TEPAV/SAK: "Opening Process Cannot Be Furthered Upon Good Intentions Alone"

Diyarbakır – TEPAV Director Prof. Dr. Güven Sak stated that the democratic opening process was not successfully launched and said “However, that critical moment of confrontation has been faced one way or another. Now we must go through a period where wisdom rather than sentiments shall take the lead. Unfortunately, this process cannot be furthered upon good intentions. There is a need for leaders and experts with broad vision.”

The meeting entitled “Social, Political and Potential Economic Impacts of the Democratic Opening” was held in Diyarbakır province on November 21, 2009. Delivering a speech in the first session of the meeting titled “Democratic Opening” Prof. Dr. Sak maintained: “We learned upon bitter experiences that ignorance and denial do not solve but deepen our problems. Now along with the process of democratic opening, we are looking at the mirror for the first time. And we do not enjoy the reflection on the mirror. I believe that we are about to move in the right direction. After all, diagnosis signals the start of treatment. This way, the period of drawing the bow at a venture has ended.”

The process must be administered

Underlining that the hardest part has just begun, Sak noted that the process must be administered. Sak continued: “Unless administered, the process will advance on the basis of the steering of marginal groups. We should note that facing the truth for the very first time is a trauma. While treating the trauma led by the political decisions which prevailed until today, steps that will trigger a series of new traumas must be avoided.” Sak maintained:

“There is nothing to celebrate or to be touched by yet. But we should keep in mind that if the joy here breaks hearths in other regions of Turkey, the method of administration and leadership seem to be wrong. Such fragile processes cannot easily overcome such communication failures. The peace building process ahead will not be flawless at all. There will be people that seek to interrupt the process. Therefore, the most critical phase of the process is maintaining administrative and social patience.”

Sak pointed out that a new discourse is necessary for the solution and reconciliation and maintained that the mentioned discourse must be common in all regions of Turkey. Noting that some certain features pertaining to the nature of the peace building process must at least be accepted, Sak continued:

“This process is long-termed, hard to foresee and fragile. As a result, expectations of the society must not be raised during the process. Societal patience must be secured. Unfortunately, this process cannot be furthered upon good intentions. There is a need for leaders and experts with broad vision. Keeping dialogue channels open and talking face to face is of importance for a healthy construction of the future. We need to talk face to face and establish the common mind in all parts of the country and upon participation. Dialogue mechanisms used by stakeholders at local and central level must be sustainable.

Timing of the use of political tools is critical for this process. At the first stage, concrete micro steps must be taken instead of addressing complicated issues. Avoiding political steps that will lead to social polarization and handling social policy and economy related issues first will be a wiser strategy.

Rules of negotiation must be set. Concrete outcomes can only be reached if the process is carried on upon the negotiation of the legitimate actors of democracy in a climate free from any violence.”

Hopes about the future must be strengthened

Sak emphasized that the top priority of the democratic opening process must be enhancing region’s hopes and expectations about the future and added: “I believe we can start with applicable policy areas rather than telling great stories. Considering the long run, North Ireland experience is of importance in proving the significance of economic policies in the peace building process. Spanish experience is quite informing in terms of the contribution of legal and constitutional arrangements. We, on the other hand, start out with small steps.” Pointing out the importance of legal arrangements concerning terror crimes at young age; steps in areas of health and judiciary as well as public services; and education in modern language, Sak stated that such steps building confidence and hopes must be maximized at the first stage.

Economic developments can accelerate political process

TEPAV Director Sak maintained that it is easier to take confidence and hope building steps in the field of economy. Sak said: “Economic cannot replace politics in the solution of problems; but it can accelerate and facilitate the political process” and added:

“We need the facilitation by the economics in the elimination of regional disparities, and in the design and implementation of social policies proving of importance of the people of the region. When confronting the problems, Turkey has to discover the local and execute participative decision making mechanisms. In this context, a participative public administration reform that includes delegation of authority to local stakeholders is necessary. What we have to acknowledge now are local development initiatives, along with the decisiveness to make and implement decisions jointly and the ability of organization.

Concerning concrete recommendations for the steps in the field of economics, the dynamism of the North Iraqi market in particular is an opportunity for the region. Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian markets shall be targeted. With this respect, physical and legal infrastructure for cross border trade must be improved. Idle border gates must be opened and modernized; and border trade law must be effectuated.

In order to ameliorate the investment climate, affected adversely by the milieu of terrorism, incentive policy tools must be used efficiently. Concrete steps must be taken including the provision of investment allowances, extension of terms of incentives, and provision of long-term and low-interest credits for investors seeking to move their factories from other provinces.”

Decisive and strong political leadership is a prerequisite

“Despite all, I am optimistic. In fact, this is why I am here” said Prof. Dr. Sak, and finished: “The industry developing on this region is unique among other countries of the region. Turkey is unique over the region from Italy to China. This integral and large market is the cornerstone of Turkey’s industry. This country has a job, subsistence, tolerance, and self-esteem for everyone. What this country needs is a decisive and powerful political leadership both at local and national level.”