Engin Sever, co-chair of the KCDK-E, said that for the integrity of the ongoing process, Abdullah Öcalan must be officially included in peace talks.
Engin Sever, co-chair of the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress (KCDK-E), said that for the integrity of the ongoing process, Abdullah Öcalan must be officially included in peace negotiations.
Sever stressed that Öcalan’s freedom can no longer be postponed, sayng: “For the building of a democratic society and peace, Öcalan’s physical freedom must first be secured.”
Kurdish institutions in Europe are preparing for mass demonstrations in Strasbourg. Speaking to ANF about these actions and Öcalan’s freedom, Sever said: “The process has so far advanced unilaterally, in line with Öcalan’s calls; all developments have moved forward through the initiative of the Kurdish Freedom Movement. A commission has been established within the Turkish parliament. For this process to proceed properly, it is essential that Öcalan be officially involved in the talks. There is strong anticipation that Öcalan should be able to establish direct contact with his people and institutions. The international public wants to hear his ideas and perspectives directly from him.”
Critical meeting ahead
Sever pointed to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers meeting, scheduled to begin on 15 September, as being of critical importance: “Conditions must be created for Öcalan to benefit from the ‘right to hope’ and for his release. That is why we will hold democratic actions in Strasbourg from 15 to 19 September and present our demands to the committee. Within the framework of the Council of Europe’s decisions, Turkey must urgently take steps to ensure Öcalan’s freedom.”
Defending the perspective of a solution
Sever underlined that the Kurdish people defend not only Öcalan’s physical freedom but also the solution perspective shaped around his ideas. He added: “We must expand our actions and events, and express our demands more clearly. If the process moves forward positively, it will enable the building of a democratic society. For this, Öcalan’s physical freedom must be secured as soon as possible
