Following Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan’s historic ‘Call for Peace and a Democratic Society on February 27, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) convened its 12th Congress where it made a decision to end the armed struggle last week. The historic decision by the PKK has been met with great support at local and international level.

Speaking to anf, Geneviève Garrigos, a member of the Paris City Council and human rights advocate, stated that the congress decisions are of historic importance for peace in Turkey and the region, and called on the European Union and France to take responsibility for the success of the process.

‘An important development for both Turkey's peace and the stability of the Middle East’

Expressing her appreciation of the decisions made by the PKK, Geneviève Garrigos said, “We have been waiting for the PKK's congress decisions since February 27, when Abdullah Öcalan, who has been in prison for 26 years, called on the PKK leadership to hold a congress and make a decision on this issue. This has now happened. The decisions taken are an important development for both Turkey's peace and the stability of the Middle East.” 

‘The negotiation process must advance toward the recognition of all Kurdish rights’

Recalling the fact that the PKK played a vital role in the fight against ISIS by supporting the Rojava forces, Geneviève Garrigos noted: “The PKK has not only fought against ISIS but has also contributed to the stabilization of the region. Given the PKK's declaration of dissolution and its commitment to end the armed struggle, the negotiation process with Ankara and Erdoğan must advance toward the recognition of all the rights of the Kurdish people. Kurds must secure a full place in Turkey’s society, institutions, and political life. Arbitrary arrests of Kurdish mayors in various cities must cease, and Kurds must be allowed to learn their language and culture, which have been banned since the 1980s.” 

‘A great victory and an important turning point’

Calling on the European Union and France to take responsibility for a democratic solution to the Kurdish issue within the framework of the process that has begun, Geneviève Garrigos said, “It is now imperative that the PKK be removed from the list of terrorist organizations. Support must also be given to the demand for Öcalan's release. Despite his age, Öcalan represents the hopes and aspirations of the Kurdish people. His freedom is a prerequisite for the Kurdish people to be able to negotiate their future position in Turkey.” 

Geneviève Garrigos added: “This is truly a great victory and an important turning point. Let us continue to fight together. The French government has an important responsibility to stand alongside those who have helped us most in the fight against ISIS in Rojava.”