The leadership of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement announced in Qandil that, with the approval of Abdullah Öcalan and in line with the resolutions adopted at the Kurdistan Workers’ Party’s (PKK) 12th Congress, its forces in Turkey have begun withdrawing to the Medya Defense Zones.
Twenty-five guerrillas from the People’s Defense Forces (HPG) and the Free Women’s Units (YJA Star) who participated in this withdrawal also took part in the announcement.
Writer Veysel Avcı spoke to ANF about the Kurdistan Freedom Movement’s decision to withdraw, saying that this process should be viewed differently from previous withdrawals.
Avcı said: “There is a dimension to this withdrawal that shows it is taking place within the framework of talks held with the state. The Kurdish Political Movement did not decide to pull back its forces for no reason. A decision was made at the 12th Congress where the PKK declared its self-dissolution and decided to withdraw all its armed elements from within the country. We all witnessed the ceremony where the weapons were burned. Therefore, the essential point here is that the PKK and the Kurdish Political Movement have done everything possible in the name of peace.
We can see this as a declaration of abandoning violence as a means of struggle and demonstrating a firm commitment to democratic methods. Moreover, during this process, there have been no military actions carried out by the PKK or the Kurdish Political Movement; this point has been observed with great care.
In previous periods, certain elements within the state carried out provocative acts to sabotage such processes. Today, we can see clearly that the Kurdish Political Movement and its leader, Mr. Öcalan, have done everything within their power to ensure peace.”
The state must assess this step correctly
Veysel Avcı said that the responsibility for advancing the peace process now largely falls on the state and those in power, and continued: “For nearly a year, the Kurdish Political Movement has taken every possible step within its capacity. It has pledged not to return to armed struggle. The latest and most significant step was the withdrawal of its armed elements from within Turkey’s borders. This move is highly important.
The state must assess this step correctly. Withdrawal means honoring commitments and putting them into practice step by step. In a sense, the Kurds have demonstrated their determination for peace and fulfilled all stages of this process flawlessly.
So, why has the state failed to take any steps in return for a year? That is the real question that needs to be asked. And it is not only the state that should be held accountable; all parties and groups participating in the commission share responsibility in this matter. The greatest responsibility, however, lies with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The MHP so far has limited its involvement to making statements, rather than taking any constructive action.”
A legal process must begin
Veysel Avcı stated that the Kurdish Political Movement has been persistent in its pursuit of peace and the construction of a democratic society from the very beginning of the process. Avcı said: “The Kurdish Political Movement, through the concrete steps it has taken, is clearly saying that it is committed to democratic solutions. Yet the state has taken no steps in response. The parliamentary commission must meet with Mr. Öcalan as soon as possible, and the state must initiate the necessary legal measures.
As long as these steps are not taken, anxiety grows within society, and people begin to lose faith in the process. This must be corrected. Legal regulations that can convince the entire society should be enacted. The state’s inaction must be questioned, and all parties must contribute to this process. This process will bring benefits to everyone.”