Declan Kearney, MLA and Sinn Féin National Chairperson from Ireland, spoke about “The Experience of the Irish Peace Process” at the “International Conference on Peace and Democratic Society” organized by the DEM Party in Istanbul.
Describing the peace process in Ireland, Kearney stated: “International influence had a positive impact on the initiation of the peace process. After the Good Friday Agreement, the European Union also made significant contributions. However, 27 years on, our work is not yet complete. But ultimately, a new political power was created in the sharing of political power. One of the most important things here was the creation of a democratic path to end the conflicts in Ireland. We were determined to ensure that it was implemented as a binding agreement. The importance of the agreement was to accept democratic development and change but not the status quo. We included equal treatment, culture, education, and many other rights as criteria for democratization in the agreement. The practice of releasing prisoners was initiated. The need for political reform was addressed by an independent commission. The state’s police force was disbanded, and a new law enforcement agency was established. The Good Friday Agreement resolved the power vacuum, bringing together leaders from the north and south. A commission was established to deal with weapons and ammunition, but disarmament took a long time. This was also a confidence-building measure. All of this has nothing to do with the Irish peace and the Good Friday Agreement. It was very comprehensive and full of variables. From the outset, there were negative experiences regarding the sharing of power. These created serious problems. But we also made significant progress in a positive sense.”
Kearney continued: “We must also be aware that the Good Friday Agreement, despite being 27 years old, has not been fully implemented. Therefore, the Irish question remains unresolved. Other agreements are needed to continue this process. The most important negotiations must always be conducted in line with our own values. We claim that the time has come for national reunification. Negotiation processes must be fully inclusive, all issues must be discussed openly, both sides must participate in good faith, trust must be built together, decisions must be implemented, and clearly defined goals must form the basis. Civil society and grassroots groups must be included in the process. Finally, I convey our solidarity with the Kurds for a new democratic alliance between Turkey and the Kurdish people. Turkey must recognize the opportunity offered by the Kurds. I believe in the ‘right to hope,’ but I also believe in hope itself. Peace, freedom, and democracy for the Kurdish people. Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan.”