MÛŞ - Yakup Aydın, the older brother of Hakan Aydın, a member of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, said: "We want to see our brothers among us. We hope that steps will be taken quickly and everyone will contribute to the process."

 

Following the video call of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, which was broadcast on 9 July, a weapons disposal ceremony was held on 11 July in Şikefta Casenê (Jasene Cave) in the countryside of the city of Sulaymaniyah in the Federated Kurdistan Region.

 

The 30-member Peace and Democratic Society Group destroyed their weapons. Hakan Aydın (Bawer Ronahi), who joined the PKK in 2012, was one of the guerrillas who participated in the weapon destruction ceremony. Family members living in Kop (Bulanık) district of Mûş (Muş) saw Aydın on television for the first time in 13 years.

 

Yakup Aydın said that he was happy to see his brother after 13 years. "We missed him very much," said Aydın, emphasising that they were hopeful for the "Peace and Democratic Society Process".

 

Aydın shared that he said "This is my brother" as soon as he saw the footage of the ceremony, and noted that he experienced different emotions such as sadness, enthusiasm and excitement together. Aydın said: "We are both crying and laughing. In other words, we had an indescribable feeling. We were very happy because we did not even know that Hakan was alive."

 

He said: "We wish this process to move forward. Because we no longer want weapons and blood after this hour. Both sides demand this. We hope that it will not be like the old processes. We want to see our brothers among us. We see both sides sincere. The steps taken and their sincere speeches made us feel relieved."

 

Emphasising that the process should be secured with legal regulations, Aydın concluded: "This process is more positive than others. More beautiful steps are being taken. We see the steps as sincere. I hope it will not be left halfway like other processes. This process needs to be completed as soon as possible. Mothers should not cry anymore, there should be no more tears. We hope that the steps will be taken quickly and everyone will contribute to the process."