The National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission is holding its fifth meeting in the Turkish Parliament. During today’s meeting, the commission hears representatives from the Saturday Mothers, Peace Mothers, Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Aid Foundation (İHH), Human Rights Association (İHD), Human Rights and Solidarity Association for the Oppressed (MAZLUM-DER), and Tahir Elçi Human Rights Foundation.
Nezahat Teke: Let us bury the weapons, not our children
Nezahat Teke, a representative of the Peace Mothers who spoke at the Commission, commented on the process.Teke stated that she would express herself as best as she could in Turkish, saying, “Everyone wants the weapons to be laid down, but we are waiting for concrete steps in return.”
Teke pointed out that those who died the most were the ones who wanted peace the most. She recalled that her 19-year-old daughter set herself on fire in protest against the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan, saying, “For 25 years, the smell of my daughter’s burning hair has been in my nose. One could ask if peace would bring back my daughter. Of course, my daughter will not come back. I have cried, but I don’t want other mothers to cry. Let us bury the weapons, not our children. When we demand peace, the prosecutor tells us, ‘There is no war.’ I was sentenced to one year of house arrest. If there is no war, why are people dying? Call it what you will, but something is happening that is causing people to die.”
Nezahat Teke stated that the commission has a big task ahead of it, saying, “Imrali is involved. We know that Öcalan is making efforts to find a solution. The commission should meet with Öcalan and work together. Let’s do whatever is necessary.”
Türkiye Bozkurt: Political and sick prisoners must be released
Peace Mother Türkiye Bozkurt stated that the Kurdish people trust Öcalan, saying, “Steps must be taken. People do not trust the process for which no steps have been taken so far. The Kurds, however, have taken all the steps required of them. Weapons were burned, and the party was dissolved. All of this happened, but no response was given. Political and sick prisoners, including Öcalan, must be released from prison.”
Rebia Kıran: We support the peace Öcalan has promised
Rebia Kıran, a Peace Mother, said, “We respect and greet those who are contributing to this peace. If this promise of peace comes from Mr. Öcalan, we, the Peace Mothers, support this peace.”
Stating that the people stand behind Öcalan, Kıran said, “Let Öcalan come, sit in Parliament, and let us explain our problems to each other.”
“What will the guerrillas rely on to come to Turkey?” asked Kıran and continued, “Under what conditions will they come to Turkey? They will likely be thrown into prison and given 30-year sentences. There can be no peace in this way. Let them come and engage in politics. Stop the media’s harsh rhetoric. If there is to be peace, stop their rhetoric so that we can embrace one another. We don’t want war in any country. We will keep asking for peace until we die.”
In the second session of the meeting, representatives from the Human Rights Association (İHD), Mazlum-Der, the Tahir Elçi Foundation, and the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH) will speak.