Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s first video message in 26 years was released from Imrali F-Type High Security Closed Prison. In his call, Abdullah Öcalan emphasized the need to fulfil the requirements of “I believe not in the arms, but in the power of politics and social peace and call on you put this principle into practice”.

 

DBP Co-chair Keskin Bayindir evaluated the call made by Abdullah Öcalan and stated that following “Call for Peace and Democracy”, Abdullah Öcalan once again demonstrated his determination and hope for the construction of a peaceful and democratic society. 

“One of the most important elements of this call is the emphasis on the principle of ‘democratic politics’. This principle is based on the idea that the peace process should not only involve the laying down of arms, but also focus on democratic transformation by correctly analysing historical and social realities,” he said. 

 

Bayindir stated that the Democratic Society Manifesto shows the government the ways to ensure social peace and build democracy. He said: “This manifesto is of profound importance not only for the Kurdish people but also for the future of all regional and global dynamics. This manifesto clearly reveals the need for societies to build a future based on peace and democracy.”

 

BUILDING A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY

 

Stating that “a democratic transformation should be based on equality, justice and the rule of law,” Bayindir said that one of the first steps to be taken for this purpose is to make the process sustainable within a constitutional framework. “This also of critical importance for guaranteeing peace and democracy,” he stressed. 

 

Noting that contributing to peace is not the responsibility of one side alone, but of all segments of society, Bayindir added: “Responding to tis will to find a solution is a historic responsibility that must be fulfilled by all political and social opposition and all dynamics. The level of support for Mr Öcalan’s will for a solution among the peoples of Kurdistan and Turkey will play a decisive role in the construction of peace and a democratic future. It is clear that the political authorities, in particular, must not remain indifferent to Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s call for a solution. It is essential to respond to this call with concrete steps in the name of achieving peace and building a democratic society. The government’s first duty should be to take effective steps in response to the call for ‘peace and a democratic society’.”

 

SOLUTION MAP 

 

Stating that establishing peace is the responsibility of everyone, not just those in power, Bayindir concluded: “This is not just a political issue, but a task that encompasses all social dynamics. Today, taking this call into consideration, all social segments must take responsibility to fulfil their duty to ‘serve the solution and peace’. In summary, as of 9 July, the ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ has deepened with Mr Abdullah Öcalan’s video statement and has gained a social regional and global perspective. As the DBP, we see this call as a historical turning point; we express that we will approach the construction of peace and a democratic society with great dedication.”

 

He added: “Roadmap of Mr Öcalan and willpower will contribute not only to shaping the present but also the future. The step taken by the government, as well as the support and contributions of the people to this process, will be decisive in the construction of a democratic society.” 

 

MA / Mujdat Can