The Kurdish issue has been a predominant concern since the establishment of the Turkish Republic, necessitating a peaceful resolution, journalist Ali Duran Topuz highlighted in an interview with Mezopotamya Agency on Thursday.
In support of the recent “Peace Call” declaration, Topuz highlighted its objective to strengthen democratic processes, acknowledging the crucial role of influential figures like Abdullah Öcalan in achieving a peaceful resolution.
Endorsed by 78 influential figures across various sectors, the “Peace Call” underscores the significance of Öcalan, who remains imprisoned. Reflecting on the declaration, Topuz emphasised, “The essence of that call was actually conformity to law.”
Topuz traced the growth of “democratic functioning and opportunities” and increased public demand for social peace between 2013 and 2015, citing a notable surge in support for the peace process leading up to the 7 June elections. This is “proof that peaceful methods and the operation of democratic and legal mechanisms are accepted by society”, he affirmed.
Contrasting this period with the current climate, where discussing Öcalan is deemed a criminal act, Topuz recalled the government’s previous commitment to resolving the conflict through dialogue, emphasising Öcalan’s critical role in those discussions.
According to Topuz, the declaration is a statement that expresses the demand for a peaceful solution, “and emphasises the status of the main actors involved,” indicating the persistent influence of Öcalan.
He criticised the government’s strategy of intensifying Öcalan’s isolation as a tactic to postpone a resolution and referenced the imprisonment of dissenters like journalist Merdan Yanardağ as indicative of the government’s stance against opposition.
Regarding the varied reactions from the opposition concerning Öcalan’s isolation, Topuz observed a paradoxical attitude, with some segments seemingly approving the government’s actions while simultaneously exhibiting a complex posture.
Topuz concluded by reflecting on Öcalan’s continued influence through his ideas and proposals, remarking, “They aim to sever the impact of Abdullah Öcalan’s words and suggestions, which hold significant sway and seek to halt his influence”.
