Iraqi Professor : Turkey should respond to peace call

The "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" issued by leader Abdullah Ocalan represents a pivotal step toward establishing democracy and resolving the ongoing crises in the Middle East. The initiative has been widely welcomed at both the regional and international levels, particularly as leader Abdullah Ocalan has expressed his full readiness to assume responsibility to ensure its success.

However, the Turkish government, led by the Justice and Development Party (AKP), continues to stall in implementing the initiative’s provisions and hesitates to take concrete steps, thereby endangering the democratic process—especially in light of recent political and military developments in the region.

In a statement to ANHA Agency, Professor Al-Baydani noted that the initiative had initially been met with a positive response from the Turkish government and had also gained international support as a framework for resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey. He also praised leader Abdullah Ocalan’s stance, describing it as reflecting the courage of true leadership, as he put forward proposals aimed at ensuring the initiative’s success.

Al-Baydani stressed that the leader did not call for disarmament before addressing the Kurdish issue, contrary to the narrative promoted by the Turkish authorities. He explained that the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) possesses both political and military capabilities that qualify it to influence the regional balance of power. The leader’s proposals, he said, align with a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue and the securing of their legitimate rights.

The professor further stated that Turkey's continued delay in implementing the Call for Peace and Democratic Society raises serious questions, particularly given Turkey’s long history of evading peace initiatives and exploiting regional crises. He warned that any further Turkish attempts to circumvent this process could lead to catastrophic consequences for the regional political landscape.

Al-Baydani also pointed out that Turkey has exploited the Syrian refugee crisis to justify political and military interventions in Syria, in addition to engaging in widespread internal arrests to consolidate its hold on power. At the same time, it faces numerous political, economic, and military challenges, including maritime alliances and confrontations with Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus.

He affirmed that Turkey now seeks once again to exploit the Kurdish issue and, as in the past, is likely to resort to military options unless there is substantial international pressure—particularly from the United States and Europe, both of which have expressed support for leader Ocalan’s call.

The Kurdish Question: A Key to Democracy in the Middle East

Dr. Jawad Al-Baydani reiterated that the Kurdish issue is a historical and foundational matter within the regional political scene. He insisted that Turkey must understand that resolving this issue is essential to solving the crises plaguing the region.

He concluded by asserting that “the leader and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party are fully aware of the nature of Turkish politics and are prepared to engage with the current political dynamics. Today, Turkey is required to respond to the call for peace and to abandon the military option.”

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ANHA