Leader Ocalan affirms that democratic unity is fundamental principle for protecting Kurdish people’s interests

Leader Abdullah Ocalan addressed a message today to the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) at its 24th General meeting, the text of which reads:

“Dear patriots, esteemed representatives, distinguished guests;

First of all, I extend my heartfelt greetings to the 24th General Assembly of the KNK, and I congratulate the KNK on its 27th anniversary as well as this meaningful gathering you have organized. I personally contributed to and supported the establishment of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK). Even under prison conditions, I followed your work whenever circumstances allowed and, from time to time, conveyed my suggestions to you.

Every discussion concerning the future of the Kurdish people, national unity, democratic rights, and collective will holds an important place in the historical journey of our people.

Today, the Kurdish people are passing through one of the most critical thresholds in their history. Subjected to policies of denial, destruction, fragmentation, and statelessness for centuries, the Kurds have preserved their will for freedom at great cost, developed their capacity for political action, and become one of the most significant social dynamics in the Middle East. It is no longer possible to speak of a Middle Eastern equation in which the Kurds are ignored and their will is not taken into account.

This reality also brings new responsibilities for the Kurds. Above all, developing a culture of dialogue, negotiation, and cooperation among Kurds is a historical duty. Kurdish national unity is not a goal that can be achieved by any single political movement, party, or group acting alone. This unity can only be built through the collective efforts of all Kurdish political forces, intellectuals, women, youth, and social dynamics.

Democratic unity among Kurds does not mean denying differences; it means bringing those differences together on a democratic basis. The aim is not uniformity, but the development of a common will on national issues. Developing a common stance on fundamental matters concerning the interests of our people, preventing Kurds from being used against one another, and protecting national gains through a shared consciousness should be among the fundamental principles of unity.

For this reason, it is of great importance to develop a comprehensive process of dialogue and negotiation among Kurds. The way to overcome the grievances and divisions of the past lies not in conflict, but in speaking, discussing, and producing common solutions. The idea of a democratic national congress should also be regarded as the institutional expression of this need.

At the same time, the future of the Kurdish people is linked not only to national unity but also to the understanding of a democratic society. The perspective of a democratic society is based on resolving problems not through war and violence, but through politics, law, and democratic negotiation. It advocates equality among peoples, local democracy, free organization, and coexistence.

The historical choice facing the Kurdish people is not merely a debate over status. The real issue is what kind of social life will be built. The understanding of a democratic society approaches the freedom of our people together with the freedom of other peoples; it seeks not conflict but coexistence, not division but democratic unity.

What we need today is a strong spirit of national unity among Kurds, democratic solidarity with the peoples of the Middle East, and a shared vision of the future based on freedom. Therefore, strengthening the Kurdish pursuit of democratic unity, protecting national gains, and reinforcing the values of democratic society are our shared responsibilities.

With these thoughts and sentiments, I once again salute your meeting and hope that the discussions and outcomes that emerge will contribute to the unity, freedom, and democratic future of our people.

I wish you success and extend my respectful greetings to all participants.”

Sh-S

ANHA