EP Kurdish Friendship Group Urges Turkey to Embrace Öcalan’s Peace Call

During a recent press conference in the European Parliament, prominent representatives emphasized the opportunity presented by Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace concerning the Kurdish issue in Turkey. Speakers insisted that Turkey must engage in a decisive manner to uphold human rights and foster democratic progress, seeing this as a historic moment for both Turkey and the Kurdish people.

A press conference was convened during the European Parliament (EP) plenary session to discuss Abdullah Öcalan’s plea for peace and the creation of a democratic society. Organized by the EP’s Kurdish Friendship Group, the event included speakers from various political groups, emphasizing the necessity to address the Kurdish issue through peaceful means and democratic frameworks. Participants acknowledged that Turkey’s actions will be pivotal in transforming Öcalan’s appeal into a substantive peace process, which is critical for both the Kurdish population and the broader region.

Andreas Schieder, representing the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, characterized Öcalan’s call as a crucial opportunity for Turkey and its surrounding territories. He asserted, “This call is a unique opportunity for peace, democracy, and the Kurdish people’s right to self-governance. Turkey must respond to this call in a profound and decisive manner.” Schieder reiterated the connection between the Kurdish struggles in Syria, Iraq, and Turkey and urged the European Parliament to pressure Turkish officials toward a peaceful resolution.

Per Clausen from The Left Group emphasized the necessity of ending the prolonged conflict, remarking, “A true peace is one where human rights are not denied. There can be no peace without justice.” He asserted that lasting peace in Turkey and Syria is essential for regional stability, stressing that true peace cannot exist without recognizing the rights of oppressed communities.

Leoluca Orlando of the Greens Group drew attention to the Kurdish people’s plight, declaring that Öcalan’s call has opened the door to peace. He mentioned, “Turkey must respect human rights,” and indicated that as a NATO member, it has a duty to uphold these principles. Orlando announced plans to submit a parliamentary question to the Council of Europe, urging support for this emerging peace process.

Evin Incir from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats echoed the sentiment that Öcalan’s call is an unprecedented chance for Turkey. She asserted that the Turkish state must engage with the rights of oppressed peoples and ethnic groups, recognizing this moment as critical for upholding human rights and international law. Incir remarked that the current political situation allows for deeper discussions about Turkey’s European Union accession, especially concerning the rights and cultural identity of Kurdish people in their ancestral territories.

The recent press conference highlighted a pivotal moment for resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey, coinciding with Abdullah Öcalan’s call for peace. Various speakers from the European Parliament underscored the importance of Turkey taking decisive action in responding to this call as a means to foster democracy and uphold human rights. The opportunity to initiate a meaningful peace process is recognized as essential not only for Turkey but for regional stability and the acknowledgment of Kurdish rights.

Original Source: anfenglish.com