Following Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" on 27 February, the PKK announced that it held its 12th Congress on 5-7 May. On 12 March, the PKK announced in its final declaration that it had ended its work.

 

While the PKK’s congress decisions continue to be discussed in public opinion, many emphasise that the process can evolve into peace through legal and constitutional steps. Mehmet Şirin Tunç, a member of the "Peace and Democratic Solution Group", who came to Turkey on 1 October 1999 as part of Abdullah Öcalan's call on 22 September 1999 for "support for the Democratic Republic and a step of goodwill", made evaluations on the developments.

 

Tunç, who came to Turkey with 7 friends from Şemzînan (Şemdinli) district of Colemêrg (Hakkari) in 1999, was arrested by the court on 2 October 1999 and held in Muş E-Type Prison. Since the day he arrived in Turkey, Tunç has been working in the field of democratic politics for the solution of the Kurdish question. Reflecting on the sensitive nature of their arrival, he said, "The aim was always to foster peace, particularly the unity of the Turkish and Kurdish peoples."

 

Tunç highlighted that Öcalan has always fought for peace. "He has continuously sought a counterpart but found none. He aimed for a peaceful solution, but the approach was always based on denial. On İmralı Island, a new democratic, ecological, and women-centered system was initiated, not just for Turkey and Kurdistan but for the entire Middle East."

 

THE 1921 CONSTITUTION

 

Tunç emphasized that the PKK is committed to Öcalan’s leadership, adding that everyone must take responsibility for peace. "A ceasefire was declared after Öcalan’s historic call, and the congress was held. The state must also fulfill its responsibilities," he said. 

 

Tunç stressed the need to update the 1921 Constitution, which declares that both Kurds and Turks share the homeland. "A peaceful language must be used, and all parties should be sensitive. If the issue is framed around brotherhood, negative aspects can be overcome."

Tunç referred to the 1924 Constitution’s denial of the Kurdish people’s existence, urging all sides to take responsibility for peace and saidÇ "Öcalan will pursue all avenues for peace, and the state must adopt the right approach."

 

Tunç called for the complete lifting of Öcalan’s isolation, saying, "A comfortable working environment for Mr. Öcalan will help deepen and root peace."

 

THE ADDRESS OF THE SOLUTION IS THE PARLIAMENT

 

Tunç stressed that all groups, especially the opposition, must embrace this process. "The solution lies in the TBMM (Grand National Assembly of Turkey), where the Kurdish reality must be acknowledged. The process can succeed if everyone, particularly Kurds, Turks, and other peoples, adopts the spirit of peace."

 

Tunç concluded by emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through practical steps, including constitutional changes that guarantee Kurds’ rights. "If the Kurdish reality is acknowledged, trust and peace will follow."

 

MA / Müjdat Can