EP Kurdish Friendship Group: Seizing the Historic Opportunity for Peace

A recent press conference featured the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group discussing Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue. Key participants argued that this moment presents Turkey with a crucial opportunity for advancing human rights and acknowledging oppressed ethnic groups. They emphasized that a positive response is necessary for meaningful change and peace processes in the region.

A press conference facilitated by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group focused on Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and the establishment of a Democratic Society. Titled “After Mr. Öcalan’s Call: Peace and Democratic Resolution to the Kurdish Issue in Turkey,” the event featured key participants, including Per Clausen and Andreas Schieder from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Leoluca Orlando from the Greens Group, and representatives from other political spectrums. The discussions centered on the need for Turkey to respond positively to Öcalan’s call, which presents an opportunity for resolving the Kurdish issue and advancing democratic principles.

Andreas Schieder emphasized the critical nature of Öcalan’s call, declaring it a “unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance.” He stressed the interconnectedness of the Kurdish people’s plight across Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, insisting that the European Parliament must advocate for actions leading towards peace. He added that this moment should not be overlooked as it could pave the way for establishing a lasting peace process.

Per Clausen articulated that achieving peace essentializes recognizing human rights: “There can be no peace without justice.” He pointed out the necessity of ending ongoing political turmoil and military actions in the Middle East, reinforcing that genuine peace for Turkey and Syria hinges on acknowledging the rights of oppressed groups. Clausen recognized Öcalan’s call as a historic moment for both democracy and peace in the region.

Leoluca Orlando discussed the potential for change within Turkey stemming from Öcalan’s call, asserting that it is now up to the Turkish state to respond. He highlighted the expectation for Turkey, as a NATO member, to uphold human rights. Orlando further indicated plans to prompt the Council of Europe to support peace initiatives, emphasizing that this moment for transformation should not be missed by Turkey.

Evin Incir called upon the Turkish state to embrace the opportunities presented by Öcalan’s call, stating, “The Turkish state must recognize oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework.” Incir outlined Turkey’s historical shortcomings in acknowledging various ethnic groups and reinforced that this moment is crucial for demonstrating a commitment to human rights and international law. She asserted that the European Union accession discussions could now focus more deeply on this opportunity for the recognition of Kurdish culture and language within Turkey.

The press conference held by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group emphasized the historic opportunity presented by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace. The speakers underscored the necessity for Turkey to take decisive actions toward resolving the Kurdish issue while ensuring justice and human rights are prioritized. They collectively urged for a commitment to democratic progress and recognition of ethnic rights, positioning this moment as vital for the future of Turkey and the region.

Original Source: anfenglish.com