Participating in the Gever programme of the ‘Social Peace and Freedom Meetings’ initiated by the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and Peoples‘ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) to discuss the messages coming out of the talks with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, members of the Peace Mothers’ Assembly emphasised the need for concrete steps to be taken.

 

Emine Engüdar underlined that the İmralı talks will bring peace to the peoples and that these talks should be continued. Emine Engüdar said, "Important promises have been made and we believe in these promises. On the one hand, there are discourses of peace, on the other hand, attacks against Rojava continue. Mothers, children and theatre actors are being killed. The moment the word peace comes out of their mouths, they appoint trustees. This is not enough, they arrest journalists. When we take all these into consideration, a distrust emerges. On the one hand, peace rhetoric is being made, on the other hand, the government continues to wage war. While everyone in the country wants peace, the government is still in favour of war." 

 

Pointing out that the way to peace is through the freedom of PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Emine Engüdar said that unless the isolation is lifted, there can be no peace. Emine Engüdar added,  "When Mr Öcalan is free, then we can talk about peace. Because the provider of peace is Öcalan himself. May all mothers be in favour of peace and freedom."

 

‘THE KEY TO PEACE IS OUR LEADER’

 

Gülbeyaz Mıhçı stated that as Peace Mothers, they defended peace despite all the pain and grief and underlined that this process should be utilised well. Gülbeyaz Mıhçı said, "They wanted to start a process but they still insist on war. Abdullah Öcalan was always in favour of peace and the key to peace was always in his hands. However, the government has always pursued policies to disrupt the peace environment by setting up various games. They have been maintaining their power with war for years. The key to peace is our leader (Abdullah Öcalan), and the place of our leader is clear. An honourable peace can always be possible." 

 

Gülbeyaz Mıhçı stated that all peoples should join hands and accelerate this process and added, "February is a black month for us. Any sound of peace that may come in this month is important for us. Although they have shaken our confidence, this black month of February can turn into light. The government must not remain silent and must take steps. We call on everyone to support the steps taken for peace."

 

Saadet Doğma said that they ware hopeful about the negotiations and adding, "We are also waiting for steps from the government. On the one hand they say peace, on the other hand they continue genocide. We want an honourable and reliable peace. Government must carry out this process in a transparent manner, not by stalling."

  

Gişver Geylani noted that they believe in the philosophy and power of Abdullah Öcalan and said, "We believe in both our people and our leader. We have been waging a struggle with this belief for years. Concrete steps need to be taken. First of all, this isolation must be lifted."