As a result of the meetings with the PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan at Imrali prison new attempts to solve the Kurdish problem entered the agendas. PKK has also extended its non-action position until 31 October. In fact, PKK has extended its unilateral ceasefire in order to encourage those who are in favour of a democratic political solution. However, Turkish government did not take trust-building concrete steps. In converse, the state officials delivered speeches in which they said “Mother tongue education is out of question. If Kurdish is taught at schools then there will be a new nation, a new state.”

Turkish officials then started intensive diplomacy traffic with Syria, Iran and Iraq against the PKK. They also attempted to prevent Ocalan to receive lawyer visits. Ocalan pointed out that ‘a new conspiracy” against Kurdish national movement is coming up.

As a matter of fact, the Turkish PM Erdogan by saying “BDP’s vote are controversial” declared last week that the state will not take any steps for a peaceful solution of the Kurdish problem and it will insist on its denial policy.

Speaking to ANF the member of the Executive Committee of KCK Duran Kalkan evaluated the recent developments. Kalkan spoke about the promises made during the negotiations in Imrali, special war policy of the state which it conducts in Sirnak and Hakkari, the diplomacy traffic conducted by Turkey, religious organisations in Kurdistan and preparations by the PKK.

Duran Kalkan said: Leader Abdullah Ocalan said that the Kurdish national independence movement is facing the fourth conspiracy. The first one was between 1992-1994, the second one was between 1997-1999 and third one was between 2002-2004. And the fourth one started after local elections of 2007 and in November 2009 it was developed by the Turkish PM himself. All these conspiracies aim at destruction of the Kurdish national movement. They also prevent a political solution of the Kurdish problem. They are also supported both home and abroad which means they are not limited to some powers only.

1991: Military operations both in Northern and Southern Kurdistan following the ‘Operation Provide Comfort’.

1992: Turkish stated massacred Kurds in cities and in Autumn Turkish army conducted a cross-border operation into Northern Iraq.

1993: Turkish army tried to sabotage the unilateral ceasefire declared by the PKK.

1994: Turkish army started destroying Kurdish villages and displacing the Kurds.

During this period some Turkish high rank soldiers who were opposing militaristic solution and proposing a political solution were also targeted by the intelligence service.

The second conspiracy took place when Necmetin Erbakan was in power. It is also called 28 February coup. Erbakan was away from politics for 13 years and his political movement is all separated. On the other hand, between 9 October 1998- 15 February 1999 the conspiracy turned into piracy and then Imrali system was created.

The third conspiracy was between 2002-2004. This time Bulent Ecevit and his government were targeted. This was both internal and external. They also targeted the PKK and tried to buy some weak personalities with money.

The forth one started on 17 November. It aims at destroying our movement and they also targeted legal politicians. They are conducting a political genocide on the Kurds. They also use suppression, prosecutions, torture on the Kurdish people. While the operations against the guerrillas continuing the suppression on the legal politics is also increasing.

Who are conducting the current conspiracy?

Our leader Ocalan acted very cautiously in order to understand the current situation. He did not want to blame AKP government at first place. After long evaluations he arrived this conclusion. The Conspiracy is also targeting the AKP government. However, AKP has reconciled with these powers, it has surrender itself. At this level AKP has two options either to continue and lead the war against the PKK and the Kurdish people or it will itself become the victim of the conspiracy.

AKP has forgotten its promises

AKP government and the PM made several promises before the referendum however on 12 September Erdogan made a speech which was clearly indicating that he will not keep his promises. The PM has also denied the negotiations realized with Ocalan in Imrali. He is blaming BDP. This way he is using BDP as an excuse. In other words as it is said the best defence is attacking.

Bargain on Roj TV with NATO

Turkey is using diplomacy against the PKK. Kurdish organisations in Europe are raided by the police, Kurds are detained. Kurds are being criminalised, terrorised. For instance, Turkey bargained with NATO secretary over Roj TV. They also discussed it with Germany and some other European countries. These are all planned during the meeting with Americans. Roj TV will a test for the European Democracy. On one had their values and democracy on the other hand the economic relations and the promises they gave Turkey and US.

The diplomacy with Syria, Iran and Iraq is not new. But AKP is launching it as if they have just started. Turkey’s attempts are unlikely to reach and results. AKP is sacrificing a lot of opportunities which could be used for Turkey. And the neighbouring countries are very well aware of the weak point of Turkey: PKK. AKP is letting them to benefit from this weak spot.

US wants to use Turkey as a outpost

Since Turkey became member of NATO US is using is as a military outpost. It was used against SSCB and now US has other plans on the middle east as well as Russia. The Missile Shield is only a part of this project. US wants to use Turkey for its Great Middle East Project.

US is using Turkey not only for Iran but also for the other Asian countries like China, India. But in case of a intervention to Iran US will want to use Turkey.

Bargain on PKK in return of Missiles

If Turkey signs this missile shield project in Lisbon it means US has promised to support Turkey, both in terms of politics and military, against the Kurdish national movement. It means Turkey will continue its denial and destruction policy and will not agree on a political solution.

Of course the missiles are not a threat for the Kurds but the bargain is done over the Kurds. US is selling the existence of the Kurds in return of missiles, and deny the freedom of the Kurds. It is also supporting Turkey in order to continue its genocide on the Kurds. When these kind of issues are discussed fundamental principals of the western world are easily forgotten. Unfortunately this is the current political reality of the world.

Details

Published: 01 November 2010

TO OUR PEOPLE AND THE PUBLIC

The cease-fire framework announced on 30 September 2010 in a press conference is strictly abided by our forces. However the manner with which the Turkish state forces act continue to strain the cease-fire conditions. In addition, the diplomatic activities and manner adopted by the AKP government against the Kurdistan freedom movement does not correspond with neither the spirit nor the concept of the process. This results in an insincere behaviour in the democratic resolution of the Kurdish issue.

The permission for a cross-border operation has recently been placed on the agenda and decided upon in a secret session. This is not just a threat against our movement but against the Kurdish people in general and it includes the framework of war preparations. In addition, due to the unstopped political genocidal operations Kurdish politicians continue to be arrested and the policy of arresting the members of the peace-group that went into Turkey (in October 2009) also continue. There is also an increasing amount of military operations since last week. Despite all the care taken by our forces and careful course of action such military operations at times turn into engagement
and lead to mutual loss of lives. Ever since the 8th ceasefire has been announced (30 September-15 October 2010) the Turkish army has attacked the median defence region 15 times with howitzer cannon fire, 3 bombardments with helicopters and 22 military operations in North Kurdistan. As a result of these operations 4 freedom guerrillas have been martyred. The latest incidence of clashes and losses comes from the Dersim region where after the adoption of the decision for cross-border operation, military operations have been taken up in this region. The Turkish press reported that there are losses on both sides.

It must be underlined that the losses in Dersim are not due to any action on the side of the guerilla forces. These losses are due to attacks by the military forces of the Turkish army against the guerilla posts with an intent to exterminate. Those who have decided on such an operation are the ones responsible for the loss of lives of both the guerillas and soldiers. The commanders who have decided on such an operation and the AKP government who has not stopped such an operation are the ones responsible for the spilled blood of the Kurdish and Turkish youth.

The AKP government has not made any positive efforts to turn the limited ceasefire that was extended on 30 September 2010 into an unlimited ceasefire. On the contrary, since 1 October with arrests in Urfa it has re-began to arrest politicians within the framework of political genocide in many other districts and provinces. The manner and behaviour of the government has been one that provokes clashes. Such a behaviour of the AKP government is an insistence on a political stance that provokes clashes and shows no display of effort to halt clashes or the blood spill. This is a total irresponsibility on the part of the AKP government and it is clear that they shall be held totally responsible for any future developments.

Despite this reality an AKP representative has made the follwong statement in relation to yesterday's clashes “..they say they have declared a ceasefire, it has been understood that they are not sincere”. This is a total deceitfulness. We declared a ceasefire and we abide by it. But no single person shall await death; everyone shall make use of their sacred right to defence. Kurdistan freedom guerilla have made use of its right to defence against the Turkish army forces that have pushed against the guerilla posts and clashes as a result have occurred. Right after such a contact has occurred the operation has been enlarged to encompass all of the Dersim region both from air and land. Although, as yet not clear, there seems to be more losses. It is not the guerilla forces and movement responsible for these losses but the Turkish state and government for attacking the guerilla forces who are in a state of ceasefire.

All the pro-peace democratic organizations and institutions that do not desire this period of ceasefire to turn into a period of clashes must not remain silent in the face of these operations and demand that they be stopped as well as to call for an end to the special warfare policies of the AKP government. It is clear that the present situation proceeds to a very dangerous point under the influence of political and military operations. We call on all the NGO's as well as all those who are pro-peace to act now in order to end the military and political operations that sabotage the ceasefire despite our good-will.

Executive Council Presidency of the KCK

15 October 2010

Details

Published: 23 October 2010

24 September 2010 – The head of the Executive Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK) Murat Karayilan said the interview he gave to the Israeli Channel 2 is manipulated by the Turkish media who is trying to sabotage the process.

Karayilan further stated that the Turkish press is violating press ethics and principals and the reports on the disagreement between them and one of the HPG commanders Bahoz Erdal do not reflect the truth.

Mutual enemy is a speculation of the Turkish media

Speaking to ANF Murat Karayilan said it is an important phase for the solution of the Kurdish problem however the process is being speculated by the Turkish media who is conducting a manipulation by disseminating fake news.

Karayilan said: Turkish media is causing manipulation rather than providing the public with the truths which will help the public opinion to understand the ongoing process. In my interview with the Israeli Channel 2, I said that Arab-Israeli peace as well as the Kurdish-Turkish, Kurdish-Arab and Kurdish-Persian peace will start a new era in the region which will be in favour of all the people living in the Middle East, including Israel. Therefore, everyone should contribute this process. I also said that the way Israeli government is acting against this process and it is supporting the conflict by providing Turkey with military technology which it should not be doing.

I further stated that Israeli people who have suffered a lot in the past should understand the Kurdish people and react against the Turkish- Israeli military cooperation which triggers the conflict.  I did not pronounce the phrase mutual enemy against any state like the Turkish media alleges. Moreover, such a statement does not exist in the interview broadcasted by the Israeli journalist Mr. Itali Anghel. He was impartial and honest at his work whereas the Turkish media has produced unreal news in order to slander the PKK.

The incident in Hakkari was also manipulated by the Turkish media

Karayilan also stated that the incident in which civilians have lost their lives was also speculated by the Turkish press. Since the very beginning they wanted to lay the responsibility of the attack on our movement. Their allegations are all based on untrue, fake reports. Sabah daily at the top of the list all the pro-AKP government newspapers targeted our movement. They have always been doing so and the Hakkari attack is the most recent one. The Turkish media published some phone call transcripts allegedly made between KCK and BDP. It was not real and even the security officials in Hakkari denied and contradicted existence of such records.

The attack in Hakkari is the work of counter-guerrilla organisations like JITEM

Regarding the attack on 16 September in which 9 civilians were killed Karayilan said: It is obvious that the attack was realised by some counter-guerrilla organisations like Gendarmerie Intelligence Service (JITEM). No matter which unit conducted it, it is a clear provocation. It is an attack targeting people of Hakkari and our movement. It aims at provoking the peace process. The press also claimed that the attack was conducted by some groups within the PKK who are not following the central orders but acting on their own. This is not true.

No dispute between us and our comrade Bahoz Erdal

Regarding the reports published by the Turkish press in which it was claimed that the attack in Hakari was realized by some groups following the orders from Bahoz Erdal, Karayilan said: The reports suggesting a dispute between me and our comrade Bahoz Erdal are baseless. Such a conflict is not possible not only between me and him but among any other comrades. We are a movement which has clamped together around our leadership. Individual disputes are out of question in such a movement. These fake allegations are aiming at ruining our reputation in the eyes of our people. The PKK is a movement of chucker-out, it is a unified body struggling for one aim. And today we are clamped together more than ever. These rumours are psychological war techniques which can never harm our party spirit.

AA should unveil the evidence

Concerning the reports published by the state-owned Anatolian News Agency (AA) in which the PKK was held responsible for the attack in Hakkari, Karayilan said these allegations are completely baseless and AA should share the evidence with public on which it based the fake reports. He also added that two military bags belonging the Turkish army were found close to the scene are giving clues about the perpetrators however, the Turkish media launched as if the bags were placed there by the Kurdish guerrillas. We are condemning such one-sided and fake journalism added Karayilan.

Everybody should be constructive

Karayilan also said that producing such fake reports will not bring any benefit to anyone and it is important to stand against such an approach. He added: Everybody should be constructive. And if they really want to solve the problem then they should give up producing such news.

School boycott for mother tongue can not be ignored

Concerning the school boycott campaign for mother tongue education Karayilan said although the campaign receives a great support from the people the officials and the Turkish media are ignoring it. This is a double stand. Turkish media once again acts in order to protect the colonial benefits. They are filming the classes where the children of police officers and soldiers are studying and launching as if the campaign is not supported. However, it is the press duty to inform the public accurately. added Karayilan.

Details

Published: 27 September 2010

TO OUR PEOPLE AND GENERAL PUBLIC

The general public is aware that we declared a period of 'no-clashes' from 13th of August to 20th of September, 2010, by withdrawing our forces from an active position to a passive one. We had laid down our reasons for the steps taken in a press conference. One of the reasons disclosed then was the dialogue developed with our leader by some competent body of the Turkish state with the consent of the government. Our leader had sent a message to our movement requesting us to give peace a chance. He decided to send such a message because of the dialogue developed with him and the calls made for a ceasefire by many NGOs and known personalities. The management of our movement evaluated this call, as well as, the fact that it is Ramadan, which is sacred for the Islamic world, and declared its 'no-action' period to the general public. Ten days have passed since then, hence, we feel the need to analyze the situation and share it with the public.

If this step, which is an important chance and opportunity for the resolution of the Kurdish issue, is properly utilized it shall bear important results for all our peoples. But, the incidents experienced in the first 10 days of our 'no-action' decision shows us that the Turkish side, that is especially the government and the Prime Minister, do not approach it in a proper manner. Whilst all our forces abide by the rules of the 'no-action' period with great reponsibility, the Turkish army and its other security forces, just as they did during the previous ceasefires, continue with their military operations and prepare the ground for clashes. These military operations are not those of coincidence, but, are highly planned and organized annihilation operations directed at the detected guerrilla forces with the help of high technology. This is nothing but an attempt to strike a blow to our guerrilla forces by taking advantage of the 'no-action' period and hence an attempt to re-initiate a new period of clashes.

In these military operations, our comrades Amed and Numan have displayed heroic resistance but have been martyred in Ercis/Van. In addition, there was a comprehensive military operation against one of our units detected around the village of Nugeyla/Şemdinli. There was much air and land technology used against them. In this operation, four of our comrades; Başur, Avesta, Beritan and Dilovan have been martyred. Our comrades Başur and Dilovan are from South of Kurdistan and it is highly meaningful that they have been martyred in this resistance heroically. Our people of South Kurdistan should claim them in a strong manner.

In addition to all the above, the forest and nature of Kurdistan is continued to be burnt and damaged. Just as we saw in Siirt, the police forces have not softened their approach to the Kurdish people on the contrary have attacked them despite the funeral ceremony. Besides, once again, the newspaper that is printed in Kurdish language, Azadiya Welat, has been closed down and hence the political genocidal operations have continued without a break. It is clear that all these are attempts to disrupt the 'no-action' period. If the Turkish army continues to make use of our 'no-action' decision in such a profiteering and wretched manner, it is clear that the 'no-action' period shall be seriously jeopardized.

The AKP and the Turkish state are far from utilizing this period in a proper manner. Instead of stopping the military operations, which is the demand of the democratic public, they continue to make provocative statements.

The real adressee of the decision we announced on 13th of August, 2010, is the AKP government and its prime minister Tayyip Erdoğan. Erdoğan, has not only not given a positive reply to the statement made by the management of our movement and to the Chairperson of our Executive Council but is talking in a very provocative and a counter-productive manner. They have described our statement that some state officials are in dialogue with our leader as a defamation and a lie intended to influence the period of referandum. Our people and public know that our movement and its management have always acted in a true, factual and moralist manner. The statement made by our comrade Murat Karayilan, who is the Chairperson of our Executive Council, is completely true and factual. The AKP government and prime minister has allowed himself to fall into a position of making false statements upon the history, in order to gain the votes of the MHP.

Pro-government media, on the other hand, has followed a publication line that is directed at sabotaging the process through distorting the facts by writing wrong and untrue analysis.

This situation alone is enough to reveal the self-seeking and double-dealing behaviour of the AKP, when it comes to the Kurdish issue. It is clear that policies based on election concerns as well as attempts to deceive the public and Kurdish people shall not acquire any results.

It should not be ignored that such a 'no-action' period was developed at a time when we were in the most powerful position and had the capacity to advance the most comprehensive action. However, we declared this 'no-action' period due to the demands and calls, as well as, our own desire to give peace a chance. The responsibilities we hold led us to take calls and demands for a 'no-action' period into consideration. This was also for the benefit of the peoples living in Turkey. We envisaged the establishment of a peaceful and democratic conditions under which the referendum can take place. Despite all our goodwill and sincerity the insults uttered by the prime minister in calculation of election votes is a factor that puts the initiated period in danger. But, the seriousness of the situation essentially lies in the fact that the military operations are not stopped. In the case that this denial and annihilation period continues it shall not be our movement and people who shall be responsible of the future developments but the AKP governments itself. Therefore we invite the AKP government to behave in a serious and responsible manner.

We have nothing to say to MHP and CHP, the so-called opposition, who are trying to get results through their chauvinist policies and are acting irresponsibly when it comes to one of the main problems of Turkey, the Kurdish issue. They are trying to get votes through animosity against the Kurds, hence they are not the addressee of our calls at all. Indeed then, the attitude of those forces who bear responsibility for this important and historical period shall determine the result.

Hence, all the above mentioned points reveal that there are all the more reasons why the democratic circles, who are pro-peace in Turkey, must step in more actively. In fact, it is the NGOs and all the other democratic institutions, who had made the call of ceasefire to our movement, whom should step in ever more fiercely. Hence, above all, we call on the DTK (Democratic Society Congress) and all the other institutions, who called on us, to own up to their calls and to reveal the hypocritical policies of the AKP, who has not ceased fire, as well as, with all their might to prepare the conditions for a bilateral ceasefire and a permanent solution.

We, on the other hand, call on all the patriotic people to raise their struggle on the basis of a democratic autonomy perspective and to own up to the peace and democracy martyrs in order to give the necessary messages all around.

The Presidency of the Executive Council of the KCK

22 August 2010

 

Details

Published: 25 August 2010

President of the Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK) Murat Karayilan set conditions to extend the ceasefire that will last on September 20.President of the KCK Murat Karayilan said that the aim of the ceasefire is to pave the way of a bilateral truce between Turkish state and the PKK.

He demanded the release of the 1700 Kurdish politicians and activists still in jail. Karayilan also said that Turkish state must lay out the framework for Kurdish national leader Abdullah Ocalan's active participation to the peace process

Karayilan labeled 10 percent election threshold as a barrier to Kurdish political parties and called Turkish to lower it.

“If all these conditions are met this process can lead to a sustainable peace” Karayilan said.

Karayilan said the declaration of ceasefire is “a chance for peace”.

Karayilan also called the president of Federal Kurdistan Government Massoud Barzani to take role in peace process and welcomed Barzani’s statements after the declaration of ceasefire.

“This process can move forward if Turkish state and AKP government take steps. If they don’t it will end in a stalemate” Karayilan said.

KARAYILAN:

CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN USE FOR 16 YEARS

19.08.2010- On 18th of August, 2010, the Chairman of the Executive Council of the KCK, Murat Karayilan, answered questions from the ANF news agency regarding the reports in the German media on the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish state.

Karayilan said that the Turkish state army had been using chemical weapons for 16 years now. And, this has again brought to agenda before by a labororatuary in Munich/Germany. He said that Turkey regularly uses chemical weapons in some areas against the guerrillas. This is not something new. The Turkish state army has been using chemical weapons against our guerrilla forces wherever they have got into difficulty against the guerrillas during the clashes since 1994. Even in the spring of 1999, I think it was in May, 20 of our guerrillas under the command of friend Hamza, have been martyred near the village of Bilika/Cudi/Sirnak as a result of the use of chemical weapons by the Turkish state army. After the clashes, our friends found a tube of the chemical that had been used against the guerrillas on the scene where the clashes occurred. This tube was sent to Europe, where I was at that time. So, I personally followed closely on this issue to be analysed in the laboratories. And, we sent it to a lab in Munich, Germany to analyse the contents of the tube. After that, the result of the analysis was that there was a chemical element to effect a certain small area.

18.08.2010- Kurdish organizations in Europe declared support for Peace and Democracy Party's (BDP) decision to boycott constitutional referendum on 12 September. At the same time the organizations declared their support to the proposal of a Democratic Autonomy. The proposal is being debated among various circles both in Turkey and Europe. So far it has been discussed especially by Kurdish associations and groups, but interest in the project has already been declared by various institutions and intellectuals in Europe.

Representatives of 228 Kurdish organizations throughout Europe issued a statement in support of BDP's boycott campaign, in Dusseldorf.

At the same press conference the Kurdish organizations also declared their support for Democratic Autonomy as the only method to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish Question.

The Kurdish organizations called on the United Nations, United States, Russia and European Union to contribute to the peace process.

 

Details

Published: 22 August 2010

We are in a self defence position, says Karayılan

“We are in a restricted self defence position and have not exercised our full power yet. It is a warning position where we are standing now. If the state launches an incursion on Medya Defence Territories or any other part of Kurdistan then we break the chain and the situation will be completely different.” said head of Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK) Executive Council Murat Karayılan.

Karayılan further underlined that they are still supporting the line living with people of Turkey on an equal and free basis and said “We will continue resisting does not matter if it takes a century. We cannot accept such dishonour; we cannot accept the assimilation policies on the Kurdish people. They will never be able to make us Turk.”

Since 1 June 2010 Kurdish problem entered a new phase. KCK executive committee had declared it by a public release. Following this declaration the clashes in Northern Kurdistan (Turkey) increased and escalated to the Turkish regions such as Mediterranean, Black sea and the Marmara Regions. Turkish army has launched several air attacks on ‘Medya Defence Territories’, a region in northern Iraq controlled by PKK. With the raise in the number of clashes the number casualties has also increased.

All these recent developments brought the Kurdish problem on the top of the agenda, as the most crucial problem of Turkey and whole region. While some are suggesting a military-security solution for the problem some others are suggestion new approach such a holding the problem with its all dimensions. What about KCK? How does KCK see the recent developments and discussions?

ANF interview Murat Karayılan, the head of Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK) Executive Council. Karayılan explained what “Democratic Autonomy Solution” means.

* How do you evaluate the developments after 1 June 2010? What are the characteristics of this new era?

- Our leadership and movement have put great efforts for 18 years to develop a democratic solution for the Kurdish issue. Most recently on 13 April 2009 we declared a ceasefire which was ended on 1 June 2010. However, what we have seen is that AKP government and the Turkish state have no intention to make peace with the Kurdish people. They insist on their assimilation policies on our people and they want the Kurds unconditionally surrender. Our leader Abdullah Ocalan has declared that he is still supporting a democratic solution and he let the initiative to us. The responsibility of this new phase belongs to us. Nobody can blame our leadership for this.

* Mr. Ocalan has said that he can be part of a solution if there are negotiations. For your movement what is the role of your leadership Ocalan? How do you see the discussions about this issue?

- The role of our leadership is clear not only for our movement but also for the Kurdish people. As we have already underlined numberless times he is the leader of a people, he is the leader of the Kurdish people. His role is decisive for us.

He said the 3rd phase is over and he will withdraw until he is recognised as an interlocutor and negotiations start. He did it in the face of denial and destruction policies of AKP and the Turkish state.

We are a movement. We have a council, executive board and administration. We have been discussing for the last 6- 7 months how we can develop our own solution. Therefore, we decided to start a new phase. It was a necessity for us. If the state does not want to find a solution by negotiating with you then you have to find your own solution with your own dynamics. That is what we are doing now. Because the state does not want to solve the Kurdish problem but destroy the Kurdish people. This is a danger for our people. AKP has rejected all our reasonable proposals. This means I do not want to make peace with you but destroy you. This is the danger.

We consider the phase as “protecting our existence as a nation and building a free life”. We are developing a solution and are ready to welcome the state if they want to be a part of the solution. If not, we will make it with our own dynamics.

* There are some calls from NGO’s and some business unions for a cease fire and stopping the military operations. How do you see these calls? Is a ceasefire possible in this phase? If yes, depending on what?

- First of all I should say that following the call from the NGO’s in Diyarbakir in which they asked for a cease fire from us and stopping the military operations from the state the Turkish media disseminated false, fabricated news. This is a big lie. We respect all the calls from the NGO’s both based in and out of Diyarbakir. They are coherent and balanced. However, making calls itself does not suffice. A greater effort is needed. The framework proposed by the NGO’s is acceptable. If the state agrees on it too then we can start negotiations.

On one hand the Turkish PM is calling NATO and waiting USA on hand and foot. Despite all the tension with Israel, he is still sending delegations to Israel to buy Herons. Same with Syria and Iran. In order to destroy us they are holding security meetings one after another. One the other hand they are calling for a unilateral ceasefire. It does not make any sense. It is not acceptable. We have the power to resist the Turkish state, to stand on our own feet. All should be aware of this fact.

We are at a restricted self defence position. That means we have not exercised our full power yet. Because we are still of view of living together with Turkey and we are struggling for it. However, if the state as a result of these security meetings launches an incursion on Medya Defence Territories or any other part of Kurdistan then we break the chain and the situation will be completely different. We are following a well planned and organised self defence strategy. We gained experience during these years fighting in the mountains. We are limiting ourselves. It should not be thought that we are using all of our power. No. This is not our full power. Nobody should wrong calculation. We are at a warning position. But if they insist on deadlock, if they insist on denial and destruction then the Kurdish people have right to head other options. We have the power to resist. The palavers from the politicians saying that they finished the PKK in 1999 are their false theories. That time, upon the request from our leadership we withdrew out of borders. It was a way of showing good faith. The Turkish state should not be deceived and think that it was something that they managed themselves.

Karayılan has also stated that democratic autonomy means democratisation of Turkey however; AKP government and the opposition party CHP are digging more frontiers to harden the war.

* What is Democratic Autonomy and when are you planning to declare it?

- Democratic Autonomy means respecting and promoting different cultures rather than subjecting them to assimilation and genocide policies. It is recognising the right to autonomy of different cultures living within the country. It does not mean secession or establishing a new state but enjoyment of full rights. Autonomy was promised to the Kurds by Mustafa Kemal who failed to keep his promise.

It is common system in the world. If the state does not accept it then the Kurdish people will realize it in their lives. And if the state tries to stop it then we have to tackle it in out way. Democratic Autonomy is the only possible solution for the Kurdish problem.

* How will you realise it?

- Democratic Confederalism is an alternative system to 5 thousand year-old state tradition. It is the unity of people living together without existence of a state.

If the state does not accept it then it will create danger for itself. We will realize it with our own dynamics. The Kurdish people are willing and capable of this. Hope the state act rationally. It will lead a permanent solution. Such a solution will bring an end to the war, deaths.

It is the time to see the realities. Otherwise Turkey will find itself in the middle of a chaos. They should stop using outdated arguments like “mother tongue will destroy the country”. Look at the world. Countries where different mother tongues are taught at school still exist. They are destroyed.

AKP is not sincere in the solution and using the opposition parties like CHP and MHP as an excuse not to take necessary step on the way to solution.

* And if the Turkish state does not accept it?

As I said Kurdish people are willing and capable of it. It is not only us declaring the autonomy but the Kurdish people. Political parties like BDP, NGO’s will all work together to realise this goal.

And if the state does not accept and allies with neighboring countries or international capital then the Kurds ally with the mountains of Kurdistan.

* This is an edited and shortened version of the original interview published today in Turkish – BAKI GÜL -ANF / KANDIL

 

Details

Published: 12 July 2010