The 24th General Assembly of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), held in the Dutch city of Venlo under the slogan “Democratic National Unity” continues on its second day.

 

The second day opened with a discussion titled “National Conference.” Following a statement by the presidium regarding the purpose of the meeting, delegates took turns speaking and presenting proposals for the work to be carried out toward a national conference.

 

Speaking at the meeting, KCK (Kurdistan Communities Union) Executive Council Member and KNK member Zübeyir Aydar stated that they would organize an action and a panel discussion in Lausanne as part of the anniversary commemorations and protests against the Treaty of Lausanne, which sanctioned the partition of the Kurdish people.

 

Aydar noted that rather than being a discussion focused on the past, the panel would address the present and future of the Kurdish people, emphasizing that Kurds have already debated the past century for many years.

 

Aydar stressed that the discussions at the center of the panel and actions to be held in Lausanne would focus primarily on “national unity and what we should do in the coming century.”

 

'KNK WILL OF COURSE RENEW AND DEVELOP ITSELF 

 

Zübeyir Aydar stated: “The efforts toward national unity that have been raised during the KNK General Assembly meeting are on all of our agendas and are among our priorities. However, for this unity to be achieved, everyone present here, our guests, representatives of institutions, intellectuals, and all prominent figures must exert pressure on Kurdish political parties. Public pressure and consensus that transcends party lines must be established. Such pressure may bring all parties together at a common point and help achieve national unity. Today, the enemies of the Kurdish people want to impose a second Lausanne on the Kurds. The situation is extremely serious. There is no guarantee that what is happening today in Rojava (West Kurdistan) will not happen in Bashur (South Kurdistan) as well; indeed, serious dangers are emerging there too. Regardless of party affiliation, we must all apply pressure on the parties. This pressure will compel them toward national unity. KNK was established precisely for this purpose and continues its work accordingly. Today, a decision will be made regarding the national conference, and a commission will be formed. Depending on the progress and outcome of these conference efforts, KNK will of course renew and develop itself as well.”

 

Aydar continued: “As the process of unity advances, this renewal will also be reflected in every party and all Kurdish institutions. This is precisely why we must build strong pressure on all Kurdish parties to achieve the national unity that we have been discussing here for the past two days. Such a step will both consolidate the achievements of Rojava, eliminate threats directed at Bashur, and positively influence the process in Bakur (North Kurdistan). In Rojhilat (East Kurdistan), it will open a new chapter. We can overcome these threats against our people through unity and a common political approach.”

 

MESSAGE OF DEMOCRATIC UNITY INITIATIVE 

 

Following Aydar’s speech, a message sent to the KNK General Assembly by the Democratic Unity Initiative was read.

 

In its message, the Democratic Unity Initiative stated: “The Kurdistan National Congress set out 27 years ago with the aim of building national unity. Indeed, KNK heard the voice of Ehmedê Xanî echoing across centuries and, through its unique efforts, further strengthened our people’s hope for unity. KNK has served as a bridge of unity between the four parts of Kurdistan and the diaspora and has played an important role in the development of internal diplomacy.”

 

Stating that “Our patriotic people must welcome the new era in the four parts of Kurdistan and in the diaspora with a national stance, an organized society, and democratic unity,” the Initiative added: “Moreover, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s Call for Peace and Democratic Society is of great importance for a new future. Mr. Öcalan’s freedom and demands stand out as a red line not only for the current process but also for Kurdish national unity. Therefore, if we can build a broad-based unity in Kurdistan, Mr. Öcalan’s hand will undoubtedly become stronger, and the entire world will better understand that the Kurdish people are a major actor in their own region and cannot be ignored.”

 

Emphasizing that “It is the time for unity,” the Initiative continued: “However, it must be noted that the Kurdish people have reached this stage by paying a heavy price. Nothing has come easily, and no achievement has been gained cheaply. On this occasion, we respectfully commemorate all martyrs of the freedom struggle and all volunteers of Kurdish unity. We would also like to tell our sisters and brothers participating in this meeting that the Democratic Unity Initiative directly embraces the legacy of KNK and will continue to uphold this sacred legacy at all times.”