Munther: Turkish Committee extension signals no real commitment to peace

Farzanda Munther spoke about Turkey’s lack of seriousness in moving toward a democratic solution, in light of its extension of the work of the parliamentary committee tasked with addressing the Kurdish issue for an additional two months.

Munther said that Leader Abdullah Ocalan had put forward a clear initiative, stemming from his historical responsibility, which included the dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an end to armed struggle, and the adoption of peaceful political struggle as the basis for resolving the Kurdish issue. However, the Turkish state, he noted, limited its response to a single step forming the parliamentary committee without taking accompanying practical measures.

He explained that the leader’s initiative came after official Turkish statements referring to Kurdish-Turkish brotherhood, and that Abdullah Ocalan adhered to everything he proposed within a relatively short period of time. In contrast, the Turkish state did not respond to these steps with tangible actions.

Munther added that available indicators suggest the committee’s report is insufficient to address the core of the issue, which has led to a loss of confidence in the process.

Reasons for the Delay and Linking the Issue to Regional Developments

Munther affirmed that the Turkish state is monitoring the Kurdish issue through the lens of regional developments, particularly events in the Middle East following October 7, 2023, and is linking the resolution of the Kurdish issue to other files, such as the situation in Syria.

He added, “We believe that every issue has its own specificity, and linking it in this way obstructs opportunities for resolution rather than advancing them.”

Implications of Procrastination on Prospects for a Democratic Solution

Munther warned that prolonging any agreement strips it of its substance, stressing that a policy of delay serves neither Turkey, nor democracy, nor peace, and may open the door to developments beyond everyone’s control.

He noted that the ceasefire has contributed to reducing bloodshed, but that continued delays threaten these positive outcomes and place the entire process at serious risk.

The International Campaign and Plans for the Next Phase

Regarding the international campaign demanding the freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan, Munther emphasized that it has helped present the leader as a global symbol of peace and democracy, not merely a leader of the Kurdish people.

He explained that the initiative’s work has encompassed legal, political, diplomatic, and popular dimensions, during which messages were delivered to states and international organizations. He also noted that more than 3,600 academic, legal, and political figures have joined the campaign.

As for the program for the coming phase, Munther pointed to the development of a comprehensive plan for the next year, including diplomatic and legal activities to coincide with the 27th anniversary of the international conspiracy and the birthday of Leader Abdullah Ocalan on April 4. This will be accompanied by continued engagement with international institutions to demand the implementation of the “right to hope,” as a legal entitlement after more than 25 years of his imprisonment.

Message to Public Opinion

In concluding his remarks, Munther stressed that the case of Leader Abdullah Ocalan is a humanitarian, moral, and peace-related issue. It does not concern one individual alone, but rather affects the cause of a people and the future of the region.

He called on all democratic forces around the world to assume their responsibilities and work to make 2026 a year of peace and a resolution to the Kurdish issue.

ANHA