leader must be released for peace process to succeed"

On February 27, 2025, leader Abdullah Ocalan launched the "Peace and Democratic Society" initiative, and in response, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) took several steps, including dissolving the party, symbolically burning weapons, and withdrawing from areas in Northern Kurdistan. However, until now, the Turkish state has not taken any serious steps in this context. Regarding this topic, the notable figure and social personality in the city of Tirbespiyê, Nurdin Shakir, spoke to ANHA agency.

The social figure, Nour al-Din Shakir, explained that it has been more than a year since the call of leader Abdullah Ocalan for "peace and a democratic society," and he mentioned that the leader's thot was like a new birth for all peoples. He said, "The Kurdish people have grown with this philosophy, which has gained worldwide recognition, and the Kurdish issue has become present in international forums."

Shakir pointed out that the Turkish state and the occupiers of Kurdistan will not be able to deceive the Kurdish people again; with the emergence of the leader's thought, the Kurdish people have strengthened their struggle and resistance. He continued, saying: "The leader says that the existing problems and crises can no longer be solved thru war, but rather there is a need for democratic peace."

In the context of his speech, Nour al-Din Shakir said: "So far, the Turkish state has not taken any steps toward peace and democratic integration, but rather attacks the Kurds in every possible way." In international laws, war and peace do not coexist; the Kurds have a cause and are fighting their struggle on their own land. "It is time to release leader Abdullah Ocalan so he can personally lead this process he started."

Shakir reminded that the Turkish state is trying to turn the leader's imprisonment into a bargaining chip with the Kurdish people, pressuring them to force them to give up their rights, which neither the leader nor the Kurdish people accept. He added, "There are 40 million Kurds living in Turkey, and if the peace process is not completed and does not reach its outcome, the Kurdish people will rise up and revolt."

Social figure Nour al-Din Shakir pointed out that the Kurds are no longer as they were in the past, adding, "No one can deny the Kurdish people and their identity or annihilate them; the Kurds today have reached a level where they educate themselves thanks to the thot and philosophy of leader Abdullah Ocalan, and they possess a military force that protects their existence in the four parts of Kurdistan."

Shakir explained that they do not want war at all and are advocates of peace, but if war is imposed on the Kurdish people, they will not give up their freedom and struggle.

In conclusion, Nour al-Din Shakir said: "In this sensitive phase, the Kurdish people must achieve their unity and hold a Kurdish National Conference." This time represents a great opportunity for the Kurds; our unity and solidarity are the greatest strength in facing the world. We have seen how the Kurds in the four parts of Kurdistan rallied for Rojava, and this spirit must be strengthened further to ensure our existence in the world. This is our collective desire. The Kurds have been subjected to many genocides throughout history, and to prevent this from happening again, there is a need for unity and a Kurdish military force to protect this people.

ANHA