At a press conference in the European Parliament on Wednesday, members of the Kurdish Friendship Group discussed the implications of Abdullah Öcalan’s recent call for peace and a democratic society in Turkey. The imprisoned Kurdish leader Öcalan has called on the PKK to lay down its arms and disband in order to resolve the long-standing Kurdish question and promote democratisation in Turkey. Speakers at the press conference emphasised the historic nature of this call and urged Turkey and international actors to take the necessary steps towards peace.
Andreas Schieder, a member of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, described Öcalan’s statement as a historic moment and a crucial opportunity for Turkey and the wider region. “This call is an unmissable opportunity for peace, democracy, and the right of Kurds to self-governance. Turkey must respond deeply and decisively to this call,” Schieder stated. He further emphasised that Kurdish communities across Syria, Iraq, and Turkey are directly affected by this call and stressed the role of European institutions in ensuring that Turkey engages with it. “As members of the European Parliament, we must put pressure on Turkish authorities to take steps towards peace. This is a rare chance for the future of peace and a peace process,” he added.
Per Clausen from the Left Group focused on the necessity of justice in achieving lasting peace. “A genuine peace is one where human rights are not denied. There is no peace without justice,” he said. Clausen also stressed that Turkey’s military operations in the region must come to an end. “The political chaos and military offensives in the Middle East must stop. Peace in Turkey and Syria would be of great importance to the entire region.”
“We cannot talk about real peace while people’s rights are denied and they live under oppression. Öcalan’s call creates a historic opportunity for democracy and peace,” he asserted.
Leoluca Orlando of the Greens Group underscored the broader significance of the Kurdish struggle for democracy and human rights, urging Turkey to take a clear stance. “With Öcalan’s call, the door to peace in Turkey has been opened. Now, we await a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ from the Turkish government,” he said. Orlando also pointed to Turkey’s international commitments as a NATO member, calling on the country to uphold human rights and democratic values. “Turkey claims to be a NATO ally and a friend of the West. It must face reality. We will bring this issue to the European Council with a parliamentary question,” he announced, stressing that the European Union must take an active role in the process.
Evin Incir, also from the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, reiterated the significance of Öcalan’s call for Turkey. “The Turkish state must recognise and accept oppressed peoples and ethnic groups on a democratic basis. This is an opportunity for Turkey to demonstrate its commitment to human rights and international law,” she said. Incir also linked the issue to Turkey’s EU membership prospects, stating, “Turkey has a long history of refusing to recognise ethnic groups, but now is the best chance for change. This issue will be central to discussions on Turkey’s EU accession process.” She continued:
“The Kurdish people deserve the right to live in the lands where their ancestors were born, with their culture and language. Turkey must see this as a chance to move forward.”
The press conference reflected growing international support for a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue, with calls for Turkey to engage in meaningful negotiations and for European institutions to play an active role. The Kurdish Friendship Group emphasised that Öcalan’s peace initiative must not be ignored and that the international community has a responsibility to push for a just and lasting resolution.
The Kurdish Friendship Group in the European Parliament has previously raised the issue of Turkey’s actions in relation to international law. In a previous statement, they expressed their concern about Turkey’s violations of international law, especially regarding military operations in Kurdish regions. The group called for compliance with legal norms and stressed the importance of peaceful solutions to conflicts.
