Following Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" on 27 February, the PKK first declared a ceasefire. The PKK held its 12th Congress between 5-7 May, and on 12 May, the PKK announced its decisions on "unarmed struggle" and "dissolution" as a new beginning. 

 

In response to a series of steps taken by the PKK, expectations for the state to take steps to advance the democratic and peaceful resolution of the Kurdish question have also increased. 

 

Human Rights Association (IHD) Dêrsim Branch co-chair Nurşat Yeşil pointed out that the PKK has taken steps on the basis of the call of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan as required by the process, and now the state and the government should take steps.

 

Nurşat Yeşil stated that as IHD they have always shouted for peace and said, "It must also be recognised that the PKK emerged as a result. As long as these reasons are not eliminated, it is possible to search for different solutions. For this, the right to a mother tongue must be accepted, the existence of the Kurdish people must be constitutionally guaranteed, a constitution that accepts and values all colours in this geography rather than a monist understanding must emerge, and most importantly a democratic republic must be built. At this stage, the PKK has done its part. The next stage will be with the steps of the state and the government."

 

'DEMANDS OF THE PEOPLE'

 

Stating that everyone has responsibilities for democratisation in the process that has come after a century of denial politics, Nurşat Yeşil said, "It is necessary to bring to the agenda that these demands are not just the demands of an organisation or a political party, but that these demands are the demands of the people. The people, non-governmental organisations and trade unions should give this the highest voice."

 

Nurşat Yeşil noted that the release of ill prisoners and prisoners whose execution has been postponed could be among the first steps to be taken by the state.

 

'CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS MUST BE MADE'

 

Nurşat Yeşil said that constitutional arrangements should be made as soon as possible in order for the peace process to be carried out in a healthy way and added: "We have already been working on prisons, maybe we will need to increase this work in this process. Also, the right to hope of Abdullah Öcalan, who is one of the great architects of this process, and political prisoners who have been in prison for a long time should be ensured. The right to hope is a right also recognised by the ECtHR judgements. In order for this process to proceed in a healthier way, Mr Öcalan's conditions must be created and his direct contribution to the process must be ensured. Along with this, all constitutional arrangements must be made."

 

Nurşat Yeşil said that the democratisation of the country would be a gain for all peoples and added: "In a democratic country, when there is an independent judiciary, there will be labour rights, there will be deterrence against femicide. This democratisation is important for this. All people should support this process by putting their hands under the stone and bring peace to this country."

 

MA / Şilan Şirvan Çil – Heval Önkol