Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" made on 27 February is still on the agenda. The biggest support for Öcalan's call came from the families who lost their relatives during the conflict. The Erkol family living in Wan (Van) stressed that the state and the government must take the hand extended for the solution of the Kurdish issue and democratisation of the country.

 

The Erkol family has been involved in the Kurdish freedom struggle since the 1980s. Mercan Erkol (Beritan Tolhildan) joined the HPG in 2007. Sercan Erkol (Şoreş Zewki) joined the HPG in 2013. 

 

Mercan Erkol died in a clash in Pasûr (Kulp) district of Amed (Diyarbakır) on 16 October 2017. On 17 March 2019, her identity information was released, but her body has not yet been delivered to the family. The reason given for not delivering the body is "missing official documents". Sercan Erkol also died on 11 November 2023 in Serhat Region. His body was not handed over to his family either.

 

SUPPORT FOR SOLUTION

 

Hesin Erkol, a father who lost two of his children during the conflict and still has not received their funerals, said that their hopes were revived with the call made by Abdullah Öcalan. Saying that the call excited them, father Erkol said, "We believe in our Leader (Öcalan). However, some of our citizens do not read the process well. 'How will the PKK lay down arms? What will be the meaning of this struggle is the PKK disarms?' they say. This is not reading the process well, not understanding process. The call of the Leader resonated all over the world. Such a call gave hope to all peoples. This call will stop the bloodshed in Turkey. In order to achieve peace, everyone must support Abdullah Öcalan to the end."

 

'THE LEADER MUST BE FREE'

 

"Laying down arms would be a good development for all sides" said Erkol and added, "But Turkey has not taken any step at this point. The PKK accepted the call of the Leader and declared that they are ready for this call. Since that day, no step has been taken by the state. But we have hope." 

 

Erkol emphasised that the hand extended by Abdullah Öcalan should be held and steps should be taken in this direction. Erkol said, "Turkey needs to hold the hand extended by the Leader. It needs to take concrete and sincere steps for this. Our Leader must be free in the near future. With the freedom of the Leader, the problems in Turkey will be solved. The Leader has always been in favour of peace and freedom."

 

Stating that the Kurdish people expect steps from the stated and the government for a solution, Erkol stressed: "Everyone should take the words of the Leader seriously. We also call on the state to find a solution to the Kurdish and Turkish issue. Let the country get rid of the bloodshed and war policies. The rights of the Kurds must now be recognised."

 

MA / Ruken Polat - Mazlum Engindeniz