Kate Osamor, MP for the Labour Party in the United Kingdom (UK), shared her views on the 'Call for Peace and a Democratic Society' issued by Abdullah Öcalan, as well as the decisions taken at the 12th Congress of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), held from May 5 to 7.

Osamor welcomed the PKK’s decision to disarm following Abdullah Öcalan’s peace call on February 27, calling it "a historic turning point after decades of conflict and the loss of tens of thousands of lives. It is a unique opportunity that could open the door to lasting peace for the people of Turkey and the wider region."

Unilateral steps are not enough

Osamor said that lasting peace cannot be achieved through unilateral steps alone.  "The Turkish government must also fulfill its responsibilities and take concrete steps to guarantee the fundamental rights of the Kurdish people. Ending political repression and securing the basic rights of the Kurdish population are essential to achieving lasting peace and building a more prosperous future.

I strongly oppose the ongoing political repression in Turkey, particularly the pressure on the Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party). These issues must be addressed as an integral part of the peace and negotiation process."

Osamor also called on the UK government to support peace negotiations in Turkey. She said: "The UK should contribute constructively to peace talks in Turkey by drawing on the experience gained from the Good Friday Agreement process in the North of Ireland."

She added that she would discuss the matter with Foreign Secretary David Lammy and ask whether he had raised issues such as the dissolution of the PKK, the imprisonment of Abdullah Öcalan, and the possibility of supporting peace negotiations with his Turkish counterpart.

I will be the voice of the Kurdish people

Kate Osamor concluded her remarks with the following words: "I will continue to closely follow developments in Turkey. I will use my position in the UK Parliament to be a voice for peace and to help ensure that the rights of the Kurdish people are respected.

This peace process is not only important for Turkey but also for regional stability and the principles of international law. Inclusive, just, and sustainable solutions must be supported on the path to peace."