ÎDIR - Speaking at the Newroz celebration in Iğdır (Îdir), Pervin Buldan, a member of the İmralı delegation, said: “We are entering a period when our friends in prison will gain their freedom. As soon as practical steps are taken, they will be released.”
Newroz celebrations in the city were held under the slogans “Newroza Azadî û Yekîtiya Demokratîk” and “Freedom and Democracy Newroz.” Despite rainy weather, large crowds gathered in the Newroz area, with many women and young people attending in traditional clothing.
Participants brought yellow, red, and green flags to the area, though some were reportedly not allowed inside due to claims they were banned.
The event began with a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom, including Salih Muslim of the Democratic Union Party (PYD). The celebration continued with a speech by organizing committee member Alya Akkuş Karahanlı.
‘KURDS HAVE DECLARED THEIR UNITY’
During the event, participants frequently chanted slogans such as “Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)” and “Jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)” Yılmaz Hun, a member of parliament from the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party representing Iğdır, said Kurds had strengthened their unity despite repression. “Today Kurds have declared their national unity against those who deny their existence and subject them to oppression. No one can break this unity anymore,” Hun said.
Referring to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, he added that Kurds would continue their struggle following the path outlined by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan.
‘NEWROZ IS A NEW BEGINNING’
İbrahim Akın, a DEM Party lawmaker from Izmir, described Newroz as a symbol of resistance and renewal. “Newroz marks the beginning of a new spring. It symbolizes rebellion and resistance. Through the resistance of the revolutionary Kawa the Blacksmith, we build peace,” he said.
Akın emphasized that the current political process initiated with a declaration by Abdullah Öcalan had opened discussions about peace and coexistence and added: “This Newroz represents the beginning of a new historical spring for us.”
‘DEMOCRATIC INTEGRATION LAWS’
Pervin Buldan later addressed the crowd, conveying greetings from Abdullah Öcalan and saying she would deliver the people’s greetings to him during their next visit after the holiday. She described Newroz not only as a celebration but also as a historic moment for peace and democracy.
“Kurdish people were denied and oppressed throughout history, but they never gave up demanding their rights,” Pervin Buldan said and thanked political actors involved in the current process, including Devlet Bahçeli and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, as well as Abdullah Öcalan.
She stated that the process has now entered a new phase that will focus on “democratic integration laws.” “For this process to move forward, concrete and practical steps must be taken. We once again call on the parliament to act,” she said.
‘THE PROCESS WILL END SUCCESSFULLY’
Pervin Buldan added that legislative steps expected after the holiday could pave the way for major political and legal changes. She said: “There are important steps awaited by the people of Turkey. We are entering a period when our friends in prison will regain their freedom.”
She also mentioned expectations regarding several issues, including the appointment of trustees in municipalities and broader legal rights.
Pervin Buldan concluded by saying that the goal was to bring lasting peace to the country: “We trust ourselves and believe that we will bring peace to this country. This Newroz will contribute to peace and brotherhood,” she said.
After the speeches, the Newroz fire was lit, and celebrations continued with traditional Kurdish dances accompanied by music performed by Koma Aryen.
