This year's Newroz celebration in Frankfurt attracted well over 50,000 people. Among the guests were the SPD politicians Kaweh Mansoori and Armand Zorn, who addressed the Kurdish community with personal messages.

A festival of awakening and solidarity

Speaking to ANF, Kaweh Mansoori, Hessian Minister of State for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Areas, emphasized the symbolic significance of the Newroz festival, saying: “I wish everyone a happy and joyful Newroz, which stands for awakening, hope and peace – and ultimately also for the fact that peoples rise up against oppression. It was important for me to be here today and deliver my message in person. In fact, I attend the Newroz celebration here every year. I am happy that many people came to Frankfurt this year and celebrated Newroz in peace.” 

Mansouri highlighted the importance of peoples’ right to self-determination, which, he said, also applies to the Kurdish people. Pointing out that many Kurds live in the state of Hesse, Mansouri said, “It is important to show other people what is important for the Kurdish community. That's why it's great that so many people are participating in this festival here, gaining knowledge and getting to know Kurdish culture. I am also of Iranian origin and in our community this holiday is celebrated in a different way. So, it is also personally meaningful for me to be here today.”

Mansouri wished the peoples a happy Newroz, saying, “Newroz pîroz be”.

'Öcalan's call is a courageous and strong step'

Armand Zorn, a member of the German Bundestag, said, “Newroz is a festival of hope, light, solidarity and unity. I am very happy that we can celebrate it here peacefully today.” Zorn pointed to the people who cannot celebrate Newroz and live under oppression and said that it is important to show solidarity with these people and send hope and strength to the world.

Referring to Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s ‘Call for Peace and Democratic Society’ on February 27, Zorn stated that it was a courageous and strong step to say ‘I am ready for peace, I am ready to be part of a solution where everyone can live in peace and security’.

The SPD politician continued, “It is up to the Turkish government to accept and sustain this step and to ensure peace. Turkey's membership of the European Union has been a long debated issue. There are criteria set by the European Union. These include rule of law principles, democracy and some economic indicators. We are always open to discussing these issues and we have been talking about this matter for some time.” 

Regarding Germany's role and mission in the peace and dialogue process, Zorn said, “Germany has always been a good mediator in the world. We can contribute to this. We can build bridges when necessary.”

'Germany can play a role in the process'

Zorn stated that Germany could play a role if both the Kurdish side and the Turkish side want this mediation and continued: “But we should not think that we know how to solve every problem. We cannot assume from Frankfurt or Berlin that we know how best to govern the world. So, I think the more important thing is to propose a solution and hope that it is accepted.”

'The talks need to continue in an open and result-oriented way'

Appealing to the Turkish government, Zorn stated: “The Turkish government needs to show a serious will to continue this process. The talks need to continue in an open and result-oriented way so that in the end there is security and peace for all. A first step has been taken, but it is certainly not enough.”

Zorn remarked that the Kurdish people have always waged a very strong and courageous struggle, adding: “Keep it up. Your passion to defend your cause, your solidarity with each other and with other groups inspires me. One of the things I admire most is that they are in solidarity not only with their own communities but also with other communities. Please keep it up.”