SÊRT - Stating that peace cannot be achieved without the liberation of Abdullah Öcalan, members of the Sêrt (Siirt) Peace Mothers' Assembly said: "The Kurds have taken all the necessary steps. Now it is the state's turn." 

 

The process that started after Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's "Call for Peace and Democratic Society" on 27 February entered its 8th month. Following the call, the PKK convened its congress between 5-7 May, announced its decision to end the armed struggle on 12 May and held a ceremony to burn weapons on 11 July. 

 

In the intervening period, however, the state and the ruling party have taken no steps towards democratisation other than the establishment of a parliamentary commission. Kurdish public opinion states that Abdullah Öcalan's freedom is essential for the process to move forward. 

 

Members of Sêrt Peace Mothers' Assembly reacted against the state for not taking any steps and emphasised the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. 

 

Assembly member Maşallah Işık Arslan pointed out that the Kurds had taken all the necessary steps and said: "Now it is their turn. Let them release Serok Apo (Leader Ocalan)". 

 

Drawing attention to the situation of ill prisoners in prisons, Maşallah Işık Arslan said: "The condition for peace is the release of Serok Apo and his presence among the people. There can be no peace without him. Therefore, he must be released and included in the parliamentary commission. We have been working for peace for years, but each time we were left empty-handed. Now we want these efforts to be concluded positively.”

 

'STATE MUST TAKE URGENT STEPS'

 

Emphasising that they have always wanted peace despite all the pain and difficulties, Assembly member Ayşe Taşçı said: "Until today, they have turned our hand for peace empty. Let them not turn our hand away this time. Let them set Serok Apo free. Kurds have taken all the necessary steps. Now it is the state's turn.”

 

Emphasising that Abdullah Öcalan should be released, Assembly member Leyla Özer said: "The PKK has dissolved itself and burnt its weapons. All conditions were created for peace. In response to this, a commission was formed, but not a single concrete step was taken by the state. The state needs to take an urgent step so that peace can be established. Neither Kurdish nor Turkish mothers should cry anymore. We insist on peace.”

 

'NO PEACE WITHOUT THE LIBERATION OF SEROK APO'

 

Pointing out that Abdullah Öcalan is trying to ensure peace despite everything, Assembly member Vetha Kaçar said: "A commission was established in the Parliament, but no step was taken. Serok Apo should have come to that commission. Devlet Bahçeli had said 'Let Öcalan come and speak in the parliament'. Why wasn't he brought? As Mothers of Peace, we repeat our desire for peace. I also call out to Turkish Mothers; let's join hands and bring this peace. Without the liberation of Serok Apo, there will be no peace in Syria, Iran, Iraq or Turkey."