In Pirsûs (Suruç) district of Riha (Urfa), which is neighbouring Kobani city in North and East Syria, a Newroz celebration was held with the slogans "Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)" and "Newroz of Democratic Society for Freedom". The celebration took place at the meeting square on Simak Road in the district and was attended by a large number of citizens. Women and young people came to the area decorated with yellow-red-green streamers in the early hours of the morning and added colour with their traditional dresses.

 

The slogans "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" and "Jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)" echoed in the celebration and Kurds sang songs and danced. Speaking at the celebration, which started with a minute of silence, Meyaser Korkmaz, member of the Peace Mothers Riha Assembly, drew attention to Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" and said, "Let's embrace this process together. This is an opportunity. But a ceasefire cannot be unilateral".

 

Pointing out the meaning and importance of Newroz for the Kurdish people, DEM Party Riha MP Ferit Şenyaşar said, "We will make 2025 Newroz the Newroz of freedom. The war in the Middle East is approaching Turkey. We will not sit and wait. We will continue to struggle. Just two days ago there was a massacre in Kobani. 10 civilians were massacred. We consider the attack there as an attack on all Kurdish people."

 

Then the messages sent by the prisoners were read.

 

'ÖCALAN TOOK A STEP FOR PEACE'

 

Speaking lastly at the celebration, DEM Party Riha MP Ömer Öcalan said, "Turkey needs to extend a hand of peace to Rojava. There has been a life in Rojava for years. They did not interfere with anyone, they did not ban anyone's language, they did not persecute anyone.  Not even a stone was thrown here from Rojava. That people only fought against ISIS. However, two days ago a great massacre was committed in Kobani. We condemn this massacre and say once again that we never accept it. As you know, Mr Abdullah Öcalan has taken a big step to stop the bloodshed and establish peace. He has the power and strength to do this and bring peace. You should also prepare yourselves for this process. We call on young people to follow the process well and do good politics. This people is now an awakened people."

 

After the speeches, the Peace Mothers lit the Newroz fire. The celebration ended with dance accompanied by songs sung by singer Kadir Çat.