Echoes of the talks with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan, who is being held in isolation in İmralı Type F High Security Closed Prison, continue. Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Istanbul Provincial co-chair Gonca Yangöz and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Marmara Bureau Executive Eşref Yaşar made evaluations on the talks with Abdullah Öcalan and the developments afterwards. 

 

 

Gonca Yangöz reminded that the DEM Party's talks with Abdullah Öcalan called on many sectors to include the peoples of Turkey in the process and noted that the road map put forward by Abdullah Öcalan is an important compass in the solution of the Kurdish issue. Gonca Yangöz said, "The 7-point declaration presented by Abdullah Öcalan actually offers a very important road map on how to take this process forward. We are the ones who suffer the most in the peace issue. As long as the war continues in the country, femicide, poverty, nature destruction and gender destruction continue on an equal footing. In order to exist in the areas we are in, we are and should be making efforts to ensure an anti-war and lasting peace."

 

Gonca Yangöz emphasised that the talks with İmralı must now be on a legal level and the Kurdish language must be given a status. 

 

‘SOCIETY MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY’

 

 

Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Marmara Bureau Executive Eşref Yaşar stated that the talks with Abdullah Öcalan must be formalised and the state srio take reassuring steps in this regard. Emphasising that the biggest test of sincerity on the solution of the Kurdish issue is in the parliament, which manifests the will of the peoples, Yaşar said, "But so far we have not witnessed the slightest discussion on the solution of the Kurdish issue on the parliamentary ground. These are problems. In the dialogues held, there is a 7-point road map that Abdullah Öcalan presented to the peoples by taking a great initiative. The state needs to take responsibility for this. Everyone should listen to the voice coming out of İmralı."

 

Emphasising that the Kurdish people expect seriousness from the state regarding the talks, Yaşar said that the state should abandon the language of denial, destruction and war. Stating that it is important to use a positive and solution-based language, Yaşar said, "If there is a serious approach by the government and the state, this will be reflected in social reality and the foundation of a democratic transformation will be laid. The peoples suffer the most in the war caused by the Kurdish issue. All dynamics in Turkey need to unite around the solution offered by Abdullah Öcalan. All social circles that have been victimised by this problem or that want a change must be approached seriously and united. This is not a problem that can be solved by the state or Mr Abdullah Öcalan alone. Mr Abdullah Öcalan is aware of this reality. Because he realises this, he has pointed to a 7-point solution perspective. The society must take a role and responsibility in this issue as soon as possible." 

 

Reminding that Kurds demand their rights as a people, Yaşar added, "As Kurds, we want our identity and language. We want the return of our own cultural reality. These have been usurped. This is the most natural right and cannot be negotiated. Were there democratic conditions, dialogue and negotiation grounds for a solution, but the Kurds refused? As DBP, our approach to arms is very clear and we are against bloodshed. But a discussion is being carried out based on the results. The weapon is a detail. Perhaps it is the last issue to be discussed. Until the reasons are not eliminated and the ground for discussion is not democratically formed, discussing weapons is to escape from the solution of the problem."

 

MA / Esra Solin Dal