Schweiger: Kurdish movement’s step toward peace should be supported by the international community

Tobias Schweiger, federal spokesperson for the Communist Party of Austria, emphasized that the Kurdish Freedom Movement’s step toward peace was taken with great sacrifice and should be met with international support.

Tobias Schweiger, federal spokesperson for the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ), spoke to ANF regarding the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” made by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 and the subsequent disarmament of the Kurdistan Freedom Guerrillas on July 11.

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According to Schweiger, the Kurdish movement’s step toward peace is of great significance and should be supported by the international community. He called for solidarity to make sure that the process leads to peace.

“We support the PKK’s initiative to lay down its arms. This is an important step towards a comprehensive peace process. Still, it must be emphasized that the Kurdish movement has taken this step with great sacrifice,” he said.

Recalling the severe oppression faced by the Kurdish people in Turkey and neighboring countries, Schweiger said that this step toward peace carries even greater significance in this historical context.

“That is why we stand with the Kurdish people. The governments of Turkey, Syria, and Iraq must respond to this step,” he added.

Schweiger pointed out that Kurdish communities still live under intense political pressure and their right to democratic self-governance is not recognized. He stressed that the international community cannot remain silent in the face of this situation as this silence strengthens the policies of oppression.

The Austrian politician added, “International pressure on the governments of Turkey, Syria and Iraq is vital. The Kurdish Freedom Movement has extended its hand for peace. This call must be recognized and supported. Only in this way can this step lead to lasting peace in the region. At the same time, the Kurdish people’s right to self-determination must also be addressed.”

Born in Graz in 1990, Tobias Schweiger studied philosophy, political science, socioeconomics, and international development. He has worked in various sectors, including gastronomy, bookselling, and adult education. Since 2021, he has been one of six federal spokespersons for the Communist Party of Austria