RIHA – The Democratic Institutions Platform will launch the 1st of September World Peace Day events with a rally in Riha (Urfa) on August 31st.

 

As the 1st of September World Peace Day approaches, preparations for actions and events have begun in many cities. This year, the celebrations are expected to prominently feature the Peace and Democratic Society Process, aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue and advancing the country’s democratization.

 

The kickoff will be led by the Democratic Institutions Platform in Riha, the hometown of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan, with a rally scheduled for August 31st. On September 1st, a rally will take place in Istanbul, alongside mass marches in cities such as Wan (Van), Amed (Diyarbakır), Êlih (Batman), and Şirnex (Şırnak).

 

Narin Gezgör, Deputy Co-chair of Organization at the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), a member of the platform, highlighted the widespread events aimed at socializing the Peace and Democratic Society Process. Gezgör stressed Öcalan’s call as offering a way out of a potential Third World War. She said: “We decided to hold the first rally in Riha because it is both the birthplace of Abdullah Öcalan and a city that embodies the spirit of democratic society. Riha includes Kurds, Arabs, Yazidis, Turkmens, and many other peoples. It is one of the most concrete examples of a democratic society.”

 

‘FREEDOM FOR ÖCALAN WILL BE VOICED LOUDLY’

 

Pointing to the demand for Abdullah Öcalan’s physical freedom, Gezgör said the events would begin in Riha as a way to highlight this fundamental right. “Physical freedom and the conditions for free work for Abdullah Öcalan are essential for us. The rally will be a collective voice for social peace and will loudly demand Öcalan’s freedom again,” she added.

 

‘WILL FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SOCIAL PEACE’

 

Gezgör further emphasized the participation of many democratic mass organizations with their own demands alongside the shared call for peace. She stated: “The construction of democratic society and social peace is not just the issue of the Kurdish people, but a call that includes all peoples. The participation of all segments of society with their own colors and demands will ease the building of social peace. There is a reality of a people victimized by years of war policies, women, youth, workers, all segments of society are victims of these war policies.”