The “International Peace and Democratic Society Conference” organized by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) continues at the Cem Karaca Cultural Center in Bakırköy, Istanbul.
On the first day of the two-day conference, KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) President Masoud Barzani and PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) President Bafel Talabani sent messages through their representatives.
Amina Zikri, who read Barzani’s message, stated that the region was going through a critical process.
In his message, Masoud Barzani said, “We expect the participation of all parties in the process for the peace of the people in the region. The processes must be considered first. Peace is always more valuable than war. I thank Mr. Erdoğan, Mr. Öcalan, and all the authorities for initiating this process. I am ready to contribute in every way. I will do everything in my power for the process. Thank you.”
Bafel Talabani’s message, read by Dara Khaiylany, said:
“We are the Kurdish people. We have been living in a region of conflict for a long time. All of this has cost countless lives. We realized a long time ago that conflict brings no winners. Therefore, we must fight to live dignified lives in our own region. We are at a new crossroads. Therefore, the decisions we make now can provide opportunities for freedom in the future, not only for Kurds, but for all religious and active structures. Since its founding, the PUK has always stood against divisions and valued dialogue. This is also Mam Celal’s principle. This vision always paves the way for democratic participation in the Kurdish political movement. Today, a process has begun through a new initiative by President Öcalan. Kurds around the world have seen that active conflicts cannot be resolved with military means. We now believe that democratic solutions must be achieved through dialogue. The process has progressed so far with the significant contributions of the DEM Party. The role our friends in the DEM Party will play is very important in this regard.
Let us open the doors by closing a painful chapter, let us open the doors to dialogue instead of conflict, and let us open a constructive chapter that contributes to regional peace. Peace means stability in every field. Therefore, we defend every step taken for the hope of peace and democracy. We must carry out this process wisely and courageously. Long live Kurdistan, long live freedom.”