Öcalan said “The constitutional package that the AKP is presenting depends on a single condition. There should be support for the package if there is a Provision of Democracy and Human Rights. The most important and general title is democratic constitution.”.
The Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan has met with his lawyers. According to the information obtained, Öcalan analyzed the latest political developments and said ‘They are (the Kurds) saying that they shall enhance their own self-defence in such a way that there is no need for any other power. They add that together with self-defence political, social, cultural and in any other required areas the organizational aspect of things will be enhanced. I understand that they shall enhance their organizational level in political, social and cultural terms, that include self-defence, in Syria, Iran, Iraq, Turkey and in Europe. So they shall not be satisfied with their pursuit for a political dialogue alone like in the past but they shall also develop their own social organizations, they shall build it like a network.”. Öcalan pointed out that “They are saying that they are open for political dialogues too but fundamentally they shall construct their own system. They want to widely spread their own democracy. This therefore means a widespread organizational strength everywhere. If this is hoe they organize themselves in all sections of the society there may not be much need for BDP.”
OUR PREFERENCE SHALL NOT BE TO CLASH
Öcalan said: “If the path to political dialogue is paved in the resolution of the Kurdish question then we shall respond to it. The initiation of such a process of dialog shall prevent the possibility of clashes. If not an environment of conflict althoug it is not something that desire, approve or give priority to shall develop. However I would like to underline it: The environment of conflict that will develop shall not be and is not our preference. If on the other hand the process of political dialogue and negotiations is initiated then such a risk of conflict shall be removed. If not though despite the fact that we do not want it an environment of conflict shall be inevitable. I repeat though this is not our preference. The process of dialogue in order to resolve the question is hence very important. This is how one can move forward and how the discussions for a resolution can be put on the right track. There can be new steps to show good faith, new legal arrangements can be done and some of the mayors can be freed. If not the environment of conflict that shall follow shall be different to that of the past and be more intense.”
OUR PREFERENCE IS TO RESOLVE THE QUESTION
“However our preference is not that of conflict but solution. But for this to come true there is a need for a process of dialog and negotiations. We are continuing our efforts to resolve the question for the past 17years, before and during my imprisonenment in Imrali Island. I had determined my strategic stand in relation to this issue 17 years ago. This was a strategic stance and a decision. Such a decision was indeed itself the belief of how right the democratic and peaceful methods were. Since then we have had effort and endeavors to resolve this question in a democratic and peaceful way. In the last seven years we had efforts and endeavors to initiate a dialogue and solution with AKP and state in general. It has been seven years with AKP but ten years before that makes 17 years in total of unilateral efforts. Our insistence in this issue is acknowledged. That is why I would like to repeat; the process of political dialogue and negotiations in relation to the resolution of this question should be initiated and such a process should be deepened with those concerned. If not despite our wishes or desire a period of clashes with medium intensity shall be experienced. This shall mean that everyone concerned shall loose, such a development of period of conflict shall mean all shall loose. There maybe some positive developments but these developments may not occur, or that they maybe negative. I think that some things may become more clear around the beginning of summer, around the end of May or the beginning of June.”
THE SUPPORT FOR THE PACKAGE MUST DEPEND ON THE CONDITION
“The second issue that I would like to analyze in relation to practical and daily matter is the discussions on the Constitution. There is only one condition that the support for the AKP’s constitutional packet depends on. I had mentioned it in the previous weeks as well. There is only one condition and that is: The Provision for Democracy and Human Rights. The issue that predominates this condition and is most important is the construction of a Democratic Constitution. The existence of a democratic constitution within Turkey is compulsary. One should be careful not to fall into the same position as CHP and MHP who represent the status quo and resist it or fall for the possible games pulled by AKP. Their stance must be different to either one of them and they should form a third way. All should act in accordance with the meaning and spirit of a true democratic constitutions. Without a democratic constitution how possible is it to develope a democratic society! This is of primary importance; the construction of a new and democratic constitution. There is also the situation of the children as well as the terror laws. This legislation should be removed. There is also the arrest of the mayors and the BDP cadres and those arrested within the compass of the KCK operations. All those arrested must be freed. Topics such as the need to drop the ten percent election threshold and allow BDP to benefit from the assistance made by the treasury also need to be handled and arranged extensively along with the democratic constitution. The most important and general title can be described as democratic constitution. These matters should be matters that must be arranged along with the title of democratic constitution but as a second seperate title and extensively. Within the frame work of this condition if you are convinced that AKP shall take sincere steps then this draft constitution can be supported. The have full initiative on this matter and these are my thought on the matter.”
KCK AND DTK (Democratic Society Congress) ARE COMPLETELY TWO DIFFERENT THINGS
“There are associations in Europe, they are organized there as well. All of these are within the same system. Therefore the congresses that take place should be handled as such. They are all included in this confederal organization. This is called a regime, indeed it is like a system and hence they find their place in this system in such a way. Each place has an organization of its own. Theirs is called the Democratic Community of Europe or the Union of Democratic Communities of Europe. This is how it can be identified. These are legal organizations in Europe. They shall be organized in accordance with the law and shall abide them. They should organize themselves according to the laws of the country they live in.
The model in Turkey is a Democratic Society, its headquarters is in Diyarbakir. The lawyers there must have information on the legal issues arising. They can organize themselves in accordance. This is not KCK tough. KCK is something completely different. DTK is different. KCK organizes itself and creates its own space. DTK on the other hand is different and is in accordance with the laws. BDP too is into politics in accordance with the laws. BDP’s legal arena is lawful political arena and organizes itself all around Turkey. It not only organizes itself in Kurdistan but also in the West and everywhere else. It tries to construct itself as a party of Turkey. Hence it organizes itself upon such a perspective. DTK should work in the region and together with Turkey it should even work in Iran, Iraq, Syria and Middle East. I would hence like to send my greetings to all our people in Iran, Iraq and Syria. They should make an effort to develop their own democratic unions and organization. They should work to this end and I wish them all the success.”
A CONGRESS CAN BE HELD IN IRAQ
“I repeat my proposal that a Democratic Nation Congress is held in Iraq. There must be attendance to this congress from everywhere. Indeed this is the Democratic Nation Congress. It should be handled as a congress not a conference. The congress should take place around the five theoretical and three practical instruments that I had previously mentioned. These must be the instruments of the Congress. If it is handled in this way the Congress shall be successful. I greet all our people once again.”
I GREET ALL THE WOMEN
“I think the local government conference of BDP has taken place. I wish them well in all their endeavors. I think there shall also be the Women’s Conference sometime soon. As a result I would like to say these in relation to them: Women and women’s awareness has advanced so muc and has reached a certain level. I would like to reiterate my belief that woman’s freedom struggle shall succeed. The Woman’s freedom struggle shall attain success. Our freedom struggle that is being waged along the axis of woman gender shall also succeed with the strength it gains from the woman’s freedom struggle. I have full confidence in this. The woman’s freedom struggle shall empower the general freedom struggle. I therefore send my greeting to all the women. I would also like to thank the women from Izmir and send my greetings. I greet all our people in Europe, those who work in Roj TV in the newspaper Günlük in Turkey.”
I CALL THE BREAKAWAYS BACK TO STRUGGLE
“I had made another call to the breakaways on the occasion of 21 March, Newroz. I would like to repeat this call. They may have criticism, they may criticise me or my thoughts. These maybe discussess there is nothing more natural. They can make their ciriticisms. Some may have contradictions, and others maybe waiting for a call from me to come back. I would like to repeat my call to those who have breaken away from us but have not been in extreme contradictions. They should experince a right and recovery process within themselves. They should try to unite around our movement and strengthen it. If not they can not cope with the developments alone and shall be suppressed by the system. This system shall suffocate them. This is why they should think about re-joining. They should at least make an effort. I call on all those who are in such a situation no matter where they are, in Iran, Iraq, Syria, Europe or Turkey, to re-unite around our struggle.”
PKK HAS BECOME STRONGER
“There was apparently a youngster who had burnt himself in Greece. His name is Siyar Bozkurt. He had apparently burnt himself because of my situation. But this was a while ago not now. I just heard about it and I am so sorry. He was apparently in his final year of University and was to graduate that year. I commemorate him with much respect. This young man’s, Siyar Bozkurt’s memory must be kept alive. A book should be published on his life and memoirs. These are important values of ours and we should appreciate their meaning. There was also a friend called Viyan who set fire to herself. I believe she is from the South of Kurdistan. She sets fire to herself when there was no news of me for three months. On such an occasion I would also like to commemorate her. I, in the previous weeks had mentioned that I commemorate Evrim Alatas, Zeynep and Müslüm with much respect. Indeed I would like to commemorate all comrades who lost their lives with my deepest respects. There seems to be an open letter published by Vedat Türkali addressed to the Prime Minister. The contributions of Vedat Türkali and other intellectuals are important in the resolution of the problems in Turkey. They indeed should make their own contributions with their proposals and support. It is of dire importance. I would hence like to send my greetings. The analysis made by Ayşe Hür is correct. Because there were no steps taken to resolve the question PKK has become stronger then ever. PKK has now attained a strength unmatched to any other period.”
I THINK THE DİPNOT MAGAZINE IS POSITIVE
Öcalan concluded by saying: I had requested Andre Gunder Frank’s book called the Re-Orient. I have received the Dipnot magazine. I find the level attained positive. There are some good articles there. I had previously requested the book called Three thousand Years of Struggle in relation to the Armenians. As far as I know it was published by the Cumhuriyet Publishers. I receoved a book on China. There seems to be a new book in relation to Russia. There are some biographical books around and also books on the Ottoman sultans and the social circles that surround the palaces. Previously they would not give the books written on the Turki figures but they may now. There is also a new book on the Progress and Union Committee. I would also like to thank and send greering to those who sent me letters on the occasions of 21 March and 4 April. I have special greeting to comrades in prisons. From the Erzurum Prison Cahit İlboğa is writing to me often and I think he should continue with his work because the contents are quite good. I wish him all the success and send my greetings. I also received the letter from Ayfer Aycicek and her four friends, their focus is good, they should continue in their endeavors. I know that they will succeed. I received another letter from Rize-Kalkandere, please give my greetings. I received the letter of Nesimi Kalka from Diyarbakır prison. His letter was in relation to economy and was really good. Another friend who is seriously ill has written a letter which was more like a will. I can reassure him that we shall continue with our struggle and shall succeed. Our struggle shall attain success. I hope that he is reassured at this point. I send him my very special greetings. I also recieved a letter from Hüseyin Musto who is originally from the Syrian Kurdistan. I would like to greet all our people in Syria via him. I would like to send my greetings to all my comrades in Batman, Mardin, Siirt, Diyarbakır and all the other prisons. I greet all those who sent me letter on the occassion of the 4th of April and 21st of March. I receive many letters with good and advanced contents. Suat and his four friends are writing well. These kind of letters that I have mentioned can be published in various magazines. They must be given the chance to express themselves as well. They are quite capable in expressing themselves. I send my special greetings to our people in Kars-Göle and Dersim.”
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Abdullah OCALAN
There has been celebrations of my birthday. I know that the issue is not really that day being my birthday but the people see such a day their own birth. It is not a matter of me being born in that city, village or that region. I think the people are really celebrating their own birth and consider it their own and see it as their own renaissance. And I am grateful those who travelled all the way there, those who celebrated and those who contributed to it in some way. But it should not be eviscerated from such a meaning. Middle East has such a culture and I am respectful of this culture however it should not be turned into an eviscerated cult. I do believe I have such a meaning and hence it is important that this meaning is acknowledged. I feel that I tried to fit much into 61 years of my life. The people have identified themselves with this.
I was also thinking of issuing a message for the Assyrians because of the Easter period. I wanted the message to encompass all the Christians in fact. I have been studying and focusing on Christianity for some time now. I am comparing Islam with that of Christianity and Judaism. I feel that there has been much injustices done to Christianity. Assyrians represent the Eastern Christianity, it belongs to the East. The Western Christianity should especially try and understand the Eastern Christianity. There is a need for a Renaissance in the Middle East not only for the sake of the Kurds but the Assyrians and all the people of the Middle East. On this basis I celebrate their festivities.
In my defences I have in detail explained how the local governments should operate. Municipalities should not act as an extension of the state but should operate as municipalities that rest on the society. Local communes should be formed. If such works are realized with the people then the state shall respect it as well. But if you await for the state to give you the money then you shan’t be able to achieve anything. Such an approach must be abandoned. The model constructed in the South is state based and is a draft nation-state. It can not be successful, will degenerate and decay. But our model shall continue to advance only because it basis itself on the society. There will not even be any need for this as the democratic communes are established. When you achieve successful organizations in all areas then all the other things such as money shall also pour in. The local communes can also organize themselves in terms of a democratic confederation. This is the only way to resolve the social problems. I am not saying that 100% of the problems shall be resolved if you do all this. It maybe that the conditions Turkey is under all problems shall not be resolved but I think around 50% of problems can be resolved this way. But in order to achieve even this there must be concerted effort and focused preparations.
Our people in Europe too must be well organized as well. They also need to develop their own organizations. In Europe it is also a KCK style organisation. They should organize themselves with a consideration of the laws there. In any case, everything done there is out in the open. If over here such an organisation succeeds they would influence one another positively. My defences focus on such topics the most.
In relation to the woman question: In fact my life of 61 years was spent in struggling against the fake honor imposed on woman. My exodus from the village was linked with this. I really did focus on this issue. I believe that woman has uncovered her own knowledge of freedom. This is also a summary of 61 years old life. The live burial of the woman in Adiyaman and the things done to little girls are before you all. Women should generate their own organizations as well as developing education for all women including young girls. I had previously mentioned the Free Women’s Academy, this should not be handled ordinarily. There should be intense education from arts to health, culture and even fashion. I had read a news article about a woman-model all the way from Ukraine for a new opening store in Batman. I found it very funny. Fashion indeed was born in Mesopotamia and that includes Batman as well. What is important is to expose this. The education given should even reflect to everyone’s clothing.
I am not rejecting the importance of individualism of woman, it is of importance. But without sociality indiviudalism can not have much meaning. Such an understanding was attempted to be inserted into PKK as well. The simple marriages or unions of those who ran off from us indeed to me the end of woman. I nevertheless wish them all the success and send my greetings.
On the other hand, the left should understand well why and how Mustafa Suphi and his friends were elimianted. If they don’t analyze this well they will not be able to leap forward.
It is good to hear that the all from South Kurdistan have come under a single block. I congratulate them. I think the total number of Kurdish parlamentarians are around 57. It has fallen a bit. I had told them earlier, it looks a bit difficult succeed this way- The Kurds need national unity. They need to work for national unity from now on. Talabani and Barzani should also strive for this. I congratulate them as well in relation to the elections and wish them well.
In relation to the discussions on the constitution I must say that as yet there is still no room for the Kurds. This is not a constitutional amendment package that shall recognize the Kurds. Not only the Kurds, for the other democratic areas as well there is no opening at all, there is nothing new. On the one hand there is the White Turkish fascism represented by the CHP and MHP and on the other hand power and Islam line lead by the AKP. I can not proclaim that the AKP’s line is less dangerous then the White Turkish fascism. Neither of them are democratic but hegemonic. The first one is Ankara based while the latter is formed at the Kayseri-Konya tracks and supported by the Saudi capital. Both have a historical past.
The first one is White Turkish oligarchy and fascism. They are the continuation of the Union and Progess’ mentality. After the establishment of the Republic they besieged M. Kemal and paralellızed him. During the Liberation War, M. Kemal was able to implement his policies by relying on the Kurds for four years in 1916/17/18/19. If he had not relied on the Kurds when implementing his policies and struggle then there may not have been a liberation struggle. Such a unity found its reflection in the 1921 constitution. This is why when I talk about Union and Progress as well as this White Turkish fascism I am not talking about this 1921 constitution. The 1921 Constitution is democratic, it is the result of a collective approach by the state and the Kurds. Hence I keep on saying that 1921 Constitution should be revised according to the present circumstances. BDP should work hard in revising the 1921 Constitution according to todays circumstances. During that time there were two different stances against the Kurds: First was that of Inönü, leading the English line. This was implemented by the Union and Progress cadres. The other line was that of M.Kemal and Fethi Okyar. At the time they even withdrew Fethi Okyar from the position of Prime Minister only because he was soft with the Kurds. Instead they reinstated Inönü. Two grandchildren of Cibranlı Halit have sent me letter. They are asking me how their grandfather was eliminated. This is exactly how it happened. There is grandchildren of Şeyh Sait as well. Their situation is similar. They were eliminated by the secular white Turkish fascism that I have been talking about. The 1924 Constitution is the constitutional expression of this line of Unionist, oligarchic white Turkish fascism. This 1924 constitution albeit with some small changes has been able to preserve itself to date. CHP and MHP are the two representatives of this.
When it comes to the second line; it is represented by the AKP and is a statized Islam that can be traced back to the Umayyad’s and can also be called Islamic fascism. It is the Islam of the power and is anti-Islam. In neither of the lines there is no room for the Kurds. Both the BDP and the democratic sections must understand this well. In both of the lines there are no democratic openenings. The Kurds and the democratic sections do not have to choose either one of them. BDP and democratic forces must make much effort for the constitution and make their own suggestions. And indeed they are. The election threshold and inner party democracy are very important. The Kurds shall support those who prepare a constitution that shall recognise them and pave the way for democratic policies. Even though if this is AKP, CHP or even MHP. But if they are not recognised and there are no democratic openings in the constitution then they shall not support such a constitution.
I had mentioned in the past weeks. I had divided our histroy of struggle into three periods. First period, then the second period that ended in 1993 and then the third period that continues to date. In fact the third period was up until 2002. I was about to end the period back then but AKP had just come to power. I wanted to give them a chance but instead they wanted to delay us and brought us to date. The AKP aims nothing but elimination. For the past 17 years I am playing my own role. Many things have been left to me. This is not right. Things that I can do here, the role that I can play for peace are restricted to my conditions here. In the period ahead, they shall themselves decide on what they want and how they shall steer the struggle.
May is around the corner, there maybe some critical things then. There should preparations for all options. There are no in between options left for the Kurds anymore. In the period ahead there could be some developments both in terms of elimination and resolution. AKP on the other hand arrested thousands of Kurds and continues to arrest them. I am not even including in this the physical assaults.
The state in the 1920s eliminated the left in personage of Mustafa Suphi and his friends, and with the 1924 constitution eliminated the Kurds and later in the personage of Mehmet Akif and Said-i Nursi eliminated the Islamists.
I believe there is work being done in relation to the party that shall bering together all parties. I had made a proposal of the roof of the roof. There are many parties and circles. There is also EDP. They should all work mutually.
The Kurds can resolve their own internal problems. There should be work done to obtain internal peace. I am not just talking about the Kurds here. There must be work done to ensure internal peace and union of the Kurds in all parts. For example there are the village guards, they have committed many cromes but yet one could bring them together. The Democratic Society Congress could work on such activities.
Give my greetings to all those at Diyarbakır Prison. I received many cards in relation to Newroz. I also celebrate everyone’s Newroz. There were letters from Bismil. People from Bismil and Hasankeyf should stand against the Illusu Dam project. It has nothing to do with water irrigation. It has military aims and is strategic. There was a letter from Nilüfer Sahin at Sincan Prison I really liked what she had written. She interprets my evaluation of Marx. She is right, Marx has done so much good work on labor-value theory and sociology but when it comes to nation-state and industrialism he has failed.
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Abdullah OCALAN
The earthquake in Elazýg is quite distressing. I extend my condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives.
Apparently a new party under the name of “Equality and Democracy Party” has been founded. This must have been the most remarkable development of all for the left. They probably will receive 1-2 percent of the votes. But if they work well and make alliances, they will be able to increase their votes. They should further expand their cooperation. Those on the left should widen their horizons. The old left jargon is known, it is the jargon of real socialism. This jargon has been defeated and should be abandoned. The left must renew itself. They should gather around common grounds. All the leftist and democratic circles should know that we are not separatists and that we are sincere. We are committed to the people's democratic unity. For this reason, we defend a common life within the framework of democratic country, democratic nation, democratic republic and democratic constitution. This is vital for Turkey.
All the leftist and democratic parties can unite under the same roof. BDP should be able to approach these issues seriously. If this alliance is achieved then the ten percent threshold can easily be surpassed. Once this threshold is exceeded, a tremendous force will be come about and will sweep all the anti-democratic laws, implementations and institutions. If everyone, and I mean in a wide framework, got together then this ten percent threshold will be exceeded. The atmosphere is also suitable for this. The AKP does not want to lift the ten percent threshold, because it is also in its own interest not to do so. The threshold clearly reveals the AKP's anti-democratic face, this is a threshold for democracy. This is the demand of the global capital. And since AKP implements their policies they will not be willing to reduce the threshold so easily. There is also the new policy of the so called parliamentarians of Turkey, this is a trap. Such a concept is another side to the policy of elimination. BDP is already opposed to it and has stated her own requests. BDP could transform itself into a peace project.
I greet both Sevim and Mihri Belli. I hope Mihri Belli gets well soon. Their ideals are our ideals and we will always keep them alive. My views on democratic communalism is known. My critique of Marxism should be understood well. I am not against Marxism I am only making some constructive criticism. Marx too nurtured ideas on communalism during his youth. He was influenced by the Paris Commune and had generated ideas about it in his youth. Thousands of young people can be organized around the idea of democratic communalism.
An important difference, something that catches the eye in the Iraqi elections is the Goran movement. It seems a little different in terms of a change in mentality and a change in the feudal and tribal structures. In Iran there are still those who are waiting in the death row after receiving the death sentence for political reasons. I wish them patience and endurance. Amongst the prisoners in Iran, there is also Zeynep Celaliyan. I send special greetings to her. On the Anniversary of the massacre of our people in Syria Qamishlou, I reiterate my condolences. They should strengthen their organization.
On the occasion of the approaching Newroz my call to all our people in Syria, Iran, Iraq and to all our people in Europe is as follows: As I pointed in my court defenses written earlier a National Conference should convene within the five principles and four practical proposals that I have made and declare a National Congress. This congress should establish common policies for all Kurds. Common line of defense should be established and and defense forces should be joined together. The danger of an assault against the Kurdish people is still present. U.S. is about to withdraw from Iraq. The Arab states may suffocate the Kurdish Regional Government. They should also be aware of such a danger. There is the danger for a big final attack, I warn you all. They may attempt massacres ten times worse than that of Halabja. They may intervene to eliminate the regional government there. Both Barzani and Talabani should be aware of the seriousness of the situation. If Kurds do not want to share the fate of the Armenians and the Greeks they must unite. In order to do this they should establish a common national congress and an assembly. Secondly, they should join their defense forces for the dangers ahead. Thirdly, just as the PLO they should form a national joint execution body.
We are for a democratic solution and peace. Our efforts to this end continue but a resolution can still not be formed. Let me say this: I have sent letter to both the PKK and the state letters that contain my proposals for a solution. I am waiting for replies. We shall then evaluate the final situation. The operations undertaken in Europe is a continuation of the Turkey's desire to eliminate. You will find the US behind it all. This is a joint policy by US and England. Behind AKP lies the Anglo-Saxon policies. It is London centered. On the other hand the CHP and MHP policy is the fascism of the White Turkism. It is clear that their point of view when it comes to the Kurdish question is denial and annihilation. On the other hand though the AKP actions amount to the fascism of the Green Turkism. The White Turkism policies of CHP and MHP is based on the Committee of the Union and Progress and it can be traced back to 1906. Behind it one could find the German fascism. Fascism was able to establish itself institutionally in the areas of ideology and power relations. In most of the Unionists, like Enver Pascha such a mentality dominates. Up until the establishment of the Republic this unionist mentality backed by Germany is in total charge. Sweden has now also adopted the law on the Armenian Genocide. Deniz Baykal told the media that this was “an assault on the Republic”. He knows. This shows that CHP carries on the institutionalized fascism of Union and Progress Committee based on ideology and power. This is why Baykal has made that statement. Mustafa Kemal tried to be a little independent after establishment of the Republic. However later the unionists have been supported by the English. The unionist cadres such as Ismet Pascha and Fevzi Cakmak besieged Mustafa Kemal and rendered him ineffective. Hence Mustafa Kemal made it look as if he was close to the English. I even claim that the death of Mustafa Kemal raises suspicion. But the US and England seems to have withdrawn their support for the unionists when we consider the latest developments. They support the policies of the AKP. This is what they mean when they talk about moderate Islam. The reason why I think AKP policies are fascism based on Green Turkism is: Instead of a concrete resolution they only look as if they are resolving it but in fact what they are doing is to implement an elimination. Hence this policy is even more dangerous. This is an English policy and can be traced back to the 1550's. The English interfered in Spain and detached Portugal. The situation of the Bask people is a result of such policies. They destroyed the Austrian and Hungarian Empires through the usage of Prussia. They were also able to dissipate the Ottoman Empire through similar policies. Just like the case of Cyprus, Armenia and Greece with the establishment of a small Cyprus, a small Greece and a small Armenia they secured the devotion of these people. They are trying out something similar with the Kurds. They plan to establish a small Kurdish nation-state and devote all the Kurds there. This way they will keep them all under control and have them serve their own interests. They wish to do something similar in Diyarbakır as well. This is why they wish to eliminate the Freedom Movement that represents the Kurds with independent stance and free will power. AKP tries to achieve very the same thing with the Kurds it has in the party. Indeed, the project called an opening is the implementation of these policies. This is the role given to the AKP by the global capital. The aim of the policies implemented by the global hegemony in the 1930's was to create a bourgeoisie that sides with the CHP. Look at Vehbi Koç; he ended up owning a huge global holding from a small shop in Ankara as a result of such policies. Under normal conditions are such things possible? All of these has been done to align themselves with such global policies. And now what they are trying to do is create a class that is pro-AKP and they call it the green capital. At the same time they are also trying to form a collaborationist Kurdish bourgeoisie. They have nearly achieved this in the South. They wish to do the same in Diyarbakir. Nevertheless it may be wrong to say that all of AKP is the same. There maybe those who are sincere and are for a resolution. It is really difficult to say something definite about Erdoğan. I have doubts about him. I wonder if he really wants to resolve the issue but he does not have the might! I really don't know, he may not have the power. This is a question mark for me. There was Özal of course, he was really sincere. He was a child of Anatolia. He wanted to try something else and not implement these English-US policies. He wanted peace, and that is why they killed him. Ecevit was a little similar and that is why he became paralyzed and was finally eliminated. Andf I was handed over to Turkey by CIA and MOSSAD. One should really understand all this. Thousands of Kurdish politicians have been arrested. AKP is eliminating democratic politics and supporting those who benefit its own mentality. It is because they are scared of democratic politics that they are arresting them. I think the establishment of Academy of Politics is quiet important. It is a must for democratic politics. They are aware of its importance and it is intentional. They are trying to stop the Kurds. There is also a discussion on the changes in law for the children. Altough they make it sound as if these discussions are a step for a resolution it is not the case.
Letters from other prisons have reached me. A friend from Bingöl prison has sent me a letter there he discusses democratic communalism. It was well written, he should keep up the good work. There are also letter from Rize, Siirt and Erzurum prisons. I received a letter from Şadiye Manap, Midyat prison. Please give my greetings to all the friends in the various prisons as well as friends in Izmir Kiriklar prison and our people in Izmir. I would like to especially send my special greetings to woman friends and wish them well in their work. I also send my greetings to those who work and deliver the daily newspaper.
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Abdullah OCALAN
My health condition is as usual. Nothing has much changed. I can not sleep at night, I am out of breath. I wake up at nights and I sweat a lot. The new window certainly did make me feel a bit better. However, all the illnesses appear to continue. The reason for all this is the way the room is designed. It feels as if I am in a pit hole. It looks as if these are the conditions and it seems nothing much will change soon. I will try to live under these conditions. They said that they will make some changes here. They said we shall all be able to see each other three days a week in here.
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ABDULLAH OCALAN
Unlike before, I have breathing and sleeping problems in this new place. This new place has been constructed with great proficiency and very deliberately, it is systematic. It has been planned to the finest detail and is a special place. A lot of money has been spent on it so I do not think there is an opportunity for improvement from now on. I feel like I am in a shaft that is 15 metres deep. I feel breathless and cannot sleep. I couldn’t sleep yesterday either.
To ventilate the room I have to open the window. I cannot sit in the ventilation area. The ventilation area is covered by tall concrete walls and is 5 to 7 metres in length. It is smaller than the previous ventilation area and the top of it is not completely open. I can only walk in this area. However, due to the effect of the depth there is great pressure in this area. The discharge in my throat is continuing.
We cannot come together in the ventilation area with the other comrades. We have the right to see each other for 10 hours a week; however, this is being limited to 1 hour. We have met four times until now. The last meeting was cut down to 50 minutes. The statements made by the Cabinet Minister (concerning the issue of rights) are not even being implemented. They are not implementing the current rights and regulations. What is the point of meeting if these are not going to be implemented properly? We assessed the problem yesterday. We have decided to boycott joint recreation time until conditions are improved and our rights are given in full. From now on I will not come out for joint recreation time until these situations are corrected.
When we meet there are two officers in front and two officers behind us. They aren’t allowing us to meet in the ventilation area. Until recently Kurdish was prohibited here. However this ban was lifted from the regulations, but we haven’t yet tried to speak Kurdish. We don’t know whether they will allow it or not. If we try we will find out.
The conditions here are very difficult compared to the previous places of the new comrades. I am used to it now, but it is a shame for the new comrades. Apart from my family and lawyers I do not have the chance to speak to the other personnel here. Even when they are giving food, they put the food into the plate and then take it; there is no communication between us. There is a generator that is constantly working outside my room and making noise. This is making me very uncomfortable.
The ‘Il Manifesto’ newspaper is formed of intellectuals. There is great quality I know.
There are the concepts of singularity and universality in philosophy. I see and create a connection between these. I indicate that singularities are important, but that every singularity has a connection and link with universality. And also that universality has a connection with singularity. These are things that are not in conflict with each other, they are linked. For example Ireland has a singularity, so does Kurdistan. However, both of them convene at certain points and create universality.
The 20 day solitary confinement punishment has been approved. I have been notified. However, I don’t know when the punishment will be put into practise. They will probably implement it soon. Also I had requested from my 160 page defence that the part pertaining to the Road Map be sent to the ECHR. In their reply they have indicated that they will not be sending it to the ECHR. The reason for this, they have said, is that this defence contains educational material, propaganda and directives. This isn’t true. I am not giving directives to anyone. They are saying it is educational material, however all my previous defences were also educational.
I am not giving directives to anyone from here, I don’t find this right. It is not ethical or possible for me to do this in these conditions of imprisonment. However, I will continue to voice my opinions. Nobody can stop me from expressing my opinions. Even if it means death I will still continue to do this. The assessments I make here are not directives; they are sociological analysis, sociological assessments.
They are conducting politics by exploiting the Islamic sensibility and character of the Kurds; it has been this way for 30 years. In the 1970s they were using the Refah Party (Welfare Party) now they are using the AKP to implement these policies. The mask of the CHP and MHP has been understood among Kurds. They are trying to control the Kurds using the AKP. The AKP is continuing the rigid-nationalist elimination plans of the CHP and MHP although they are using softer, finer and more moderate methods. The aim is the same: elimination. Essentially, there is a covert agreement between the MHP, CHP and AKP since 2002. There is a so-called and fake opposition, not a weak opposition in parliament.
Not being understood is straining me more than the adverse conditions here. The Irish are stubborn and the Kurds resilient, however they do not understand and are not aware of the games that are being played around them. I do not know what will develop after February-March. I am not saying they should fight or make peace, I am not giving orders, they must make their own decisions. Are the Kurds going to forsake their honour or abandon the struggle for their rights? They will decide.
It has become clear that they will intensify military operations; the elimination plan is in motion. There will be a rise in attacks. They will attack us on all fronts and leave us exhausted. This may be followed by a military operation. February and March is approaching. I will become neutral and not get involved. If they approach us for a resolution then I am here and always willing to contribute.
There were certain negative approaches towards me before, they tried to provoke me. They attacked me and threw me to the floor. I reacted and said ‘why are you doing this?’ They didn’t back down. If I had struck back they may have killed me. Why didn’t I strike back? Because death is not a good thing. I will not be responsible for my own death here, if they want to kill me, they can. I am trying to stay alive to keep up the morale of my people and to protect the hope for peace and freedom.
Individualism is very prevalent in Europe. Of course, I am not talking about the individual, but individualism. The reason why a solution isn’t developing, and why social problems aren’t being solved is that everyone is too involved and infected by the nation-state. I believe that the failure of Marxism was primarily due to its analysis of the nation-state. The nation-state is a result of capitalism and capitalist modernity. The left did not comprehend this. We as the left, socialists and downtrodden did not comprehend this. The collapse of reel socialism was also due to this false comprehension. Lenin in Russia, Mao in China, they all fell into this error. This must be comprehended well. Without China, the USA would not be able to survive now. Today trade unions and some other workers’ associations are actually serving capitalism. I do not agree with Marx’s analysis of ‘a class versus another class.’ I believe in society against class or capitalism, not class versus class. When I say ‘society’ I am not talking about a certain section of society but society as a whole. I am saying that without society there would no individual. The individual has meaning only within society. The solution is the coming together of the individual and society at a universal level. However this is not internationalism.
Europe is basing everything on singularity. This by itself is inadequate. My suggestion is not a European kind of singularity or internationalism as with Real Socialism. My suggestion is not the taking of political power; it is not a federal or classic confederal system either. My suggestion is the convergence of singularity and universality. We can call this Democratic Communality. Due to this we can also call this concept the democratic nation or democratic homeland. This mentality does not target the taking of political power or the state; we don’t get involved with the state apparatus. In this sense I call it socialism. This concept has established itself a little in Kurdistan. Despite the exploitation and massacres against Kurds this comprehension has spread amongst Kurds. A solution cannot be developed because most people have been infected by the nation-state. For this reason a massacre could be carried out in South Kurdistan, I am warning them. I am also warning Barzani and Talabani.
Gramsci is also known to have been in prison for 10 years. I value his ideas. What I am doing here is a renovation and update of his ideas.
There is institutional fascism in Turkey. My prison conditions are proof that this fascism is still strong and continuing. This institutional fascism has been in practise for 100 years and it hasn’t changed. The Committee for Union and Progress began this practise in 1906. Today their representatives are the CHP and MHP. They are rigid-nationalists. We are against the CHP and MHP’s rigid nationalism and also against the AKP’s Islamic hegemony. We reject both of these. I am suggesting a third way. This third way is the democratic way which we have repeatedly expressed; Democratic Confederalism, Democratic Republic, Democratic Nation and Democratic Homeland.
The Italian Gladio, like the other Gladios was also effective in my capture and imprisonment. The British M16 and the Greek Gladio were also effective. Britain was deeply involved. This must be known. The Turkish and Italian Prime Minister’s have declared themselves as brothers. A ‘capitalist marriage’ is trying to be formed between these two countries. This is a policy by capitalism of creating a model between these countries. The Turkish Gladio Ergenekon is a continuation of the Committee for Union and Progress. Italy was successful in dissolving its own Gladio. However, the Turkish Gladio-Ergenekon has not yet been dissolved. The current Ergenekon case is not the whole of Ergenekon but just a small part of it.
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If the peace process was not developed then the ‘‘rigid-nationalist Ergenekon line’’ would begin a Kurdish-Turkish conflict
February is approaching. Even if the PKK wanted to, they would not be able to prevent the people’s reaction. ‘I am only voicing my concerns. If I did not speak there would be widespread bloodshed.
The AKP are working with Israel. Netanyahu is a radical nationalist but Olmert and Barak are in harmony with the AKP. The cosmic room is a façade. We must look at the backdrop to this façade. The AKP are not conducting this process on their own, there is an Erdoğan-Başbuğ alliance, and the USA is supporting them. The ‘hundred year’ phrase that they have recently begun using, they probably took it from me. I have been saying it for a very long time; Ergenekon has roots that go back hundreds of years. It leans on the activities of the Teşkilat-ı Mahsusa (Special Organisation) from 1906. In fact we could take it back to 1876; the hanging of Abdülaziz leans on a similar organisation. Its roots are very old. In those days they organised in Muslim countries using Islam. Moderate Islam and Radical Islam have connections with the USA. The USA has appointed the AKP in the role of Moderate Islam.
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