The European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group held a press conference discussing Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and democracy in Turkey. Key participants emphasized that Turkey must seize this historic opportunity to resolve the Kurdish issue through recognition of rights and a commitment to human rights. The discussions reinforced the need for a decisive and just response from Turkey, as well as international support for this peace initiative.
During a recent press conference at the European Parliament’s plenary session, aimed at addressing Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society, members of the Kurdish Friendship Group discussed the potential for resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey. The participants included prominent figures such as Per Clausen from The Left Group and Andreas Schieder from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats. They emphasized the necessity of Turkey taking positive steps in response to Öcalan’s call to leverage this moment for peace and democratic progress.
Andreas Schieder articulated that Öcalan’s message presents a crucial opportunity for both Turkey and the surrounding region. He urged the Turkish government to respond decisively to this call, asserting, “This call is a unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance.” Schieder highlighted the interconnected plight of Kurdish communities across various nations and urged European Parliament members to pressure Turkish authorities for a peaceful resolution.
Per Clausen stressed the importance of establishing justice alongside peace, declaring that, “A true peace is one where human rights are not denied.” He called for an end to the conflict that has plagued the region for decades and emphasized that achieving peace also requires recognizing the rights of oppressed communities.
Leoluca Orlando from the Greens Group remarked on Öcalan’s call as a pivotal moment for change in Turkey. He expressed anticipation for a definitive response from the Turkish government, asserting that, “With Öcalan’s call, the path to peace in Turkey has been opened.” Orlando also noted Turkey’s commitments as a NATO member to uphold human rights, calling for action from the international community to support this peace process.
Evin Incir reiterated the significance of Öcalan’s call, indicating that it allows Turkey to demonstrate its dedication to human rights within a democratic framework. She stated, “The Turkish state must recognize oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework,” highlighting the historical opportunity for ethnic recognition and cultural preservation within Turkey. Incir further noted the relevance of this discussion in the context of Turkey’s European Union accession process, advocating for a more profound examination of these issues in light of current opportunities for the Kurdish people.
The press conference organized by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group underscored the importance of Abdullah Öcalan’s recent call for peace as a historic opportunity for Turkey to embrace democratic principles and recognize the rights of the Kurdish people. Key speakers emphasized the need for Turkey to act decisively and justly while encouraging international support to initiate a genuine peace process. The collective message highlighted that true peace is contingent upon justice, recognition, and respect for human rights in the region.
Original Source: anfenglish.com
