RIHA – Pointing out that a new period of struggle has begun for the solution of the Kurdish issue and democratisation, Sebahat Tuncel said, “Öcalan has fulfilled his responsibility more than enough. Now we have to shoulder his burden and build a democratic society.”

 

The PKK had convened its 12th Congress on 5-7 May. With the decision it took, the PKK announced that it had dissolved itself and terminated all its activities. The decision, which was taken in response to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on 27 February, had wide repercussions all over the world. 

 

Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Free Women’s Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) member Sebahat Tuncel stated that a new period of struggle has begun for the solution of the Kurdish issue and the democratisation of Turkey. Drawing attention to Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” on 27 February, Sebahat Tuncel said, “Öcalan has fulfilled his responsibility more than enough. Now we have to shoulder its burden and build a democratic society.”

 

THE REASONS BEHIND THE PKK'S HISTORIC DECISION

 

Sebahat Tuncel emphasised the importance of the PKK’s decision to dissolve itself. Describing the emergence of the PKK as a reaction against the denial of the existence of the Kurdish people, she said: “The PKK is a result, not a cause. If there had been no denial of the Kurds, this would not have happened today.” 

 

Pointing out that the Kurdish people have existed in these lands for thousands of years, “Denying the existence of a people is the greatest crime against humanity,” she added. 

 

HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE KURDISH-TURKISH ALLIANCE

 

Sebahat Tuncel pointed out that another important aspect of Öcalan’s call was the necessity of a new alliance between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples. Referring to the aliiances at important turning points in history, such as 1071 Malazgirt and 1514 Çaldıran, Tuncel said, “The Turks won in all of these alliances. Today, we must lay the foundations of a new alliance that will be beneficial for both Kurds and Turks."

 

ÖCALAN'S CALL FOR PEACE LANGUAGE

 

Tuncel emphasised the importance of Öcalan's language of peace and stated that the language of the state in Turkey is generally negative and unfavourable and that this situation harms the peace process. "The state needs to use the language of peace and take concrete steps," she said and added: "Language is not only a means of communication, but also an element that determines how the process will proceed." 

 

Stating that negative language cannot be a language that leads to peace, Sebahat Tuncel said, "Everyone should be careful about their language and style."

 

PKK'S DISSOLUTION AND THE FUTURE PROCESS

 

Regarding the dissolution of the PKK, Tuncel emphasised that this did not mean the end of the problem. "The PKK may have dissolved itself, but the Kurdish people's struggle for freedom, equality and democracy continues. The PKK responded to Öcalan's call. From now on, the next phase will continue with the state fulfilling its responsibilities," Sebahat Tuncel said.

 

ÖCALAN'S FREEDOM AND THE PEACE PROCESS

 

Tuncel stated that freedom of Abdullah Öcalan must be secured for the peace process to be successful. Reminding the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), Tuncel stated that Turkey has to implement these judgements and stressed: If there is to be peace, Mr Öcalan’s freedom must be ensure. Turkey has tied its own freedom to Öcalan’s freedom.”

 

STEPS MUST BE TAKEN FOR LEGAL AND POLITICAL SOLUTIONS

 

Tuncel emphasised the need to solve the legal and political problems in Turkey. Sebahat Tuncel said: "The 'Anti-Terror Law' is being used against Kurds. This law must be abolished and a solution must be found on the grounds of democratic politics. It is a contradiction that such laws exist at the same time peace talks are being held. Legal steps must be taken."

 

WOMEN'S MOVEMENT AND STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY

 

Underlining that as the women’s movement, they bear the responsibility to build a democratic, ecological and women’s libertarian society, Tuncel said: “The struggle does not end, only the means change. We are the ones who will organise this process.” She emphasised that women will contribute to the construction of a democratic society by being at the forefront of this process. 

 

Tuncel continued: “Organised society can win its own future. We, as TJA, will do our part to contribute to this process and we call on all social segments to be part in the process.”

 

MA / Emrullah Acar