MERSIN - Mehmetali Oral, co-chair of the Çukurova GÖÇ-DER, warned that escalating conflicts in the Middle East could trigger new migration waves and said the solution proposed by Abdullah Öcalan is not only for Turkey and the Middle East but for the entire world.

 

The attacks by Israel and the US against Iran, along with rising tensions and conflicts in the region, have raised concerns about new waves of migration. The Migration Research Platform conducted an investigation on 7 March at the Kapıköy Border Gate in the Serav (Saray) district of Wan (Van), located on the Iranian border. 

 

Mehmetali Oral, Co-Chair of Çukurova GÖÇ-DER, who was part of the delegation, spoke about the effects of forced migration caused by the wars in the Middle East and Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s proposals for a solution based on “peace and a democratic society” in the face of the risk of regional war.

 

‘PEOPLE PAY THE PRICE OF WAR’

 

Oral emphasized that wars in the Middle East often lead to forced displacement. Oral noted that the human cost of wars in the region is largely borne by displaced civilians. “Every war in the Middle East forces people to leave their homes,” he said, recalling that millions were displaced during conflicts in Iraq and Syria.

 

Oralsaid recent developments in Iran could potentially lead to similar migration patterns. Oral stated that in the border gate has not yet been a major migration movement. He said: “Currently, there is no serious mobility. Most crossings appear to be for trade purposes.”

 

He added that Iranian visitors traditionally travel to Van during the Newroz holiday period for tourism and shopping. He added however, local businesses reported a sharp decline in visitors from Iran since the beginning of the tensions. “Shopkeepers say arrivals from Iran have dropped by nearly 90 percent,” Oral said.

 

‘ABDULLAH ÖCALAN’S SOLUTION IS THE RIGHT PATH FOR THE MIDDLE EAST’

 

Oral emphasized that the political process initiated by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan is not limited to Turkey. “Öcalan’s perspective is not restricted to the Middle East either. He speaks about establishing democratic systems across the world,” he said.

 

Referring to Iran’s political structure, Oral argued that the lack of democracy contributes to instability: “If internal peace and democratic governance had been established, perhaps Iran would not have entered such conflicts today.”

 

He said the framework proposed by Abdullah Öcalan, based on “peace and democratic society”,  could provide a viable path for the Middle East. “Looking at history, wars have existed in the Middle East for thousands of years. The presence of water and oil in the region has constantly drawn global powers here,” he said.

 

CALL FOR BROAD SOCIAL SUPPORT

 

Oral also stressed that all sectors of society must support the current political process. Oral said: “In such processes, you are essentially moving toward a transformation similar to a regime change by trying to establish democracy.”

 

He called on political parties, trade unions, professional chambers, and civil society organizations to contribute to the process. “Abdullah Öcalan is presenting a framework for organizing society. We believe that with public support this process can lead to a stronger and more democratic country,” he said and added: “If this succeeds, it may also pave the way for lasting social peace.”

 

MA / Abdulkadir Ayten