Barbara Steiner said: “How can we speak of peace while Öcalan is still under isolation?”
Barbara Steiner, President of TransformEurope, emphasized that the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan (referred to as Önder Apo) is essential for creating a healthy atmosphere for peace talks and for the process to move forward effectively.
Steiner, a political scientist, member of the Communist Party of Austria (KPÖ), and president of the European Left Party’s educational foundation, TransformEurope, described the PKK’s decision to end its armed struggle and the symbolic act of burning weapons as a “historic and courageous step.” She stressed that for lasting peace to be achieved, Öcalan’s freedom must be ensured and Turkey must end its oppression of Kurds.
She said: “The PKK’s decision to end its armed struggle and the symbolic act of disarmament is a historic and courageous step toward ending violence, especially in a time when wars continue around the world and blood continues to be shed in the Middle East. This process sets an important example not only for Kurds and Turks but beyond the conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurds.”
Steiner emphasized that the Turkish state should establish a parliamentary commission to provide legal immunity for negotiators, release political prisoners, and especially ensure the freedom of Öcalan. While supporting the campaign ‘I Want to Visit Öcalan,’ Steiner underlined that visits are not enough and that the isolation imposed on him must be lifted, and he must be released. “Öcalan holds the position of chief negotiator in peace talks,” she stressed.
She said that Turkey must end its oppression of Kurds, including political, linguistic, media, and cultural restrictions. Steiner pointed out that the peace process has garnered strong international interest and support and expressed hope that, unlike past attempts, this time it can succeed. She called for a peaceful, democratic process free of violence.
The Peace Process must be socialized
Steiner said that the Turkish government must end its oppression of Kurds and that the peace process must not be confined to institutions alone. As highlighted by the Istanbul delegation, she said, “It must be embraced in the streets and by all sectors of society. “There must be direct communication with society to build peace together,” she added.
How can we speak of peace while Öcalan is still in isolation?
Steiner asked: “How can we speak of peace while Öcalan is still in isolation?” and noted growing international demands to end Öcalan’s 26-year-long isolation so he can participate in peace talks in a healthy and constructive atmosphere. His freedom, she said, is important not just for him personally but for the freedom of society at large. She stressed that Öcalan’s participation is essential for a successful peace process.
International support and pressure are needed
Steiner called on the international community to put pressure on the Turkish state to conduct the peace process properly. She said the criminalization of the Kurdish Freedom Movement must end and the PKK should be removed from the terrorist lists of the European Union, the United States, and other countries. She added that those imprisoned due to PKK-related activities should be released.
She emphasized that Europe can serve as a neutral ground for peace negotiations, noting that historically, peace has more often been achieved in neutral environments with third-party guarantees.
A process important for global peace
Barbara Steiner concluded by saying: “This process is not only about the Kurds or Turkey. It is not limited to the oppressed peoples of Turkey and Kurdistan. It encompasses the entire Middle East and global peace efforts that must succeed through democratic means
