapalilik,” meaning fully closed to the public and press. Kurtulmus elaborated:
“All discussions will be transcribed but will not be released — even to commission members — for 10 years. Nothing said in this room shall be shared outside, under any circumstances.”
Shortly after these remarks, journalists were asked to leave the room. The rest of the meeting continued behind closed doors with electronic jamming systems activated to prevent leaks.
Kurtulmus said the formation of the commission was a direct response to a declaration from Imrali Island, where the leader of the PKK is imprisoned, stating the group had decided to disarm and dissolve itself.
“The commission was established to explore how the legislative process can support this transition and what legal frameworks are required,” he said. “Our job is to guide the Parliament in preparing and submitting relevant legislative steps to the General Assembly.”
He praised the first session for setting a strong foundation, highlighting that all initial decisions were made unanimously: “The first button has been fastened correctly,” he remarked, referencing a Turkish idiom.
In the closed portion of the meeting, ministers and the intelligence chief were expected to brief lawmakers on the latest security and intelligence developments related to the disarmament process.
“These are the individuals who have carefully monitored the situation from the beginning,” Kurtulmus said. “They will share their insights on how Türkiye can enter a post-terror era.”
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