The co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), Xerîb Hiso, spoke to ANF about the process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan and the new phase opening with the Call for Peace and Democratic Society. He said that for the process to progress, the walls of Imrali prison must be torn down. 

Stating that Öcalan has taken a step towards peace, democracy, and brotherhood, Xerîb Hiso said: "Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] has taken the initiative. He has made the call of the century. It was a historic call heard worldwide. It opens the door to a new process, to ending the war, and to a solution. He has demonstrated what a true brotherhood should be like, based on equality, democracy, and peace. The essence and meaning of the call were profound. This call will have a significant impact. Past processes have blocked solutions and prevented the establishment of peace."

This historic call must be understood correctly

Xerîb Hiso said that Turkey was on the verge of a deadlock and continued: "It is well known that a war has been ongoing for nearly 50 years. Due to Turkey’s attacks, the situation has worsened, blocking the path to peace, and in response, resistance and struggle have reached their peak. In his call, Leader Apo explicitly pointed out the Turkish state’s policies of destruction and denial and explained the reasons behind the founding of the PKK. He analyzed how policies aimed at eliminating a people have dried up the ground for peace and democracy, leading to the consequences of war. Therefore, this historic call must be correctly understood and supported. For the construction of a democratic society, the parties must align with the language of peace. Leader Apo’s call is a call for peace and the construction of a democratic society. It is a call for peoples to live together in equality and democracy. It is a call for stable security. It is a call to end conflicts, crises, and wars. It is a call to establish equal living conditions based on brotherhood."

Turkey’s democratization will reflect on Syria 

Hiso noted that an agreement between the parties in response to Öcalan’s call and the resulting new developments would bring stability to other parts of Kurdistan as well, and added: "If the Turkish state takes a step in line with Leader Apo’s call, new political and social developments will unfold, and steps towards democratization will be taken. If this issue is resolved, and democracy, equality, justice, and peace come to Turkey, then the crises in Syria and Iraq will also find solutions. Therefore, we are going through an important and sensitive period. The peace and democracy that will come through dialogue will benefit the world. Turkey needs this. With its current mindset and war policies, Turkey is experiencing a major crisis. The first statements by Turkey’s well-known figures are positive."

Only the strong can defend peace

Hiso continued: "If this process is to proceed healthily, Leader Apo’s call must be heeded, and a process of unity in stance must be initiated. A new Kurdish-Turkish brotherhood must be strengthened. Leader Apo’s call should be read in the Turkish parliament, and full support should be given to this call. It should be supported, and appeals should be made in parliament. This process is not a time for debating, evaluating, or stating who is strong or weak. Everyone must recognize that the Turkish state needs to take steps to end the war and should act accordingly with its responsibilities. Only the strong can defend peace. True strength lies in standing for peace. Real power is in achieving internal peace. If a process of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation takes place, if constitutional changes are made, and if rights and justice are recognized, the power of society will emerge, and the sociology of society will be taken as the foundation."

A roadmap for a century of stability

Hiso pointed out that Öcalan’s call is not only in Turkey’s interest, but also a historic call that aligns with the interests of the world:  "This call is not only for North Kurdistan, the Kurdish people, and Turkey’s interests, but for the interests of the entire world. Because the world will once again realize how unifying and integrative Leader Apo’s solutions, methods, and approaches are. Everyone will see and take an example of how Leader Apo approaches, analyzes, evaluates, and resolves issues. Leader Apo is a leader who prevents crises and wars, and this call is a roadmap for what I have mentioned. This call is an important roadmap for a century of stability."

A step towards democracy will end the war

Hiso emphasized that there must be a change in Öcalan’s conditions, and added: "Following this call, Leader Apo should be able to communicate with everyone freely, address his people, send messages to those he wants, and have the right to meet with whoever he wishes. In this context, Leader Apo should be able to benefit from the right to hope, the isolation must end, and he should regain his physical freedom. If this process moves forward in this way, significant steps will be taken, especially in Turkey and North Kurdistan. If steps are taken for peace and democracy, there will no longer be a need for war, and the doors to peace will be fully opened."  

The people have supported the call 

Recalling Öcalan’s previous peace efforts, Xerîb Hiso concluded: "For years, Leader Apo has waged a great struggle for peace, taken significant steps, and the PKK has acted in accordance with the historic steps Leader Apo has taken. The PKK has always adhered to Leader Apo’s declarations of ceasefires and has positioned itself in favor of peace. However, as these processes found no response, the war continued. Leader Apo’s call serves humanity as well as the Kurdish and Turkish people. This call has been positively received by people. This shows that the people are in favor of peace and want peace to be achieved. Therefore, the Turkish state must take serious steps so that peace and a democratic society can be established."