Francie Molloy, a Sinn Féin member of the UK parliament, has emphasised the necessity of immediate dialogue with Abdullah Öcalan to find a political resolution to the Kurdish question. In an interview with Erem Kansoy, Molloy stressed that the core issue in Turkey and the Middle East is the lack of engagement with Öcalan. “Öcalan definitely offers us the right solutions; above all, problems can be solved through dialogue,” Molloy stated.
Molloy argued that peace in the region could only commence through dialogue with Öcalan, pointing out the strategic silence around him as a significant barrier. “If Öcalan were free, he could play his role in achieving peace as the strongest political actor,” he added, highlighting the importance of the campaign for Öcalan’s freedom and the support it is receiving from hunger striking political prisoners in Turke.
The Sinn Féin politician also criticised the Turkish government’s approach, urging it to choose peaceful dialogue over repression. “The Turkish state should not resort to filling prisons and murdering people but should instead seek a peaceful solution,” Molloy said. He stressed the importance of bringing Öcalan’s situation and Kurdish issues to the international stage for wider recognition.
Molloy also touched on the significance of Öcalan’s ideas, suggesting that they need to be shared globally. He cited Belfast’s “International Wall”, which features Öcalan’s thoughts alongside other global issues, as an example of raising awareness.
Reflecting on the empathy between the Irish and Kurdish peoples, Molloy committed to amplifying the struggle for Öcalan’s freedom and the Kurdish cause on the international platform. “The Irish people understand the situation and problems of the Kurdish people and are capable of empathising with them. We will intensify our efforts to promote your struggle and Öcalan internationally,” he concluded.
