Kerim Yildiz

Sevgili Sırrı, ṣimdi bariș daha yakin....

The moment is right-the state now has an opportunity to look forward rather than backward in its public communications.

CHP’s refusal, “understandably” notwithstanding, the visit itself is a significant step forward for Turkiye and its implications, particularly for Syria.

The parliamentary commission’s decision to send a delegation to meet the PKK leader is a major new step in further recognition and resolution of the Kurdish issues and an important shift towards its settlement.

He reminded us that peace “is always a work in progress,” warning against slowing momentum and highlighting the importance of talking to all sides throughout the process.

He spoke about the visible and hidden dimensions of conflict and peace, explaining that reporting requires engaging with all sides and that trust is built through accuracy and credibility.

Brian Rowan reflected on his experience reporting from Northern Ireland, noting that journalism is a constant effort to distinguish reality from political spin and to focus on informing rather than persuading.

Our first speaker is Brian Rowan, author, commentator and former BBC correspondent in Belfast. With decades of experience reporting from within the Northern Ireland conflict and peace process, he offers insight into how media shapes dialogue.

He concluded by emphasising the importance of accurate, responsible journalism and thoughtful language in helping societies move forward and strengthen peace.

The local media in Northern Ireland were extremely careful to ensure accuracy, fully aware that false reporting could put lives at risk. They were often far more cautious and responsible than outlets, particularly tabloids, based in London.

Our second speaker was Owen Bowcott, journalist and former legal affairs correspondent and Ireland correspondent for the Guardian. With years covering Northern Ireland’s conflict and peace process, he reflected on justice, truth, and the importance of language in reconciliation.

Demokratik Gelişim Enstitüsü’nün (DPI) İstanbul’da düzenlediği “Barış Süreçlerinde Dilin Önemi ve Medyanın Rolü” çalıştayına katıldım. Çalıştayda, Gazeteciler Brian Rowan ve Owen Bowcott da Kuzey İrlanda deneyimlerini paylaştı. Bu vesileyle DPI İcra Kurulu Başkanı Kerim Yıldız ve ekibine çalışmalarında başarılar diliyor, barışa yapılan her katkıyı kıymetli bulduğumu ifade etmek istiyorum. Gazetecilerin, hakikatten ayrılmaması ve hangi gerekçeyle olursa olsun haberi saklamaması dileğiyle, umuduyla…

📍Malatya 2 yıl sonra bugün, nasıl bir Malatya... Bu paylaşımı burada sabitliyoruz ve taahhütlerimizde kendimizi bağlamış oluyoruz. Ki 2 yıl sonra bugün (1 Kasım 2026) kimseye mahcup olmayalım... Vesselam...

İlk konuşmacımız İrlanda Adalet ve Eşitlik Bakanlığı eski Müsteşarı Tim Dalton. Silahların devre dışı bırakılması, paramiliter mahkumlarla ilgili düzenlemeler ve güvenlik alanındaki reformların hayata geçirilmesinde rol oynayan Dalton, deneyimlerini paylaşıyor.

İkinci konuşmacımız, Kuzey İrlanda barış süreci ve Hayırlı Cuma Anlaşması döneminin İrlanda Başbakanı Bertie Ahern. Ahern, İrlanda sürecinde silahsızlanma ve güvenlik geçiş süreci üzerine deneyimlerini paylaşıyor.

Joining the afternoon session, Chair of the Oireachtas Foreign Affairs Committee John Lahart TD welcomed the Commission members to Dublin, wishing them well and noting that Ireland is pleased to share its peace process experiences with its friends in Türkiye. @JohnLahart

Dermot Ahern said that throughout the peace process they frequently faced the problem of “spoilers,” but that whenever a terrible event occurred, they persistently and resolutely continued their peace efforts and negotiations.

Our first speaker is Tim Dalton, former Secretary General at Ireland’s Department of Justice and Equality. Dalton is discussing how the NI peace process managed the complex legal and political issues of decommissioning and the reintegration of former combatants.

Dermot Ahern recalled that the Taoiseach had asked him to take part in secret talks with the IRA, warning that if news of the meetings leaked, he would deny everything. Ahern noted that it was a politically risky assignment that could have ended his career if exposed at the time.

Tim Dalton emphasises how the language used in such processes should avoid undermining the process itself or damaging relations between the parties and the broader social engagement.