Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan made a historic video call within the framework of the “Peace and Democratic Society Process.” Öcalan stated, “I believe not in the arms, but in the power of politics and social peace and call on you put this principle into practice.”

 

Citizens who watched Abdullah Öcalan on video and heard his voice after 26 years demanded that the state take steps to resolve the Kurdish issue. 

 

‘REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET’

 

Zelal Erkmen said that the Kurds have taken every step within the scope of the process. She said that women are leading the way for peace and a solution: “Women are taking the lead in peace. Because women are the ones who suffer the most from war. The philosophy of ‘jin, jiyan, azadî’ is leading the way for peace. Whether it is laying down arms, or today’s video messages, Kurds are taking every step. The requirements for peace must be met.”

 

Sadiye Celik emphasised the need to build a peace that includes all segments of society. Sadiye Celik said: "If peace comes, there will be tranquillity, the economy will improve, and people's demands for freedom will be accepted. War has brought nothing but blood and tears. Today, a video message was released. The Kurds are doing their part; the state must also take urgent steps.” 

 

Coskun Kolanci said that Abdulalh Öcalan has worked har to stop bloodshed: “Let there be mutual peace. Let them not be enemies of the Kurds; enough is enough. The capitalis system has turned the Middle East into a bloodbath, and they want to drag Turkey into it. Turkey should be careful about it.”

 

‘THE STATE MUST TAKE ACTION’

 

Zulfikar Serbetci stressed that the Kurds must unite for peace: “The PKK has als laid down its arms. Abdullah Öcalan called for peace. Let us listen to his words. What could be better than peace. You saw Gaza. No one is helping. Let our end not be like Gaza's. The Kurds are constantly taking steps. The state must also take urgent steps.”

 

Tahsin Cetinkaya said that the state must take action: “The PKK has fulfilled its historic duty. In return for this historic duty, the state msut take action. There msut be a two-sided peace. The paradigm developed by Öcalan was based on the brotherhood of the Kurdish and Turkish peoples. We are going through a historic time. The demands and calls in the video are clear. Everyone must do their part.”

 

Mehmet Kaya said that war brings poverty to the people: “It is always the poor who die in war. The people become increasingly impoverished. Everyone wants peace. However, peace does not come just by wanting it. Steps must be taken to build it.”

 

Tahsin Dogan said: “Committees must be formed; it is difficult for a peace hidden from the people to result in victory. We were forcibly removed from our village at the time. We have been under pressure for years. We are demanding an honourable peace.”