Karasu: Activating parliament is essential to solving Kurdish issue

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, in a special program on Medya Haber TV, Mustafa Karasu discussed several topics, including the "Peace and Democratic Society" initiative, the impact of the Syrian conflict on Turkey, and the Conference on Kurdish Unity in Rojava, Kurdistan.

He addressed the health condition of Imrali delegation member Sirri Sureyya Onder, who was hospitalized with a severe heart disease, wishing him a swift recovery and highlighting his critical role in supporting the initiative launched by Leader Abdullah Ocalan. Karasu noted that public support for Onder reflects wide backing for the initiative, which aims to achieve democracy in Turkey and freedom for the Kurdish people.

Karasu also praised the ongoing struggle for Leader Ocalan’s physical freedom and the recent Rome Conference held as part of the international campaign supporting the leader. He emphasized that this campaign has become a symbol of democratic and socialist struggle globally, citing British labor unions' support as an example. He added that Leader Ocalan’s ideas represent a philosophical model that requires further discussion and adoption, especially by leftist and democratic forces in Turkey.

He praised the efforts made to support the leader, affirming that his struggle for freedom and democracy extends to all the peoples of the Middle East and the world, and that he represents a model of the human revolution.

Karasu: Imrali talks are a step toward a political-legal solution

Karasu emphasized that recent meetings with the Imrali delegation and the Minister of Justice represent an important step toward laying a legal and political foundation for solving the Kurdish issue. He explained that Leader Ocalan issued a clear call for “peace and a democratic society,” which the PKK and the People's Defense Forces have committed to implementing in practice.

However, Karasu expressed concerns about delays and unclear outcomes of these meetings, which raise doubts about the government’s seriousness. He referenced political pressure and the arrest of prominent figures such as the Istanbul mayor. He stressed that the public and democratic forces await concrete steps from the government to activate the political and legal process.

He underlined the necessity of bringing the Kurdish issue to parliament to ensure a legal and political resolution. He noted that the Republican People's Party’s (CHP) support reflects the opposition’s adoption of this process. He concluded with a call for urgent action, stating that Leader Ocalan has already done what is needed to advance the process.

Karasu: Parliament activation is a prerequisite for political progress

Karasu criticized the ruling power for failing to take meaningful steps to advance the political and legal process related to the Kurdish issue. He said the PKK responded to the state’s calls, including for a conference and even dissolving itself, as encouraged by Leader Ocalan. But such a step, he added, requires Leader Ocalan’s active participation, something impossible without proper conditions.

He stated that public opinion, Kurdish society, democratic forces, opposition parties, and international support create a favorable environment to elevate the Kurdish issue and democratic transformation in Turkey to a political-legal level. Yet, he held the government responsible for not activating parliament to make decisive moves.

Karasu emphasized that parliamentary involvement is an indispensable condition for political progress, and without it, the issue cannot be resolved. He called on the government to take tangible steps to build the necessary legal and political groundwork, stressing that Leader Ocalan’s call for “peace and a democratic society” heavily relies on these steps.

He concluded that all goals in Leader Ocalan’s call are achievable if the legal and political framework is provided, urging the authorities to meet the requirements for advancing the process without further delay.

Karasu: attacks threaten the ceasefire process

Karasu warned that continued attacks on the Medya defense areas reflect a strategy aimed at achieving illusory victories at the expense of the political process. He said guerrilla fighters respond to these attacks in line with the principle of legitimate defense, as they are intended to derail the ceasefire.

He stated that these attacks, combined with calls for surrender, reflect a decades-old misguided view that has yielded no results. Karasu described the guerrillas as devoted fighters who will not succumb to such schemes and warned that continued attacks will provoke even stronger responses.

He stressed that the Kurdish issue cannot be solved through violence or surrender, but rather through a political and legal approach that ensures everyone’s rights. He affirmed the guerrillas' commitment to the ceasefire but added they will not stand by idly while it is undermined.

Karasu concluded by stating that attacks during a ceasefire amount to a plan to destroy the process, and the guerrillas' responses are in defense of their existence and rights, and will continue until genuine peace is achieved.

Karasu: The opposition must press for democracy

Karasu criticized the AKP government for intensifying its pressure on opposition forces. He noted that the opposition is trying to respond by calling for early elections. He acknowledged the CHP’s leadership as having a positive stance in supporting the democratic process and resolving the Kurdish issue within a political-legal framework.

He stressed that parliament must address the Kurdish issue for it to be solved democratically, adding that opposition support represents a major opportunity the government should seize instead of suppressing. He said that social consensus and popular support are the foundation for any successful political process, and pressure on the opposition obstructs this progress.

In light of recent local elections on March 31, which showed broad opposition support, Karasu affirmed that early elections should have been held immediately under international democratic standards.

He urged the opposition to intensify pressure on the government to take concrete steps for solving the Kurdish issue and promoting democracy. He reiterated that this is not just a political issue but a struggle for democracy that demands a clear stance from all opposition forces.

Karasu: The Syrian conflict and its impact on Turkish politics

Karasu explained that the Turkish-Israeli tensions in Syria have complex political dimensions. He claimed that Turkey’s opposition to Israel is largely performative, aimed at satisfying Turkish public opinion sensitive to the Palestinian cause. Despite continued tensions, he suggested that under U.S. pressure, Turkey and Israel will eventually reach an agreement.

He added that Turkey is facing political and economic difficulties that force it to accept agreements serving Israeli interests in the region. Karasu highlighted that the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria offers a viable model for a solution in Syria and dismissed the approach of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham as incapable of achieving peace or stability.

Kurdish Unity Conference will support Syria’s democratic transition

Commenting on the “Conference on Kurdish Unity in Rojava, Kurdistan,” Karasu emphasized its importance in strengthening Kurdish unity and supporting democratic transformation in Syria. He said the conference presents a chance to rebuild unity following the withdrawal of some parties from earlier alliances with occupying forces, and praised the Autonomous Administration for its constructive approach in welcoming these groups.

He stated the conference focused on Kurdish unity and promoting democracy in Syria, adding that Syria’s future depends on a democratic system that ensures the rights of all communities. He concluded by referencing Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s historic call for improved Kurdish relations as a crucial contribution to this goal, stressing the need for Kurds to play an active role in Syria’s democratic transformation.

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