European Parliament Urges Turkey to Embrace Peace Following Öcalan’s Call

During a recent European Parliament press conference, members underscored the significance of Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace in addressing the Kurdish issue. Key speakers advocated for Turkey to seize this moment to promote democracy and human rights for oppressed groups. They called for positive actions from the Turkish state to initiate a viable peace process that acknowledges Kurdish rights and culture.

A press conference was convened during the European Parliament (EP) plenary session to discuss Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and democratic society. Titled “After Mr. Öcalan’s Call: Peace and Democratic Resolution to the Kurdish Issue in Turkey,” the event was organized by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group. Key participants included Per Clausen and Evin Incir from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Andreas Schieder of The Left Group, Leoluca Orlando from the Greens Group, and Fayik Yağızay, representing the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party).
The central theme of the press conference was Öcalan’s call, which presents a significant opportunity to address the Kurdish issue within a peaceful and democratic framework. Speakers highlighted that the realization of this opportunity hinges on proactive measures from Turkey and other nations. It was reiterated that Öcalan’s leadership is vital to facilitate peace and promote democratic advancement for the Kurdish people’s rights.
Andreas Schieder asserted that Öcalan’s call is not only vital for Turkey but serves as a crucial opportunity for the regional stability. He stated, “This call is a unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance. Turkey must respond to this call in a profound and decisive manner.” He urged his colleagues in the European Parliament to advocate effectively for the Turkish government to initiate a peace process.
Per Clausen emphasized the necessity of ending the protracted conflict, articulating that, “A true peace is one where human rights are not denied. There can be no peace without justice.” He underscored the urgency to cease political turmoil and military actions in the Middle East while affirming that recognizing the rights of marginalized populations is fundamental to achieving lasting peace across the region.
Leoluca Orlando illuminated the significance of Öcalan’s call, indicating it paves a potential path towards peace. He remarked, “With Öcalan’s call, the path to peace in Turkey has been opened. Now, we are waiting for the Turkish state to say either ‘yes’ or ‘no’.” Orlando urged Turkey to align its actions with the values associated with its NATO membership and assured that a parliamentary question would be submitted to the Council of Europe to seek support for this process.
Evin Incir highlighted that Öcalan’s appeal is a crucial moment for Turkey, concluding, “The Turkish state must recognize oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework.” She called attention to Turkey’s history of denying the existence of various ethnic groups, stressing that the current moment represents a historical chance for the state to affirm its commitment to human rights. Incir observed that the ongoing discussions in both the European Parliament and the Council of Europe regarding Turkey’s EU accession could be deeply enriched by this opportunity.
Incor noted, “For the Kurdish people, this is a unique opportunity to live in their ancestral lands, where their parents and grandparents were born and raised, with their own culture and language.” She insisted that the Turkish state must act decisively to acknowledge and capitalize on this momentous opportunity for progress.

In conclusion, the press conference organized by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group underscored the critical importance of Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and democracy as a historic opportunity for Turkey and the Kurdish people. The speakers emphasized that a successful response requires concrete actions from Turkey to address the rights of oppressed groups within a democratic framework. Unifying forces from various political groups in the European Parliament aim to ensure this opportunity is not overlooked, ultimately striving for a more peaceful future.

Original Source: anfenglish.com