KNK co-chair Ahmet Karamus called on all Kurdish parties, institutions, and individuals for national unity, on the 102nd anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne. He said: “Let us all come together in a national conference and create a common strategy.”
The Executive Council of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) published a declaration during a protest march and rally held in Lausanne. The march was organized by 17 Kurdish organizations to mark the 102nd anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne.
The march turned into a rally in front of the historic Chateau d’Ouchy, where the Lausanne negotiations were held. KNK co-chair Ahmet Karamus read the declaration.
Highlighting developments in all four parts of Kurdistan, Karamus urged all Kurdish parties, institutions, and individuals to unite. He emphasized that the fragmentation caused by the Lausanne Treaty is still ongoing and that this status quo remains the biggest obstacle to lasting peace and resolution in the region.
He stated that recent developments in Rojhilat and Bakur Kurdistan signal a new phase, noting that the Kurdish people continue to pay a heavy price. The declaration said: “Unless this status quo changes, these costs will continue.”
Solution process in Turkey enters a new stage
Referring to the once-progressing solution process in North Kurdistan, which was halted by the Turkish state, Karamus said the Kurdish side approached it seriously and sincerely and continued with patience and determination. He noted that the formation of a parliamentary commission marked a new stage and added: “This is a sensitive process and concerns all Kurds. The solution in Northern Kurdistan is the solution for all of Kurdistan. For this process to reach a just solution, we all must engage in more dialogue and negotiation.”
Status in South Kurdistan must be protected and unity ensured
Karamus said that protecting the constitutional and federal status of South Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan) is the responsibility of all Kurds. He pointed to the frequent hostile stances of the Baghdad government toward the Kurdistan Region. Addressing the post-election political uncertainty, he said: “Internal unity must be achieved, and lasting solutions must be found.”
Uncertainty and threats continue in Syria
Speaking about Rojava, Karamus described the situation as still chaotic and warned against the risk of the Damascus regime reviving policies of massacres against Alawites, Druze, and Christians. He stressed the importance of Kurds establishing and developing their democratic system and noted that preserving the Autonomous Administration is vital not only for Kurds but also for all peoples and religious communities in the region.
Repression continues in Rojhilat
Karamus also pointed out that Iran’s oppressive policies in East Kurdistan (Rojhilat) are ongoing. He said the Kurdish people are raising their voices against this repression and that the struggle must be expanded on joint platforms.
Need for a National Conference
Karamus stressed that the most important step to determine the future of the Kurdish people in this process is a national conference. He called for the efforts initiated on the 100th anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne to be made concrete and added: “On the 102nd anniversary of the Treaty of Lausanne, all Kurdish parties, organizations, and our people must join and unite at this conference. As KNK, we are ready for this national conference and are here to take the necessary steps.”
A call to international institutions and friends
Addressing international institutions, including the UN and Kurdish-friendly circles, Karamus said: “Hear the voice of the Kurdish people and the peoples of Kurdistan. Decisions made in this city a century ago led to the Kurds being left without a status. This mistake must be corrected today. We call on all friendly states, peace-loving peoples, and friends of the Kurdish people to support our people’s struggle for freedom, which rose with the resistance of Kobanê.”
