As the echoes of the historic call made by PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan continue, statements supporting the call came one after another from many countries of the world. The latest statement on the call came from the PKK Executive Committee. The committee announced that it has decided for a ceasefire and that the party is ready to convene its congress. 

 

Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-chair Zeybeb Murad stated that Abdullah Öcalan has once again expressed the formula of a democratic and peaceful society to them by engraving it item by item and said, "The historical call of Mr Abdullah Öcalan contains very important historical items. He especially emphasises this and shows us all the way and method to realise this. But what was important for us was that a Leader who has been living in captivity under isolation conditions for 26 years is so clear. Once again, he showed us his insistence on a democratic society, a free society. This call must be embraced by all the peoples living in the Middle East and Turkey. This must be done unconditionally for a lasting peace and a democratic solution. We are talking about the resolution of a Kurdish reality that has been subjected to genocide for a century. We are now on the verge of solving this problem peacefully. This call, of course, concerns not only Turkey but also all the peoples of the region, the peoples of the Middle East. Turkey, which has been using all its power to end the Kurds for the last 10 years, has not been able to solve this problem with violence and war and has not achieved its goal. We are in a position to solve this problem with a democratic solution."

 

'THE STATE MUST TAKE CONCRETE STEPS'

 

Stating that the historic call also offers a solution map to the crises and problems in the world, Zeyneb Murad said, "Although some circles have distored the historic call, this call contains peace, social democracy and democratic politics in itself. It expresses that this democratisation process will be realised by all peoples living together under equalt terms and conditions. Abdullah Öcalan has assumed a historic responsibility and now it is the state's turn. Concrete steps must be taken in response to this call. The call is very historic and important especially for Turkey. This call is not only a call for the solution of the Kurdish issue. It is also a formula for the democratisation of Turkey. We all know that Turkey is going through a crisis. In addition, the world has its own problems and crises. This call offers everyone an opportunity for a solution. The concepts of democracy, peace and freedom are now necessary. This is possible with the democratic formula that Mr Öcalan has woven and engraved with a thousand labours. This opportunity should not be missed and necessary steps should be taken. This was our expectation, hope and demand from Mr Öcalan. Mr Öcalan has responded to the expectations of the society. This call will open many doors. This historic call will bring many positive things inside and outside Turkey."

 

"We, as KNK, support this call. This call is a new beginning. We have a big job to do in order for this to fulfil its purpose. This struggle will continue. This message and call is the beginning of a new perspective of struggle," Zeyneb Murad added. 

 

Zeyneb Murad said, "The process should be drawn to legal and constitutional grounds and concrete steps should be taken and these should be formalised. In this way the process will be successful. This call is an opportunity to solve all problems. Therefore, there is no need for further interpretation and muddying. The call is clear and the interlocutors are clear. This call does not say that the struggle is over, this call says that we must be ready for a democratic politics. This step is the first. We must struggle and work much harder to achieve a lasting peace, constitutional rights and make them permanent. This process concerns not only the PKK but all the peoples of the world. The solution to this problem is possible with a democratic solution. If this call concerns all parties, Turkey must do its part first. Everyone should act and work according to the spirit of the new struggle move that has been initiated."

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut