Denmark calls on Turkish authorities to assume their responsibilities regarding Leader Ocalan’s appeal

The Federation of Kurdish Associations in Denmark (FEY-KURD) sent a letter to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen, addressing the Danish government's position on the historic call by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan for peace and a democratic society.

The letter stated that Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan , who has been imprisoned on Imrali Island for years, issued a call on February 27 calling on the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) to dissolve itself. He also called on the Turkish state to establish democratic and legal structures that guarantee fundamental rights.

The letter noted that the PKK declared a ceasefire on March 1, describing this historic call as offering hope for an end to a conflict that has lasted more than forty years and has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of people.

The letter explained that although the international community has expressed a positive response to these developments, the Danish government has yet to issue a clear public position, despite Denmark's long-standing support for peace and democracy. In this context, the letter addressed the government to the following questions:

1. What is the Danish government's position on recognizing and supporting this peace initiative in Turkey?

2. What steps does the government intend to take to ensure that Kurdish rights and security are an essential part of the democratic development process in Turkey and the Middle East? What is Denmark's perspective on this matter?

The letter concluded by stating: "We demand that the importance of this initiative be recognized, and that Denmark take practical steps to support the path to peace and democracy in Turkey and the Middle East."

For its part, the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, responded to the letter from the Federation of Kurdish Associations in Denmark, stating: "The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely following the developments in Turkey and welcomes any positive steps aimed at ending the conflict between the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and the Turkish state. It also emphasizes that Turkey must fulfill its international obligations, including respect for human rights and the rule of law towards the Kurdish people.

We hope that both parties will seize this opportunity appropriately and take concrete steps towards achieving lasting peace and building a democratic system. Denmark and the European Union publicly support this process." 

Sh-S

ANHA