Iraqi Initiative for Freedom of Leader Ocalan congratulates decisions of 12th PKK Congress

The Iraqi Initiative for the Freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan issued a written statement today regarding the 12th PKK Congress and said:

The Importance of the Peace Initiative

"The Iraqi Initiative for the Freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan welcomes the 12th PKK Congress resolutions, especially the historic resolution to dissolve the party and put an end to the armed struggle. The Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan's peace initiative and the 12th PKK Congress resolutions have had a clear impact on Turkey as a whole and the Middle East as a whole. Mr. Ocalan's historic peace initiative on February 27 will certainly have a direct impact on the destiny of all the countries and nations of the Middle East.".

A Peace Theory and Building a Democratic Society

Since his arrest, Mr. Ocalan has been In 1999, he initiated a series of proposals in favor of the peaceful resolution of the Kurdish issue in Turkey and promoting dialogue between the two sides of the conflict. Simultaneously, global, regional, and local actors saw his initiative as a means of making the conflict from being military turn into political in nature. Such a great and historic initiative occurred when the region was experiencing a series of events and changes that would directly affect re-drawing the region's map. Ocalan's initiatives and the decisions of the 12th PKK Congress provided a theoretical basis for a peaceful resolution to form a democratic society. Iraqi Initiative for the Freedom of Abdullah Ocalan believes that any step ahead towards peace is dependent on Turkish recognition of Kurdish political and cultural rights, and laying the foundation for the legal, political, and human rights climate to allow the success of Ocalan's initiative.

Calling Upon the International Community to Act

International and regional players in general, and the Iraqi state in particular, are obligated to encourage the Turkish party to make good moves and adhere to Ocalan's initiative. They are also obligated to take pragmatic steps to build confidence to assist in maintaining stability within the region, such as the release of all detainees of Kurdish descent. And release Mr. Ocalan so that he can lead the peace process towards the establishment of a democratic society.

T/S

ANHA