İmralı Delegation member and politician from the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Pervin Buldan shared her thoughts with Mezopotamya Agency (MA) regarding the PKK’s declaration made at its 12th Congress, in which it announced an end to its activities under the PKK name.

 

Stating that the PKK emerged in response to the denial of Kurdish identity, a point frequently raised in talks with Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Pervin Buldan said: “Mr Öcalan has consistently expressed his desire to end the 52 year conflict and has emphasized that it’s time for peace and politics to take the stage. This message was also highlighted in today’s statement. The PKK has announced that it is ending the armed struggle and dissolving itself. This is a historic development. The end of armed conflict in Turkey also marks the beginning of a democratization process.”

 

‘EVERYONE HAS RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES’

 

Stressing that a new phase has begun, Pervin Buldan said: “What is this new phase? It is, without a doubt, the democratization of Turkey. The struggle that the Kurdish people have waged for decades must now, without further delay, lead to democratization and be crowned with peace. In this period, we must remove obstacles and clear the path. Our only task now is to fight for this cause. The parties have made their decisions. The PKK has made its decision and entered a new phase. In this phase, everyone has different responsibilities and duties. We must all fulfill them.”

 

‘OCALAN WILL PLAY A MAJOR ROLE’

 

Commenting on the statement in the PKK’s resolution that emphasized the need for Abdullah Öcalan to lead the process and the requirement for legal and political groundwork, Pervin Buldan added: “Mr Öcalan must be involved. He will play a majör role in shaping democratic politics. Therefore, the talks should continue, his condition must be improved, and different sectors of society must be allowed to visit İmralı Island and discuss peace with Mr Öcalan.”

 

Buldan stressed that this is an opportunity for Öcalan to fulfill his role and mission and that this opportunity should not be missed.

 

PARLIAMENT MUST STEP IN

 

Referring to the role of Parliament, Buldan said: “Parliament must step in. It has significant responsibilities. Some laws need to be passed and some legal reforms must be made—especially in terms of democratization. There are major legal injustices in Turkey. Massive injustices have occurred—against the Kurdish people, democratic groups, opposition circles, laborers, and politicians. These injustices must be addressed. For this, Parliament must act. I’m not hopeless, but we need some time. However, I believe that very soon, everyone must fulfill their responsibilities.”

 

Buldan also emphasized that society must contribute to the democratization process because society plays the most essential role in this process. 

 

‘ONDER’S DREAMS ARE COMING TRUE’

 

Recalling Sırrı Süreyya Önder, a fellow İmralı Delegation member who passed away on May 3, Buldan said: “He contributed so much and worked so hard. I wish he were here to see this day. May he rest in peace—his dreams are coming true.”

 

Pervin Buldan also announced that she will visit former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş today to discuss the PKK’s decision and recent developments.

 

MA / Mehmet Aslan