Following Abdullah Öcalan’s Peace and Democratic Society Call on 27 February, the PKK held its 12th Congress and decided to end its armed struggle. The Kurdish Freedom Movement held a symbolic disarmament ceremony at the Casene Cave near Sulaymaniyah on 11 July and later, on 26 October, announced the withdrawal of its forces from Turkey.

 

Birlik stated that the peace process could only progress with the participation of all peoples of Turkey, not just the Kurds.

 

‘ABDULLAH ÖCALAN REMAINS AT THE SAME POINT’

 

Noting that Öcalan has long analysed the Kurdish issue in its historical context, Birlik said that the Turkish state’s mindset has not changed since the founding of the Kurdish Freedom Movement. “The leadership already said in 1993 that this issue could be resolved through democratic means, not through war or bloodshed. If he had been recognized as an interlocutor at the time, the problem could have been solved peacefully,” he said.

 

Birlik underlined that Öcalan’s position has not changed since then and added: “Through the 27 February call, he once again declared his readiness to solve this issue on democratic foundations. This is not just the Kurds’ issue, everyone in Turkey suffers from the current situation. Those who want democracy, equality, and peace must take responsibility. This call by Mr. Öcalan is a great opportunity for all peoples.”

 

‘NOT ONLY A KURDISH ISSUE’

 

Birlik warned that some forces are trying to resolve the matter through repression, as in the past. He said: “There are those who profit from this conflict. Everyone who believes in peace, brotherhood, and equality must strengthen their unity. This is not solely a Kurdish issue, without lasting democracy, Turkey’s broader problems cannot be solved. Those who spread racism and hostility pose a great danger. Those who seek peace must act together to prevent sabotage of the process.”

 

‘THE COMMISSION HAS NOT VISITED IMRALI’

 

Recalling the steps taken by the Kurdish Freedom Movement between Öcalan’s February call and the October withdrawal, Birlik described them as proof of good faith and a genuine desire for peace. Birlik stressed: “Now the state must also take steps to build public confidence. Mr. Öcalan has always been the one who moved the process forward, but his conditions must be improved. Across the world, peace processes begin by improving the conditions of the key interlocutors. Yet the parliamentary commission still has not gone to İmralı for a meeting, this is a major shortcoming. How can a solution be achieved if the commission does not meet with the main party to the issue?”

 

Birlik stressed that the first step must be improving Öcalan’s conditions and enabling his participation in dialogue. Birlik concluded: “Conditions must be created for a real peace opportunity. The Kurdish Freedom Movement has already made its move, but as Devlet Bahçeli himself said, ‘a peace bird cannot fly with one wing.’ One wing represents Mr Ocalan and the movement and it is strong and ready. The other wing, the state’s side, remains empty. We call on the state to approach this issue seriously and sincerely. This is a matter that will determine the future peace of both the Turkish and Kurdish peoples. If genuine steps are taken, this process can succeed.”

 

MA / Melik Varol – Fethi Balaman