Discussion over Kurdish question goes on in intellectual's cirlces
Discussion over Kurdish question goes on in intellectual's cirlces
Following the joint demand of 99 NGOs for an immediate ceasefire by the Turkish army and Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), intellectuals stated that the Kurdish opening policy, proposed by Justice and Development Party (AKP) administration, without Kurdish participation or partnership is not possible. Intensive debate over the opening policy under the shade of the ongoing armed conflict is spreading like wildfire. Besides business people and politicians, now academicians and various NGOs are speaking out in these public discussions and scrutiny.
Cigdem Nas, lecturer in Yildiz Technical University, declared: “We have been discussing this problem since 1984. It needs to be reviewed in a more comprehensive way. Military measures are not enough since there are socioeconomic and international factors which also need to be evaluated according to the problem. But, there is one indisputable thing about the case, which is the dialogue in current situation, is being shoved down our throat. The people in the region are dissatisfied. The AKP administration couldn’t take the advantages offered by Kurdish deputies. There were many cease fires announced by the Kurdish side but no step was taken by the government. It is now very clear that only a military response will not solve the problem.”
Prof. Erol Katircioglu agreed, “It is time to for the government to step it up. I went to Diyarbakir twice in fifteen days. I witnessed new positive developments despite setbacks to the opening policy. I believe that there is a will which is more democratic and more political than before. And also a lot of people who were not involved in this case became sensitive on the issue. The Turkish side now has to show its sensitivity by putting some effort toward a solution. For example, the Turkish business managers’ association, TUSIAD, made a very appropriate statement with important suggestions for the Kurdish issue. In particular, they emphasized that the constitution needs to be amended as the Turkish identity emphasis excludes Kurds in the constitution and prevents democratic, self-governance. Also, Ocalan [imprisoned leader of the PKK] must be recognized as the ultimate interlocutor. These are very important points. And now is the time for steps to be taken by the Turkish government.”
Fuat Keyman argued, “The opening policy has to continue despite many internal problems. The latest statement made by 99 NGOs in Diyarbakir is very important. The same kind of joint effort needs to be put forth by political parties to establish a joint will of parties, no exception. I believe that human life is the most important thing and this reality is beginning to be understood by the whole community. We need ‘sensibility training’ like the US did during the process of abolishing slavery. Besides schools, political parties, press and all the other parts of the community must be educated to develop a better understanding of each other or of those different from the dominant culture or race.”
Furthermore, writer and journalist, Faik Buluk, predicted a possible dark period due to increasing clashes in the region and AKP administration’s ‘bad intention’ toward the Kurdish issue. The environment of conflict is becoming more dangerous as parties drift farther away from each other, explained Bulut.
He also underlined that there is no solution in the short-term as long as the AKP administration does not give up its denial and destruction policy.
Cigdem Nas, lecturer in Yildiz Technical University, declared: “We have been discussing this problem since 1984. It needs to be reviewed in a more comprehensive way. Military measures are not enough since there are socioeconomic and international factors which also need to be evaluated according to the problem. But, there is one indisputable thing about the case, which is the dialogue in current situation, is being shoved down our throat. The people in the region are dissatisfied. The AKP administration couldn’t take the advantages offered by Kurdish deputies. There were many cease fires announced by the Kurdish side but no step was taken by the government. It is now very clear that only a military response will not solve the problem.”
Prof. Erol Katircioglu agreed, “It is time to for the government to step it up. I went to Diyarbakir twice in fifteen days. I witnessed new positive developments despite setbacks to the opening policy. I believe that there is a will which is more democratic and more political than before. And also a lot of people who were not involved in this case became sensitive on the issue. The Turkish side now has to show its sensitivity by putting some effort toward a solution. For example, the Turkish business managers’ association, TUSIAD, made a very appropriate statement with important suggestions for the Kurdish issue. In particular, they emphasized that the constitution needs to be amended as the Turkish identity emphasis excludes Kurds in the constitution and prevents democratic, self-governance. Also, Ocalan [imprisoned leader of the PKK] must be recognized as the ultimate interlocutor. These are very important points. And now is the time for steps to be taken by the Turkish government.”
Fuat Keyman argued, “The opening policy has to continue despite many internal problems. The latest statement made by 99 NGOs in Diyarbakir is very important. The same kind of joint effort needs to be put forth by political parties to establish a joint will of parties, no exception. I believe that human life is the most important thing and this reality is beginning to be understood by the whole community. We need ‘sensibility training’ like the US did during the process of abolishing slavery. Besides schools, political parties, press and all the other parts of the community must be educated to develop a better understanding of each other or of those different from the dominant culture or race.”
Furthermore, writer and journalist, Faik Buluk, predicted a possible dark period due to increasing clashes in the region and AKP administration’s ‘bad intention’ toward the Kurdish issue. The environment of conflict is becoming more dangerous as parties drift farther away from each other, explained Bulut.
He also underlined that there is no solution in the short-term as long as the AKP administration does not give up its denial and destruction policy.
