NEWS CENTER - Stating that they are hopeful for the Kurdish national unity in the Federated Kurdistan Region, KNK Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus said: "There is a possibility for a solution there. As Mr Öcalan said, the construction of a democratic nation should be realised wherever Kurds live."

 

With the recent acceleration of regional developments, calls for "national unity" within the Kurdish political movement have come to the fore again. While the changing balances in the Middle East, the gains of the Kurds in different geographies and the threats they face at the same time make it necessary to develop a common strategy, within this framework, the need for "national unity", which Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan has emphasised for years, has gained importance again. Abdullah Öcalan emphasised national unity in the message he sent during the last meetings.

 

Kurdish National Congress (KNK) Co-Chair Ahmet Karamus made evaluations on the unity efforts and the steps to be taken in the upcoming period. Ahmet Karamus said that the Kurdish people have been demanding national unity for centuries, but this demand has been systematically blocked.

 

‘OCCUPYING FORCES ARE THE MAIN OBSTACLE’

 

Highlighting the Kurdish people’s struggle for unity, Karamus stated: “The efforts led by the KNK have brought national unity to a certain level. However, the hegemonic influence of the occupying forces in the region remains the main obstacle in front of unity efforts.” 

 

Emphasizing that the Kurdish people's long-standing yearning for national unity has been hindered not so much by ideological differences but rather by the mentality created by the “occupying” forces, Karamus said: “The century-old nation-state mentality continues to exist in Kurdistan through education and ideological tools. The primary reason blocking Kurdish national unity is this hegemonic mindset. Of course, ideological differences exist among the parties. However, in my opinion, these differences are not the main obstacle to unity. The real obstacle is that Kurdistan is kept under occupation in four parts, and these occupying states systematically divide and rule the Kurdish people.”

 

‘IT IS POSSIBLE WITH SOCIAL PEACE’

 

Karamus noted that the KNK does not aim to establish a political alliance but primarily to achieve national unity, adding that building national unity will also bring about social peace. 

 

He said: “All segments, colors, differences, and categories of society need to come together. It is essential to create a common ground that defends national interests. The efforts in each of the four parts must be planned according to that part’s unique conditions. First, a common ground should be established among all Kurds. This is how Kurdish national unity efforts can proceed. The current situation of Kurdistan must also be considered in forming national unity. Political parties in the four parts of Kurdistan should work on national unity according to the regional circumstances. The people must also be included in these efforts. There is a solution emerging in Bashur, and we are very hopeful because of this. A joint strategy should be followed to achieve national unity. All four parts must be taken into account, and steps should be taken accordingly.”

 

‘OBSTACLES TO UNITY…’

 

Karamus expressed that ideological and political divisions among Kurdish parties have also negatively impacted the four parts of Kurdistan: “If national unity has not been achieved, it is not solely because of these ideological problems, though they are an important factor. However, there are bigger issues that break unity alongside these factors. One of them is the division of Kurdistan into four parts. The occupying states know that if Kurds unite, it would be against their interests. The formation of Kurdish national unity would also mean a major change in mindset. Every Kurd in the four parts has been subjected to different practices and serious self-assimilation. This is a policy pursued by the occupying mentality against Kurdish existence. This occupying mentality is the biggest factor preventing the formation of Kurdistan’s national unity.”

 

‘WE ARE HOPEFUL ABOUT SOUTH KURDISTAN’

 

Pointing to some positive developments in the Federal Kurdistan Region, Karamus expressed hope that these would spread to other parts as well. He said, “There is a possibility for a solution in Federal Kurdistan. Similarly, there are serious efforts in Rojava. In Bakur and Rojhilat, this unity could develop in different forms. Mr. Abdullah Öcalan’s proposals and evaluations on this matter are fundamental for us. Öcalan’s perspective holds a central place in the construction of the democratic nation.”

 

HISTORICAL RESPONSIBILITY CALL TO THE YOUTH

 

Drawing attention to the youth’s role in building national unity, Karamus concluded: “The formation of a democratic nation is only possible with the participation of all segments of society. Youth is a dynamic social group open to democratic modernity. Youth plays a key role in change and transformation. As Mr. Öcalan has also emphasized, the construction of a democratic society must be carried out not only in one part but wherever Kurds live.”

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut