Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" made on 27 February maintains its place and importance on the agenda. In this context, families who have paid a great price in the Kurdish freedom struggle frequently express their demands for the process to end in peace. On 15 August 1984, the family of Mahsum Korkmaz (Egîd), one of the PKK's leading cadres who carried out the first armed action in the Dihê (Eruh) district of Sêrt (Siirt), says that the process should be approached seriously.

 

A FAMILY THAT PAID THE PRICE FOR PEACE

 

Mahsum Korkmaz's brother Fehmi Korkmaz stated that his brother was a pioneer not only for the Kurdish people but also for his family. Korkmaz explained the price they paid as a family for the solution of the Kurdish issue and for peace.

 

"My sister Meryem Korkmaz was attacked in September 1980 while she was carrying out political activities in Êlih with Hozan Mizgin. My sister, who was blockaded in Aydınlıkevler neighbourhood, lost her life as a result of a sacrificial act. Veysel Korkmaz (Egîdê Biçûk) joined the PKK in 1991.  He was martyred on 3 June 1995 on Helqîs Mountain in Qebilcewz (Sason) with 28 of his friends. My father Şehmuz Korkmaz also died in 1985 after 50 days of torture in Siirt Gendarmerie Command. We have never backed down, the spirit of Egid has led us too," he said. 

 

'WE WANT AN HONOURABLE PEACE'

 

Referring to the "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" made by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February, Korkmaz said, "There is an issue that has been going on for over a hundred years. Since the foundation of the Republic, Kurds have been wanted to be destroyed by denial and annihilation. The executors of this process are the Kurdish people who have been resisting for centuries. The people who resist against all these attacks will be the executors of this process. The people insist on a democratic and free life on their land. For this we want an honourable peace. The state must play its role and mission for honourable peace and approach the process seriously."

 

Pointing to the steps the state must take and the risks of the process, Korkmaz added, "No one should deceive this people, they should not try to resort to this way.  If the state says 'lay down arms', it must create the conditions for this. It should immediately stay away from steps that will sabotage the peace process. Instead of conducting the process with psychological warfare arguments, sincere steps should be taken. This must be done immediately. Because peace processes are open to provocations. The faster steps are taken, the better."

 

MA / Fethi Balaman