In his address to hundreds of thousands during the Newroz celebration in Amed, Mardin Metropolitan Municipality Co-mayor Ahmet Türk said: “We know well that Kurdish people do not kneel before the state no matter what they do. There is, again, huge cruelty today but with your enthusiasm, Newroz in Amed is heard from across the world. Your resistance and enthusiasm are welcome.”

“NOBODY SHOULD DOUBT THAT WE WILL TRIUMPH”

In his address, Türk said “Today, the entire world is watching the Newroz celebration in Amed to learn what Kurds want and demand. Today, we will make our demands known. The name of this Newroz is 'We will win.” Nobody should doubt that we will triumph despite all the pressures and policies of cruelty. We will achieve our goal with our will and commitment. This cannot be prevented.

We know that we have been faced with never-ending oppression and cruelty throughout history. We experienced the September 12 coup and witnessed the destruction of villages during the 1990s. They have long wanted to intimidate and silence the Kurdish people, but our freedom struggle has grown more and more with commitment and sacrifice. Today, policies of atrocity continue. We are at a time where all sorts of plots are being made. While celebrating the Newroz of 2017, Kurdish people all across Kurdistan are facing attacks aiming for the annihilation of Kurds' gains. From Manbij to al-Bab, Kurds are under pressure that intends to darken their future. These pressures have never worked and will not work today either.

We can resolve the issues only with dialogue and common sense. There are examples of this across the world. More than 200 thousand people died in Colombia but peace was eventually achieved. Peace and dialogue ended the oppression in South Africa. We tell them to give an end to their policies of intimidation and submission, and the policies aiming to darken the future of Kurdish people. Develop the path to peace and dialogue within the framework of the ideas put forth by Mr. Öcalan during the Newroz of 2013. There is no other way.

“THE PRICE OF SHENGAL WILL BE HEAVY”

The peoples of Turkey also see to which point this racist and nationalist mentality is leading the society. People with conscience are beginning to raise their voices against this ruling mindset. If we do not widen our unity every day or not voice our problems with common sense, we will be held responsible before history. If they mean to destroy the future of the people of Shengal -the value and faith of the Kurdish people- believe me this will have a heavy price. Those that make this plot in Shengal and pit Kurds against one another will be convicted before our people and history.

"HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS SAY ‘NO’"

There is the April 16 referendum after this glorious Newroz. Everybody is asking what Kurds will be saying (crowd chants 'No'). Of course this referendum is important for the future of all peoples; not just Kurds. But for Kurds, it has another meaning. Our Co-chairs are in jail today. Are we going to say 'Yes' to those implementing the prison policies? (crowd chants 'NO'). Trustees have been appointed to 80 percent of our municipalities. Are we going to say 'Yes' to this? (crowd chants 'NO'). Are we going to say 'Yes' to the savagery in Sur, Cizre, Nusaybin and Şırnak? (crowd chants 'No').

“WE WILL STAND TALL WHATEVER THE COST MAY BE”

Those that imprison Kurdish politicians and destroy the towns of Kurdistan will be brought to account before history. Our duty is to have an honorable stance. I do not believe that any Kurd will disregard their honor. Kurdish people will bring those responsible to account. 2017 is an important year for the future of the Kurds. It is an important year that will witness a change and transformation. It will be the year when those trying to annihilate the Kurds' gains with assimilative policies in this country will be defeated. We have to continue our struggle without compromising on our commitment, freedom and future. We will hold our head high no matter whatever the cost may be. I celebrate the Newroz of Kurdistan and Middle East peoples, democrats, and people with conscience with these feelings. I wish the best on our journey and success for the freedom struggle.”