Erbil (Hewlêr-based political activist and journalist Kawa Nadir said the current process would affect all Kurds across the four parts of Kurdistan, stressing that the issue extends far beyond a single region.
Nadir said: “This process will affect all Kurds in the four parts of Kurdistan, because the Turkish state is waging war against Kurds in all four parts of Kurdistan. The issue is not limited to Northern Kurdistan. The issue is Kurdistan as a whole.”
Nadir added that the peace and democratic society process launched in Turkey and Northern Kurdistan (Bakur) has created regional and global repercussions. He noted that the process continues to move forward despite existing plans, while politicians, activists, journalists, and intellectuals have increasingly criticized the Turkish state for failing to take the necessary steps.
This process is not like previous ones
Nadir said the Peace and Democratic Society Process differs from earlier initiatives and that peace can only succeed if all parties assume responsibility.
Nadir added that the peace process requires courageous, reciprocal steps and continued: “In previous years, the peace process again began with steps taken by the Kurds, but the state did not demonstrate a strong will for peace. This time, the Turkish state was also forced to take a step, because the state has weakened. The Peace and Democratic Society Process is currently on the agenda, yet the special war waged by the Turkish state against the Kurds continues. Likewise, political parties continue to make statements that contradict the spirit of the process. Abdullah Öcalan has always said, ‘I speak with the state, not with parties or other actors.’ The state is the one that must take steps for peace. Peace requires courage and strength, and courageous steps are essential.”
Kurds used arms for defense and peace
Kawa Nadir said the historic steps taken by the guerrilla movement for the Peace and Democratic Society Process have made the current period extremely sensitive and require caution from all sides. “Kurdish people have been deceived many times in the name of peace. That is why extreme caution is required in this process. The reason Kurds took up arms has always been enemy attacks. Kurds used weapons for self-defense and to establish peace. Without doubt, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is an experienced and strong movement and has taken a very significant and historic step for the peace process.”
Nadir said peace is not easy but serves the interests of all sides and noted that deep distrust towards the Turkish state continues. He added: “This process will affect all Kurds in the four parts of Kurdistan, because the Turkish state is waging war against Kurds in all four parts of Kurdistan. The issue is not limited to Northern Kurdistan; it is an issue concerning all of Kurdistan.”
The peace process is a necessity for Turkey
Nadir said Turkey has entered a serious period of crisis and argued that the peace process has become a necessity for the state itself. Nadir also said: “Turkey sees itself as the representative of all Muslims and aims to become the region’s dominant power. For Turkey to become a strong and stable state in the Middle East, it must first resolve its internal problems. Chief among these is the Kurdish issue. If the peace process fails, Turkey will face a serious collapse.”
Mr. Öcalan is a unique leader
Kawa Nadir said Abdullah Öcalan has played a historic role for the Kurdish people, adding that he knows him personally and that he possesses a unique leadership quality. Nadir said: “The moment I first saw Mr. Öcalan, I understood that he was unlike any other leader. He is not only a political leader, but also a philosopher. For many years, Kurdistan suffered from a lack of strategy, leadership, and political will, and Öcalan overcame this through his own efforts. Today, the fear surrounding Kurdish power in Northern Kurdistan is rooted in Mr. Öcalan’s ideology. The cadres of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) are strong. Although Mr. Öcalan is imprisoned, every PKK guerrilla has become a pioneer through his ideas.”
Legal steps must be taken
Kawa Nadir said the Turkish state continues a policy of stalling rather than pursuing peace, stressing that concrete and legal steps must now be taken. Nadir also said: “The physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan must be ensured. Mr. Öcalan is not a political prisoner. He was captured through a joint operation by international forces. NATO bears responsibility in this matter. The peace process must now be placed on a legal footing. A law must be introduced and adopted in parliament. The first and most important step is the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. All prisoners affiliated with the PKK must be released, and the way must be opened for guerrillas to return to Northern Kurdistan and engage freely in political life.”