Guerrillas of the People’s Defense Forces (HPG) and the Free Women’s Units – Star (YJA Star) have begun withdrawing to the Medya Defense Zones in line with the decisions made at the 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) held on May 5–7. Twenty-five guerrillas, including eight women, took part in the announcement of this historic step. Following this move, many voices from both Turkey and Kurdistan emphasized that it is now the state’s turn to act and renewed their calls for establishing a legal basis to advance the process democratically. With statements highlighting social peace and democratic politics, attention turned to the state’s position. Presidential Chief Advisor Mehmet Uçum announced that preparations for the necessary legal steps following the withdrawal decision were underway.
Sebahat Tuncel, activist of the Free Women’s Movement (TJA) and politician, evaluated the stage reached in this process, which began in October last year and expanded further with the February 27 call. She said that the latest statements signal a new era for Turkey and stressed that the state must urgently fulfill its responsibilities regarding the peace process. Tuncel stated that the Kurdistan Freedom Movement has shown the will to end the armed struggle and transition to democratic politics, adding that from now on, the responsibility lies with the state.
A new era has begun
Sebahat Tuncel recalled that the march to Ankara held between October 1 and 7 carried demands for both the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the legal assurance of peace. Tuncel said, “This march was not only a demand for peace but also a call emphasizing that peace is a fundamental right. As the TJA, we submitted our files to the parties represented in parliament and held meetings with all except the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). We believe that a new era has begun,” summarized the women’s march. Tuncel also described yesterday’s statement as a historic step for the advancement of the process and added: “The Kurdistan Freedom Movement has undertaken a new responsibility and shown a significant will to advance the peace process in Turkey. As was stated during the ‘weapon-burning ceremony,’ the armed struggle against Turkey has now come to an end. What must be done now is to establish the legal and political foundation necessary for democratic politics.”
The transitional law is the key to peace
Sebahat Tuncel said that the proposed “transitional law” carries great importance for making peace tangible. She added, “Legal arrangements must be made to enable an organization that has dissolved itself to participate in democratic politics. Ensuring the protection of fundamental rights such as freedom of thought, expression, organization, and political participation is a prerequisite for a lasting peace process. The faster these steps are taken, the more Turkey will benefit. Delays in the process create a basis for provocations by opponents of peace. The voices of those who thrive on war and conflict become louder in such situations. Therefore, legal and political steps must be taken without delay.”
New bridges must be built for social peace
Tuncel said that peace can only be achieved through the participation of all segments of society, not just political actors and said, “Since 2015, the language of hatred and the racist and sexist policies that have been pursued have built walls between communities. These walls must be torn down, and bridges of peace between peoples must be rebuilt. For this, civil society organizations, women, youth, and everyone who stands for democracy and freedom have a responsibility to act.”
There is a serious crisis of trust
Tuncel said that the media must also contribute to the process and said: “A language that encourages peace and strengthens the process should be used. The language of politics must also change, because a true language of peace has still not been established. The concepts of ‘brotherhood,’ ‘freedom,’ and ‘democracy’ must be given real meaning, and a sincere will must be demonstrated. The main concern expressed within society today is the issue of trust. The experiences of the past have left deep marks in people’s memories. During the 2009 and 2013–2015 processes, the state’s failure to take concrete steps created distrust among the people. Even in periods without conflict, no initiative was taken to advance peace. Therefore, the government now needs to take tangible steps to overcome social mistrust and make peace concrete. Even the current situation in prisons alone deepens this distrust. Yet the people stand for peace. They want a democratic solution and dialogue.”
We must not wait for the government, but push it to act
Tuncel emphasized that the Kurdish political movement is determined in its pursuit of peace but noted that the process cannot move forward unilaterally. Tuncel said, “We cannot simply wait because the government is not taking action. Our duty is to organize society around the goal of peace and to push the government to take steps in this direction. There are responsibilities to ensure that the process initiated by Mr. Öcalan advances and results in peace. This requires working day and night. We must follow a political line that does not wait but instead pressures the government to act and mobilizes society around peace. This is our fundamental duty. However, the government must also take steps in response. It should adopt concrete measures that will restore public confidence. The return of those in exile, the release of politicians in prison, and the opening of space for democratic politics will all strengthen this process.”
The country’s future depends on peace and freedom
Tuncel described the current period as a historic opportunity for the peoples of Turkey and Kurdistan and said: “This is a transitional phase. If this stage is managed properly, the struggle for democracy and freedom will advance on a much stronger foundation. The parliamentary commission must take a more determined stance on this issue, and the Justice and Development Party (AKP) should swiftly take concrete steps that will restore public confidence. Peace is not only the future of the Kurdish people but the shared future of all peoples of Turkey.” She added: “The desire for peace within society is very strong. We must strengthen this will and build peace with hope and courage. Because the