QERS - Chair of IHD Qers Branch Güldane Kılıç emphasised that the first step for the solution of the Kurdish issue must be the complete lifting of the isolation and the opening of negotiations.

 

Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) MPs Pervin Buldan and Sırrı Süreyya Önder travelled to İmralı Type F High Security Closed Prison yesterday for a second meeting with PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan. After the first meeting on 28 December, Abdullah Öcalan's 7-point message was made public, but no statement has been made yet on the content of yesterday's meeting. Human Rights Association (IHD) Qers (Kars) Branch Chair Güldane Kılıç evaluated the discussions on the solution of the Kurdish issue and the messages from Abdullah Öcalan.

 

Güldane Kılıç emphasised that any natural right should not be made the subject of bargaining during the negotiations, and pointed out that the "right to hope" is one of these rights. Güldane Kılıç emphasised that this right is a right recognised in international conventions and criticised Turkey's failure to implement this right. Güldane Kılıç said, "When this right is on the agenda, it must be implemented as soon as possible, regardless of the offence for which the person is in prison. The government, with the idea that political prisoners can benefit from this right, puts an annotation on the idea that it is not suitable for Turkey and does not implement it. When we look at the background of the reason for the annotation, we see that the Kurdish issue is solved through security policies and repressive methods. The ECtHR has repeatedly sentenced Turkey to compensation due to judgements that Turkey has not implemented. Turkey, on the other hand, has chosen to pay the compensation and continue its unlawful behaviour."

 

Güldane Kılıç pointed out that the isolation in İmralı still continues and reminded that Abdullah Öcalan is still not allowed to meet with his lawyers and family. Güldane Kılıç said, "There is an isolation that has been going on for years. Firstly, this isolation must be lifted, and in the following process, ways of negotiation must be opened. The 'right to hope' must be discussed together with its legal framework."

 

Güldane Kılıç said that the country prospered during the 2013-2015 period, but with the end of the process, oppression, destruction, death and arrests came into effect. Güldane Kılıç said, "A tragic process has taken place and continues to take place. Despite all that has happened, I find the call for peace coming from İmralı very meaningful. But unfortunately, the society is experiencing uneasiness due to the negativities experienced in the past peace processes and the lack of results. Despite the insecurity and uneasiness, it is important that the peoples embrace and socialise this message of peace. As long as we do not spread social peace, as long as we do not carry out the process transparently, as long as the participation of neutral people or institutions as observers in this process is not ensured, the possibility of peace is very low. Especially as long as the government side continues to present it as a bargain, it will never be achieved."

 

'ALL PEOPLES SHOULD EMBRACE THE SOLUTION'

 

Güldane Kılıç added, "In a democratic environment, people will be able to express their ideas freely and comfortably, which will eliminate conflict. Conflict will not occur where there is no pressure. In this sense, I think it would be wrong to read this demand for peace only in relation to the Kurds and the Kurdish issue. First of all, all the peoples in Turkey should embrace it. I think that this sprout of peace in Turkey will change and transform the peoples of the Middle East with a butterfly effect."

 

MA / Mehmet Güleş