The Kongra-Gel Presidential Board and KCK Presidency of the Executive Council
01/09/2010
KurdishMedia.com posts this document because of its significance for any individual who is interested.
“A new chance for peace”, a detailed documentation cataloguing the repeated ceasefires initiated unilaterally by the Kurdish side over 1993-2010, the years that the conflict between Turkey and the Kurds has been waged.
A new chance for peace?
KCK Presidency of the Executive Council and the Kongra-Gel Presidential Board announced the unilateral cease-fire from 13 August 2010 to 20 September 2010
Please find enclosed:
• Chronology of Ceasefires: Peace efforts of the Kurdish Side 1993-2010
• NGO’s: Öcalan should be recognised as interlocutor
• Democratic Society Congress calls for a bilateral ceasefire
• BDP called on the PKK and the Turkish army for bilateral truce
• Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu's Letter to Mr. Erdogan: "Solve Kurdish Problem by Peaceful Means”
• KCK Presidency of the Executive Council and Kongra-Gel Presidential Board Press Release
• Kurdish associations in Europe support Democratic Autonomy
Chronology of Ceasefires: Peace efforts of the Kurdish Side 1993-2010
INDEX
• March, 17 1993 General Secretray of the PKK declared the first ceasefire
• December, 14 1995 Mr. Abdullah Öcalan Declares Unilateral Cease-Fire to Test Turkey for the Cause of Peace
• September, 2 1998 PKK Announces Ceasefire in Turkey
• February, 15 1999 On the 15th of February, 1999, the President of the PKK, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, was handed over to the Republic of Turkey
• August, 25 1999 PKK Begins Withdrawal from Turkey
• October, 1 1999 As a sign of goodwill the first peace group was send to Turkey.
• October, 29 1999 The second peace and democratic solution group was send from Europe to Turkey
• December, 10 1999 PKK declares its support for the EU-membership of Turkey.
• January, 202000 Peace Project
• December, 4 2000 The Urgent Action Plan for Peace and Democracy
• June, 19 2000 Urgent Demands in order to prevent the war and to promote the peace process
• April, 16 2002 Duties on Democratic Liberation on the 8th Congress of the PKK
• December, 22 2002 Urgent Peace Proclamation
• April, 15 2003 Proclamation for A Way out of Turkey’s Impasse
• August, 2 2003 Road Map for a Peaceful and Democratic Solution, of The Kurdish Question In Turkey, Declaration of KADEK Executive Council
• November, 15 2003 Final Declaration of the Foundation Conference of the People's Congress of Kurdistan (KONGRA GEL)
• June, 1 2004 ’We didn't declare war we are in self-defence’
• March, 20 2005 The declaration of Democratic Confederalism
• 20th of August to 20th of September 2005: Way for peace and a democratic solution hence contributing to the development of resolution process.
• September, 30 2006, Decision for a Ceasefire by Kongra Gel 2nd Interim Session Assembly Meeting
• October 17, 2007, The war decision was accepted by the Turkish Parliament, the occupational operation started
• February 21, 2008, The Turkish army bombed the Medya Defense Areas many times and carried out an invasion operation against the South Kurdistan and the Medya Defense Areas
• April 13, 2009 KCK decided for a cease-fire
• June, 1 2010 KCK declaration of the self-defence
• August 13, 2010 KCK declared the unilateral cease-fire from 13 August 2010 to 20 September. 2010.
After years of fighting, the Kurdish liberation movement sought to find a political solution of the conflict. These efforts of the PKK, Kurdistan Worker’s Party, were underlined by the declaration of its first unilateral ceasefire in 1993. This truce however was undermined and sabotaged by gangs of war profiteers within the PKK and the Turkish state. Being committed to and convinced of the necessity of a peaceful solution of the Kurdish question, the leader of the PKK, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, repeatedly declared ceasefires such as in 1995 and 1998. The last truce became impossible to sustain due to concerted action against it by many different states.
The peace initiatives of the PKK are in chronological order as below;
1993
17 March 1993
On 17 of March 1993 General Secretary of the PKK declared the first ceasefire.
On April 17, 1993, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, extended the cease-fire indefinitely.
Among the conditions were:
a) Immediate halt to Turkish military operations.
B) Abolition of the regional governorship system.
C) Constitutional recognition of the Kurdish identity.
D) Creation of conditions conducive to the return of displaced Kurds to Kurdistan.
E) Compensation for the loss of property.
At a press conference on June 8, 1993, Mr. Abdullah Öclan announced the ending of the cease-fire which had been unilaterally enforced by the PKK since March 17, 1993.
1995
14 December 1995
Mr. Abdullah Ocalan Declares Unilateral Cease-Fire to Test Turkey for the Cause of Peace
On December 14, 1995, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan announced a unilateral cease-fire to test Turkey for the cause of peace in an interview with the Kurdish satellite television station MED-TV.
Mr. Abdullah Ocalan stated: "We have announced a unilateral cease-fire. We wish to see how the new Turkish government, which will come to power after the December 24, 1995 elections, approaches the Kurdish question. It is a goodwill gesture on our part to give them the benefit of the doubt for new ways to deal with the issue."
Mr. Ocalan continued: "During the cease-fire, if the Turkish military does not attack PKK forces, then our guerrillas will halt all their offensive military actions."
Mr. Ocalan announced this cease-fire in response to attempts by the European Parliament to find ways for a political solution to the Kurdish question. Another factor was the desire to create more peaceful conditions for the upcoming general elections in Turkey.
He states: "If Turkey wishes to be a party to the political solution to the Kurdish question but does not want to enter into dialogue with our party, the PKK, some other Kurdish institution could act as an interlocutor, so long as the existence of the PKK is accepted as a fact and the reality on the ground is not misconstrued."
Mr. Ocalan, moreover, called upon the nations of Europe to establish a commission to oversee the cease-fire and to redouble their efforts for the cause of peace so that the momentum for a political solution is not wasted. He noted that Turkey's recent admission into the European Customs Union by definition has made the Kurdish question a European issue. It is the duty, therefore, of European countries to bring an end to the war in Turkey. PKK Chair, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan called upon Turkey's political and military institutions to respect the cease-fire. He also called on the international community to acknowledge and give their support to this peace effort.
End of the ceasefire in May 1996
1998
2 September 1998
PKK Announces Ceasefire in Turkey
The PKK announced a unilateral ceasefire in its fight for Kurdish autonomy in Turkey. Mr. Abdullah Öcalan announced the ceasefire in a telephone interview on Kurdish MED-TV. In this interview he said that the ceasefire was timed to correspond with the September 1st World Peace Day. "Terror and violence are not the best ways in human relations. For as long as we are not attacked by Turkish forces, we will not undertake any armed action," he said, adding that the ceasefire would last until April 1999. Kurdish sources said that although they would not initiate attacks on Turkish forces, they reserved the right to fight in self-defense.
The timing of the ceasefire announcement coincided with a changeover in the military, as Ismail Hakki Karadayi, chief of general staff, hands over command to General Huseyin Kivrikoglu. In addition, Turkey is looking toward the general election next April. Some analysts saw the ceasefire as an attempt by the PKK to renew its struggle in the arena of national politics. In 1997, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan told Kurdish MED-TV that the PKK was ready for a unilateral cease-fire and wanted to begin negotiations with the Turkish government. Turkey has so far rejected all such offers and refuses to negotiate with the group. Recently Öcalan claimed that he no longer sought to separate the mainly Kurdish southeast from Turkey, saying that, "Following a realistic policy of Kurdish independence does not mean changing the borders."
Turkish government ignores ceasefire
This time, too, the Turkish government said that it would not respond to the ceasefire announcement. Turkish Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said Turkey would never agree to negotiate with the PKK and called on Mr. Öcalan to surrender. Yilmaz added that the efforts of the PKK to create a political platform in Europe would be in vain.
November 13, 1998
Intending to solve the Kurdish question through the political dialogue with Europe, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan left the Middle East and flew to Europe in October 1998. His stay in Europe ended abruptly with his kidnapping on February 15, 1999 and his subsequent imprisonment on the Turkish prison island of Imrali.
November 14, 1998
PKK Central Committee
Current developments centred upon our leadership's person portend to be of real significance in determining our people's fate. The Turkish State responded to the announcement of a cease-fire by our Party's General Secretary, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, and his attempt to realize a peaceful solution to the Kurdish question, on the occasion of World Peace Day, September 1, 1998, by hatching a plot with international dimensions.
Reacting to the cease-fire by intensifying the war, the peace offering met with the fiercest display of enmity. The entire efforts of the Turkish State have concentrated upon attacking us - whether militarily, politically, diplomatically or what-have-you. Now, the direct-targeting of our national leadership attains new dimensions in the attempted genocide of our people.
In response to this, our party and people, rallying behind our national leadership, have determinedly pursued our resistance on the basis of a legitimate defense of the cause of liberty. Our voice has risen up loudly; a heavy price paid to realize freedom, democracy and human rights. It was for those same goals of our national freedom struggle that the General Secretary of our Party, Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, traveled to Rome, the capital of Italy, on 13 November 1998. The visit, which took place with the knowledge of the Italian Government, is of a political character, and is not merely a matter of his seeking refuge or security. As far as our national leadership is concerned, both security and location can be secured, most important of all, in our own land. We have no doubt whatsoever on this issue.
1999
February 15, 1999
On the 15th of February, 1999, the President of the PKK, Mr. Abdullah Ocalan, was handed over to the Republic of Turkey following a clandestine operation backed by an alliance of secret services directed by their corresponding governments.
August 25, 1999
PKK Begins Withdrawal from Turkey
The PKK announced that it withdraws its forces out of Turkish territory a week ahead of the date decreed by imprisoned leader Mr. Abdullah Ocalan.
Withdrawal is in keeping with Mr. Abdullah Öcalan's orders
The Kurdish presidential council announced in a statement published by the German-based Kurdish DEM news agency: "Our armed forces have started their withdrawal from north Kurdistan [south-eastern Turkey] even before September First."
Earlier the same month Mr. Öcalan called on his organization to end their armed rebellion against Turkey.
The PKK promised a unilateral cease-fire and a withdrawal from Turkish territory. According to the group's statement the withdrawal was moved up as a gesture of sympathy in light of last week's devastating quake. "To unilaterally stop the war at this time of heavy disaster is the greatest support to the state and people of Turkey," the statement said.
The PKK claimed to have reduced its activities to the "lowest level possible," saying that any clashes that broke out were the responsibility of the Turkish army.
October 1, 1999
As a sign of goodwill the first peace group was send to Turkey.
October 29, 1999
The second peace and democratic solution group was send from Europe to Turkey
December 10, 1999
PKK declares its support for the EU-membership of Turkey.
2000
January 20, 2000
THE PEACE PROJECT of PKK- The Extraordinary VII Congress of the PKK
The dominance of peace has become the most fundamental humane and political responsibility in order to give meaning to the bloodshed and pain endured in warfare and clashes and also to induce results for the benefit of humanity from these. Kurdish question, too, has been on the agenda of humanity for a long time as one of the fundamental problems in the world that has not yet been solved.
In the light of these facts the PKK, with the experience and knowledge accumulated through over a quarter of a century of its struggle, has put forth its decisiveness to resolve the problems via peaceful means. The Kurdish people who live with the Turks, Arabs and Persians in the Middle East, naturally will continue to live with these peoples. The most suitable approach to this question and its resolution is the one based on this reality. In order to discuss the Kurdish question, more than anything else, the relationship between the Kurds and the Turks as well as how these relationships have been shaped throughout history needs to be understood.Our Party, giving full support to our President's declaration of stopping the warfare and the development of peace project declared on August 2, 1999, begun the withdrawal of its armed forces outside the borders of Turkey as of September 1, the International Peace Day.
Our Extraordinary 7th Congress, in order to deepen the peace process initiated by the President Mr. Abdullah Öcalan with his Imrali Defences has made changes in its program at a strategic level and taken the decision of realising a broad peace process for the solution of the Kurdish question on the basis of democratisation of Turkey. Our Congress, with this project, has aimed to eliminate the elements that had caused the warfare and the break off between the Kurdish people and Turkey. The PKK, up until now achieved considerable results by unilaterally taking steps for a peaceful and democratic solution, will carry out its responsibilities with great decisiveness and courage in order to continue to develop and deepen the peace process. From the language, style to its working manners it will display suitable manner of conduct in line with the nature of the period. It will only work for the succession of the period it has initiated without being internally or externally provoked.
2002
April 16, 2002
Duties on Democratic Liberation on the 8th Congress of the PKK,
The democratic liberation phase, which the characteristics we have determined is a preliminary phase in order to attain socialism, which is our ultimate aim. The democratic liberation stage will entail below duties:
A - To end the domination on our people of all types of structures and their extensions, which have of oligarchic, autocratic and theocratic nature.
B - To create a free and democratic society under the executive of the Democratic Republic
C - To end the unjust position of women in the class based society by returning to the position in the Neolithic Society via fundamentally changing the system of male domination in the 21st century which is the age of the free women.
D - Resolve the Kurdish national question in peaceful and democratic means.
E - Developing the Kurdish National Unity and system of democratic relations within the principles of Democratic Middle Eastern Union.
F - To consider the relationship between the countries of the area on the basis of Democratic Union of Middle East strategy. To undertake works to establish the democratic solution to Kurdish Question in each part separately in order to make it between itself and you flat. To be in solidarity with the local peoples and the democratic forces.
G -To be in relation with democratic countries on the international level. Forming alliance with socialist; progressive; democratic and liberalistic forces, freedom loving. To be in solidarity with the people in all areas on the issues of anti-fascism, environmentalist, humanistic, and defenders of the human rights.
2003
ROAD MAP FOR A PEACEFUL AND DEMOCRATIC SOLUTION Of THE KURDISH ISSUE IN TURKEY
2 August 2003 -KADEK Executive Council
We published and disseminated a string of reports to the public that explained our aims and provided suggestions for a peaceful and democratic solution to the problem. In a chronological order, we had the Peace Project on January 20, 2000; the Urgent Action Plan for Peace and Democracy on December 4, 2000; our Urgent Demands in order to prevent the war and to promote the peace process on June 19, 2001; Urgent Peace Proclamation on December 22, 2002 and our Proclamation for A Way out of Turkey’s Impasse on April 15, 2003.
At the beginning of the year 2000 and at the end of the 2002, twice, we sent letters to the President, Prime Minister, Head of the Parliament, General Chief of Staff, and heads of all political parties of Turkey explaining our thoughts on how to solve the Kurdish problem. And through the media, we constantly emphasized that we favour a brotherly solution of the problem within the borders of Turkey. We proved that we wanted to solve our problems in collaboration with the Turkish state and society and we were a unifying, not a divisive force.
The first stage
The stage of achieving a bilateral cease-fire. This process should start by 1 September 2003 and be completed by 1 December 2003.
First and foremost, there should be a dialogue between the two parties on the roadmap and a Committee for Peace and Dialogue should be established to discuss the modalities of its implementation. Such committee should consist of representatives of civil organisations and political parties and of intellectuals, artists and democratic personalities. It is crucial that this committee be encouraged and supported by the government in its activities.
The committee will hold meetings with the parties and establish a continuity of dialogue with a view on ensuring that mutual understanding is built up and the stages involved in the roadmap are specified. The committee will further have to monitor the implementation of the specific items agreed upon and intervene with a view on addressing shortcomings or breaches.
Moreover, the committee should maintain relations with the institutions that construct public opinion and encourage them to contribute to the peace process. It should incessantly remind the press of its social responsibility and provide information to the end of preparing the public as much as possible for reconciliation. The committee shall thus work on a permanent basis until the roadmap is fully implemented and peace and a resolution of the question are achieved.
The most urgent task will be to turn the existing de-facto unilateral truce into a bilateral cease-fire.
The second stage
Confidence-building measures that consist of practical steps towards a solution.
The third stage
Full democratisation at which the Kurdish issue can be resolved by democratic means and peace be achieved.
November 15, 2003
Final Declaration of the Foundation Conference of the People's Congress of Kurdistan (KONGRA GEL) - Executive Council of the People's Congress of Kurdistan
The foundation of KONGRA-GEL has created a new opportunity for democratization and the solution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey. The political representatives of the Kurdish people have always spent considerable efforts on finding a solution that would benefit both peoples. They did not receive a response from the Turkish authorities, intransigently refusing to tackle the issue. However, it is clear that there is no other way but dialogue for the resolution of the issue and the democratization of Turkey. The Kurdish and the Turkish people have always favoured democracy. KONGRA-GEL pays its respect to this desire and invites the government of Turkey to show the same respect. The developments in the region and the EU membership run-up facilitate a solution of this type. For this reason, we call on the Turkish authorities to abandon their bankrupt policies and enter a dialogue with KONGRA-GEL.
KONGRA-GEL believes that a free Kurdish identity is tantamount to a renewed Middle East. While the Middle East is in a phase of transformation, KONGRA-GEL shall endeavour to become the principal dynamic of democratic civilization in Mesopotamia, the cradle of civilization.
2004
June 1, 2004
’We didn't declare war we are in self-defence’
Head of People's Defence Commission (HPD) of KONGRA GEL Murat Karayilan said HPG's June 1 decision to end ceasefire shouldn't mean declaration of war, stating that HPG was in a self-defence war. Karayilan added they would closely watch the government and do their share in case they take steps towards stopping military operations.
In the program 'Sêla Sor' on Roj TV the issue of ceasefire was debated. Via telephone Karayilan stated that HPG would continue to spend efforts towards peace and democratic participation. "Nevertheless, attempts aiming at annihilation of the Kurdish people will be responded" Karayilan said.
'We insist on peace'
On the question "Ending the ceasefire mean declaration of war?" Murat Karayilan replied: "No. Self-defence strategy hasn't changed. That decision was given to escape destruction. Moreover, it is not given by any political organization but by the armed forces, HPG itself. And we evaluate it legitimate. That is, the decision to break ceasefire was not given by KONGRA-GEL. HPG is an autonomous power. Self-defence war is put into practice. We don't approve a war process. We will insist upon peace, freedom and fraternity of people. No one declared a war. HPG took the active self-defense war to defend its forces and values".
'Mutual ceasefire demand'
"Violence cannot be used a tool in politics; however it sometimes becomes inevitable. We can preserve the existing conditions. Total removal of the decision is not on the agenda for now".
Murat Karayilan put the first and foremost condition for preserving the ceasefire to be removal of the "inhumane isolation" conditions forced upon The Kurdish People's Leader Mr. Abdullah Öcalan. Karayilan also pointed to the necessity of a mutual ceasefire.
2005
March 20, 2005
The Declaration of Democratic Confederalism by Abdullah Öcalan
August 19, 2005 - Presidency of Kongra-Gel, Executive Council of KKK
1 month ceasefire
A very positive development in the pursuit of a peaceful solution to the Kurdish Problem has been created by the peace call made by a group of intellectuals.
Lastly, in the meeting between the Turkish Prime Minister and the intellectuals, and the speech made by the Turkish Prime Minister in Diyarbakir acknowledged the Kurdish Question and declared that the problem will be resolved within the Democratic Republic framework.
We call on all the legitimate defense forces to bring all its armed forces from active to a passive defense position between 20th of August to 20th of September 2005 and believe that this shall pave the way for peace and a democratic solution hence contributing to the development of resolution process
During this period, the international forces such as USA and EU did nothing to solve this problem despite our peaceful efforts. In fact, they declared our movements as a terrorist movement and worked together with the Turkish government on the common concepts which encouraged Turkish government’s denial policy.
However we as the Kongra-Gel believe that period before 3rd of October, the commencement date of EU-Turkey, accession talks, should be handled with care due to its sensitivity.
2006
September, 30 2006
Decision for a Ceasefire by Kongra Gel 2nd Interim Session Assembly Meeting
The 1 June 2004 decision was one of the most important decisions that our movement has taken and with this the Kurdish Freedom Movement entered a new period. The fact that our peoples' defense force, the HPG, has shown that it can escalate self-defense in an organized, planned and controlled fashion and extend this throughout Turkey, has focused the Kurdish question once more at the centre of the political agenda of Turkey.
The Kongra Gel 2nd Interim Session Assembly meeting, according to the Koma Komalen Kurdistan agreement, which gives the right to legally decide for peace and war while amongst two general assembly meetings, accepts the call of our Leadership for a ceasefire and states that this decision is binding to all our national-democratic forces. The decisions are as follows:
1.The decision has been given to announce a cease-fire from 1st of October 2006. The ceasefire will continue binding on the steps that will be taken and according to developments.
2.Weapons will definitely not be utilized as long as attacks do not come with the aim of annihilation. However, in conditions where annihilation is aimed against our forces they may defend themselves by all means.
3.During this period there will be no military manoeuvre by the HPG, excluding logistical and movements of a precautionary nature.
4.According to this decision the HPG Command Council will re-organize all its forces according to the ceasefire conditions in terms of current action position, manoeuvre and plans.
5.The aims of all cadres, organizations and institutions executing duties in terms of ideology, political, organizational and social areas in the Kurdistan Democracy and Freedom Movement must be to re-organize and plan their duties all along the lines of political, organizational and activities for the success of the ceasefire.
6.This decision is binding on all forces part of the Koma Komalen Kurdistan system. No one should take a coercive stance; every force must make efforts for the success of the process.
All Kurdish forces and organizations should be more than ever in a responsible position during this period for the democratic-peaceful solution of the Kurdish question, they should refrain from taking a position and stance that may give the denial and annihilation forces encouragement.
The AKP government responded to the proposed solution of the Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan, with comprehensive war plans. The government knocked on the door of America and the other international communities to get support for the war and also legal preparations were made in Turkey for the war.
Despite the PKK declaring a cease-fire, also by the calls of international forces, the Turkish army has continued its military operations without a break since October 1, 2006.
Turkish state not only carried out destructive operations against guerrilla forces, but also used all kinds of psychological warfare and policy of intimidation including the political lynching to supress the willpower of Kurdish people at the political arena.
2007
October 13, 2007
War decision was accepted on October 13, 2007 the occupational started
The Turkish parliament accepted the war decision at the period of Washington agreement on November 5, 2007.
2008
February 21, 2008
The Turkish army bombed numerous areas within Kurdistan many times and on February 21, 2008 carried out an invasion operation against the South Kurdistan. The invasion operation met the guerrilla resistance in Zap and the army was defeated.
The attacks of the Turkish state was not only against the guerrillas, but also the civilian, NGOs and the pro-Kurdish party DTP was the target, as well.
2009
April 13, 2009
KCK DECIDED FOR A CEASE-FIRE
The blocked process was opened again by Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan and he started the Democratic Resolution process. On March 29, 2009 a new period started.
KCK, declared a cease-fire, starting from the April 13, taking the political consequences into account after the March 29 local elections.
The AKP government and the state responded this cease-fire decision carrying out political genocide operations against DTP. However, the KCK continued decision its with a great insistence.
After the first period of the cease-fire expired on June 1, the decision was extended until July 15. Then, the cease-fire was extended to September 1 and again it has been extended to the end of the Feast of Ramadan with a new declaration.
Despite the cease-fire decision of the KCK, the destructive operations of Turkish army did not stop and the attacks of the state on the Kurds have accelerated. The approach of the Turkish state has brought a halt to the process.
Abdullah Ocalan again stepped in
Kurdish leader Abdullah Ocalan again stepped in and asked for three peace groups to come to Turkey to contribute the peace process.
Adhering to Ocalan's call, the KCK announced that they would send peace groups from Kandil, Maxmur and Europe to Turkey. Kandil and Maxmur peace groups entered Turkey from the Habur border on October 19th and they were greeted by millions of people. The group, which would go to Turkey from Europe, postponed its journey due to the preventions of Turkey.
After coming to Turkey, the peace groups were subjected to an immense amount of persecution, which was directly influenced by the Government, the MHP and the CHP. Many of the peace group members were sent to the court and some of them were detained. The others returned back to South Kurdistan as the there was no conditions within, which to stay in Turkey.
2010
KCK’s declaration of a solution dated 2 February 2010 has not been met with any steps. Hence, the continuing deception that the government wishes to resolve the Kurdish question and democratize Turkey must be ended. As a result, Kurdish movement has evaluated the present situation and decided to defend itself, the future of its people and its honour.
A new decision from Abdullah Ocalan:
Kurdish leaders Abdullah Ocalan withdraw from the dialogue process on May 31, 2010.
What the Kurds are experiencing today is genocide” said Ocalan and added, “There is no sense, no gain and a lack of conditions to continue this process. I am withdrawing from the dialog process after May 31st because I could not find an interlocutor.”
On 1 June, 2010 the KCK announced that their leadership Ocalan and all their attempts for a peaceful and democratic solution were frustrated and left unanswered by the AKP government. Instead, AKP used these steps to eliminate their organization. Therefore; the KCK announced that they terminated the unilateral cease-fire decision that they had declared on April 13, 2009 and declared that its forces were to become in an active defense position.
Within a period of 70 days, in every area of both Kurdistan and Turkey, comprehensive clashes took place. The main agenda of public opinion of Turkey was these clashes and the enormous number of deaths. In view of these incidents of war, NGOs, Intellectuals, the Democratic Community Congress (DTK) and Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) called for a multilateral cease-fire. On this basis, Kurdish leader Mr. Abdullah Ocalan also proposed the KCK to declare a cease-fire decision to contribute the dialogue and negotiations. After having a comprehensive discussion on the calls and Mr. Ocalan’s proposal, the KCK Executive Council accepted this call.
August 13, 2010
The 7th unilateral cease-fire period from PKK
The unilateral cease-fire from 13 August 2010 to 20 September 2010
The Kurdish people's existence and free future is under a serious threat and danger. This is why KCK have initiated a new strategic period of struggle based on “protection of our existence and attainment of our freedom”. This period that began as of 1st June 2010 is not a new period of warfare as some would like to deliberately distort it.
This newly initiated period aims to secure the resolution of the Kurdish question on the basis of democratic autonomy, realize the democratization of Turkey and to attain a new democratic constitution by advancing our legitimate defense resistance in many ways.
KCK Presidency of the Executive Council and the Kongra-Gel Presidential Board announced its 40 days cease-fire decision with the declaration listed below;
"Our leader had announced to the public that his position was that of peace and in the case that a sincere and serious approach was developed he would step in to play his role. He has observed closely the society's demands and the calls for a bilateral ceasefire from various circles. At this point a process of dialogue, which implies a mutual check of intentions in relation to the resolution of the question, has been initiated. As a result of this atmosphere of dialogue, our leader Apo has called on the parties before the period of clashes have once again come to an irreversible point. To this end, he has also sent a message to the leadership of our movement. Our movement has carried out a broad range of discussions on the message sent by our leader. It has also taken into consideration the month of Ramadan and the calls for a bilateral ceasefire made by DTK and BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) as well as other circles. As a result we have reached this decision.
In accordance with our decision;
A- We hereby officially declare to the public that our forces, who were in an active defense position since June 2010, are withdrawn to the position of a passive defense. Our forces shall not carry out any action from 13 August 2010 to 20 September 2010. In the case that there are attacks and operations directed against them or against our people they shall exercise their right of defense.
B- For this process to become permanent and transformed into a process of peace and resolution, the Turkish state and the AKP government need to implement the following:
1- Before all else the continues operations taken against the military and political arenas must be halted and a process of a bilateral ceasefire be developed,
2- The immediate release of around 1,700 Kurdish civilian politicians and members of the peace groups who were arrested unjustly,
3- The commencing of a negotiation process based on the three-itemed resolution framework presented to the public by our leader Apo and the creation of the conditions for leader Apo to actively participate in the peace process,
4- The reduction of the 10 percent election threshold which does not exist in any democratic country.
NGO’s: Öcalan should be recognised as interlocutor
ANF 21 July 2010
Hundreds of NGO’s gathered in Diyarbakir made a call to the Turkish state to stop the military operations against the PKK. NGO’s also called the PKK to declare a ceasefire.
It is also stated that the leader of PKK Abdullah Öcalan is still the most effective person for the Kurdish population and should be recognised as a interlocutor for the negotiations.
649 non-governmental organisations from all over Kurdish region gathered in Diyarbakir established a peace initiative for peaceful solution for the Kurdish conflict in Turkey.
Speaking on behalf of the initiative chair of Diyarbakir Chamber of Physicians Semsettin Koc stated that since the increase of the clashes between the PKK guerrillas and the state forces there have been several calls from the NGO’s. However, they need to unify to make themselves heard.
While reiterating the need for a pluralistic constitution for Turkey the initiative proposed some basic steps which should be immediately taken. The initiative asked for laying down the weapons by the both sides, releasing Kurdish children imprisoned within the scope of the anti-terror law, lowering 10% threshold which is an obstacle before fair representation in the parliament.
Democratic Society Congress calls for a bilateral ceasefire
ANF 11 August 2010
Following the call from Democratic Society Congress (DTK) for a bilateral ceasefire, a civil initiative composed of 162 NGO’s has urged Turkey end the military operations and the PKK to stop its attacks.
The initiative composed of 162 associations, platforms and trade unions gathered at the headquarters of the Human Rights Association (IHD) in Ankara held a press conference in which they called for laying the weapons. ??Speaking on behalf of the initiative Abdullah Aydin reminded the lynch attempts and attacks on the Kurds in Inegol and Dortyol and said “Insisting on solving the problem with violence causes an emotional separation between the Kurds and Turks which fosters the hostility. Besides, the state officials are encouraging such attacks with their statements and by not prosecuting the perpetrators.”
It is also mentioned that once the fingers are off the triggers then a dialog for a peaceful solution can be launched and the parties can discuss the problem without any prejudices. ?
The initiative also asked the Turkish state to reduce the threshold for the elections and release the Kurdish politicians, including members of the peace delegation who came to Turkey from Qandil Mountain and Makhmur refugee camp in Iraq.
Abdullah Aydin also said: “The persons who want to solve the Kurdish problem on democratic basis should be the speaking partner for the debates. And the civil initiatives are also a part of it. What counts is the sincerity.”
BDP called on the PKK and the Turkish army for bilateral truce
ANF 09 August 2010
Bilateral truce needed to create right environment to work on a peaceful solution
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) called on the PKK(Kurdistan Workers' Party) and the Turkish army for bilateral truce. BDP chairman Selahattin Demirtas who spoke at a press conference in Diyarbakir, after the BDP Central Administrative Committee meeting, said Turkish army and PKK must declare a bilateral truce to pave the way for the solution of Kurdish Question.
"We call PKK and the government to declare ceasefire to give a chance for a peaceful, democratic solution to the Kurdish Question" he said.
He also called all political powers and NGO's to take responsibility in the peace making process.
The governing AK Party must stop operations against BDP officials and Kurdish activists, Demirtas said.
Gultan Kisanak, Co-Chairman of BDP, also said that they will intensify their efforts to stop the violence in Kurdistan.
"We hope that we will succeed" she said.
BDP's statement came after 100 NGOs call for bilateral truce last month.
Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) guerrillas escalated attacks against Turkish military since June 1, the end date for 17 month old unilateral ceasefire.
At least 140 Turkish soldiers and Kurdish guerrillas lost their lives since then.
KCK Presidency of the Executive Council and Kongra-Gel Presidential Board Press Release
13th August 2010
Dear Members of the press,
The Kurdish people are the oldest ancient people of the region. The division of Kurdistan has turned the Kurdish question into the most fundamental and crucial question in the democratization of the entire region. As a result, the democratic resolution of the Kurdish question will contribute to the development and democratization of Turkey. It can also pave the way for the democratization of the region as a whole as well as the development of peace and stability. History as well as current reality has put the Kurdish people and Kurdistan in such a position.
Just as every other nation, our people have the right to freely practice their own language and culture on their own land, as well as having the right to talk and decide for themselves. These rights are such that they cannot be traded, bargained away or conceded. No one can ignore or disregard the fundamental rights of our people. If they do, this shall only mean an insistence of the denial-annihilation policies that are based on violence.
The time has come to end the massacres, historical crimes, injustices and all kinds of unfairness perpetrated by the Turkish state against the Kurdish people, that have gone on throughout the history of the republic and to a certain extend before it as well. The struggle for freedom, democracy and peace advanced by the Kurdistan freedom movement now demands the resolution of the Kurdish question in a democratic and just manner.
The Kurdish question has now arrived at the level of resolution. However, in the case that it is handled with the classic denial-annihilation mentality and temporary internal power struggles this shall only deepen the question further. The classic denial-annihilation policies as well as insistence on bogus “solution” projects of nowadays will lead to heavy casualties on both sides. This, in turn, can mean nothing but more shedding of blood and tears as well as grave losses for all the peoples living in Turkey.
The Kurdish people's leader Abdullah Öcalan and our movement have declared six unilateral ceasefires since 1993 and thus have tried to resolve the question through dialogue and political means for eighteen years. But, in response to all our efforts there has been nothing but more operations against our guerrilla forces and Kurdish politicians as well as more oppression, violence, arrests and policies of cornering and isolating our people in the international area.
The stance of the Turkish state and the AKP government have been similar to the previous ones in reaction to the most recent unilateral ceasefire declared by us on 13 April 2009. The only difference in the stance of the AKP government was to continue with their strategic policies of denial and annihilation policies by declaring them to be “openings”. It made it look as if it had accepted the existence of the Kurdish question which is a grave and historical question, but in fact all it has aimed to do was to eliminate our movement through its policies of delay and deception. This period is still fresh in our memories.
The AKP government has not put forward a democratic constitution that envisages the solution of the Kurdish question on its agenda but one that preserves the spirit, essence and philosophy of the constitution of the 1980 military coup regime. There is not a single sentence concerning the rights of the Kurdish people in any way within the proposed constitutional change package that includes 26 articles. It has not even been permitted to discuss the articles within the constitution that deny the existence of the Kurdish people. But, there is a nation numbering 20 million whose rights are being denied openly in the present constitution and this includes the new proposals. Hence such a constitution can neither be a democratic one nor can it be the one that could democratize Turkey. The present proposal is not a sincere initiative but one that postpones the development of a real democratic constitution.
If the Turkish state and the AKP government are no longer aiming to dissolve the Kurds within the Turkish nation-state and if they are sincere about this then it is time that they take concrete steps.
Before all else it is the Turkish state and AKP government that need to give assurances to the Kurdish people and the freedom movement. Our declaration of a solution dated 2 February 2010 has not been met with any steps. Hence, the continuing deception that the government wishes to resolve the Kurdish question and democratize Turkey must be ended. As a result, our movement has evaluated the present situation and decided to defend itself, the future of its people and its honour.
The Kurdish people's existence and free future is under a serious threat and danger. This is why we have initiated a new strategic period of struggle based on “protection of our existence and attainment of our freedom”. This period that began as of 1st June 2010 is not a new period of warfare as some would like to deliberately distort it.
This newly initiated period aims to secure the resolution of the Kurdish question on the basis of democratic autonomy, realize the democratization of Turkey and to attain a new democratic constitution by advancing our legitimate defense resistance in many ways.
The model of democratic autonomy is the most reasonable resolution as it is also the most suitable to the political history and circumstances of Turkey. Indeed, the Kurds had an autonomous status within the borders of Ottoman Empire. Hence, this model resolution is not one that is based on separatism. Instead, our peoples will define their mutual relationship based on free will and voluntary union in a common homeland. It does not aim to abolish the state and change the borders. Democratic Turkey and Democratic Autonomous Kurdistan are the concrete formula for our people to govern themselves with their own culture and identity as well as their right to live freely.
Dear Members of the Press,
The period of self defense of the last two months has revealed many points. Yet, again the Kurdistan freedom guerrillas have shown through its legitimate defense resistance that despite the more advanced military technology and quantitative superiority of the Turkish army they can continue their resistance for more years to come and that they are unbeatable.
Our people have, on the other hand, shown once again that they shall not surrender and that they cannot be deceived. They are determined to continue with their honourable resistance with their leader and guerrillas despite all the psychological warfare, attacks and arrests. They have shown this to be the case through the political and social initiatives they have taken. We, therefore, welcome the celebrations by the people after the announcement by the DTK (Democratic Society Congress) that it had begun the construction of democratic autonomy. We respect our people's democratic will and invite all to respect the will of our people. Our movement has evaluated this step to be correct and appropriate and we declare our complete support for it.
Our leader had announced to the public that his position was that of peace and in the case that a sincere and serious approach was developed he would step in to play his role. He has observed closely the society's demands and the calls for a bilateral ceasefire from various circles. At this point a process of dialogue, which implies a mutual check of intentions in relation to the resolution of the question, has been initiated. As a result of this atmosphere of dialogue, our leader Apo has called on the parties before the period of clashes have once again come to an irreversible point. To this end, he has also sent a message to the leadership of our movement. Our movement has carried out a broad range of discussions on the message sent by our leader. It has also taken into consideration the month of Ramadan and the calls for a bilateral ceasefire made by DTK and BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) as well as other circles. As a result we have reached this decision.
In accordance with our decision;
A- We hereby officially declare to the public that our forces, who were in an active defense position since June 2010, are withdrawn to the position of a passive defense. Our forces shall not carry out any action from 13 August 2010 to 20 September 2010. In the case that there are attacks and operations directed against them or against our people they shall exercise their right of defense.
B- For this process to become permanent and transformed into a process of peace and resolution, the Turkish state and the AKP government need to implement the following:
1- Before all else the continous operations taken against the military and political arenas must be halted and a process of a bilateral ceasefire be developed,
2- The immediate release of around 1,700 Kurdish civilian politicians and members of the peace groups who were arrested unjustly,
3- The commencing of a negotiation process based on the three-itemed resolution framework presented to the public by our leader Apo and the creation of the conditions for leader Apo to actively participate in the peace process,
4- The reduction of the 10 percent election threshold which does not exist in any democratic country.
In order for this process to transform into a profound and permanent peace, the AKP government and the Turkish state must act accordingly. If the AKP government under various excuses fails to move forward and continues with its elimination process by imposing a deadlock, then it should be known by all that this process will not proceed unilaterally.
In order for this ceasefire period, which is being declared unilaterally for the seventh time, to be successful not only the Turkish state must take a step but also the democratic forces and non-governmental organizations must fulfil their own responsibilities. Therefore, we call on all forces in Turkey, which are pro-peace and pro-democracy, to actively step in.
The success of this process that we have declared also depends on the unity and solidarity of all forces from Kurdistan, both in the North of Kurdistan and other parts, around the peace and democracy struggle and for everyone to fulfil their own responsibilities. As a result, we call above all the leaders of the federal region of Kurdistan as well as all the forces of Kurdistan to actively fulfil their responsibilities.
We invite the UN and all the other international organizations and forces to act responsibly when it comes to the Kurdish question. We would also like to call on these forces to make efforts to resolve the Kurdish question in a peaceful, modern and democratic manner as this is also in accordance with humanitarian responsibilities.
We call on our people, as well as all the fighters and militants of our movement to correctly understand this process, which has developed in accordance with the message of our leader, to act more responsibly than ever before in order for this period to proceed successfully and to fulfil the duties that fall upon them.
Dear Members of the Press,
As we have had already declared that the approach to our leader will be the principle reason for a war and peace. For this reason, if the isolation, which has been continuing on our leader for the last 17 days, is to still continue then it will be hard to continue this new period to the end. We call on all the circles who are for peace, and our people to make extra efforts for this implementation.
The Kongra-Gel Presidential Board and KCK Presidency of the Executive Council
Kurdish associations in Europe support Democratic Autonomy
Kurdish Info 18.08.2010
Kurdish organizations in Europe declared support for Peace and Democracy Party's (BDP) decision to boycott constitutional referendum on 12 September. At the same time the organizations declared their support to the proposal of a Democratic Autonomy. The proposal is being debated among various circles both in Turkey and Europe. So far it has been discussed especially by Kurdish associations and groups, but interest in the project has already been declared by various institutions and intellectuals in Europe.
Representatives of 228 Kurdish organizations throughout Europe issued a statement in support of BDP's boycott campaign, in Dusseldorf.
At the same press conference the Kurdish organizations also declared their support for Democratic Autonomy as the only method to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish Question.
The Kurdish organizations called on the United Nations, United States, Russia and European Union to contribute to the peace process.
Courtesy of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK)
The Kongra-Gel Presidential Board and KCK Presidency of the Executive Council01/09/2010 00:00:00
