The ‘Peace and Democratic Society’ process led by Abdullah Öcalan continues to resonate in international public opinion and gain support. Nicolas Walder, a Federal MP from Switzerland’s Green Party and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, submitted a parliamentary question to the Swiss Parliament to draw attention to both the process between the Turkish state and the Kurdish Freedom Movement and to Öcalan’s isolation conditions.
In his motion, titled ‘Peace process with the PKK in Turkey: What is Switzerland’s support?’, Walder asked about Switzerland’s approach to the process and called for the country to take on a role regarding Öcalan’s freedom.
Walder described the decisions taken at the PKK’s 12th Congress, including the possibility of dissolving the movement, as historic. He also reminded Parliament of the commission established last August within the Turkish Grand National Assembly, tasked with preparing a legal framework for the peace process.
In his motion, Walder posed the following questions to the Federal Council: “Last March, in its response to MP Fabian Molina’s motion, the Federal Council stated that Switzerland was ready to mediate between the parties. Has contact been made with either side in this regard?
Is Switzerland continuing its efforts to improve the detention conditions of Abdullah Öcalan, the founder of the PKK, or even to secure his release?”