KCK extends ceasefire for a month

QENDIL, The Defence Regions of Medya, — The president of Kurdistan Democratic Confederation (KCK), Murat Karayilan stated that they have extended the unilateral ceasefire declared on 13 August for another month. “The ceasefire will be reviewed in a month time and if reassuring steps and efforts come during this month we may turn the temporary ceasefire into indefinite” said Karayilan.

Speaking at the press conference held in the Defence Regions of Medya, Mr. Karayilan stated that: “We are willing to turn this non-action period into an indefinite ceasefire; however we are concerned about the initiatives of the AKP government to purge our movement which have been increasing for the last two weeks.”

Karayilan further stated that the Turkish government have failed to take necessary steps on the way to the peace and since the declaration of the ceasefire on 13 August several provocative incidents took palace, the attack is Peyanis village of Hakkari is to be one of them. “We extended our unilateral ceasefire which was supposed to end on the 20 September. We were willing to continue this ceasefire period in order to provide a suitable atmosphere to develop mutual trust and turn the period into a permanent ceasefire. However, we are concerned about the sincerity of the AKP government who has been holding security submits together with USA and Iraq and issue permissions for cross-border operations in order to purge our movement. Moreover, the language and the psychological war conducted by the government are confirming our concerns.”

Pointing to the fact that the ceasefire is only for a month, Mr. Karayilan continued: “We need to observe whether the dialog started with our leadership will reach any conclusions. Therefore, we find it necessary to review our ceasefire decision in a month which we re willing to turn into a permanent ceasefire. If a mutual trust atmosphere is created then the ceasefire will turn into indefinite. Otherwise, we will need to evaluate the situation. ”

The condition for the ceasefire

Declaring that the guerrillas will not conduct any operations other than routine and necessary activities Karayilan added: “The guerrillas will use their right to defence themselves and reprisal if they face any threats and attacks. Self-defence will be the basis of this period for our forces.”

Karayilan also outlined the conditions for turning the ceasefire into indefinite. The conditions follow:

1.       Ending military operations against guerrilla bases. Military operations will per se make the period lose its meaning.

2.       Ending political operations against the Kurdish people in social, political and cultural fields. As these operations will provoke the period the Turkish state should remain reluctant no to resort pressure, violence and arbitrary arrests against the Kurds.

3.      Preparing a democratic constitution. As a democratic constitution is vital for the solution it cannot be delayed any more. Therefore, there should be concrete steps taken for the democratisation of Turkey.

4.      Deepening the dialog and negotiations with Abdullah Ocalan. Negotiating with the Kurdish national leader Ocalan must continue. While the general situation and security aspects can be negotiated with leader Ocalan, democratic rights and a new constitution aspect can be negotiated with the legitimate representatives of the Kurdish people DTK and BDP.