In a comprehensive interview with Medya Haber TV, Mustafa Karasu, a member of the KCK Executive Council, declared that the approach toward Abdullah Öcalan is the primary "benchmark" for the Turkish government's commitment to the peace process. "How Öcalan is approached is the measure of how sincerely the process is being handled... A law that does not include Öcalan will have no meaning whatsoever," Karasu stated, underscoring that the Kurdish leader's freedom is a central and non-negotiable component of any viable solution and should not be delayed.
Karasu outlined a significant imbalance in the actions taken thus far. He emphasized that the Kurdish movement has made considerable concessions, including the dissolution of the PKK and the cessation of armed struggle against Turkey, based on calls for a peaceful resolution. However, he lamented the lack of corresponding democratic reforms from the Turkish state. "We have fulfilled our responsibilities... What steps has the government taken in response?" he questioned, arguing that meetings between lawyers and Öcalan are insufficient and a fundamental change in his status is imperative for building trust.
The warning was also directed at Damascus and Ankara regarding their policies in North and East Syria. Karasu described the Autonomous Administration there as a cornerstone of stability for the entire country, where diverse ethnic and religious groups coexist peacefully. He condemned attacks on the region, asserting that they risk destabilizing Syria further. He urged both Turkey and Syria to abandon hostile policies and instead work towards a "democratic integration" that respects the administration's autonomy, rather than demanding its unconditional surrender to the Syrian government.
Karasu cautioned against deceptive legislative measures, such as laws permitting the return of fighters without addressing the root causes of the conflict. He argued that without repealing restrictive anti-terror laws and creating a genuinely democratic political environment, such initiatives would be meaningless. "To pass a law and then say, 'Look, we passed a law, let them come,' is not a correct approach... This should not be a situation of deceiving the public," he remarked.
In conclusion, the Kurdish movement's message is obvious: the success of the peace process hinges on sincere and concrete actions from both Ankara and Damascus. The responsibility now lies with the Turkish and Syrian governments to show their commitment to a democratic and lasting resolution by addressing the core demands of the Kurdish people, chief among them the status of Abdullah Öcalan.
Map: Wikipedia