Turkish officials call for dialogue with veterans and martyrs' families

Oktay Saral, Presidential Advisor, has called for improved communication between the state and veterans and families of martyrs. Saral emphasized that while not every demand must be met, the state should establish a “sincere bridge of hearts” so that these citizens do not have to struggle to find interlocutors for their grievances.

Erdem Çerçioğlu, President of the Association of Martyrs' Families and Veterans, responded positively to Saral’s remarks, noting that the group had previously felt ignored. Çerçioğlu reported a perceived softening in the government's stance following a meeting between veterans and Ankara Governor Yakup Canpolat.

The veterans, who have been holding a sit-in protest in Ankara's Kurtuluş Park for 47 days, are seeking equal personal rights regardless of rank. During the meeting with the Governor, assurances were reportedly given that efforts would be made to rectify perceived injustices regarding rights for those who served between 1990 and 2000.