ÎDIR - Citizens in Îdir turned the Newroz area into a riot of colours. During the celebrations, messages of support for Abdullah Öcalan's call came to the fore, while the state was urged to "take steps".

 

Newroz was celebrated in Îdir (Iğdır) with the slogan "Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)" and "Democratic Society Newroz for Freedom". Arrivals to the area started early in the morning for the celebration. Thousands of people participated in the celebrations, wearing yellow, red and green clothes. Many young people painted their faces in yellow, red and green colours and participated in the celebrations. Many women were at the forefront of the celebrations again this year wearing city-sprecific clothes. The slogans "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" and "Jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)" were frequently chanted.

 

The programme started after a minute of silence for those who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy and freedom. DEM Party MP Yılmaz Hun said, "Today the Newroz fire is burning in 4 parts of Kurdistan. This fire will burn until we regain our freedom. On 27 February, Mr Öcalan made a call for the peoples of the world. All peoples need to fullfill their part of this call."

 

Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Party Assembly member Muazzez Orhan said that women are the pioneers of building peace and democratic society. Drawing attention to Abdullah Öcalan's call, Muazzez Orhan said, "Mr Öcalan has opened a door to a solution for all the peoples of the Middle East, especially the Kurdish people. We state that we are ready for Mr Öcalan's call with faith and determination. We call out to the state; what are you waiting for to respond to this call? How many more people have to die? We do not want anyone to die anymore."

 

DEM Party Agirî (Ağrı) MP Sırrı Sakık said, "On 27 February, Mr Öcalan announced a new manifesto. Mr Öcalan is proposing a new path from İmralı. He proposes to build a democratic society with the unity of the Turkish and Kurdish peoples. We, together with our people in these areas, stand by the process that Mr Öcalan has started from İmralı. A thousand greetings to you from this field. This century will be the century of Kurds."

 

After the speeches, slogans of "Bijî Serok Apo" rose from the area. After the Newroz fire was lit, singer Hivron took the stage. Thousands of people danced with the songs performed by Hivron. Then Pîroz took the stage. Newroz ended with halay and slogans.