In a written message to a conference in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan emphasized the importance of the ongoing political process in Turkey and called on Kurds to unite on a democratic basis.
The message was presented at the Rûdaw Research Center, which is organizing an international conference in Hewlêr (Erbil) entitled “The Elusive Hope for Peace in Turkey.” The meeting focuses on the prospects for political reconciliation in Turkey. Experts and politicians discuss the extent to which a possible peace process could affect the entire region.
The message by Öcalan includes the following: “I congratulate the Rûdaw Research Center for organizing this conference and, in particular, for choosing the title ‘The Elusive Hope for Peace in Turkey’. This title accurately reflects reality. Over the past forty years, we have learned repeatedly and at great sacrifice that peace in Turkey has always been a difficult goal to achieve. Even now, we have only ‘hard won’ the possibility of a peace process through great effort. But now it is up to all of us to work with all our strength and utmost sensitivity to ensure that this opportunity leads to a result.
If the ongoing process in Turkey is successful, the fate of the entire Middle East will change; a new era will begin, where war and destruction will be replaced by a democratic life based on peace.
My preference is for the Kurds to develop integration and solidarity with the states that offer them the opportunity for democratic, community-centered relations. I define this as “integration based on a democratic society.” I base the process we are currently undertaking on this principle, and I believe it will be successful.
In my opinion, relations among Kurds should also be based on democratic unity. I call on all Kurds to come together on a democratic basis and unite.
I wish your conference every success and send my warmest regards and respect.”