A press conference in the European Parliament addressed Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace concerning the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Organized by the Kurdish Friendship Group, it featured notable European lawmakers emphasizing the importance of Turkey’s response. Key points included the need for justice and recognition of oppressed groups, heralding this call as a unique historic opportunity for democracy and peace in the region.
A press conference took place during the European Parliament plenary session addressing Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and a democratic society. Organized by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group, the conference featured notable participants including Per Clausen (The Left Group), Andreas Schieder (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats), Leoluca Orlando (Greens Group), Evin Incir (Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats), and Fayik Yağızay (DEM Party representative to the Council of Europe).
The conference underscored that Abdullah Öcalan’s call represents a crucial opportunity for resolving the Kurdish issue via peaceful and democratic means. Speakers emphasized that the successful transformation of this call into a peace process hinges on constructive actions taken by Turkey and other nations. This call provides a chance for peaceful and democratic advancement in Turkey, affirming the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance while recognizing Öcalan’s essential leadership role.
Andreas Schieder highlighted the significant opportunity presented by Öcalan’s call, asserting: “This call is a unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance. Turkey must respond to this call in a profound and decisive manner.” He noted that the challenges facing the Kurdish people in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey are inextricably linked to this initiative and stressed the need for European Parliament members to pressure Turkish authorities towards a peace process.
Per Clausen echoed these sentiments, stating, “A true peace is one where human rights are not denied. There can be no peace without justice.” He emphasized that resolving political turmoil and military conflicts in the Middle East is vital and affirmed that true peace cannot be attained without recognizing the rights of oppressed groups.
Leoluca Orlando commented on the Kurdish struggle, stating, “With Öcalan’s call, the path to peace in Turkey has been opened. Now, we are waiting for the Turkish state to say either ‘yes’ or ‘no.’” He urged Turkey, as a NATO member, to uphold human rights and indicated that a parliamentary question will be submitted to the Council of Europe to support this peace process. He stressed the need to seize this transformative opportunity.
Evin Incir emphasized the importance of recognizing oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework, asserting: “The Turkish state must recognize oppressed peoples and ethnic groups within a democratic framework.” She remarked on Turkey’s history of ethnic group denial and noted the current moment as a vital opportunity for acknowledgment and progress. Incir also pointed out the relevance of this topic within the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, emphasizing that Turkey’s EU accession process is now at a stage conducive to deeper discussions.
In summary, the press conference organized by the European Parliament’s Kurdish Friendship Group highlighted the historic opportunity presented by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace and democratic resolution concerning the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Key speakers, including Andreas Schieder, Per Clausen, Leoluca Orlando, and Evin Incir, emphasized the necessity for Turkey to respond positively to this call, highlighting human rights, justice, and the need for recognition of oppressed groups as critical components of achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: anfenglish.com
