While the effects of the Peace and Democratic Society Process, initiated by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, continue across the region, discussions continue on a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue and on the democratization of the republic. Within this scope, the two-day "Conference on the Democratic Transformation of the Republic in the Second Century" was held in Istanbul, with the participation of numerous intellectuals, artists, academics and politicians, organized around the question of what kind of republic should exist in the republic's second century.

 

International Relations expert Assoc. Prof. İkbal Dürre, who was invited to the conference, shared his assessments with Mezopotamya Agency (MA), stating that the process presents an important opportunity not only for the Kurds but for all peoples living in Turkey and for the region. Stating that the Kurds' demands have become more concrete and understandable in recent times, Dürre said that these demands do not contradict Turkey's general interests, but rather form a common ground in terms of democratization and social peace.

 

'THIS OPPORTUNITY IS FOR THE WHOLE REGION'

 

Stating that the Peace and Democratic Society Process has two dimensions, Dürre emphasized that the first is the dimension related to the Kurds, and the second is how Turkish society perceives the process. Saying that work needs to be done in this direction, Dürre said the Kurds need to be understood by all the peoples of Turkey. Noting that the existing peace process creates a serious opportunity, Dürre said: "This is an opportunity that must be pursued and taken to its conclusion, both for Turks and for all peoples living in Turkey, and for Turkey and the region as a whole."

 

THE SUCCESS OF THE PROCESS

 

Emphasizing that it could also be the process that ensures the continuation of the current government, Dürre said this should not push the idea that working toward the end of AKP rule should be reduced. Dürre said: "The success of the existing process is not a matter dependent only on Turks and Kurds. It is also directly connected to the regional and international conjuncture. I think all these factors will come together and reach the right outcome."

 

DEVELOPMENTS IN ROJAVA

 

Noting that the process in Rojava is also directly connected to developments in Turkey, Dürre said that Turkey views the situation in Syria as part of its own domestic politics, and that for this reason the situation in Rojava should be viewed as part of the Kurds' domestic politics. "If the situation there develops in a very negative way, this will inevitably have a negative effect on the situation in Turkey as well, and on the situation in the region. There is no such thing as things going badly there but going well in Turkey. That is why I see benefit in proceeding with more inclusive, short-term, concrete goals."

 

THE STEM CELL FACTOR

 

Addressing the recently widely discussed "root law" and "stem cell" formulations of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Dürre said that this concept is an important term and requires a new approach toward it.

 

Dürre said: "The opening of the way for the stem cell that will be implanted to heal that historically developed cancerous structure currently surrounding the Kurds is also happening through this kind of activity. Otherwise, resolving this matter in a token way, without the stem cell, without using that method, will take a very long time. I have unwavering belief that the existing Kurdish potential in the Middle East, both qualitatively and quantitatively, will sooner or later find its right place for itself and for the region, and will reach a stage where, through institutionalization and the attainment of status, it can resolve its own issue. This is only a matter of time, and we want this to happen through peaceful means and by producing a solution for other peoples as well."

 

'LET US CREATE A NEW SOCIETY'

 

Saying "will this only be for the Kurds, or will it be a solution for the Middle East where all Kurds live together? That is the essence of the matter," Dürre continued: "We want this to happen, and to happen in a shorter time and bloodlessly. All the effort being expended right now is in this direction. Personally, I do not hold a pessimistic view, as is the case in many Kurdish circles, that the Kurds will be assimilated, that the Kurds will disappear. No, history has shown us that this is not the case. What we want is for everything that was stolen to be restored, with its due acknowledged. Let us create a new world, a new way of life and a new society."

 

MA/ Adnan Bilen - Melik Varol