The Party of Democratic Regions (DBP) has issued a statement to mark this year’s Newroz, saluting the march from the Cizre district of Şırnak to Amed for the freedom of the Kurdish Leader Abdullah Öcalan. Calling for mass participation at Newroz celebrations, the DBP said: “The message of Mr. Öcalan will give a greater meaning to this year’s Newroz”.

The statement of the DBP, signed by the co-chairs of the party, Emine Ayna and Kamuran Yüksek, drew attention to the fact that Newroz has been the festival celebrated with the most enthusiam in Mesopotamia, adding that it has been the resistance festival of the peoples of Mesopotamia despite it having been banned by the Turkish republic for many years.

DBP stressed that Newroz was banned in the past by the state because of the meaning it carries, adding that the state tried to assimilate it as “Nevruz” when it faced the resistance of the people continuing to celebrate it. The state tried to celebrate it as if it is only a spring festival to distance it from its essence of resistance and rebellion, said the statement.

The DBP statement recalled the history of Newroz, mentioning the rebellion of Kawa against the cruel Dehaq, adding that it is this resistance and rebellion that gives the true meaning of Newroz passed down from generation to generation. DBP said it celebrated the Newroz of the people with this rebellious spirit, adding that they would always be in struggle against cruel tyrants.

DBP further saluted the march started from Cizire and which will end tomorrow in Amed for the freedom of Öcalan and added that the message of Öcalan, who insistently continues his belief in peace despite the delaying policies of the state, attributes a bigger meaning to this year’s Newroz.
DBP ended its statement by calling for mass participation in this year’s Newroz.