SULEYMANIYAH - Human rights defenders and intellectuals, who left the arms-burning ceremony of the Peace and Democratic Society Group with hope, pointed out that all segments of society have a responsibility for the success of the process.

 

 

Following a call by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, the Peace and Democratic Society Group held a symbolic and historical weapon-burning ceremony in Şikefta Casenê, a rural area near Sulaymaniyah. The act was seen as a milestone in efforts to end the decades-long conflict. Politicians, human rights defenders, civil society members, artists, and writers were present at the emotional and hopeful event.

 

WE MUST EMBRACE THIS PROCESS

 

Veli Encü from Roboski emphasized the symbolic importance of the ceremony: “The sincerity of the Kurdish freedom movement and its leader shows today that what they demand is an honorable peace,” he said. “We witnessed this moment. Everyone must recognize its meaning and support it.”

 

Akın Birdal, Honorary Chair of the Human Rights Association (İHD), recalled past peace efforts: “We saw the legitimacy and peaceful nature of the PKK back in 1996. If only the state had accepted this then, so much pain would’ve been avoided,” he said. “Now it’s the state’s turn, the government’s turn, the Parliament’s turn. The honor of peace depends on its socialization. Everyone should ask: ‘What can I do?’”

 

THE STATE MUST ACT TOO

 

Peace Mother Peyrize Kurt, a longtime activist, stated: “We no longer want Kurdish or Turkish children to die. The Kurds have done their part. Now only the state remains to take action,” underlining the urgency of government involvement.

 

Alihan Aksu, Vice President of MAZLUMDER, shared his impressions: “It was a deeply emotional environment. You are witnessing the end of a war and the beginning of peace. Let’s hope it brings positive outcomes for the peoples of Turkey.”

 

PEACE AND FREEDOM HAND IN HAND

 

Artist and human rights activist Julide Kural said: “Combining peace with freedom gave people hope that good things are possible again. We had been distant from such feelings for a long time.” She concluded with a quote from Rosa Luxemburg: “The future of humanity is peace and freedom.”

 

THIS IS THE VICTORY OF THE JUST

 

Celalettin Can from the 78’ers Initiative emphasized: “This is the success of those who were right. No matter what they do, if we walk the right path, we can win.” He expressed joy in witnessing the realization of peace efforts.

 

THIS IS THE PEACE MY BROTHER DREAMED OF

 

Ali Fuat Önder attended the event in honor of his brother Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s legacy: “If this sincerity continues, this issue will quickly disappear from the country’s agenda. I thank everyone involved. I hope we finally see better days, and these lands see spring again.”

 

MA / Dicle Müftüoğlu