The “Peoples, Beliefs and Democratic Coexistence in Mesopotamia Conference,” organized by the Democratic Unity Initiative in Mardin (Mêrdîn), was attended by many people from different beliefs. The themes of the conference focused on peace, democratic solutions and the coexistence of peoples.
Opening the conference, Democratic Unity Initiative co-spokesperson Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit emphasized that Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 “Peace and Democratic Society” call makes a new life model possible not only for Turkey but for the whole Middle East. Gülcan Kaçmaz Sayyiğit said: “We will build a new life through the construction of a democratic society.”
Co-spokesperson Mehmet Kamaç said that the peoples of the region have historically been subjected to oppression because of their identities and added: “We defend living together. This initiative will grow and become a national congress.”
Ahmet Türk, who was removed from his post and replaced by a trustee as co-mayor of Mardin Metropolitan Municipality, said democratic politics is gaining strength and that “reaching a Democratic Republic will be possible through the joint efforts of the peoples.”
Türk stressed that political parties and civil society must act together for the future of the Kurdish people.
Addressing developments in Syria, Türk recalled that Kurds had taken up arms to ensure their own security and said: “Now the Kurds are being asked to lay down their arms. Particularly by Turkey. Well then, who will provide security here? HTŞ has no police. HTŞ has no military. HTŞ has no power there. Who will ensure the security of these people? Beyond that, rather than HTŞ being a neighbour to Turkey, let it be the Kurds. The apocalypse will break out!”
Türk underlined that Syria is a red line for the Kurds and said: “Today we are on the threshold of a historic opportunity. If we do not evaluate this historic opportunity correctly, we will leave dark days for our future and our children. I ask everyone to think about this matter. It is enough to stand with the Kurds and hold the Kurds’ hand.”
The conference continues with panels and presentations featuring representatives from different peoples.