Citizens: physical freedom of Leader is fundamental step toward success of peace process

Amid the ongoing debate over the Peace and Democratic Society Process launched by Leader Abdullah Ocalan, coinciding with the Turkish parliament’s adoption of the framework laws related to the process, residents of the city of Tirbespiye (Çil Ağa), in al-Jazira region, believe that taking serious political and legal steps is an essential factor in strengthening confidence and advancing the process toward achieving its objectives.

In this context, Ashraf Husni explained, saying: “Despite Turkey’s lack of seriousness so far in advancing the peace process, the framework law approved by the Turkish parliament is a good step, but it requires serious measures that contribute to building confidence. The first of these is the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, because the Leader’s freedom constitutes an important factor in the success of the peace process and in finding democratic solutions to the outstanding issues.”

He added: “Although the peace process is underway, Leader Abdullah Ocalan continues to live under harsh prison conditions, with no change in his situation. This makes us question Turkey’s intentions regarding moving the peace process forward.”

He pointed out that Turkey’s actions indicate that it is waiting to see how the current situation in the Middle East develops, particularly as the region is on the verge of changes to the map and the signing of new agreements similar to the Sykes-Picot Agreement. Therefore, it does not see it as being in its interest to continue fighting the Kurdistan Freedom Movement, as this could cost it dearly. He said: “If its intentions were serious, the release of Leader Abdullah Ocalan would have been the first step toward building confidence after half a century of armed struggle.”

Husni added: “As a Kurdish people who have chosen to follow the ideology of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, we are confident in the Leader’s steps, because all of his steps are in the interests of peoples and their aspirations, particularly the Kurdish people. As for Turkey, it must take serious steps, foremost among them achieving the physical freedom of the Leader, because this is the fundamental step toward ensuring the success of the peace process and resolving the Kurdish issue fairly.”

For his part, Mahdi Barjas said: “We support the ongoing peace process, and we trust its ability to achieve security and a dignified life for the Kurdish people and the peoples living alongside them, as it was initiated by Leader Abdullah Öcalan, whose steps we trust. As for Turkey’s slow response, it does not surprise us, as we know Turkey’s evasive approach toward the Kurdish issue, and we will not accept a peace that does not include the Leader’s freedom.”

Mahdi pointed out that Turkey is attempting to impose peace without Leader Abdullah Ocalan, stressing: “We will not accept a peace mixed with slavery. True freedom and democracy, and the building of a free homeland based on justice, will not be achieved except through the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has an effective role in bringing the process to its goal.” He affirmed that they would continue their struggle along the Leader’s path until their objectives are achieved, foremost among them the achievement of the Leader’s physical freedom.

As for Amsha Mohammed, she said that the success of the peace process, whose outcomes are being awaited by all parties in the Middle East, depends on the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan. She stressed that “without this step, a genuine peace will not be achieved in Turkey or the Middle East.”

Amsha affirmed “that the freedom of the Kurdish people is inseparable from the freedom of their leader, and without it they will remain vulnerable to campaigns of extermination. The reality of the Kurdish issue is tied to the liberation of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, and targeting him constitutes an attack on the existence, dignity, and right of the people to defend their land.”

She concluded by saying: “Through the Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s theses and ideology, we have come to understand ourselves, our cause, and our history as a Kurdish people. Despite never having met him, we believed and our faith continues to grow that we will not attain our freedom or protect our gains except through him,” calling for the achievement of the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan.

ANHA