VAN - The members of the Van Peace Mothers Council stated that they had witnessed the war for years and said that for peace, PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan must be free.

 

Standing against the war with their white scarves symbolizing peace, the Peace Mothers Council is fighting against the war and rights violations that has escalated in the region. Saying that the war deepened by the AKP-MHP alliance must be ended, the Peace Mothers stated that the isolation imposed on PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan lies at the root of the chaos.

 

HOW LONG WILLT HE WAR CONTINUE

 

Xecê Akdoğan (48), who was forced to immigrate from Hakkari's Yüksekova district to Van in 1996 due to the war, stated that she and all her family members, especially herself, felt the destructiveness of the war. Expressing that the oppression she witnessed in the 90s continues, Akdoğan stated that she joined the Peace Mothers Assembly to stand against the oppression policies of the state. Akdoğan said, “I joined the council so that our steps would lead to peace. I don't think any mother would be in favor of bloodshed. We will fight against it. Because the war is still going on. I condemn this war. How long will they continue this war?"

 

ÖCALAN'S ROLE

 

Expressing that Öcalan also advocates an "honourable peace", Akdoğan stated that their demands are the same. Emphasizing that the isolation on Öcalan must end, Akdoğan said, "Everyone knows that there will be no solution without Öcalan."

 

Another mother in the Peace Mothers Council, Perişan Aslan (64), had to migrate from Şırnak to Van in the 90s due to state oppression. Stating that she is fighting for freedom and peace, Aslan said, “Our houses were burned, they displaced us. We have been persecuted for years. We are fighting against this with our white scarves. I have been fighting for peace as a woman and a mother for 19 years." Aslan said, “The burden that mothers put on their shoulders is very heavy” and added that they will carry this burden despite everything.

 

SILENCE IN THE FACE OF CHEMICAL WEAPONS

 

Stating that they did not give up on the values ​​they believed in despite many pressures such as police brutality, detentions and arrests, Aslan said, “There is a war that has been going on for years. It is said that chemical weapons were used in wars. Today, there are those who fight for animal rights and environmental rights, but no one speaks against the use of chemical weapons.”

 

KEY TO PEACE

 

Pointing out that the isolation imposed on Öcalan is the biggest obstacle to peace, Aslan said, "Öcalan holds the key to peace." Stating that Öcalan has legal rights, Aslan said that he should be free as soon as possible.

 

MA / Dindar Karatas