One hundred and fifty nine associations in Turkey have signed the declaration below.

Turkey has been going through a new peace process in recent months as the dialogue between state authorities and PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party) leader Mr. Abdullah Öcalan has advanced to a forward phase in which Öcalan has held meetings with some delegations. The initiation of this process has sparked hopes across Turkey, and Kurdish region in particular. In spite of the past experiences that remained inconclusive, the public has once again displayed support for the most recent process of talks.

As non-governmental organizations in the Kurdish region, we have always tried to put emphasis on the need for the continuation of talks on the way to a peace process. We have also declared that we would with no hesitation play a part and fulfill our duties and responsibilities in the ongoing process.

The talks the government has had with Öcalan has had a progressive course so far, despite some negative developments that could disrupt the process, such as the leakage of notes from the most recent Imralı meeting and the ongoing military operations and aerial assaults targeting Kandil. The continuation of deaths is damaging the trust in the current historic process.

On the other hand, reports are coming through about the formation of military build-up on the border line. The continuation of operations and deaths is unacceptable in the process of talks for peace and dialogue.

Since the very beginning of recent Imralı talks, all circles have been warning of potential attempts that may aim to disrupt this fragile process. All sides should first of all abstain from such attempts and attacks, in particular the ongoing military operations and statements by the executives of some political parties in the parliament, which are weakening the Kurdish people's hopes for peace. The majority of the people in not only Kurdish region but also across the country supports this process and asks for peace.

As the NGOs having signed this declaration, we once again want to announce our support for the talks for peace and call on everyone to avoid destroying the peoples hope for peace. Let us build a bright future for our country all together.