Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi stated the following in her video message to the “International Conference on Peace and Democratic Society” organized by the DEM Party in Istanbul:
“I send my love to everyone who has laid down their weapons and chosen the pen. I am sorry I cannot be among you. The history of Turkey and the Kurds of this country over the past 30 years has proven that war is not a solution. War only leaves behind loss of life, and the people pay the price; it benefits no one. However, establishing a political party and fighting through organized parties, as well as acting through writing and expression, will definitely yield better results. And because he initiated this sharp change, I hope Abdullah Öcalan returns to his supporters as soon as possible and, by conducting diplomatic negotiations, makes the path to democracy easier to reach.
Turkey is a country rich in diversity and must now put an end to its internal problems. It must choose a higher level of democracy. It must set an example for other countries in the region, including Iran. Unfortunately, we can see how the Islamic Republic of Iran mistreats the Iranian Kurds. To such an extent that being Kurdish in the Islamic Republic of Iran is considered a grave sin by the government. The government always views them with suspicion. And in this sense, as Kurds in Turkey, any improvement in your situation will also positively impact the conditions of Kurds in Iran. I hope that the Iranian government learns that it must show respect to all individuals living in Iran. I wish success for the development of democracy and the formation of political parties for the Kurds in Turkey.
And I call once again for the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. Since it has been said that weapons must be laid aside and another path chosen in order to achieve the goals, the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan and the success of direct negotiations between the two sides are fundamental conditions for this process. And I know that you will succeed in this. After years of struggle, you are now sitting at the negotiating table discussing peace and reconciliation. Of course, you will achieve victory. I wish freedom and victory for the Kurds of Turkey, and better conditions for the Kurds of Iran.”