IZMIR – Stressing that the state should take steps in accordance with the process, representatives of local associations emphasised all associations should take part in the process in order to socialise the demand for peace.

 

Following Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" on 27 February, the PKK convened its 12th congress and announced that it had dissolved itself and "ended its work under the PKK name". After PKK's decision, all eyes turned to what steps the state will take towards democratisation and the solution of the Kurdish issue.

 

Hasan Ali Kılıç, co-chair of Izmir Dêrsim Culture and Solidarity Association, and Nilüfer Uygun, chair of Karlıovalılar Association, pointed out that they expect concrete steps for a solution.

 

'DEMANDS MUST BE MET'

 

Pointing out that concrete steps are needed for the process to move forward, Hasan Ali Kılıç said: "One of these steps is historical confrontation. There are massacres before and after the Republic. It is said that tens of thousands of people were massacred in the Dêrsim massacre. We need to start with a correct confrontation. Roboskî, the massacres of 10 October and Suruç, what happened in Gezi and Gazi Neighbourhood... there must be a confrontation and an apology must be made."

 

Kılıç said that there is a belief in a large part of the society that the state will not take any steps.

"If there is unemployment in this country, if nature is being plundered, if women are being killed, if our youth are being arrested, if women cannot enjoy their freedoms, there is no doubt that the war has a serious share in this. With the end of the war, these will disappear piece by piece," he said.

 

Kılıç added: "Parties with or without a parliamentary group should not resort to cheap politics over the future of the people. Social peace is achieved through social truth and confrontation. All segments need to make an effort as a whole. Achieving peace in this country should not be seen only as a Kurdish issue."

 

'LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS'

 

Nilüfer Uygun emphasised that the developments in peace and democratisation are very valuable and stated that people are concerned about the 2013-15 process. She said, "The process needs to be more transparent. In this process, there should be developments under the roof of the Parliament and concrete steps should be taken."

 

Nilüfer Uygun emphasised the importance of the involvement of local associations and non-governmental organisations in the process and said, "Public meetings can be held, the question marks in people's minds should be removed. Local associations should be more involved in this process. There are 67 village associations affiliated to us. Each association has members. People can be made aware through meetings to be held with these members. This also contributes to the socialisation of peace."

 

'ILL PRISONERS MUST BE RELEASED'

 

Nilüfer Uygun concluded: "The PKK has laid down arms, but there is no step from the other side. At this stage, ill political prisoners should be released as soon as possible. If this step is taken, we will see how sincere the state is. I believe that if an environment of peace is created, the problems in the country will be solved. At this point, a result can be achieved with the integration of all parties."