Leader Abdullah Ocalan: The next stage is one of reconstruction

Leader Abdullah Ocalan sent a message to the conference organized by the Democratic Unity Initiative, entitled "Kurds of Northern Kurdistan Discuss Their National Unity," held today in the city of Amed in Northern Kurdistan.

The message read:

"Dear participants,

The continued existence of any people is directly linked to their ability to adapt to the realities of the times. No social structure that cannot change, transform, or rebuild its internal dynamics on a democratic foundation can be permanent and stable.

The Kurds, however, have been deprived for many years of the possibility of achieving this transformation in its natural course due to the policies of denial, genocide, and oppression to which they have been subjected.

The fundamental question before us today is how can Kurdish society achieve a modern, democratic society?

The Kurds are a reality, defined by their history, language, culture, and social fabric. The sustainability of this reality depends on their ability to demonstrate their will in the political, economic, educational, health, and cultural spheres. This can only be achieved through the establishment of strong political and social institutions."

A democratic society requires a conscious process of building it. This building cannot be achieved through violence or coercion, but rather through a multidimensional social organization governed by democratic politics and the rule of law. Re-evaluating socialization, the economy, culture, language, and history according to democratic principles constitutes the essence of this process. Democracy flourishes where there is no coercion or pressure.

Therefore, Kurdish society is obligated to adopt a restructuring based on democratic principles, not only in its dealings with the outside world but also in its internal relations. While we advocate for a democratic solution and negotiation in our relations with nation-states, we must also adopt democratic politics and the rule of law instead of violence amongst ourselves. The path to democratic unity lies through democratic negotiation.

One of the most prominent issues facing the Kurdish people is the issue of unity; therefore, democratic unity is a historical necessity. To forge a shared vision and will, the call for a broad conference on democratic unity becomes an urgent task. Kurds in the countries where they live seek solutions through democratic negotiation, and this same approach should be adopted in addressing internal issues

However, the narrow, tribal, and clan-based system of relationships that divides society stands as a major obstacle to this process. This mentality has weakened the social fabric and created deep rifts within it. Without confronting this reality, democratic unity cannot be built. Creating a social climate that transcends internal conflicts and is based on mutual respect among all parties requires adopting firmly established democratic principles in all spheres of life. Political structures are paramount in this regard, and gradually disseminating this awareness within society is the most important task in the coming phase.

For Kurdish society, the next phase is one of reconstruction. The foundation of this reconstruction will be democratic unity, democratic politics, and democratic negotiation. Every step taken on this basis will determine our shared future.

I greet you all with my warmest regards and deepest respect.

Abdullah Ocalan”

Sh-S

ANHA