We will continue to raise the demand for democracy in the country and peace in the
region

The demand for a democratic and peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, for an end to
the conflicts and for life under equal conditions in a democratic country continues to be
vital. It is clear that Abdullah Öcalan’s call from Imrali Prison to his organisation to ‘convene
a congress, lay down arms and dissolve itself’ is a new threshold in the process of resolving
the Kurdish question. The end of the decades-long conflict is an opportunity for the process
to be handled on the grounds of democratic debate and to be resolved democratically.
It is important that the struggle is waged in a democratic environment and on a democratic
ground, in order to pave the way for discussions. The Kurdish question affects a large area in
the region and the call for laying down arms by a movement defined as the last Kurdish
rebellion will inevitably have repercussions in many areas. Its effects will be seen both in
Turkey and in the Middle East.
The struggle of the Kurdish people, especially Kurdish workers and labourers, on the basis of
mother tongue and equal rights will continue. And essentially the source of the problem is
the non-recognition of their rights arising from being a nation, and the struggle for the
recognition of this right will continue. The Kurdish people’s demand for equality and
democracy, their struggle for freedom will continue.
Of course, it is an important development that the call for the end of the conflict
environment, which also prevents the joint struggle of Turkish and Kurdish workers, is an
important development.
Judging by the statement made by Efkan Ala from the ruling party in response to the call, it
seems that they will follow a ‘wait and see’ tactic. This is not the right attitude. If the
government really wants to solve this problem, what needs to be done is clear. First of all, it
must sit down and talk with the representatives of the Kurdish people, take steps to ensure
the participation of all sectors of society in the process, and create the conditions under
which this process will result in peace and a solution. It must make the necessary legal
arrangements for the solution of the problem, make arrangements to release the thousands
of politicians held hostage in prison, and pave the way for a general political amnesty.
It must put an end to the process of government-appointed trustees in the municipalities,
and the elected mayors must be reinstated.
Steps should be taken to fulfil demands, especially education in mother tongue.
Cross-border military operations must end as well as the pressure and arrests on political
activists.
Swift arrangements to meet the national demands of the Kurdish people must be made. It is
among the duties of the government to take steps to expand the area of democratic rights
and freedoms in society. Without taking these steps and without carrying out the process,
verbal statements alone will not have any effect.
The need for democracy in Turkey and peace in the region is clear.

The government’s authoritarian, fascist oppression and its attitude of dispersing all
opposition is an indication of how it approaches the process. The Kurdish and Turkish
people’s demand for peace and equality, and their struggle for a democratic country will
continue uninterruptedly.
Seyit Aslan
Labour Party Chair