Hevallo. Turkey and The Kurdish Question.

Statement of Kurdish Leader, Abdullah Ocalan on New Prison Conditions.

2009-11-20T08:07:00.000-08:00

Press statement of Abdullah Ocalan's legal team:
No progress, but aggravation of the isolation

Statement
To the press and public

During the consultation with our client Abdullah Ocalan on 18 November 2009 at Imrali Island, our client made the following statements in regard to his transferring into the newly built prison building:

“I have been transferred here on November, 17th. This place is worse than the one before. They are trying to present this as a progress, but in reality it's an aggravation of the isolation. The current room is 6 square meters, half the size of the previous room. Here they want to constrict me even more, aggravate my imprisonment conditions even more and urge me to surrender.

I already had respiratory problems, but now, here, I cannot breathe at all. The air in this cell is causing major problems for my respiratory system. The old cell was better ventilated. The sun burns right through the window. To be able to breathe, I have to lean against the window, but there the sun is burning. So I have to bear that in order to breathe at all.

The window is looking upwards, so I can see nothing but the sky. The former window was better, because of the airing and because I could actually see something.

I had no opportunity yet to see the other inmates that have been transferred here. The clerks told me I would be able to see them in a month, at the earliest.

Life here is physically tiring me. Isolation and imprisonment conditions are obviously worse here. I don't know if I will ever be able to get accustomed to this. There is no progress, only further regress.

They are selling my transfer here as a positive initiative, but reality is very much different. The only aim of the transfer is to reduce the pressure of the public opinion abroad.”

Asrin Law Office

Asmalı Mescit Mahallesi
Şeh Bender Sokak N:18 D:3
Tünel BEYOĞLU – İSTANBUL
Türkei
Tel: 0090-212-292 95 50 – 51

Kurdish Freedom Fighters Have Newly Designed Website.

2009-11-18T02:06:00.001-08:00

HPG has a newly designed English Page of it's Website.

Check it out and bookmark it.

Adullah Ocalan: The PKK and I Have Proved We Are Ready For Peace.

2009-11-18T01:10:00.000-08:00

Abdullah Ocalan's Latest Comments from Imrali Prison.

Kurdish info 16.11.09 – ‘‘There are sections of the (Turkish) State who are for a solution and sections that are against. Who will come out victorious will depend on the struggle between these two sections. A new phase has been entered. It is important that this phase is comprehended,’’ said Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan.

‘‘I am a political prisoner, my situation must be understood,’’ he added, before saying that a new inquiry had begun into something he had said. ‘‘The USA and Britain are governing this place. They are trying to annihilate the Kurdish Freedom Movement by using me. This is the reason for the solitary confinement punishment and also this new inquiry. It is impossible for me to issue an instruction for war from here, it is not right either. I am just commenting on the situation. I am trying to establish what will happen before it does; for this they are beginning inquiries. Because of this they are also punishing my solicitors and putting pressurise on them.’’

If they want me to play my part they must open my path
‘‘I am like someone who is connected to a life support machine. They can pull the plug whenever they want. They are pulling the plug and putting it back in with things like disciplinary inquiries. My health is not well. There is a constant itch and a problem in the urinary system. I find it hard to breathe, it is stuffy in here, and I cannot get air. Furthermore, I constantly have to keep my eyes shut; I find it hard to blink. There is also a constant discharge in my throat. I cannot sleep. I feel uncomfortable when the air-conditioning is on. Winter is around the corner, it will get harder. It is a miracle to live even one day in here. I may die; my health is linked to these conditions. They do not want me to speak. If they are sincere for peace then I will play my role. If my path is not cleared I cannot play this role. If I go and speak to them (the PKK) I can convince them. I proved this with the arrival of the peace groups. I moved the guerrillas outside Turkey’s borders in 1999. I called for a ceasefire in 2006 and prolonged it three times. I wrote a Road Map and handed it in. I made calls for peace on numerous occasions and wrote my defence (books). I am doing all I can for peace but my conditions are inadequate. I need to be given lee-way if I am to play my role.’’

It was a big show and now it has ended
Evaluating the government, Öcalan said, ‘‘it is now clear what they will do, it was a big show and now it has ended. I could guess from before but we still needed to wait and see whether they were sincere for peace. The process when the first and second peace groups arrived (in 99) was not assessed and used in the right way. This is the third peace group. I wanted to assess the AKP’s sincerity. And it has become apparent that the AKP are not sincere… the power-centre that is controlling the CHP and MHP is also controlling the AKP. The power that is controlling them is also trying to control a part of the Kurds as well. This is the message they are giving to the DTP, if you do not accept our plan, we will annihilate you. This is why the DTP’s closure is being kept on the agenda. Hundreds of DTP members have been arrested. Much bigger operations could be carried out.’’

Öcalan, ‘‘they are filling the prisons with 12 year old children and then saying ‘look we are taking steps to get you out.’ They are publicising Kurdish departments in universities and Kurdish television as steps forward. The Kurds do not need a TV, they already have one. To give a TV channel is not a step; it is not a right anymore. The AKP is playing for Kurdish votes once again. They are trying to buy off Kurds with funds and credit drawn from the GAP project. By using the chieftains and sheikhs they (the AKP) are planning to bring the Kurds on their side. The CHP’s Onur Öymen is asking for this rebellion to be quashed just like the Dersim rebellion. This is their mentality. This is why, to comprehend this mentality, I am saying political academies should be formed. These things need to be discussed in political academies.’’

The powers that are for and against a solution will do battle in this new phase
Öcalan said ‘‘with the arrival of the peace groups, the PKK and I have proved that we are ready for peace. In fact the State didn’t approach the arrival negatively, their release was positive. A positive environment was created, but MHP leader Bahçeli sabotaged it, he created a negative atmosphere. As you can see once again elimination and annihilation is on the agenda. There is a section of the State that is in favour of a solution. However, they are not strong enough. Whichever section is victorious in this struggle, the AKP will take their side. The AKP have always been on the side of the powerful. There are sections in the State and in the AKP that are for and against a solution. Who will come out victorious depends on the struggle within the State. A new phase has been entered. If a positive development occurs, I will still play my part. I will fulfil my responsibilities.’’

They are trying to continue the contra (Gladio) activity which began in 1987 with incidents like the Bilge Village massacre. There are things which the village guards are doing, these are contra activities controlled from a single centre. It has been uncovered that the Bilge Village massacre was co-ordinated and carried out with the approval of soldiers. They wanted to blame the incident on the PKK but couldn’t find any PKK members to make responsible.’’ Öcalan once again appealed to the Ergenekon prosecutor regarding the incidents and crimes that were blamed on the PKK and said that the prosecutor should come and listen to him.

Öcalan touched upon the role of Ergenekon regarding its role in blocking a solution by citing examples from recent history. ‘‘Özal was sincere. He didn’t know what would happen to him. Erbakan also tried to solve this issue. They did not kill him but overthrew him. Karadayı and Kıvrıkoğlu (generals) knew of the US policies and Ergenekon. In fact they wanted to resolve the issue. However, Ergenekon was too strong. Ecevit wanted to do some things. Bahçeli prevented this, he was specially assigned. They were awaiting a coup, but the US did not permit it. Bahçeli is trying to prevent a solution now as well. He is doing the job he has been given. Baykal has also been assigned specially to prevent a solution. Baykal was brought to prominence by JITEM who staged a coup inside the CHP. They toppled Altan Öymen and brought Deniz Baykal to the top. There are some democrats within the CHP who want a solution. There are also some sincere people who are democrats within the AKP.’’

Source:KurdishInfo

The Day When The Kurdish People's Freedom Fighters Arrived in Kurdistan!

2009-11-17T04:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to Newroz2009, a very good Italian/Kurdish Website.

Abdullah Ocalan's Interview with Greek TV. 1996.

2009-11-17T02:12:00.000-08:00

It is being reported that the Kurdish leader, Mr Abdullah Ocalan has been joined by 5 other Kurdish Freedom Fighters incarcerated by the Turkish Government. More psychological warfare giving the impression that progress is being made.

What the Kurdish people would like to see is Abdullah Ocalan being released but at least to have a new photograph of what he looks like now.

Here he is below giving an interview to Greek TV in 1996.

6th London Kurdish Film Festival Begins!

2009-11-16T08:56:00.000-08:00

20th-30th November 2009.

Here is the programme.

Stop Iranian State Murder of Kurdish Freedom Fighters!

2009-11-16T02:40:00.000-08:00

On November 11, the Kurdish prisoner Ihsan Fetahiyan was executed by the Iranian regime in the Sine prison. And now 30-year old innocent Şerko Maarfi named Kurdish man has been put in a cell to be executed soon!

According to information received about the death penalty with the claim that 30-year-old Şerko Maarfi is a member of the PJAK. Now he is in a prison cell in the Seqiz prison.

Death penalty without hearings!

Şerko Maarfi is birth registered in the city of Bane, with the claim that he is a PJAK member on October 2, 2008 he was arrested in Bane. Queries and torture lasted for several months and then in January 2009, by the Court Maarfi was claimed to be in a "war against Allah" and was given death penalty on a charge.

Moreover non-intelligence elements of the regime, threatening the family of any reaction or protest concerning the Maarfi'ye not be asked. Over the four days before the execution Fetahiyan'ın Ihsan Iranian regime wants to be executed Maarfi'yi this time.

PJAK to be arrested in the case of Kurdistan Sine Ihsan Fetahiyan November 11 morning in the Eastern swing was in prison in the city center. The Kurds have reacted to these executions, the execution of the campaign was launched to stop.

Letifi is also under threat of execution!

26 years old Hebibullah Letifi who was held in the same prisson as Ehsan Fetahiyan, is also under threat of execution. Letifi in 2207 in the city of Sine was arrested along with human rights defenders Hana Abdi, Yasir Guli and Ferdi Muradi. In August 12 the death penalty was given by the court. Letifi was put in single cells in early October, with Fetahiyan to be executed.

12 prisoners also to be executed!

From the cases of PKK and PJAK in Iran so far at least 17 people were given the death penalty. However, the death penalty for about 4 of them was canceled. Hasan Hikmet Demir, a PJAK militant was executed after going through severe tortures. Teachers are also among the 12 people who are waiting in the death corridor: Kurdish teachers; Ferzad Kemanger, and Eli Heyderiyan Ferhad Wekili, student Hebibulla Letifi. Other prisoners in the PJAK trial; Jasmine, Rustem Arkiya, Zeynep Celaliyan, Şerko Maarfi, Ferhat employees, Ramazan Ahmet, Enwer Sakir Rostemi and Baki.

TAKE ACTION TO HALT THESE RACIST MURDERS!

Khalil Bahramian, Shirko Moaarefi’s lawyer in an interview with campaign of civil and political prisoners rights by confirming the news of Shirko’s transfer to solitary confinement to execute his death sentence announced: “this verdict is contrary to all legal standard laws and he will not stop until the day he save’s Shirko”.

Bahramian has asked all the media and human rights activists to not remain indifference during these critical days and by informing and illuminating public take action against this injustice verdict.

Dr. Khalil Bahramian, Justice Lawyer 00989121463518

Last news on Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=182030936681

petition:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/32085.html

Urgent: Please everyone do everything you can to Save Shirko Maarefi!

1) Sign and Spread the PETITION @
http://www.gopetition.com/online/32085.html

2) SEND APPEALS as SOON as POSSIBLE, TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
LETTER /APPEAL:

Your Excellency,
I’m concerned about the fate of Shirko Moarefi a 30 year old member of Iran’s Kurdish minority sentenced to death. In preparation for his pending execution, he's been taken to the quarantine of the Saghez prison, where he has been prison since last November and he has suffered various ill-treatments and abuse.

He's also said to be in a bad general condition, suffering from physical and psychological trauma.

Shirko Moarefi has been sentenced to death for what is described as
“crimes against the security of the state” and “enmity against God” .

I’m concerned that these scheduled executions could be a reprisal for a spate of assassinations and attempted assassinations of officials which took place during September 2009, in the northwestern province of Kordestan. With these crimes Shirko Moarefi have nothing to do.

That’s why I respectfully ask you to immediately stop his execution and to commute his death sentence.

I also ask you to consider the opportunity to impose an immediate and comprehensive moratorium on all executions, as a first step towards ending the use of this punishment: the international image of the Islamic Republic of Iran could remarkably take advantage of this choice.
Sincerely,

COPY/ PAST and SEND TO:

a) Head of the Judiciary

Ayatollah Sadeqh Larijani, Office of the Head of the Judiciary, Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave. south of Serah-e Jomhouri, Tehran 1316814737, Islamic Republic of Iran
Email: Via WEB SITE, http://www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default.aspx

1st starred box: your given name;
2sd starred box: your family name;
3rd starred box: your email address

b) Governor of Kordestan Province
Esmail Najjar

Email: In Persian and Kurdish, send via feedback form on the website:
http://www.ostan-kd.ir/Default.aspx?tabId=150&cv=4@0_1

In English, French or other languages, use the feedback form on the website:
http://en.ostan-kd.ir/Default.aspx?TabID=59

Statement of Kurdish Political Leadership, KCK, on Recent Developments.

2009-11-12T07:02:00.000-08:00

Kurdish Info 09.11.2009- KCK Chairman Of Executive Council declared 5 points : " The greatest question of the Turkish Republic in its 87th year, which is the Kurdish question, has entered the process of resolution. Both the internal and external conditions, which will transform the question into a genuinely permanent and just peace, are available. The unilateral ceasefire decided upon by our movement, the road-map that was prepared by our leader and our peoples’ call for peace, demonstrate the commitment of our movement and people to peace and a democratic resolution."

The internal and external conditions in which the policy of denial of the Kurdish people perpetrated by the Turkish state could be carried out no longer exist thanks to the struggle of the people of Kurdistan for freedom, democracy and peace led by Leader Apo. In the face of the powerful insistence on freedom demonstrated by our Movement and people, the Turkish state is trying to legitimate its existence in Kurdistan by restoring its system of denial and annihilation. The main purpose is to overtly apply the policies of assimilation, dissolution and annihilation, by exterminating the Kurdistan freedom movement and enslaving the people of Kurdistan. It is for this reason that especially the president, prime minister and the minister of internal affairs, have not taken any practical steps for the resolution of the question while uttering statements that merely sound positive. They aim at annihilation instead of reconciliation. On the other hand, the MHP-CHP and Turkish Chief of General Staff continue with their traditional insistence on siding with the policy of denial-annihilation.

The policy, which was initially characterised as openness to the resolution of Kurdish issue, and transformed today into a project carried out under the name of national unity, has acquired the name of annihilation of the guerrilla and the PKK following the recent statements of the authorities. Discussions that the ministry of internal affairs is engaged in with some sections, diplomatic relations that the ministry of foreign affairs is working on, as well as the meetings of the prime minister with US authorities, are not focused on the resolution of the Kurdish question, but targeting the annihilation of the PKK.

In the meantime, the annihilation operations against the guerrilla for the liberation of Kurdistan, which are carried out in spite of the unilateral ceasefire announced by our movement on 13th April, operations against the institutions in the political and social arena, the reactivated extrajudicial killings and massacre of Kurdish children, are all continuing without losing momentum.

In the face of the activities of the AKP government and state to frustrate our peoples’ endeavours for a resolution, our Leadership has demonstrated its clear commitment by deciding to send three peace groups to Turkey from Kandil, Maxmur, and Europe in order to unblock the peace process. However, the MHP, CHP, president, prime minister, ministry of internal affairs and the Chief of General Staff have all provoked the racist and chauvinist sections, by evaluating the meeting of our people with the peace envoys as a public provocation, in order to pre-empt the steps taken by our movement to eliminate the obstacles before the resolution of the question. However, sending the peace envoys and their meeting with our people are the expressions of the insistent and determined stance of our Leadership, movement and people on peace. But they did not tolerate this.
The AKP government has put the resolution of Kurdish question on the agenda of the parliament, although with delay. The discussion of the issue in the right and democratic manner is as important as its appearance before the parliament, in terms of Turkish history. The reason for this is that the question has never been correctly defined and evaluated in the light of correct solutions. Analysing the Kurdish Question as terrorism, calling on Kurdish guerrillas to surrender, to ban the rights of people to exercise their culture including education in mother tongue allowing Kurdish language as an optional subject of study in education and refusal to recognise the position of our leader Abdullah Ocalan are not ‘new initiatives’ for democratisation. Just as no issue can be resolved without an authority, there has never been a discussion, dialogue or agreement that has not been carried out without the free will of all the parties who are in conflict.

More importantly, the fact that the AKP government gives priority to the surrender of the guerrilla instead of dialogue and reconciliation seeks to undermine the guerrilla resistance either by failing to understand or pretending not to understand. Such an imposition means firstly to disregard the will of Kurdish people and insisting on turning a blind eye to the reality.

The AKP still evaluates the issue as a matter of power and AKP policy. It wants to develop a definition of the Kurdish question and a resolution that suits its own purposes. This is the basis on which it wants to render its power permanent. For this, it is taking a step back considering the approaching general elections, in the face of the racist-chauvinist pressures of the CHP and MHP. This requires the status of the issue to be disregarded, hence its incorrect evaluation.

The manner in which the Kurdish issue is approached is the expression of the approach to the existence of Turkey and the shape of its future. The Kurdish question cannot also be evaluated in accordance with a simplistic and tactical perspective. The issue cannot be resolved by encouraging the powers in the south to put political and military pressure on the PKK.

It is possible to resolve the Kurdish issue only within the framework of equal and free fraternity of Turkish and Kurdish peoples and with democratic autonomy, without infringing the borders of Turkey. It is known how the similar problems have been resolved in Turkey. This firstly requires dialogue and negotiation. Recognition of Leader Apo, the PKK and the legal political movement as the interlocutors is an issue that needs to be discussed and clarified. This should be seen as the natural aspect of the issue at hand, by keeping it out of every discussion. Unless this is done, it would be impossible to make progress in the resolution of the issue.

On the other hand, constructing scenarios, evaluating the number of people, who may arrive from Maxmur etc and sending some people to Turkey, who are outside the process and not party to the issue, will not contribute to its resolution. This attitude does not mean anything other than deceiving the public and pursuing narrow political purposes. The issue can never be resolved in this manner.

The fact that the ROAD MAP that has been prepared by Kurdish Leader Abdullah Ocalan in association with the peaceful and democratic political solution of the Kurdish question has not been presented to the public is a serious mistake. It is imperative to rectify the mistake and present the Road Map to the public.

The continuation of political and military operations while talking about resolution and peace renders the statements of Turkish state and government doubtful. It is absolutely essential to cease these political and military operations in order to eliminate this doubt. The Kurdish issue can be resolved not through some limited amendments in law and regulations, but only on the basis of real constitutional changes. This requires Turkey to create the conditions in which free and equal coexistence of the identity of Kurdish people should be constitutionally guaranteed as part of the democratic peoples of Turkey.

At this stage, restrictions on the Kurdish language, which is one of the oldest and deep-rooted languages of the world, or granting it the mere status of a course or study option, will not help the resolution of the issue. Kurdish should be the language of education from primary school to university. Its use and development, and experiencing its historical value, culture, art and geographical roots, should be seen as part of these rights.

It is necessary to take concrete steps towards the development of the organisation of Kurdish society, engagement in democratic politics, and the right to free speech. As an expression of the sincerity of the Turkish state towards peace and a democratic resolution, special military powers should be withdrawn from the village, town and cities of Kurdistan, and the system of village guards should be abolished. Conditions should be created to allow the people of Kurdistan to live free from police oppression, and establish and develop their lives in security with sufficient opportunities.

Discussion of the Kurdish issue in the Turkish parliament is an opportunity. The parliament should be able to discuss the development of a permanent resolution, but not through narrow political calculations and threats. They should make the decision to take serious steps towards peace for the resolution of this issue, which has been a matter of controversy since 1925. The parliament can demonstrate positive approach if they can discuss the matter within this framework. If this occurs, the Kurdish Liberation Movement would also fulfil their own responsibilities. It should be clearly understood that an approach based on hostility and narrow political interests will not serve the resolution of the issue in any way.

Martyr Ehsan Fatahian Brutally Murdered by the Iranian Regime.

2009-11-12T02:43:00.000-08:00

The Guardian: Iran Executes Kurdish Activist.

What Will Tomorrow Bring?

2009-11-09T09:36:00.000-08:00

As racist attacks against DTP and Kurdish people across Turkey increases, the Turkish parliament meet tomorrow to discuss the 'Kurdish Inititaive'.

It will be a day of nationalistic rheteric as it is also the anniversary of the death of Mustafa Kemal.

Here is a good summary of the story so far from Bloombergs.

UPDATE ON THE 10th Nov 2009.

A motion was passed today that the Turkish Parliament will discuss the Kurdish Democratic Initiative on Thursday 12th November 2009.

Learn Kurdish at the KCC.

2009-11-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

If your in London and want to learn Kurdish then your lucky!

There are very popular and successful Kurdish classes at the moment being taught at the Kurdish Community Centre in Green Lanes.

Turks, Kurds and non Turks and Kurds are having fun and learning Kurdish every Friday, 1900- 2100

Come along and join in.

Complete beginners especially welcome.

Kurdish Community Centre

11 Portland Gardens,

Haringey

London

Nearest tube: Manor House.

Abdullah Ocalan: The Kurdish People Want An Honourable Peace.

2009-11-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

ABDULLAH OCALAN

28.10.2009

PEACE NEEDS SERIOUSNESS
This is not a game, it needs a serious approach. It needs respect. Everything has been understood. The arrival of the peace groups and the Kurdish peoples’ reception and honourable stance has uncovered the government’s real face and intentions. The government’s plan has fallen through. The people who went to greet them were not just DTP or PKK sympathisers. AKP supporters also went. This is what is scaring the government. They are afraid of losing votes. However, this situation is not one that can be conducted with the fear of losing votes. Peace needs seriousness. I would like to thank all the friends who complied with my call and came. In this way they have shown their loyalty. With the arrival of these groups and the response of the Kurdish people, we have shown that we are in favour of peace. The Kurds have declared their desire for peace. However, the government has not responded to this in a serious manner. This will not do. On one side the Interior Minister is saying one thing, on the other the families of martyred Turkish soldiers are going to Parliament and meeting with the President of the Assembly and talking disrespectfully and insultingly, saying it is terror and such like. This is disrespectful.

THE AKP IS NOT SINCERE, THEY DO NOT WANT PEACE
The AKP is not serious. Being a statesman is a serious business. Peace is a serious business, the AKP is not sincere, they do not want peace. The point that this expansion process has reached is one of trickery and deception. Once again they are attempting to scapegoat the Kurds for what has happened. Their approach is like trying to trick a fifteen year old girl. This is the approach they are taking with me. However, they will not succeed. They are saying we will reassess the process; it cannot go on like this. I am calling on Erdoğan for some seriousness. There will be no more groups from now on. There is no need for them from now on.

THE EXPANSION IS A LIE, THE REAL AIM IS TO ANNIHILATE THE PKK
What does ‘we will start over’ mean? They can do whatever they please. They do not have intent for peace anyway. They are not serious or sincere for peace. Their only aim is annihilation. The Prime Minister has no right to act emotionally. I have been kept here for 10 years as the most isolated person on the planet and still I do not act emotionally even in my hardest moment. The peace process cannot be conducted out of concern for votes. They are still worried about their seats. The AKP is not sincere. The AKP’s plan has been exposed by the arrival of the peace groups. They think by supposedly using me they can solve this problem according to their own wishes. They cannot use me in this way. The expansion is a lie, the real aim is to annihilate the PKK.

THE TURKISH SUPRA-IDENTITY IS A HORROR
Baskın Oran in one of his works says ‘the Turkish supra-identity is frightening.’ It is a judgment that has come too late. He has probably read my writings; he has his own studies as well. He is saying this and so am I. Furthermore there is no real Turkishness in the Turkish identity. Yes, the Turkish supra-identity is frightening; I am calling it a horror. The Turkish supra-identity is being forced upon all the Peoples (of Turkey.) Using this Turkish supra-identity they have tried creating a dress that is too tight for all the Peoples left over from the Ottoman Empire. They are trying to fit in 10, 20 people in a dress that is too tight and too thick and bound by stiff and permanent laws. By doing this they tried to dissolve cultures and create a compound.

THEY CANNOT ANNIHILATE THE PKK BY ATTEMPTING TO USE ME
I do not know what will happen from now on. They may kill me using medication or with some other method. It is up to the USA, the powers that brought me here. There have been approaches to force me to retreat, solitary confinement, physical intervention and such like. However I didn’t retreat, I will not. Regardless of whether I live or die the Kurds will not accept, should not accept anything apart from an honourable peace, they will protect their freedom. The Kurdish people have come to this point. Also they cannot annihilate the PKK by attempting to use me, it is impossible.

EVEN HITLER DID NOT DO THIS
There was a girl who was teaching children Kurdish in Diyarbakır, her name was Medya. This 12 year old girl was teaching her mother tongue. A prosecutor of Turkey couldn’t even tolerate this. An investigation was begun. Your prosecutor cannot even tolerate the Kurds learning their mother tongue; is this an expansion? The Kurds learning their language is not even being tolerated. This is cultural genocide. Where in the world can you find such a thing? Even Israel didn’t do this to Palestine. Even Hitler didn’t do such a thing.

THE RIGHTS RECOGNISED TO CORSICA SHOULD BE RECOGNISED
We do not want much. It will suffice if they recognise the rights France, who they take as an example, has given to Corsica. Was France’s unitary structure destroyed when they granted the Corsican’s their freedom, rights and territorial autonomy? No. They are not even allowing Kurds to learn their mother tongue.

NOTHING APART FROM AN HONOURABLE PEACE CAN BE ACCEPTED
It is evident from the arrival of the peace groups that I am still capable of convincing the PKK to put down their weapons. They listen to me, they are loyal to me. However, from now on I will not interfere. I have carried out all that is my responsibility for a democratic resolution and peace. The Kurdish people are honourable; they will not accept anything apart from an honourable peace. The Kurds’ will for peace has been formed. We must not let those against peace be victorious. As I have said, I may die here, or be killed. With or without me the Kurds and the Kurdish Movement have come to the point where they can make their own decisions and not compromise their freedom and honour. I cannot make decisions here regarding war, I will not. This decision can only be made by the PKK.

PKK Decriminalised Overnight!

2009-10-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

One aspect of the strategically brilliant move by Abdullah Ocalan was to effectively 'de-criminalise' the Kurdish Freedom Movement almost overnight.

It has left some observers and so called 'experts' completely and utterly speechless. Literally.

Take the example of the blogger Mr Wilgenberg at Transnational Observer.

This blogger normally goes out of his way to report on the 'criminalisation' aspect of the Kurdish Freedom Movement, always ready to convey the Turkish Government's message that the PKK are 'terrorists' and 'criminals'.

He calls himself an expert on Turkey and the Kurdish issue.

What is hilarious is that he has completely ignored the 20th October and the Peace Groups sent by Abdullah Ocalan to Turkey as a signal of peace and their triumphant reception by millions of jubilant Kurdish people and their tour around Kurdistan.

There is gap in his 'reporting' from the 14th Oct, with a typically cynical post and the next post is on the 26th October and he chooses to post about Turkey and France's 'struggle with terrorism'!

Everybody knows that the events of the 20th October are the most important historical development in the Kurdish issue in Turkey and yet he has nothing to say about it.

Why?

Because, more than any other event has done, the events on the 20th October 2009 showed unequivocally that the PKK are the Freedom Fighters of the Kurdish people.

No argument!

It has left commentators that make their living from spouting Turkish propaganda completely and utterly dumbstruck!

Nothing to say! Except blubbering about the large crowds that greeted the PKK Fighters and complaining that 'it's not fair'.

You gotta laugh!

PKK decriminalised, so called experts, discredited!

And remember, The Kurdish Promise is Peace!

A journalist put it very well to a Turkish court recently when charged with 'making propaganda of 'an illegal'
organisation. He said:

"I never ever stepped up in public and cheered for the PKK, but I became witness of 1 million people in Diyarbakır shouting for PKK. There is no need for us to make propaganda because the people do so anyway".

Abdullah Ocalan's Second 'Peace Group' Ready to Go!

2009-10-27T11:50:00.000-07:00

To the Press and Public Opinion
Dear members of the press,

Following the call of Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, we, as members of ‘the peace group’ have decided to return to Turkey. Our aims are to serve the democratization process, to contribute to the solution of the Kurdish Question and to overcome the current political stalemate. Our group consists of 15 people. Arif DIRIK,Ayten KAPLAN, Baki ULUDAG, Halime GOKCEN,Hasan AKBABA, Hikmet CETIN, Hikmet KARAHAN, Ismet KEM, M.CEVAT Akin, Mahmut EROL, M.Sait YILDIRIM, Muazzez KAYA, Ummuhan SURMELI, Veli TEKIN, Vesile YUKSEL.

Turkey is at an important and critical turning point. We believe that political reforms and democratization initiatives have reached an important phase since the local elections in 29 March 2009. However it is important to highlight that ‘the road map’ prepared by the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan has not yet been released by the authorities to the public, and that ‘the democratization process’ is at an impasse.

Upon calls from Mr Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish Movement organized ‘peace groups’ that consisted of 34 people from Maxmur and Qandil. The peace groups returned home on 19 October 2009 in order to further the democratization process.

The peace groups who came to the country received a rapturous reception from hundreds of thousands of Kurdish people and those in favor of peace who gathered to meet them.

We, the members of the `peace group` who fled to Europe to escape persecution and oppression in Turkey, had decided to return to Turkey tomorrow (on 28 October, 2009). We made this decision in order to respond to our people’s great hopes for an honorable and democratic peace and solution to the Kurdish issue. We made all the necessary preparations and applied to the Turkish Consulate for the relevant travel documents.

The Prime Minister, government and state officials` statements in relation to our people’s joyful reception to meet the first peace groups were inappropriate and prevented the peace group from Europe to leave for Turkey. Officials failed to issue the necessary travel documents.

Due to the aforementioned reasons, we have temporarily postponed our return to Turkey.

We believe that the peace process in Turkey can only be successfully pursued if all relevant parties under take their responsibilities with gravity, courage and compassion. Despite the decisiveness, goodwill and persistence of the Kurdish movement towards peace and democracy by sending the peace groups, the government`s present attitude is blocking the way for the peaceful and democratic solution of the Kurdish issue.

The ruling AKP government is claiming is that we created a `crisis of confidence`. On the contrary, the government and state forces are responsible for causing a `crisis of confidence` by disturbing, provoking and sabotaging the process. It is under these conditions, that we were forced to postpone our journey to Turkey. We believe that our decision to postpone will be understood by our people and all those concerned for the process to be advanced.

With a strong believe in peace and democratic solution, we would like to respond to Mr Ocalan`s call and to the Kurdish people`s hopes for peace and free coexistence. We are ready and confident to open the way that is blocked by the government and contribute to the process. In the coming days, we will evaluate the government`s political and legal approaches and decide accordingly on a date to return to the Turkey. Our decision will be shared with the members of the press and the public.

Only a common effort will make the initiative work. Therefore, we request that the concerned Turkish officials take on this responsibility, and to be courageous in order to make our group`s journey to Turkey possible.

It is clear to see the efforts by the CHP administration, MHP and Ergenekon gang in sabotaging the peace and solution process. Rather than being under the influence of this backward mentality which gets its strength from the war, the AKP must be even more accountable, assertive and strong-willed in its approach. The Kurdish people`s cry for peace and search for a solution must be understood as a great support for the people of Turkey and an approach of fraternity and solidarity.

We believe that the media, intellectuals, non-governmental organizations and the public opinion in Turkey will support and value our efforts for the peace initiative.

We salute and extend our regards to the people of Kurdistan and Turkey on the basis of a strong belief for an honorable peace and democratic solution.

We thank you, the members of the press for your interest.

27.10.2009
Peace and Democratic Solution Group

Abdullah Ocalan's Recent Assessment and Clarification of Points in his Road Map.

2009-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

Kurdish Info 26.10.2009- The Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan assessed recent developments and presented his proposals for a resolution in the meeting with his solicitors on 21st October. Öcalan outlined the three proposals below:

1st Phase: ‘‘The state will assure all the rights of the Kurds. They will give us guarantees. We will prove to the state that we are not separatists. We will declare that we have abandoned violent methods. At this point a ceasefire will be established. The state will give the Kurds the opportunity to govern themselves.

2nd Phase: If the 1st Phase is completed the 2nd Phase will be to move all armed forces out of the country.

3rd Phase: The guarantees given will find their reflection in a change of legislation. People will return depending on the changes made.’’ Öcalan asked to be given free rein, for all of this to be done.

The Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan revealed the three approaches and methods in history and at the present day (to the Kurdish issue):

I. Approach and Method: Method of Denial and Annihilation

The first approach is that of denial and annihilation which has been the practise since 1925. This approach towards the Kurds is based on an annihilation policy… It rests on cultural annihilation as well as physical annihilation…

The nationalism of those who perpetrate this isn’t real Turkism. The architect and perpetrators of this White Turkism are Jewish Moiz Kohen and Arminis Wambery (Armin Vambery). The Turkism of these people is what is called White Turkism.

The CHP is a Continuation of This Concept and is NATIONAL FASCISM
‘‘They were trying to crush anyone who thought differently from themselves or raised their head… Essentially the aim of these people is not Turkism either.

Their only aim is to control the Republic using this method. They thought this was the only way they could take the Republic under their control. They were saying to Mustafa Kemal, ‘‘we will make you a prophet, you are supreme for us.’’

They wanted to glorify Mustafa Kemal and take power… In this way they wanted to neutralise him. This method and concept of denial and annihilation has been continuing for 80-90 years.

The CHP of today is a continuation of this course of action. Both the CHP and MHP are the successors of this method and policy of denial and annihilation. The CHP represents national fascism whilst the MHP represents nationalist fascism. This is how I interpret the difference between them. They both support the denial and annihilation of the Kurds.’’

II. Approach and Method: Controlling the Kurds via a small State
‘‘The second approach is to appease the Kurds with a small Kurdistan, imprison them in a small area and control them. Israel was given great support in 1947.

Then Israel was formed in opposition to Palestine. Again in 1947 they began gathering the Kurds around the KDP. When they comprehended that they couldn’t finish the Kurds with the first approach they put the second option into action. This second method has been in practise for 60 years.

Their aim was to form a small nation-state and gather all the Kurds around it. By doing this they wanted to control the Northern Kurds, the Kurds of Turkey especially. Now the AKP represents this approach. In fact Turkey is itself also a small Turkey. They expelled the Turks from the Balkans and other places and pushed them into Anatolia. They formed a small Turkey. At the same time they imbued them with Pan-Turkism.’’

THE KURDS WILL BE CONTROLLED VIA SOUTH (KURDISTAN)

‘‘The AKP are supporting this second approach, this must be properly understood. What the AKP is doing is definitely fraudulent. This approach is more dangerous than physical annihilation. The AKP, based on its relationships with the South, want to control all the Kurds through them. Now that the AKP have spoken about a democratic expansion, they will do everything in their power to control the Kurds.

They are opening consulates in the South and improving their relations with Iraq. All the large companies in the South are managed by Turks. They are doing all this, and improving relations in the South in a bid to appease the Kurds. And in this way they are making the Kurds dependent on themselves.

In any case all the primitive nationalist Kurds are ready for this. The ones who broke from us are also in the South and have relations with them. They are all part of the same outlook. The AKP knows this well and is w atching the situation closely… The AKP reached an agreement with Yaşar Büyükanıt (ex-General Chief of Staff) based on this. They reached a compromise based on the AKP controlling the Kurds and the Islamists. This is how the military coup was avoided. This agreement is still in force.’’

THE EXPANSION IS NOT THE AKP’S BUT THE STATE’S PROJECT

‘‘… The difference between real and fake religion must be studied sufficiently and comprehended. Following the democratic expansion the AKP will use all its opportunity and means at its disposal. The CHP and MHP are trying to maintain their existence by standing in opposition to a solution to this problem. Conversely the AKP know that only success on this issue can keep themselves in business.

For this they will use all the powers they have. Their actions are based solely on being successful in the elections. What the AKP is doing is definitely fraudulent. Also this democratic expansion is not the AKP’s project; it is the State’s project. In fact even the State as a whole isn’t behind this project. If good work is done the AKP will decline and its effects in the region will diminish.’’

III. Approach and Method: The KCK Model

The third approach is the approach we support and is based on the method of the democratic governance of society. This is KCK (Koma Civaken Kurdistan); it is not based on borders but on the democratic organisation of society; it is a libertarian approach.

Although I hadn’t identified it, I have spoken about the KCK before. The KCK is definitely not a solution based within the State. I have written about these three approaches in detail in my Road Map. There is a historical introduction to my Road Map. It is an ambitious introduction.

I stated my thoughts on how a solution can be attained. Also in the Road Map I cited the five points of the KCK system; economic, social, political, judicial and diplomatic.

The social sphere contains matters such as the organisation of education. The international sphere is what I define as the diplomatic sphere. The idea of Davutoğlu (Exterior Minister of Turkey) to form a Strate gic Council in the region was taken from my Middle East Democratic Confederation idea which I had spoken about much before. It is an implementation of that.’’

BAYKAL’S SAYING ‘‘THE AKP ARE IMPLEMENTING IMRALI’S ROAD MAP’’ IS TRUE

‘‘The AKP are exploiting my Road Map because it is in their possession. CHP Leader Deniz Baykal knows of the situation a little; he has been saying ‘‘the AKP are implementing Imralı’s (Öcalan’s) Road Map.’’ Baykal’s estimation is true. However, the AKP cannot implement my Road Map. They are only taking advantage of it. Davutoğlu is benefiting from it abroad and Erdoğan here.

When I was stating democratic solutions for the Middle East in the road map I proposed the Democratic Confederalism of the Euphrates-Tigris Basin. Now Davutoğlu is negotiating with Iraq and Syria on this. It is true they are making use of my road map. The AKP are in the quandary now…

The KCK is the democratic organisation of society based on liberty. It is based neither on Federalism nor the State. It is the self-organisation of society outside and beyond the State. It is the democratic self-administration of society. This is what we call it democratic autonomy. The name may be different, but the essence is the same.’’

I WILL NOT CALL GROUPS FROM NOW ON

‘‘The groups that arrived are peace emissaries. This problem will not be solved with the arrival of these groups. They are only peace emissaries. They will work to attain peace. I would like to thank the groups that have arrived. From now on they must work for peace. They must take their places in the Peace Assemblies. The group from Europe is also coming. However after that I will make no other calls for groups to come. This would not be right. But if the State negotiates with the PKK and they agree to send more groups then I cannot say anything. This is a decision they would need to take themselves.

Once again I would like to thank the peace groups. The aim of the call for the peace groups to come was this; it was a test. I did it to open the path of the blocked political process and also to test their loyalty, and they listened and came and displayed their loyalty.

I wish to convey my gratitude and thank the m. The peace groups that came in 1999 were unprepared.

We were slightly unfair towards them. It was an uncertain period. We thought the State would take advantage of the opportunity, but the State just imprisoned them.’’

The Proposed Phases for a Solution in the Road Map:

PHASE I: THE STATE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE THE KCK

‘‘From now on there needs to be three phases for a solution, I have cited them in the Road Map. In the first phase the state will guarantee all the rights of the Kurds. They will give us assurances and convince us. And we in return will firstly convince the State that we are not separatists, we will declare it. And secondly we will also declare that we will not resort to violent methods. We will put violent methods out of the question.

At this point a ceasefire can be established. There will be no conflict or violence. The State will accept a democratic resolution and take into account the five principles I presented. They will give the Kurds the opportunity to govern themselves. However, for this to happen I must be given some free rein.

All this needs to be discussed in detail. This is what I meant when I said before that I would need 90 days to negotiate the military aspect and then 45 days to negotiate the security aspect. It is not that simple.’’

PHASE II: THE GUERRILLA WILL LEAVE TURKEY’S BORDERS

‘‘If phase one is completed then in phase two guerrilla forces will leave Turkey’s borders. The third phase will be the change in legislation, ie constitution, laws and regulations, in accordance with the guarantees that were given. The current constitution will need to change.

People will return based on how much of this is implemented. I need to be able to express myself during this period. For me to realise this solution the State must take this into consideration, and show its support. There are ten principles in my Road Map. I have sufficiently disclosed how a democratic solution can be achieved in the Road Map.’’

THE PARTIES ARE TESTING ONE ANOTHER

‘‘The situation now is one of testing. The PKK are testing the State, this is true. And the State is testing the PKK. This situation is not one of dialogue. It is one of mutual suspicion. The AKP must accept the democratic solution. However they are acting in a very self-interested and self-seeking manner. They are making all sorts of calculations. They are also playing with an eye to the elections…

This dialogue process didn’t begin with the AKP; it has been there since Özal’s time. Following this news was sent during Erbakan’s term… The AKP want to reap the benefit of everything. The road they have chosen is full of all sorts of deceptions, tricks and fraud. The explicit massacres committed by the Ergenekon are less dangerous than this secretive and deceptive annihilation process.’’

WE ARE IN FAVOUR OF A SOLUTION

‘‘We are for a solution, for a democratic solution, however the State must also be for a solution, it must accept the democratic solution. Moreover, we are in favour of a solution with the State, the State that is the real State.

The State must accept the democratic resolution model in which the Kurds can govern themselves… I would like to call on the Turkish people: For 80-90 years there has been a veil put over us. Together we can lift it. Acting together we can bring peace and democracy, we will gain altogether. We are in favour of the democratic solution.’’ Source: Kurdish Info

Kurdish People's Support for PKK Scares the Pants Off AKP!

2009-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE
THE AKP REFUSES VISAS TO THE EUROPEAN PEACE GROUP
For immediate release
Monday, 26 October 2009

Press conference on Tuesday, 27 October 11.30 – 13.30
at the The Passage Room, International Press Center - Residence Palace
Rue de la loi 155 -1040 Brussels
Contact details: +32.489158016 peacegroup2009@gmail.com

The peace vision of Abdullah Ocalan, our Kurdish Leader, has been scuppered today by the ruling party of the Turkish Government, the AKP, which has refused to grant visas to the 15 members of the European Kurdish peace group due to fly to Turkey shortly. There they were due to meet up with the 34 members of the Kurdish peace group who came from Maxmur and Qandil on November 19th 2009.

Our leader saw it as his responsibility to write the “Road Map” that sets out a solution to the Kurdish issue and to further the democratisation process. However, precisely because the “Road Map” was not released by the authorities to our Movement and put in the public domain, discussions concerning the resolution of the Kurdish issue have become repetitive to the extent that they were not leading anywhere and have in fact stalled.

Our Leader called on our Movement to unblock the political path and create a new and historical opportunity for a solution to this problem. Our Movement interpreted our Leader’s appeal as an order and so sent the peace groups composed of 34 people from Maxmur and Qandil to Turkey on November 19th 2009, expecting that they would meet up with the 15 members of the European peace group later in the month.

Our leader has persistently, over the last decade, advocated a peaceful solution of the Kurdish issue, based on dialogue and diplomacy and not the gun. He has argued for a non-violent resolution of the conflict so that real democracy, justice and enjoyment of human rights will be enjoyed by the Kurdish population, and violence will cease. It was hoped that Turkey was now ready to find a peaceful solution. This is why he has once again called for peace groups to be sent to Turkey. This refusal of visas is dashing many hopes.

The AKP has demonstrated today that it rejects such ideas and does not believe in peace brought about through dialogue. It has reverted to the position of the Turkish government ten years ago, when, in November 1999, the Kurdish leader arranged a similar mission for two groups, one from Europe and one from Qandil to go to Turkey. Members of these groups were arrested and spent 10 years in prison; two of the mission members arrested are still in prison today.

The 34 members of the peace groups from Maxmur and Qandil already in Turkey were received with great jubilation, and their reception by the Kurdish people demonstrates that this peace mission is no mere “showing off” as the AKP has claimed, but reflects the genuine yearning of the Kurds for an end to conflict and a time when they can enjoy to the full their human rights, their culture, their language and look forward to a new life where equality and justice applies to all the citizens of Turkey.

This decision of the AKP frustrates all efforts towards achieving this state. Therefore we have no alternative but to postpone indefinitely the departure of the European peace group.

Nevertheless, the planned meeting on 27th November at 11:30am will still take place in the international press centre in Brussels and will be attended by all the members of the Europe peace group. The group will disclose its objectives, mission and stance in a more detailed manner. However the meeting organised in Dusseldorf to greet and send off the peace group has been cancelled.

We would like to thank all those who support our cause and will help us to persuade the Turkish government to waive its regrettable decision on the visas and instead grant them to the European peace group and welcome this initiative of the Kurdish Leader.

European Peace Group Organisation Committee

Peace Group in Amed! The Kurdish Promise is Peace!

2009-10-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

Jamestown Foundation.

2009-10-21T05:13:00.000-07:00

Turkish-PKK Peace Settlement Draws Nearer

Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 6 Issue: 192

October 20, 2009 02:08 PM Age: 18 hrs

By: Emrullah Uslu

While the debate appeared to be deadlocked, Abdullah Ocalan ordered (through his lawyers) the PKK to hand over a group of militants as a “peace group” as proof of their commitment to the initiative (Radikal, October 17). In response, the PKK sent 34 militants from Northern Iraq to the Turkish authorities at the Habur border crossing, which was considered a groundbreaking move that may lead to the disarmament of the PKK, strengthening the hand of the government in its recently launched democratization package to end the country’s long-standing Kurdish problem (Today’s Zaman, October 20).

The group carried a letter for Turkish officials, saying its members hoped to make a “modest” contribution to peace with their journey, and listed requests, including putting an end to military operations against the rebels; allowing Kurdish language education; ending what they called “pressure and oppression” by the security forces in mainly Kurdish villages and cities; and preparing a constitution that ensures their democratic rights in Turkey (Firat News Agency, October 19). Most of the demands that were highlighted in the letter were either already incorporated or addressed within the government’s Kurdish initiative.

One critical issue was whether the members of the “peace group” would be arrested and serve lengthy prison sentences, or if the state would offer an amnesty. In 1999, when Ocalan was arrested, he had also asked a group of PKK militants to surrender. However, at the time the PKK members were imprisoned, and remain incarcerated. Unlike the previous attempt, the Turkish state has developed a more tolerant attitude toward the group; 29 militants were released after questioning, though five were taken to court because of previously opened investigations (Vatan, October 20).

The Turkish press reported that the Minister of Interior Besir Atalay –responsible for coordinating the Kurdish initiative– closely monitored the surrender, and even sent high-ranking officials form Ankara, including the undersecretary of the Minister of Interior Osman Gunes, to the Habur gate to take charge of the process (Taraf, October 20). Atalay stated that, “with an effective plan we are moving toward the culmination of the process” (Vatan, October 20).

The Kurdish nationalist Democratic Society Party (DTP) has also played a positive role in this development. On the eve of the surrender, local branches of the DTP organized a sizeable welcoming group to show their support for the process and the decision of the PKK leadership, while its leaders negotiated with the interior minister to find a compromise that would suit both sides (Taraf, October 20).

Turkish public opinion has thus far proven to be muted, which might indicate a popular desire to end the conflict. Except for marginal nationalist media outlets, which labeled the process as a betrayal, the mainstream media has welcomed the latest development (Hurriyet, Sabah, Milliyet, Yeni Cag, Zaman, October 20).

When it comes to the question of whether the process will succeed, it is essential to examine the motivation of the key political actors, particularly Ocalan and the government. Since Erdogan revealed that his government is preparing the Kurdish initiative, he has committed himself to pursuing the process. Its failure risks the loss of Kurdish support, and potentially might undermine his domestic power base. By contrast, Ocalan and the PKK leadership are driven by more complex considerations. On the one hand, the majority of Kurdish people wish to avoid continued conflict, while the international community and Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq do not want PKK camps on their territories.

Moreover, Ocalan and the founding leaders of the PKK and the first generation of its militants are aware that time is running out and many realize that their fighting years are drawing to a close. In addition, at least half of the PKK militants are in their twenties, which means that the new generation was approximately 10 to 15 years of age when Ocalan was arrested in 1999. Thus, it would be difficult in the longer term for Ocalan to maintain his influence over the PKK. Unless the PKK abandons its campaign, within a decade its older generation of fighters will be around 65 to 70 years old. The new generation of PKK militants may change the direction of the organization, a prospect that Ocalan might wish to avoid. Thus, Ocalan believes that the next few years represent both his and first-generation PKK militants’ last opportunity to end the war, allowing him to emerge as the “peacemaker” and as a Kurdish national hero (Today’s Zaman, October 20).

Source:Jamestown Foundation.

Kurdistan. 20th October 2009.

2009-10-21T03:40:00.000-07:00

Time to Release The Kurdish Leader, Abdullah Ocalan!

2009-10-21T03:15:00.000-07:00

Release President Abdullah Ocalan!

With historic and euphoric scenes being played out all over Kurdistan the Kurdish people are on the edge of victory!

Every inch, every centimetre of freedom has been won by the Kurdish Freedom Struggle led by the leader of the Kurdish people, President Abdullah Ocalan.

It is only now a matter of time before Abdullah Ocalan will have to be released to fully achieve the freedoms he has fought for.

The Turkish government, following the peace gesture shown by the Kurdish Freedom Movement, should at the very least release a new photograph of the Kurdish leader to recognise the important and historic moment we are at.

But more importantly, the Kurdish people will not accept any solution while Abdullah Ocalan remains in prison.

Freedom to Abdullah Ocalan!

Freedom for Kurdistan!

BIJI SEROK APO!

Historical Day of 20th October 2009. The Solution to The Kurdish Question Moves Closer!

2009-10-20T09:39:00.000-07:00

These are extraordinary images of Kurdish PKK Guerilla Fighters dressed still in the Khaki uniforms and having been questioned and released by the Turkish authorities are on top of a DTP bus addressing the tens of thousands of supporters who gathered to meet them.

The bus and Peace convoy is now travelling around Kurdistan to incredible scenes of joy and celebration.

Tomorrow they will be travelling through Mardin and arrive in Amed (Diyarbakir) to unimaginable scenes.

Pinch yourself! It is really happening!

Watch these historical days on Roj TV. and read Mizgin's 'Fireworks in Silopi' for a fuller report.

Letter of the Peace and Democratic Solution Group.

2009-10-19T08:56:00.000-07:00

To the honorable representatives of the government of the Turkish Republic,
its citizens and the democratic community

In order to unwind the current halting of the peace initiative in respect of the Kurdish question in Turkey and Turkey’s democratisation process, we the peace group acting on the historical initiative of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, come to Turkey to contribute to a true basis for peace.

Our decision to contribute to the peace process by going to Turkey in no way relates to us wanting immunity from section 221 of the Turkish penal code. We have used our free will in our decision to partake in this peace group. We do so to firstly assist ceasing the bloodshed between the parties, to put an end to our mothers’ crying, and to strengthen the foundations for a peaceful solution. As it is evident from this peace initiative we have taken, we are not the root of the problem but rather the side that wants a peaceful solution. Turkey is currently going through a very important, critical process. After the local elections on the 29th of March of this year, the debate surrounding democratisation within Turkey reached a significant level. The road map for a peaceful solution drafted by our leader Mr. Abdullah Ocalan was prevented from distribution to the wider community. Despite this, the road map has had a positive effect on ongoing debates for a peaceful solution, and together with the constructive announcement by government representatives, has strengthened the possibilities for a peaceful and democratic solution.

The fact that a very wide and diverse community seeks to contribute to the debate (although on a limited basis) has itself opened up the possibilities for a real democratisation of Turkey. Community contribution to the debate will enhance common understanding amongst its people and respect for the rights of its various peoples. The Kurdish Freedom Movement is continuing its unilateral ceasefire, and enduring significant sacrifices. Through these developments and the debate which has resulted, the Turkish public has come to face the plight of the Kurdish people. These developments have brought the democratisation of Turkey and efforts for a peaceful and democratic solution to the Kurdish question to the forefront of the debate as real issues. The fact that the problems of the Turkish and Kurdish people cannot be resolved through violence but rather through the process of democratic politics, has now reached firm recognition.

As a peace group, we believe that our initiative will assist the democratisation process by providing a fundamental basis for understanding and creativity. The current developments in Turkey provide possibilities for a genuine solution more than ever available before. A democratic solution to the Kurdish question will provide the basis for democratisation and stability within the region. In order to bring this possibility to life we are hopeful that first and foremostly, the responsible forces and responsible communities approach the process in a sensitive and delicate manner.

Whatever the conditions of the solution may be, democracy will not prevail without a common will. The obstacles provided by nationalist, self-serving, chauvinist groups against the democratisation of Turkey and the democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish question make this explicitly clear. The wide ranging attacks of these groups against the democratisation of Turkey are designed to prevent a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question. This constitutes a real threat to the democratic initiative that has been developed and ongoing debates to this end.

In order to overcome these threats to the democratisation process, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan has called upon peace and democratic solution groups to go to Turkey. We are therefore, using our freewill to go to Turkey as peace ambassadors to assist the ongoing process. Another reason for our initiative is to uncover historical subversions in order to strengthen the possibilities of our people living harmoniously together.

Some of us represent the people of Maxmur who are made to live through the heavy consequences of the damaging policies that have resulted in the intractable nature of the Kurdish question. During the 1990’s the Turkish government forces burned down and destroyed our villages. These attacks resulted in us having to migrate from the very lands that we were born, grew up in and struggled to live through unbearable conditions in order to protect ourselves from the falling bombs. Families and loved ones lost their lives as a result of these unjust policies. Likewise many members of our families and loved ones became the victims of extrajudicial killings by the government forces of the time.

To this day we do not know how these people were killed and where their bodies are. Thousands of people were disabled and hundreds were imprisoned and remain imprisoned to this day. As the people of Maxmur, who have been made to live through all of this suffering, there is nobody that wants to live in peace with the freedom of our own identities as much as we do.

Some of us on the other hand, opted to take active part in the Kurdish Freedom Struggle and remained in the mountains for years under immensely difficult conditions in order to protect an honourable identity. This was in the face of an otherwise unsolvable Kurdish question, with inequalities in the living conditions of Kurds and injustices lived by the Kurds. This became our struggle for our existence - for a democratic, equal and freedom based solution.

Every conflict must have its process of dialogue and peaceful solution. Principally and ethically, we are of the opinion that once the problem has been grasped and made opens to public debate, that both sides need to refrain from violence for a peaceful solution through dialogue. We firmly believe that a solution will only come from those who believe and advocate peace. As has been evidenced from conflict around the world, we can also with our unique circumstances, reach a peaceful solution through dialogue.

It is for this reason that we consider our contribution to attempting to overcome the halting of the current process to be critical. With the consciousness of this responsibility for the furtherance of the peace process we have responded to the calls of our leader, and the hopes of peace of our people to create the conditions to be able to live together in freedom and peace. We simply ask that the currently halted process be untangled, in order to reignite the democratic political process of dialogue. Despite similar attempts which have not been successful in the past, we demonstrate the will of the Kurdish people and our leader for a peaceful and democratic solution once again. We believe that all those who feel responsible for a peaceful solution will respect and support our peace initiative. It is as a result of this belief that we are demonstrating this sacrifice as a toll that needs to be paid as a demonstration of our readiness for a peaceful resolution. We believe that Turkish government representatives and those in favour of peace will respond to our initiative with the responsibility it deserves.

We list our requests below as follows in order that our message for peace may find life:

1. For the road map drafted by our leader to find its rightful addressees in order that a public debate be initiated.
2. For both sides of the conflict to observe ceasefires in order that a democratic and peaceful process to solve the Kurdish question be initiated.
3. On the basis of recognition of our Kurdish identity, that guarantee and protection of our identity be provided within the constitution to live freely, equally and together as part of a democratic Turkey.
4. To live our mother tongue Kurdish freely: to speak it, learn it, develop it, to live our historic values and culture within our geography in our own mother tongue.
5. To be able to name our children in Kurdish and to educate them in Kurdish.
6. To live our history, culture, literature and music as the Kurdish populace, and to develop and protect the same.
7. To be able to unite with our people as Kurds, and partake in the democratic political process and to freely express ourselves within this process.
8. For the villages, towns and the cities of Kurdistan to be free from village guards and fear of violence by governed forces, and to live in security.
9. For the democratisation of Turkey, with the construction of a democratic civil constitution.

These requests form the basis with which to find a democratic solution to the Kurdish question. We seek to openly debate and advocate peace in Turkey with all of the democratic community. We are taking these steps in order to take this historical opportunity forward. We believe that our initiative will be successful and on this basis we salute all communities in favour of peace.

19.10.2009
Peace and Democratic Solution Group

Peace and Reconcilation Group Travel to Turkey.

2009-10-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

Kurdish Guerilla's on the Peace Road.

More Photos
Kurd group seeks peace in Turkey
By SUZAN FRASER (AP) – 1 hour ago

ANKARA, Turkey — Thousands of Turkish Kurds gathered Monday near the border with Iraq to welcome a small group of Kurdish rebels planning to cross into Turkey to support government plans for peace.

Lawmaker Sabahat Tuncel said 34 Kurds would cross the Iraqi-Turkish Habur border gate, where authorities set up tents and prosecutors were expected to question the group.

The group includes eight rebels — the rest are noncombatants, including women and children. Kurds in northern Iraq celebrated with music and beating drums as the group left from a rebel camp in a convoy, Turkey's Anatolia news agency reported.

Turkish television showed the crowds waving Kurdish flags, singing, dancing and holding up banners calling for peace. Riot police stood guard, while a helicopter circled overhead.

The rebel group — the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK — said its imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan had given instructions for "peace groups" to travel to Turkey to promote reconciliation. The Turkish government has been working on an initiative to end the conflict with the PKK's thousands of rebels.

"We hope this will be the beginning of solving the Kurdish case through dialogue and away from the gun barrels," Bozan Taken, a PKK leader, told The Associated Press by telephone. "We want to show the world that we are with peace and we want peace. The Turkish side has to do the same and to find a radical solution to the Kurdish case."

The rebels have been fighting since 1984 for autonomy for Turkey's Kurds, who makes up a fifth of the country's 70 million population and live predominantly in the impoverished southeast. Tens of thousands have died in the conflict.

The PKK have said, however, that Turkish nationalists and other opposition parties are blocking the government's peace initiative, and that they hope to encourage the government to continue the process.

Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence on a prison island off Istanbul, leads his group through messages reportedly delivered to fighters by his lawyers.

The rebels traveling to Turkey were selected among fighters who have not been charged with attacking Turkish forces, and were expected to benefit from a law pardoning rebels not involved in violence.

A second group of rebels — mainly Kurds in exile in Europe — was also expected to arrive in Turkey at a later date, Turkish news reports said.

Many PKK guerrillas shelter in the mountains of neighboring Iraq, crossing the border for hit-and-run assaults. The group is considered a terrorist organization by both the European Union and United States.

Turkey's government has yet to reveal details of its peace initiative, but in recent years has provided more economic help and cultural rights to Kurds, including lifting a ban on the Kurdish language in 1991.

At the same time, however, it has accelerated its military campaign against the rebels. Last year, Turkey staged a ground offensive against suspected rebel targets in northern Iraq, and has launched cross-border aerial attacks with the help of U.S. intelligence. Parliament this month extended the military's mandate to strike rebels in Iraq.

Associated Press writers Yahya Barzanji in Irbil, Iraq, and Yesim Dikmen in Ankara, Turkey, contributed to the report.

A Black Day!

2009-10-09T03:36:00.000-07:00

The 9th October was the day that the plot against the Kurdish Leader, Abdullah Ocalan was initiated.

It culminated in the illegal kidnapping and imprisonment on Imrali Island of the leader of the Kurdish Freedom Movement and so represents the attitude of the Turkish State to the Kurdish people in Turkey.

Apo remains imprisoned! And the Kurdish people remain imprisoned too.

Provocation after provocation is the tactic of the Turkish State at the moment. Every single day there are more provocations, killings and military bombardments.

Although the Kurdish Freedom Movement have bent over backwards to try and initiate a political process by which to solve the Kurdish Question in Turkey, it seems that the powers that be do not want a solution and are determined to provoke the Kurdish side into continued conflict.

This is a very dangerous strategy on their part because once the Kurdish side decide that enough is enough and are forced to take defensive actions to protect the Kurdish population from continued repression by the Turkish forces then Turkey faces a very bleak future.

It is a shame that this window of opportunity to solve the Kurdish issue has been squandered and the blame lies at the feet of the Turkish government and state but also blames lies with the European and US powers who could of done more to pressurise Turkey into entering a meaningful dialogue with the Kurdish Freedom Movement to solve The Kurdish Question.

Today is a black day.

One, because it is the anniversary of the illegal kidnapping and imprisonment of the Kurdish people's leader but, two, also because it is becoming clearer by the day that the Turkish authorities are implementing a dirty psychological war aimed at discrediting the Kurdish side by provoking them into a continued conflict by increasing the brutal suppression and repression on the Kurdish civilian population and by increasing the political suppression on the DTP.

They have also given the message that war is their preferred method by which to address the Kurdish issue by continued and increased bombardment of the Qandil Mountains and extending their military mandate which legitimizes any occupation of South Kurdistan.

The scene is becoming set for a very black future!

Abdullah Ocalan:"In Two Weeks it Will be Clear: Peace or War!"

2009-10-05T06:56:00.001-07:00

Öcalan: Democratic negotiations will progress around the DTP.

Kurdish Info 5.10.2009- Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan in his weekly meeting with lawyers, drew attention to the roles of different parties and called once again for ‘democratic negotiations in a solution to the Kurdish issue.’

He also added that if a democratic negotiation process was developed it would be based around the DTP.

‘Within two weeks it will become clear whether war will continue or whether a democratic process aimed at a solution will begin’ he said.

In his meeting last week Öcalan had said that democratic negotiations should begin, this week he touched upon the roles that different parties would need to play.

If democratic negotiations begin it will progress around the DTP.

‘‘Of course Qandil and I will be involved in this process indirectly. However a lot of responsibility falls on the DTP for this process to begin. A commission could be formed within the DTP, made up of individuals who are experienced and know about diplomacy and negotiation processes, and they could prepare strong suggestions. This commission could bring these suggestions into the Parliaments agenda, they have this right.

They could also form a commission within Parliament regarding the democratic negotiation process… The second commission formed in Parliament could consist of intellectuals, writers, academics, NGO’s as well as Members of Parliament. This commission should be able to have meetings with Imralı and Qandil, the Chief of Staff, DTP and MHP and all other parties.

If this can be done it would be a great achievement. In this way the route of the democratic process will be cleared.’’

The democratic negotiation process will become clear within two weeks.

Öcalan also commented that it would become clear within two weeks whether or not the democratic negotiation and solution process would begin. He also indicated that the messages given by the state within this period would be important. ‘‘The AKP’s presentation at the opening of Parliament will be important.

It will precipitate the continuation of war or the beginning of the democratic negotiation process. This will probably become clear within two weeks. If the AKP take initiative and are brave the road to a solution could open. If the democratic negotiation process doesn’t begin, this will lay the way for violence, conflict, suppression and death.’’

Indicating that he wanted to prevent such an environment, Öcalan highlighted his situation. ‘‘The State expects a solution from me. The DTP points in my direction. No one comprehends the conditions I am in. I have been here for eleven years. Others would find it hard to stay here for 11 days; they would bang their heads on the walls.’’

Öcalan went on to comment and warned, ‘‘Current circumstances are calling for the Kurds to forsake their Kurdishness.’’ He said, ‘‘Kurds are honourable people, they will protect their identity and struggle.

If the process becomes negative, the people will decide themselves. Özal approached the issue differently; he wanted to do some things. They assassinated him. Erbakan also wanted to do some things, but they toppled him. They also paralysed Ecevit. The AKP is approaching the situation differently; they are keeping their interests above the State’s interests. This is a dangerous approach.’’

Kurdish People’s Leader Öcalan also attracted attention to the political and judicial pressure put on the DTP. He said the AKP could try and sacrifice the DTP to gain more power, and stated that the DTP could take political action against this.

Öcalan also indicated that a group within the State was targeting the DTP with operations as retaliation against the Ergenekon operations, and the AKP was keeping quiet on this.

The AKP sees the DTP as a lamb to the slaughter.

‘‘The current situation shows that the AKP see the DTP as a sacrificial lamb to the slaughter. However the juridical bureaucracy also tried to shut down the AKP. Now this group (the juridical bureaucracy) is targeting the DTP as retribution against Ergenekon. And the AKP is keeping quiet on this. The AKP don’t want the CHP or the DTP, they want the (political) field all for themselves.

This is the AKP’s mentality. They see their interests above the States interests. The juridical bureaucracy, the Sincan judge wanted to open the way for President Gül to be tried, however they weren’t strong enough. But they still exist in a strong way. Why are they trying to take the DTP MP’s to court by force when other MP’s were not taken? This must be understood.’’

Öcalan also listed what could be done against these attacks. He pointed out that the State and juridical bureaucracy was trying to limit the DTP and that the DTP needed to broaden its base of support.

For this Öcalan once again emphasised the importance of political academies and democratic municipal administration.

A mentality that kills children is very dangerous; it is a message saying we will crush you like this.

‘‘The killing of civilians is a sign of what they can do. They are saying, we can crush you like this,’’ said Öcalan, and called on democratic public opinion and people of law to uncover the truth.

Öcalan also stated that a group within the Turkish state was still insisting on war. He said that recent events were a part of the scare tactics employed and that these should be uncovered.

‘‘They killed two Kurdish patriots in Şirnex by crushing their heads with stones. They rolled their car off a cliff. This is a message, a threat. We can crush you like this, they are saying. The murder of people who are not that influential in politics is an indication of what they can do. They can kill ‘normal’ people. I read it in the newspaper; they ripped to pieces a child – I believe he was from Mardin – in Adana Reformatory because he wouldn’t sing the national anthem. As an excuse they have said that the children did it. These are organised and deliberate actions. Similar child killings happened before.

They killed Uğur Kaymaz as well. And not just in Lice, many children were killed on the coast of the Tigris. A mentality that kills even children is very dangerous. I cannot comprehend how they do it.’’

Öcalan described his efforts as trying to stop these events and called on democratic public opinion and lawyers to combat and uncover these occurrences.

‘‘Regardless of who does it, these events should be investigated and uncovered. Lawyers should protect the rights of people. These events should be trailed. The Bar Councils in the region especially should trail, investigate and expose these incidents. If it was in Europe, lawyers would raise hell; they would open ten files, collect evidence and uncover the truth. Lawyers must uncover who and what is behind these events. These deaths uncover the mentality of those behind them.’’