Many politicians and expert academics from different countries attended the “International Peace and Democratic Society Conference” organized by the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM) in Istanbul on December 6–7. The two-day conference produced important conclusions and observations, and participants especially emphasized that, within the scope of the newly initiated dialogue process, Abdullah Öcalan, who is held in Imralı, must be released.
Participants underlined that the launched process will benefit both the world and the Middle East, stressing the importance of taking steps at this stage, and also engaging in a deep discussion on socialism and Marxism.
After the conference, a group of delegates traveled to Amed. There, they met with women’s institutions and the municipality, and visited historic sites in Sur and Göbeklitepe.
“I attended the conference out of historical solidarity”
Senator Josu Estarrona Elizondo from the Basque Country, who was part of the delegation, shared with our agency both his impressions of the conference and his assessment of the process.
Estarrona said the main reason for their participation was the Basque Region’s and EH Bildu’s historical solidarity with the Kurdish people’s struggle.
Recalling that the Basque Region is a stateless nation divided between two states and different institutional structures, he said: “Our country has been divided since the 16th century, and since then every generation has experienced some form of conflict and opposition.”
Sharing his impressions of the conference, Estarrona said he strongly believes that the Kurdish people have begun their path toward peace and that this is an irreversible process. He stated that the most important aspect of the conference was the emphasis on learning from international experiences.
Estarrona noted that the strategy of the patriotic left rests on two main pillars, summarized as: “securing support and cooperation from the international community” and “addressing sectors of Basque society that believe a non-armed freedom process is possible.”
“Leaders cannot be isolated”
Estarrona pointed out that certain elements of the state have hindered steps toward peace by arresting political leaders and attempting to remove them from political life, stressing that this is a major mistake. “Leaders must be able to engage with society, read the public mood, develop a pedagogical approach, and debate with those who remain unconvinced. Isolating leaders only creates new problems in the future,” he said.
“Peace and democracy are valuable to everyone”
Estarrona emphasized that resolving political issues, whether the Basque or Kurdish question, must proceed within a legal framework. “This approach makes the democratization of state structures healthier, faster, and more successful. Peace processes must learn from experiences. Peace and democracy are valuable for everyone, and it is essential that this proceeds in accordance with international law and norms. Peace and reconciliation benefit all,” he said.
“The February 27 call has great global significance”
Estarrona added: “Abdullah Öcalan’s February 27 call carries great importance for Middle Eastern and global politics. The paradigm Öcalan presents serves as a starting point for solving political and social problems in the region. I believe that Öcalan’s call and ideas have the power to overcome fascist mindsets. A true leader has the capacity to bring about strategic change.”
“Öcalan must be free”
Stressing that Abdullah Öcalan’s freedom is the guarantee of the process, Estarrona said: “His ideas need to be integrated into society more strongly. Peoples need a democratic nation based on democratic modernity and the idea of living together. The path to achieving a peaceful and democratic society in a free Kurdistan passes through this.”