Swiss MP Nicolas Walder said that “allowing Abdullah Öcalan to participate in negotiations would also strengthen trust between the two sides.”
In the second part of this interview, Nicolas Walder, Deputy Co-Chair of the Swiss Green Party, Member of the Federal Parliament, and Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said that “the freedom of Mr. Öcalan is crucial to the success of the process.
The first part of this interview can be read here.
As you mentioned, both the Kurdish Freedom Movement and its leader Abdullah Öcalan have taken significant steps, despite all the risks, to ensure the success of the process. Yet, the state’s failure to take concrete steps so far has cast doubt on its sincerity. Although a commission has been established under the Parliament’s roof, the Kurdish side insists that the state must take more tangible steps to resolve such a deep-rooted problem. Considering international examples, what do you think must be done for the process to succeed?
I believe the Turkish state must first demonstrate its will to achieve results. Statements have already been made by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Mr. Öcalan’s declarations, the PKK’s decision to consider dissolving itself, and the steps taken by a group of fighters to lay down arms and even destroy them are extremely positive signs. The Turkish state should seize this opportunity and respond with a positive gesture. Such a gesture could be to allow Öcalan’s release, even if in the form of house arrest. If the state wishes, this could also be supported with security guarantees.
Allowing Öcalan to participate in negotiations would also strengthen trust between the two sides. This is crucial. In addition, it is important for the commission, but also within a broader framework of dialogue, to quickly define the topics of discussion, the negotiation agenda, and the goals determined by mutual consensus. Such an agreement would demonstrate the determination to move forward rapidly toward peace.
I repeat, Turkey has much to gain from resolving the Kurdish issue through peaceful means. Today, Turkey holds a truly strategic geopolitical position, especially in its relations with Europe and the Middle East. Turkey could assume the role of a bridge at this moment. It is also economically vital for Europe, particularly at a time when Europe’s relations with the United States are far from smooth.
Moreover, there is a shift underway in the direction of Europe’s economy. If Turkey takes steps in the field of human rights and especially on the Kurdish issue, this would also ease its commercial relations.
The International Community Bears a Historical Responsibility
In the resolution of deep-rooted issues or peace processes, third-party observers often play a role. However, the Turkish state, framing the Kurdish question as an “internal issue,” does not want such observers involved in this process. Experts, on the other hand, emphasize that the Kurdish issue is a regional and international matter, stressing that international support is essential for the process to succeed. How do you think the international community should act on this?
The international community has a great responsibility, because when borders were drawn and recognized, the unity of the Kurdish people was not taken into account. Today, we have a Kurdish population dispersed across different countries. Even if this people cannot be united, they should at least be respected and benefit from a degree of autonomy within the borders that have been established. This is, first and foremost, a historical responsibility.
Beyond that, there is also the responsibility of ensuring that fundamental rights are protected everywhere. Even if a matter is defined as an internal affair of a state, this does not mean the international community can remain indifferent. This applies to the Kurdish people, just as it does to Tibetans and Uyghurs in China, or Palestinians both in Palestine and Israel.
When states fail to uphold their obligation to respect fundamental rights, the international community has a duty to protect minorities. In my view, the international community must take proactive steps to persuade Turkey.
By proactive steps, I mean finding ways that can push Turkey to advance in negotiations. Another method could involve measures such as economic sanctions or suspending cooperation in certain fields in response to human rights and minority rights violations.
While strengthening relations with Turkey is a geostrategic necessity for both Turkey and Europe, this can only be achieved if the Kurdish issue is resolved peacefully. Encouraging such a resolution is therefore in the interest of all parties, including Europe. In this way, we could build much deeper cooperation in the future.
Switzerland Could Play a Role
Switzerland is known for its tradition of neutrality and the historic role of Geneva in peace negotiations. What responsibility could it take in this process?
Yes, I believe Switzerland could play a role in facilitating dialogue during this process. Just as my city, Geneva, should be ready to host possible meetings or negotiations. In fact, I imagine an even broader setting; in political matters, progress is often faster in such contexts, so an international conference on the Kurdish issue would be ideal. This should not only address the Kurdish question in general but also the situation of the Kurdish people in Turkey. However, it is not difficult to foresee that such a format would likely be unacceptable to the current Turkish government. For this reason, the negotiations will most probably be held in Turkey.
That said, Switzerland and its institutions, with their experience in negotiation, whether in domestic or international peace processes, could bring their expertise to support this process, provided both sides agree.
Furthermore, Switzerland and some of its organizations could also play a role in monitoring the implementation of the process. For example, if the Kurdish side continues to disarm, it would be necessary to verify that this is truly happening. In this context, certain Swiss organizations or services could accompany the process. In other words, we could offer our capacities to support the parties. However, this would only be possible if both sides genuinely commit to such a process. For Switzerland to play a role, this is an indispensable condition.
We must struggle everywhere
In Gaza, as in many other parts of the world, the Geneva Conventions are being openly violated. Yet the international community has remained largely silent. As a Geneva parliamentarian and a strong human rights advocate, how do you evaluate this silence, and what does it mean for the future of the Geneva Conventions?
We must remember that international humanitarian law and the law of war do not grant the right to wage war. On the contrary, they are the rules that apply in times of conflict. These rules apply primarily to international conflicts, although later they were also adapted to certain internal conflicts. That is why, when speaking of Gaza and the West Bank, it is essential to underline, and I repeat this once more, that neither Gaza nor the West Bank belongs to Israel. This is not an internal conflict; it is an international one.
In the same way, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is an international conflict, while Sudan is an internal conflict. Therefore, different rules apply, and this must be emphasized. Yet international humanitarian law is being increasingly violated.
Just a few days ago, I listened to the president of the Red Cross, who voiced deep concern about the repeated breaches of international humanitarian law. These violations are not only numerous but also extremely grave. Attacks on ambulances, attacks on journalists, attacks on civilians waiting for food aid. These are among the most serious war crimes.
It is profoundly worrying that some states commit these crimes while the international community remains partly silent or worse, some states support them by supplying weapons or other forms of aid. In my view, every country must act to ensure that the international legal order survives and continues to protect people from such atrocities. For this, we need courageous individuals everywhere who will stand up for the rule of law, particularly for international law and humanitarian law.
That is why we must not shy away from naming violations, war crimes, and the situation in Gaza, which is in fact an ongoing genocide and openly condemning them. Most importantly, we must not become complicit. For this reason, we are working in Switzerland to implement sanctions. I have always defended sanctions against Russia and called for them to be strengthened. Similarly, for the past two and a half years, I have demanded sanctions against violent Israeli settlers, the Israeli government, certain companies, and, above all, an end to cooperation with Israel in military and other sectors. As long as Israel pursues this unacceptable policy, such measures must be taken.
We must also act on our own scale. As a Swiss parliamentarian, I cannot end a conflict, but through my voice and my work in parliament, I can fight to ensure that we are not complicit in these crimes. In my opinion, the worst thing for a country committing crimes is isolation, not only diplomatic but also economic isolation. Such measures often force governments to change their policies or at least prevent them from achieving their goals. This is what we can and must do.
Today, debates are intensifying across Europe. How far should we go? Recognizing Palestine is, of course, necessary, but economic measures must also be taken to ensure that humanitarian law is upheld both in Kyiv and in Gaza.
Anything you would like to add?
I truly wish the Kurdish people success in the peace process. I hope this process reaches a stable ground and allows the Kurdish people to fully experience both their cultural identity and their right to be part of a rapidly developing society. I also want to thank you for keeping this issue constantly on our agenda
