EP Kurdish Friendship Group: Seizing a Historic Opportunity for Peace
The Kurdish Friendship Group’s press conference in the European Parliament emphasized Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace as a historical opportunity for Turkey. Key speakers, including members from various political alliances, stressed the necessity for Turkey to foster a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue and recognize the rights of oppressed ethnic groups. Emphasis was placed on the interconnected impacts of regional Kurdish issues in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, advocating for immediate political action toward peace and justice.
The European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group hosted a press conference during its plenary session to discuss Abdullah Öcalan’s appeal for peace and a democratic resolution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Titled “After Mr. Öcalan’s Call: Peace and Democratic Resolution to the Kurdish Issue in Turkey,” the event featured prominent participants including Per Clausen, Andreas Schieder, Leoluca Orlando, Evin Incir, and Fayik Yağızay.
Speakers highlighted Öcalan’s call as a critical opportunity for initiating a peace process tailored for the Kurdish people, asserting that any transformative action relies heavily on Turkey’s responses and commitments. They emphasized that the call provides a crucial chance for fostering democratic advancements in Turkey, along with advocating for self-governance rights for Kurdish people, recognizing Öcalan’s significant leadership role in this movement.
Andreas Schieder remarked on the urgency of responding to Öcalan’s call, stating that it represents an essential opportunity for peace, democracy, and Kurdish self-governance. He stressed the interconnectedness of the Kurdish situation in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey, advocating for European Parliament efforts to press the Turkish government toward peace initiatives.
Per Clausen from The Left Group addressed the importance of justice in achieving peace, asserting that “true peace is one where human rights are not denied.” He underscored that ending political chaos and military engagements in the Middle East is crucial and that every ethnic group should have a voice without fear of oppression.
Leoluca Orlando from the Greens Group highlighted the Kurdish struggle, indicating that Öcalan’s call for peace opens a critical avenue to initiate dialogue. He called for Turkey to honor its commitments as a NATO member and ensure human rights within its borders, emphasizing the importance of this moment to push for change and not to squander the opportunity.
Evin Incir further emphasized this juncture as a notable chance for Turkey to show commitment to human rights, asserting that the Turkish state must recognize diverse ethnicities within a democratic context. She reflected on Turkey’s historical denial of ethnic recognition, urging it to embrace this opportunity as essential for the Kurdish community’s cultural and linguistic expression.
The press conference underscored the importance of Abdullah Öcalan’s recent call for peace, framing it as a pivotal moment for Turkey and its Kurdish population. Key speakers advocated for Turkey’s proactive engagement with this call, highlighting the need for justice, human rights acknowledgment, and democratic transformation. The historical importance of this opportunity was repeatedly emphasized, urging all parties, especially Turkey, to embrace the potential for meaningful change and resolution of long-standing conflicts.
Original Source: anfenglish.com
