IMRALI, Turkey, — The Kurdish national leader Abdullah Ocalan met with his lawyer this week and said that he is in favour of disarmament in principle as long as legal-constitutional safeguards are provided.
Regarding the extension of unilateral ceasefire he also added that “Although we will have a serious evaluation in March the final decision will be in June”.
Regarding the current unilateral ceasefire declared by KCK Ocalan said that the state should take steps in order to encourage the other side to continue the ceasefire. “City Councils can be formed to work for peace, for instance they can put pressure on the parliament to pass a decision for peace. They can also establish commissions in order to investigate the incidents like deaths of Turgutl Ozal and Esref Bitlis”.
Kurdish national leader said from his solitary confinement that: “In principle we are in favour of disarming as long as legal-constitutional safeguards are provided. I can be the only person in charge of disarming. Even Qendil cannot act on its own. I can discuss it with Qendil. But as I said it depends on the steps to be taken on the way to democratic peaceful solution.”
Regarding the date 1st March which he gave in the course of the previous visit Ocalan said that the date is misinterpreted. It is neither a threat nor blackmailing nor a declaration of war. It was a date for the Kurds and Turks to discuss and find possible solutions. Everybody should fulfil their own part. I was warning that if the solution does not happen there is a risk of people’s revolutionary war. Therefore, a peaceful solution is much needed. If nothing happens by March then KCK will ask for independent will and will decide on its own.”
He also added that he will have a serious evaluation in March but the final decision will be given in June, in accordance with the situation and improvements.
He further said a Truth Commissions should be established by March and start searching the truth which will contribute the solution.
Abdullah Ocalan meanwhile called on Turkish people and said they have no problem with the Turkish people but with status quo and its protectors. He also reminded that Turkish and Kurdish people have been living together sine 1071 and solving problems will empower the ties between two nations.
Ocalan also called on Kurdish guerrillas to save the no-action period and not to resort to violence unless it is absolutely necessary for self-preservation.
Reminding two different incidents took place in Hakkari and caused not only guerrilla but also civilian casualties Ocalan warned the Kurdish guerrillas to be cautious and avoid such situations.
Ocalan also made a call on Fetullah Gülen community and invited them to work together in order to bring democracy to Turkey. Reminding that the state used some religious groups against Kurdish movement in the past and started a Hizbullah-PKK conflict Ocalan said political parties are concerned only about their own interest and are not sincere. Fundamental problems cannot be left to political oligarchy in Turkey therefore there is a need for cooperation and Gülen community should also work not only for democratisation of Turkey but the entire Middle East.
Regarding Democratic Autonomy Ocalan reiterated that it is not a project for Kurds only but whole Turkey. “It is a project for Turkey and will cover all the ethnic and religious community in the country. I call it democratic nation, democratic country.” added Ocalan.
He further stated; he would rather name the democratic autonomy constitution “Democratic Autonomy Statute” in order to avoid misunderstandings. “The important this is the status. We are basing this on 1921 Constitution in which Kurdish autonomy was recognised. There is also another law on Autonomy passed on 10 March 1922. But it needs to be discussed at least for two years so that it can be properly understood. The examples from Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland and even from Belgium should be studied as they can be useful. Democratic Autonomy need to be discussed not only by the Kurds but whole Turkey, from Thrace to Botan, from Dersim to Antalya.” added Ocalan.