Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) MPs Sırrı Süreyya Önder and Pervin Buldan published a 7-point message after meeting with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan in İmralı Prison on 28 December. The message, which reflected Abdullah Öcalan's views and evaluations, said, "The events in Gaza and Syria have shown that the resolution of this issue, which external interventions attempt to turn into a chronic problem, can no longer be delayed. The contributions and proposals of the opposition are also crucial for achieving a solution proportional to the seriousness of this issue. This is a time for peace, democracy, and brotherhood for Turkey and the region."

Ahmet Yaman, who stayed with Abdullah Öcalan in Italy during the international conspiracy and is currently the Foreign Affairs Spokesperson of the Swiss Kurdish Assembly, evaluated the 7-point message from İmralı. Drawing attention to the emphasis on "strengthening the Turkish-Kurdish brotherhood" in the message, Yaman said: "Mr Öcalan's positive attitude towards peace between Kurds and Turks on a democratic basis is not new. For years, he has been based on an approach aiming for social peace. In the face of global developments, the situation in the region, the recent developments in the Middle East and the suffering of the peoples, the brotherhood of the peoples is essential. In this context, I believe that Mr Öcalan has shown the right approach."

 

Stating that the developments in the Middle East are also linked to Turkey, Yaman said, "The developments in the Middle East bring with them a very serious crisis. Kurds, Turks, Arabs and Persians are the main peoples of the Middle East. The solution of the Kurdish issue actually means the democratisation of the entire Middle East. The geopolitical position of the country now dictates a solution. It is clear that failure to achieve social peace will bring greater disasters."

 

"What Mr Öcalan calls 'paradigm' means reconciliation and peace between Kurdish and Turkish society" said Yaman and added, "Kurdish and Turkish society should see this as a great opportunity. In other words, if this chance is not utilised in this context, the sufferings, conflicts and crises that have been experienced for years will deepen and become unmanageable. At this point, it is out of the question to find the style and methods of some media organizations and individuals correct. The meetings of the DEM Party with the opposition parties are extremely important. The talks will continue in the direction outlined by Mr Öcalan. Therefore, the ruling and opposition parties should embrace this issue with all hands."

 

'ALL PEOPLES SHOULD EMBRACE IT'

 

Yaman also evaluated the approaches of the opposition parties to the process. Yaman stated that the CHP's narrow approach to the process and its perception of the events as an "election strategy" eliminated the possibility of peace. Yaman said, "The CHP's approach to the process is a bit interesting. It sees it as a process initiated for Erdoğan to become president again in the elections. If it were so, the DEM Party delegation would not have gone and met with the CHP. There is absolutely no such condition."

 

Noting that all peoples and beliefs should be included in the process, Yaman continued, "Mr Öcalan is a person who values the Turkish society and other beliefs and sects as much as he values the Kurdish society. I am one of the close witnesses of how much he wants peace at every opportunity. Therefore, all peoples should embrace the new paradigm that will be formed. It is necessary to believe that this process must succeed. This time the process is different. Societies no longer have the power to endure. I call on everyone to support and believe in Leader Apo. We have full faith in Mr Öcalan in this regard, we trust him."

 

MA / Ferhat Sezgin