Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on 27 February and the PKK’s decision to end armed struggle remain on the agenda. 

 

The call and decision, which is seen as "the beginning of a new era", is supported by many segments of society. Local associations are also among those who support the call.

 

Emphasizing that the process should be socialised Vice President of the Federation of Eastern and Southeastern Associations (DGD) Mehmet Ihsan Tas said that all non-governmental organisations should support the solution.

 

'RIGHTS SHOULD BE SECURED'

 

Reminding that Turkish Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chair Devlet Bahçeli called for the establishment of a commission in the Parliament after the PKK announced its congress decisions, Tas said, "As NGOs, we will contribute to whatever we can do."

 

Stressing political prisoners must be released as a priority with the establishment of the commission, Tas said, “We think that the prison conditions of Mr Öcalan must be changed or he must be released. It would be difficult for the messenger of peace to carry out this process within four walls. The process needs to be carried out together with the people. The rights of the Kurdish people, especially the mother tongue, should be constitutionally guaranteed. The commission needs to carry out these works in a reliable manner.”

 

'WE TRUST ÖCALAN'

 

Pointing out that thousands of people have lost their lives during the 40 years of conflict, Tas added: “Mr Öcalan constantly talks about the brotherhood of the Kurdish and Turkish people. In this emphasis on brotherhood, we trust both Mr Öcalan and the people carrying out this issue. I hope this issue will be crowned with peace. While saying this, we should not forget Sırrı Süreyya Önder. He used to say, 'I am a Kurd until this issue is resolved, after it is resolved I am a Turk'. This is why Turks and Kurds need to crown this issue with peace. Both sides were heartbroken and tears were shed."

 

'NGOS SHOULD SUPPORT'

 

Supporting the process is a “historical responsibility” said Tas and made the following call to the non-governmental organisations: “They should be behind this peace process. The issue of peace is not something to be taken lightly. Wars are always very simple, peace is not an easy matter. Peace is the most difficult. It is also your duty to contribute. You are the owner of this issue. You need to support this issue. As civil society organisations, we promise that we will support the process no matter what we can do, no matter what the cost. We call on all NGOs to support this issue."

 

MA / Abdulkadir Ayten