Abdullah OCALAN:
18 August, 2010
Everyone expects something from me. Everything has fallen on my shoulders. The state is experiencing problems, the KCK is experiencing problems. Everything has yet again been left to me. There are expectations of me.
It is not enough to just do some activities against the rape culture. While fighting against the rape culture one should really become competent all round and struggle. Activities such as these should become wide-spread and institutionalized. If not all the protests and meetings that are taken up can not but be a flash in the pan. Women must become free. This is an issue that arose way back in history. Neither should woman be a slave of the man nor the man woman's. When I talk about rape I am not just talking about a physical rape. There is a profound and multidimensional siege. There was such a case in Mardin that was in the news a while ago. A little girl was raped by one hundred men. A similar incident occured in a village in Mardin as well. Of course this is not just happening in Mardin but all around and there are hundreds of examples at that. This cultural perception comes out no matter where. There are women who are punished by stoning in Iran. But of course I am not just talking about physical rape culture or the classical rapes that reported by the media. I am talking about both the cultural, economic, social rapes that occure in all areas of life. This is why women must build their own unique organizations in all areas of life. I had earlies talked about political academies, they can institutionalize themselves in these areas. In Diyarbakir and everywhere else women should discuss these issues well.
Woman should be the determinant partner in a relationship. Both the social siege and the siege of the male on the woman is an issue that has arisen way back in history. The woman has lost her freedom. Marriage is being used as a tool to gain dominance over women at the moment. You must also understand that a relationship in between woman and man is like an abyss. It is very deep, anything may come out of it. One can either exhaust one another or turn out to be a philosopher. One of the best examples to this is Socrates the philosopher. He proclaims: 'Marriage has turned me into a philosopher'. Zizek's determination on this subject is also very important. I am not condemning marriage but simply saying that such relations are extremely difficult and that it must be based on freedom. In marriage the choice of the woman must be essential. It must be the woman who is decisive. Women must determine their needs and demands accurately and must show the strength to make their own decisions in relation to them. They must have their unique discussions in relation to all aspects of life, take their decisions and implement them.
The incident in Batman must most definitely be solved. BDP should have had it clarified by now. BDP should have taken a stand against it, no matter who has done it. It must be understood why in the incident of Salih Özdemir in Batman, they saw a need to go out at that time of the night. Famous personalities should not go to evening appointments. In the event that if they shall then it must be according to a program. For example, when BDP shall organize a meeting at a certain location they shall take their own precautions. They must do this very carefully. They can't just leave their security to the state. If you can not take your own precautions then you have no right to say that they are attacking you. There may be provocations aimed at known personalities. In the past, just as in the flag incident of Mersin, after such a provocation they have had planned who to attack . At the time they could not carry out their plans but they did have a prior plan. They plan ahead and know who shall attack during the provocation. They may especially attack known personalities. Hence, everyone should take their own precautions and protect their own lives. This is a right enshrined even in the constitution.
There was a provocation contemplated in Dörtyol/Hatay. It is not just a matter of what happened in Dörtyol, I think there are many more such provocations planned. Such incidents have many similarities with that of the incidents in Maraş and Sivas. They could have killed three hundred people in the incident of Dörtyol. This is the completion of what the massacre of Sivas and Maras left incomplete. There may be plots to kill intellectuals such as the incident of Musa Anter. Such incidents are trials of concealed massacres. They were not successful there. The reason was due to the conflicts within the AKP, MHP and the state. It is also a bit of a coincidence as well. They could not run the risk. There are those within the state who are against such incidents. I did all I could, and still do, from here to be able to prevent such incidents. These provocations came to nothing. However the difference between these incidents with that of prior ones is that the prior incidents had not chance of success but the present incidents now do have a chance. This is why one must be real careful and take precautions. It is especially quite dangerous in some regions. The present conditions are more permitting for such things. Some of the structures within the state may use all kinds of provocations. If the war continues as it does then a corrupt style of warfare shall come into play by both sides and this shall be more dangerous then anything else. In a future incident they may try a massacre; many people will die and then no one can resolve it. All that is desired to be achieved through these provocations are nothing but a concealed genocide. I do not know whether it is the AKP, MHP or the state at the center play of the incident at Dörtyol, but I think the AKP was aware of the incident. The Kurds are not warring at present but trying to halt the concealed genocide against them; nothing more.
The other groups in Turkey have not participated in the last congress of the DTK (Democratic Society Congress). Although they were called their non participation has revealed their stance. I listened to the statements made by some NGOs in Diyarbakir in relation to the referandum. Of course they seemed to have arrived at an agreement with the state. They have been convinced that “if the PKK is eliminated full initiative shall be given to them”. But of course we are interfering with such an agreement and hence these plans can't be put into motion.
Democratic Autonomy is the resolution project of the Kurds. We may describe Democratic Autonomy as being the body if we call democratic nation as its soul. Democratic autonomy is the concrete form of the construction of democratic nation. There are several elements or dimensions to democratic autonomy:
Political Dimension: There shall be an assembly or a congress of the people. This congress is the democratic society congress. There shall also be an executive council of this congress.
Juridical Dimension: This defines the juridical status of the project of democratic autonomy. The Catalans' define this as the 'status'. Let us call it the same. This is highly important. What will be the status of the Kurds juridically? This has to be determined and then projected on to the constitution and the regulations. Through regulations the framework for democratic autonomy can be determined.
Economic Dimension: There shall be a economic policy of the democratioc nation that is being constructed. What kind of economy there shall be, this shall be determined. It shall determine a policy against dams and all underground and aboveground resources. We can not accept capitalism as our economic system. It maybe that we can not eradicate capitalism totally but we can change it to an important degree. We can ware it out and establish our own economic system. This system maybe called the people's economy, and private economy may constitute a certain part of it. All these issues must be discussed.
Cultural Dimension: The cultural dimension is more in relation to language, education in mother tongue, history and arts. What should be the relationship between Kurdish and Turkish, how could one have education in mother tongue, what should be the language policy of a democratic nation? All these must be discussed. An education policy must also be formed. How could Kurds overcome cultural genocide. These must be discussed well, understood and cultural genocide must be overcome.
Self-Defence Dimension: We may also call it security dimension. We are indeed handling the issue of genocide here. Kurds must concretize how they can liberate themselves from genocides. The concept of genocide I use encompasses all varieites of genocides. I do not only talk of physical but cultural and all other genocides. Hence it must be ensured that Kurds attain their own self-defence. The society must establish their own self-defence. I am not just talking about a situation where they have weapons in their hands. Self-Defence does not mean armed structures such as that of KCK and PKK but people providing their own security. I am talking about the democratic society organizing and insitutionalising itself in all areas and attaining its own security system. People may discuss these issues as well and arrive at different conclusions. For example, whether they shall take their place in the army? They can discuss this. How shall the village guards be disbanded, how shall this issue be resolved? They can discuss this. This security dimension, the self-defence of the people is as important as air that we breath. Without it, life is not possible.
Diplomacy Dimension: This handles the relationship of Kurds with that of other peoples and societies. Shall also entail neighboring countries as well as Kurds in other parts. What kind of a relationship do we want with the other societies, how can we live with them? Diplomacy dimension can meet this.
The Kurds, BDP and DTK should deal with the democratic autonomy project. They should concretize the democratic autonomy project. This is the real agenda of the Kurds, this is what it must be. This referandum is emphasized so much so that the real agenda of the Kurds is changed, it is an artificial agenda. Through such discussion they are trying to overshadow the democratic autonomy demands of the Kurds. The Kurds must work on this until the elections so that we are not late in doing so. There maybe a need to put it before them and say that this is the project of the Kurds. When it is asked what the project of the Kurds are our proejct must be ready. The Catalans are also discussing the issue of democratic autonomy, they are a clever people. They prepared a project in relation to democratic autonomy and presented it. The Spanish Constitutional Court approved the project apart from a few points. The remaining points shall probably be accepted in the near future. They are still discussing it. The DTK and BDP must carry out enormous discussions in relation to our democratic autonomy project untill the elections. They must concretize the democratic autonomy project. They must work day and night on it and discuss it very well. I call a total mobilization on this. DTK must do the work on democratic autonomy. This is its area. The preperation of a democratic constitution is the area of the BDP. After the elections when the state begins to discuss proposals for a solution they must have proposals for a solution. They must have a project for a resolution. They should discuss all this very well. Our people in their millions must discuss and understand democratic autonomy well. We must be able to develop this as a project of resolution. It must be understood that democratic autonomy and democratic constitution are two different things. BDP must work on democratic constitution all around Turkey and must meet with NGOs all over Turkey. BDP must work hard in relation to democratic constitution. They must have a n extensive project in relation to a democratic constitution. The Kurds, DTK and BDP shall discuss what kind of a life it is that they want and decide on it. KCK and PKK shall determine its own place within the system of democratic autonomy. This is up to them. They must discuss this day and night. We are passing through a historical period. I had previously discussed the issue of democratic autonomy. I had touched on it in my book called The Freedom of Sociology. This time around it is important that a meaningful solution is developed.
The construction of a democratic nation does not mean the construction of a nation-state. Look at Palestine; Palestine is not even like South Kurdistan type be considered nation-state. They are thinking of making them fight with one another through the construction of small states. Those Kurds who think in the same way say that 'if we only have a small state it shall be sufficient'. Such a perspective shall mean the death of thousands of people. One of the fundamental reasons for the fall of real socialism was the thought that the right to self-determination of nations could only be achieved through having a state. This nation-state perspective ended real socialism. Such an interpretation of it whether by socialism or liberalism has in any case served capitalism. Marx, Engels, Lenin and all the others have interpreted this wrongly. I have discussed my thoughts on the construction of democratic nation in detailed in my defences called the Freedom of Sociology.
I really very much love Doğubeyazıt. I send my special greetings to the people of Doğubeyazıt, Patnos, Serhad, Botan, Tatvan, Bitlis, Van and İzmir. They implemented a special warfare system in Bitlis. But I think this has now been broken down, I think there shall be really important developments in the future. I send my greetings to all the captives especially the women captives. I commemorate Evrim Alataş once again. I send my greetings to all our people and intellectuals.
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The European Court of Human Rights rejected our application for the re-trial case. There is a special jurisdiction implemented towards me. They are responding to unlawfulness with unlawfulness. The court in fact did not expose the plot and the subsequent kidnapping that occurred in Kenya. This could have been a turning point. They can either open a whole new page by exposing the plot or can continue with this state of unlawfulness.
The case in relation to the death penalty being converted to aggrevated life sentence is of importance because at the time they imposed a sentence that did not exist at the time of the trial. If ECHR ensures that the fifth volume shall reach them then I shall write that as well. This final volume shall be of importance because it shall be about the resolution of the issue, I have concrete thoughts. I am not sure if they shall hand it over. The Court can come and examine the conditions I am in. They can stay here for 24 hours and see. In order to be able to breath here I have to lean against the window. This is the only way I can get some air. Under such circumstances I can finish my defence by the end of the year. You may request additional time. If they can ensure that they obtain the defence then I can prepare it. As I have repeatedly pointed out they are imposing a special law on me, a law specific to me. ECHR must realise this.
What did really happen in Batman? That event looks quite ambigious. It should be investigated well. They are trying to blame the PKK. It could be a plot. There was a sheikh that was shot in Batman a while ago. Such families should be attended to and they must warned so that they are not deceived. Other families and tribes should also be made aware of such things. They should all be alert. This incident could be a plot and what follows it may even be a new period of murders by unidentified assailants. This is why I talk of self-defence. I herewith commemorate Salih Özdemir and the others who have lost their lives.
I plead that you protect yourself but they are unable to do even that. There are thousands of people around them, can't they organize themselves, can't they protect themselves? When I hear of such incidents I really get angry. In relation to this specific incidence one should find out the reason why they leave their house. I had previously said before that those well known personalities should not go out at night unless absolutely necessary and even then they should not be alone.
To commemorate Aram Tigran one could open a museum in Diyarbakır. It could even be called the Museum of the Artists or Art House and Aram Tigran could be reserved a room. Besides one could reserve room for the memories of important Kurdish artists and personalities as well. They should not discriminate between them, for example they could own up to artists such as Celal Güzelses as well.
I believe democratic autonomy is also being discussed. We made such a proposal because we thought this was the most appropriate way to resolve the Kurdish issue as it involves democratic and peaceful methods.
Taha Akyol does not really understand what is going on. Their heads are full of statist ideologies. But it is normal for them to be so since people are under the severe bombardment of capitalism. They have been raised under the influence of conventional forms of thought. Social sciences and universities have served capitalism as well. This is why he finds it difficult to understand that a different resolution model can exist. He can't even imagine it and think outside of these conventional forms. The evaluations I have arrived at are both due to my own thoughts but also due to the books and thoughts of other authors who are able to break free from capitalist thought.
We do not believe in a state and statist ways of resolutions. We have said this over and over again. But in the mean time I do not exactly think like the anarchist thinkers either. All we want however is that the state is cleansed off the racist-fachist structures and perspectives. To us democratization of the society and people's internalisation of democracy is of top priority. Within such a system what is really important is that the awareness of the people is raised through their organization. This can be achieved independent of the state and with no expectations from it. This is why I proposed that hundreds of NGO's and councils.
It is quite clear that a statist resolution shall not really lead to a solution but lead things to a more grave levels. There are those, such as Elci, who defend a resolution based on a federation here. Such a model shall not resolve the question at hand instead it is clear that it shall result in a chaos that may continue for many year to come just like the Palestenian question. What we are trying to do is to prevent such a development. They have fallen into the trap in the South as well. This is the trap of the emperialism, just like the Palestine. They established a puppet state in Palestine in order to intervene as they wish. This is why no peace can be attained for neither for Israel nor for Palestine. Indeed this is what is wished to be achieved with the Kurdistan formation in the South as well. One must be aware of this so as not to fall into such a trap.
I have explained the issue of democratic autonomy, especially in the book called 'Freedom of Sociology', in detail. In order for democratic autonomy to be understood these books should be read and discussed well.
I ratify the latest decisions taken by the PKK. I had made such calls to this end not long ago. It may be declared to the press and public that I support this decision of the PKK. I thank all my friends especially those in the mountains very much. I believe this shall last until the end of the referendum. Indeed it would have been enough for it to continue until the end of the referendum, like the 13 or 14 of September. But that is not so important, what is important is that this period is utilized well. The guerrillas shall keep away from attacking the garnizons during this period. In addition unless they have to protect themselves they shall keep away from using the mines. But just as I said if they are coming with an intention to exterminate and there is no other way then in order to protect themselves they can most definitely use all means.
At such a time everyone must work more then ever before. If you think that this issue shall be resolved in time by itself then you are gravely mistaken. Because such a period may on the one hand be an opportunity for a great peace and bear a democratic solution and on the other hand may be the exact opposite and evolve into an unwanted substantial warfare. I really feel uneasy. Ergenekon like war lobbiests may once again step in.
The conditions for peace and war are both present. The guerrillas must also be aware of this. The process may equally end up in either peace or war. In all the regions where guerrillas are present on behalf of me these things should be explained and each and everyone of them must be told that I thank them.
As I pointed out we shall wait until the date of the referendum and see the stance of the government. This period of 'inaction' shall expose whether AKP is sincere or not. The stance of the army shall also become clear. Towards the end of this period I shall make a new evaluation in the light of the developments. We shall not accept any delays. I had previously withdrawn due to such delays and the fact that the state and government were not behaving seriously. If they continue to delay things then I shall not be able to do anything anymore either.
Hence everyone; including NGO's, intellectuals, writers, socialists, democrats, who wants a democratic and peaceful solution to the issue then must do all that they can in order for this brief period to turn into something permanent. Especially those who called for a ceasefire must utilize this period well.
During this period of ceasefire politics must play its role, politics must be the main feature. BDP must utilize this period to make its political breakthrough.
The other issue is the issue of referendum. Just as you are all aware there is nothing that concerns the Kurds directly in this constitutional package; the Kurdish issue has basically been ignored. Our people are free to discuss it in all its dimensions. The new arrangement paves the way for the possibility of AKP to establish its own hegemony. One should also not fall into this trap either. Our people should discuss all possibilites and then come to a decision. We know that those that shall say 'yes' are the Islamist nationalists. But the others are national nationalists. But we should take a democratic stance in relation to the democratic developments.
For one there is a need to clarify this: Why do we Kurds not exist in this republic? If we are told we are the inherent constitutive element of this republic and we took part in the establishment of this republic then how did it happen that we came to this? This must be discussed well. This is the most important part; how did we become so flimsy? During the Ottoman times Kurds held an autonomous position. Even M. Kemal has acted together with the Kurds during the founding years of the republic and has talked about autonomy. But his statements in relation to the above aspects have even been censored from his most famous 'Speech' while he was alive. These issues are discussed in Ahmet Özer's book called “Turks and Kurds”. The democrats of Turkey must approach the issue from this perspective.
I send my special greeting to the people of Batman.
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ANF 16.07.2010- “The Turkish government is preparing itself for a new operation against the Kurds. What they are aiming at is destruction of the Kurdish people. In that sense, Erdoğan- Army alliance is more dangerous” said Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.The Turkish government is preparing itself for a new operation against the Kurds. What they are aiming at is destruction of the Kurdish people. In that sense, Erdoğan- Army alliance is more dangerous” said Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. He also reiterated his proposal of last week of gathering guerrillas in a certain area under supervision of UN.
In the course of his weekly lawyer visit imprisoned leader of PKK Abdullah Öcalan regarding so called ‘opening’ project of the AKP government said: “It seems that the government has no intention to solve the problem. What they are calling ‘democratic opening’ is the cover they use to hide their outrages destruction concept. Kurdish people should be aware of it.” Öcalan also stated that the meeting held in Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul was a meeting in which Erdogan bargained with soldiers. Öcalan further said that Erdogan government is more dangerous than Ergenekon and Çiller-Güreş alliance of 93.
Regarding upcoming constitution referendum and BDP’s call for boycott Öcalan said: “I find this boycott important. They should say ‘Absolute boycott until a democratic constitution.”
In relation to the CPT’s report Öcalan said: “I heard of the CPT’s reports on İmrali. What they are doing is insincere. Once they mentioned what needs to be change in the prison they should have follow the implementation. Nothing has changed. CPT is working in cooperation with the Turkish state. CPT has also mentioned the right to send letter to them without supervision of the prison administration. What are they talking about? Do they think the prisoner administration will obey this? They will let me send any letters reading beforehand. If it was possible I would send CPT letters on a weekly basis. They are all working together. CPT- the Council of Europe and Turkey working hand in hand have prevented re-trial.”
Erdogan is abusing Gaze and Palestine issues
Öcalan stated that PM Erdogan’s attitude against Israel is a show. “The aim of sending ships was not helping Gaze. Or one minute crisis at Davos submit. What they are trying to do is to put pressure on Israel and make work with the Turks against the Kurds. Otherwise, Gaze and Palestine are masks. Turkey is trying to build a three-headed collation against the Kurds. Israel-USA-Turkey. But I don’t think Israel will be a part of it and doesn’t want to be a part of it. I don’t know how it falls in with its interest. USA doesn’t have enough soldiers to use against the Kurds. Neither does Iraq and Iraq. What Turkey can do it only bombing the area. Turkey wants to make an operation together with Syria. There were fake reports about it speculated by the Turkish side. But I don’t think Syria will be a part of it, neither will Iran. Iran hits the area with mortar shells. That’s all.”
Civilian lives should be respected
Öcalan reiterated that he is not giving instructions to PKK to fight or not to fight. He stated that in 1999 he had to choose either mountains or Europe and he chose Europe because he believed in a peaceful solution. He further stated that his understanding of fight is clear and he is against killings civilians. He will also not accept any attacks against civilians carried out in his name, like it was done in 1990’s by some groups within the PKK.
Öcalan also criticises ambushes on military bases carried out by the Kurdish guerrillas. He said “I am not happy that soldiers are dying. Moreover, half of the soldiers who were killed in the ambushes were also Kurds. I am not making a distinction among the killed soldiers. I am endeavouring to solve this problem.”
Prison Conditions are getting harder
Regarding his prison conditions Öcalan said: “My prison conditions are depending on the developments of the last two weeks. The pressure on me is increasing in a parallel way. I have not listened to the radio for a week. They said they are taking the radio to repair and have not given me back. My cell is unventilated. I cannot breathe, I cannot sleep. I can breathe when I remove the bars and put my head out. I am not given letters anymore. There were 15 letters arrived but I was given only two of them. So what happened that they stop giving me the letters? It is all about the situation outside. I also heard that they will install a machine which will record and type our meetings. It seems they will increase the pressure gradually. It shows that the government is preparing itself for a new operation.”
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Kurdish leader warns: without negotiations Kurdistan Revolution will spread
If negotiations do not start then Kurdistan Revolution will extend. PKK cannot be destroyed with professional army or technological weapons. Moreover, there is a risk that the clashes might escalate in cities. In that case everybody will lose but the state at most” said Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan.
In the course of his lawyer visit in Imrali High Security Prison Öcalan also reminded the basic conditions for a solution. A bilateral ceasefire, establishing Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and legal framework and constitutional guarantees. Regarding the statements of Ilker Başbuğ, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, who told MP’s of pro-Kurdish BDP to leave the parliament and go to mountains while criticising them for attending funerals of Kurdish Öcalan said: “Başbuğ is repeating himself. It is the reiteration of a tried but failed approach.”
Kurdish leader further stated that he finds it important that BDP is opening a representative office in Hewler (Arbil) the capital of Kurdistan Region in Iraq. “It is important to have representatives in Brussels or in Washington but most importantly in Hewler because the people there are our own people. It is even too late while more than 500 Turkish companies are already there.” added Öcalan.
Öcalan’s statement as follows:
Autonomy promises by Mustafa Kemal
“The Kurds have played a vital role in the “Independence War” and this role found its place in 1921 Constitution. Mustafa Kemal promised autonomy for the Kurds. These promises can be found in the parliament reports. However, he neutralised by İsmet İnönü and Fevzi Çakmak as well as British. The British have sacrificed the Kurds.”
Three Suggestions
“I have three practical suggestions for the government, KCK and BDP so that the Kurdish problem can be solved:
First, there should be a bilateral ceasefire complied with by the both sides.
Second, a Truth and Reconciliation Commission like it was established in South Africa after the abolition of apartheid. This commission should be composed of experts. A parliamentary commission can also be formed in which experts, intellectuals and NGO’s can take part. The commission can hear all the sides of the conflict including myself. Then they can find the truth out, share them with public opinion and then reconciliation can be reached. It is not as difficult as it looks. It worked in South Africa and there is no reason why it should not work here too.
In a parallel way, the PKK forces can be gather in a certain area under observation of an international organisation such as UN. They can wait there until a solution is found and then the thirds step comes.
Third, bringing the PKK guerrillas back home. Not like the one in Habur [Peace delegation sent by the PKK upon the request from Öcalan on 19 October 2009], but en masse. All the guerrillas can arrive together. The security aspect can be discussed with KCK. BDP can work on a democratic constitution and the other political parties can contribute it. It means if the problem solved with in a legal framework and under constitutional guarantee then the weapon can be laid down.
Salvation for all
Some are manipulating my position and suggesting that I am trying to save myself. These are cheap approaches. A process which I am not a part of cannot be successful. This is clear. I do not have an aim of saving myself. If there is a salvation then it will be for all of us.
Either solution or revolution
For a peace process negotiations should be held. And if it does not happen then revolution starts which I explained in my previous meeting. And once they start they are uncontrollable. Turkey is confronted by such a risk. It should not be seen that I am giving tactics to PKK in order to increase the conflict. What I am doing is determining the facts. Because the PKK also has its own methods.
I am sorry for soldier deaths as much as I am sorry for guerrilla deaths. I endeavour to prevent these deaths. Neither CHP nor MHP not fake Islamists can solve this issue. They are still talking about operations, bombardments, killings. PKK cannot be destroyed with professional army or technological weapons. There are still Kurds all over joining the PKK. Moreover, there is a risk that the clashes might escalate in cities.
And if the war escalates then there will be radical groups from both sides which can make the problem more complicated and unsolvable. In that case, everybody loses but the sate at most.” Öcalan also stated that he was given letters sent to him.
Kurdish İnfo
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I have problems with my back. It is most probably due to the muscles in the area. I can’t bend forward and have pain in my muscles there. It is most probably linked to the new prison conditions here. Lately my eyes become irritated, watery and there is much pain and itchiness. I have the above difficulties and most probably they are linked to the climate here.
I was not able to say much about the Women’s Conference that took place in Diyarbakır a short while ago, yet it was a very important conference indeed. Democratic Libertarian Women’s Movement is indeed of uttermost importance. It is important to develop women’s democracy within the scope of Women’s freedom. The level attained by the Kurdish women is important. It is also important that women’s awareness is developed in the South. The situation of the women in the Kurdistan of Turkey is much better, women in this part should be able to assist the women in the other parts and even lead them forward when it comes to this issue. There is indeed much to say on this issue.
I believe there shall be a Women’s Festival in Tatvan very soon. Women’s freedom and struggle is of utter importance especially for Tatvan and that region in general, because it positively transforms everyone. I greet them and wish them all the success in their Kurdistan democratic and libertarian women’s struggle. Tatvan, Batman and the regions around there have a very important position in our struggle. Of course Tatvan is a very important place. I think a woman friend from Adıyaman Prison, she is originally from Ahlat, seems to be seriously ill. In one of her letters she says that when she is out of prison her biggest aim is to establish a Woman’s Academy in Tatvan. These are great thoughts. All I can say for Tatvan right now is that later there can be many beautiful and important things done for it. Tatvan, Van and its surroundings as well as the surround region of the Van Lake are places of cultural and historical importance. These areas are culturally rich and legendary places. One end stretches out to the Zagros region, the other Caucasus while the other to Anatolia. From a perspective of arts and aesthetics, Tatvan is quite suitable for such festivals. If my memory does not fail me they say similar thinks about the Zilan region. It is said that there used to be a women’s community and culture in that area. The region around Van and Tatvan is the region where such a culture was formed. This is why it is important that women’s activity and the insitutionalization of this activity is of importance there. It is important to have woman acculturation there. Hence, Tatvan can be an example of social construction and democratic self governance. It is a suitable place for this. Woman Political Academy can be established there. I take this opportunity to commemorate singer Mizgin and a woman from Lebanon, whose name I can’t remember at the moment. They grew up by my side. Mizgin ended her own life in Tatvan so that she would not be caught. The woman from Lebanon too, ended her own life so that she would not be caught in Batman. They were both very courages and are both very precious martyrs of our people.
In relation to this constitutinal package, I have now understood what AKP wants to do. I have now worked out AKP’s codes of conduct. AKP’s approach in relation to this constitutional package is nothing but a trick. I heard on the radio that the arrangement in relation to the Constitutional Court has passed through with 337 votes. Yet, Article 8 did not pass through with 327 votes. In fact, if AKP wanted, it could pass this article as well, it would have been strong enough to do it.
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It is important to develop people’s local governance. I had previously given my analysis on this issue. I think money or material hardships should not be turned into excuses. What is important is your will power and level of organization. One can do many things if united with the people.
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