Within the scope of the "Peace and Democratic Society Process" initiated for the solution of the Kurdish issue, the "Peace and Democratic Society Group" consisting of 30 people destroyed their weapons on 11 July in the Şikefta Casenê (Jasene Cave) region in the countryside of Sulaymaniyah in the Federated Kurdistan Region. The ceremony was watched by many representatives of civil society organisations, human rights defenders, journalists and politicians.

 

Ramazan Arı, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of Şêx Seîd Education, Culture and Solidarity Association, who was among those who watched the ceremony, evaluated the steps to be taken within the process.

 

Stating that they watched the ceremony with great excitement, Arı emphasised that there was an emotional atmosphere. Stating that no one could control their emotions when the guerrillas came down the stairs, Arı said: "There was a very emotional atmosphere. They made their statements and left. The process has come to a point, we knew the power of Mr Öcalan, we saw it once again with the ceremony. We thank everyone who led the process separately."

 

MESSAGE OF UNITY

 

Arı said that the ceremony also created the unity of Kurds: "The unity among Kurds made us happy. Part of the establishment and purpose of our association is to ensure unity and solidarity. We saw that atmosphere at the ceremony. Kurds were in unity and solidarity." 

 

'RIGHTS MUST BE SECURED'

 

Emphasising that constitutional arrangements should be made for the process, "The urgent step to be taken is constitutional amendment. Parliament should convene as soon as possible and make constitutional amendments. Those who lay down their weapons cannot come to Turkey with the current Constitution. No one should deceive anyone. All Kurdish rights and demands must be constitutionally guaranteed as soon as possible, and those who lay down their arms must be able to come to Turkey," he said. 

 

Drawing attention to the ever-increasing wars in the Middle East, Arı stated that Turkey will also be affected by this: "For this, Turkey has to unite with the Kurds. It has no other choice. They have realised this, we guess so. I hope they will take the necessary steps with the realisation of this."

 

'100 YEARS OF ANNIHILATION MUST END'

 

Stating that they are ready to do their duties as an association in the context of the process, Arı emphasised that the policies of annihilation, denial and assimilation must end: "We can be a negotiator as an association. We are always ready to put our hands under the stone for unity, brotherhood, peace and justice. This process is a 100-year process that started with Şêx Seîd and his friends and has come to these days." 

 

MA / Fethi Balaman