The Kurdish-Turkish-Swiss Cultural Association (KUTÜSCH) organized a panel discussion in Bern, Switzerland.
The panel was moderated by Tuncay Yılmaz, Co-Chair of the Socialist Reconstruction Party (SYKP).
Sinan Çiftyürek, Chairperson of the Kurdistan Communist Party (KKP) and Member of Parliament for the DEM Party in Van, participated in the panel discussion as a speaker and made assessments on the constitutional rights of Kurds, acceptance of Kurdish as a language of education, the status of Rojava, and the unity of Kurdish parties.
Çiftyürek emphasized that recognizing the existence of Kurds at the constitutional level is the fundamental step toward a solution, stating, “The first urgent step is the recognition of the existence of Kurds in the constitution. The Kurdish issue cannot be resolved without the right to education in mother tongue.”
Stating that it is inevitable for Kurdish to be accepted as a language of education, Çiftyürek said, “Kurdish children must receive education in their own language. This is a fundamental element for the protection of cultural rights.”
Referring to developments in Rojava, Çiftyürek said, “The status of Rojava must be consolidated, and the Kurdish people must have the right to self-determination. Similar rights must be granted in Northern Kurdistan as well.”
Criticizing the Turkish government’s current policies, Çiftyürek stated that the process is “not a resolution, but a transition.” He continued: “The government aims to eliminate the consequences of the Kurdish issue rather than resolve it. There is no official table, document, or decision. The word ‘Kurd’ has still not entered government documents.”
Pointing out the importance of unity among Kurdish parties, Çiftyürek said, “If Kurdish parties unite, demands can be voiced more strongly. Democratic rights can only be guaranteed in this way.”