EP Kurdish Friendship Group: A Historic Call for Peace and Democracy

The European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group held a press conference centered on Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace, emphasizing its significance as a historic opportunity for Turkey and the region. Key speakers highlighted the need for Turkey to act decisively in recognizing the rights of oppressed ethnic groups and stressed the essential connection between peace and justice.

A press conference was held during a European Parliament session to discuss Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society. Organized by the Kurdish Friendship Group, it included notable participants such as Per Clausen, Andreas Schieder, and Leoluca Orlando. The conference emphasized that Öcalan’s call presents a historic opportunity to resolve the Kurdish issue through peaceful negotiation and democratic engagement with Turkey and other states.

Andreas Schieder stressed Öcalan’s call as a critical chance for Turkey and the region, urging that it spurs necessary proactive measures from the Turkish government. He mentioned, “This call is a unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance.” Schieder believes that pressure must be applied to the Turkish state to capitalize on this moment for a lasting peace process.

Per Clausen highlighted the need for justice as essential for peace, asserting that lasting solutions to the conflict require recognition of human rights. He stated, “A true peace is one where human rights are not denied. There can be no peace without justice.” Clausen called for cessation of military actions and promotion of individual rights for diverse ethnicities and political viewpoints.

Leoluca Orlando raised the urgency for change in Turkey, citing Öcalan’s call as a pivotal moment. He remarked, “With Öcalan’s call, the path to peace in Turkey has been opened,” indicating the need for a clear response from the Turkish government. He also planned to propose parliamentary inquiries to the Council of Europe, pressing for their support.

Evin Incir emphasized that Öcalan’s call provides a unique opportunity for Turkey to embrace human rights and recognize its diverse populations within a democratic setting. She argued, “The Turkish state must recognize oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework.” Incir pointed out the long discourse surrounding this issue, stressing its significance in Turkey’s approach toward its European Union accession process.

The press conference underscored the importance of Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace regarding the Kurdish issue, viewed by attendees as a pivotal chance for Turkey and the region. Through collective pressure, human rights recognition, and acknowledgment of diverse ethnic identities, leaders urged that this moment not be wasted. For Turkey, embracing this opportunity might lead to a transformative shift in its democratic commitments and relationships with its Kurdish population.

Original Source: anfenglish.com