Reactions in Europe are mounting to the insistence on keeping the PKK on the list of banned organisations, despite the great struggle it is waging against ISIS, the enemy of humanity, in the Middle East. Swiss Socialist Party (SP) deputy and leader of the party’s group in the Swiss Federal Parliament, told our agency that the ban should be lifted immediately.

‘The West has no alternative but to support the Kurds’

Tschümperlin said it was the Kurds who were actively opposing the massacres carried out by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and that there was no option but to support the Kurds. He said the resistance in Kobane had ensured that the real situation had become clear and that it was essential the struggle of the Kurds be supported in every way.

‘The Kurds’ struggle for freedom is laudable’

Tschümperlin said: “The Kurds have been waging a struggle for years without expecting anything from anyone and their gains are there for all to see. The Kurds are now ready for Kurdistan,” adding that the struggle of the Kurds for freedom, justice and equality was praiseworthy.

‘Switzerland could be an observer in the peace process’

Tschümperlin mentioned the role of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan in the process of resolution, saying everyone should take ownership of this process. Tschümperlin added that Switzerland could be a third party at talks if the parties agreed and the UN played an active role.

‘Rojava’s status should be accepted’

Tschümperlin said that the struggle in Kobane had enabled the reality to become visible, and that the US and coalition forces had begun aerial attacks on seeing this. He added that the struggle of the Kurds should be supported in all ways.

‘The PKK should be removed from the terror list’

Tschümperlin said that the PKK was not banned in Switzerland, and that it was meaningless for the ban to be maintained in Europe. Tschümperlin added: “When the struggle of the Kurds against ISIS and the current situation in the Middle East is analysed in detail it is clear that the PKK should be removed from the list.”

‘The Kurds should participate in politics in Switzerland’

Tschümperlin said the Socialist Party was in favour of the Kurds and other migrants taking part in politics in Switzerland, as this would ensure the problems and demands of the Kurds would be discussed. “I call on migrants to play an active role in politics,” he added.