The KCK has issued a statement, saying that Leader Apo has once again given the AKP government the opportunity to find a political solution. The statement stressed that the government must fulfil its responsibilities to the people in a serious way.

Behdinan - Anf

The KCK Executive Council emphasised that the ten articles stipulated by Abdullah Öcalan were a historic declaration. “This offers an important opportunity for a resolution of the Kurdish question and the other fundamental problems besetting Turkey. There is no longer any remaining obstacle to the government taking steps towards democratisation and a resolution of the Kurdish question,” the statement stressed, adding that the government should not repeat the irresponsible attitude it adopted following the withdrawal of guerrilla forces in 2013. The statement said the Kurdish Freedom Movement had done all that was asked of it, adding that any future steps would be dependent on the attitude of the AKP to the process and steps it takes. The KCK statement said work should start immediately so that negotiations could begin.

'A great opportunity and a new chance’

The KCK statement drew attention to the 10 articles framed by Abdullah Öcalan, adding that he has offered the Turkish state and AKP government a great opportunity to find a resolution.

The statement said the latest announcement placed responsibilities on both the AKP government and the Kurdish movement, emphasising that the consolidation of the ceasefire offered a significant opportunity for steps to be taken towards a resolution.

The KCK statement added that the historic declaration had offered a great opportunity, and that now the people expected the government to fulfil its part of the bargain. “This is imperative in order for the option of war and conflict to be removed from the equation entirely,” the statement added.  

The KCK statement said that it would closely monitor the approach of the AKP government to the new circumstances and warned it against using Leader Apo’s declaration of intent as election propaganda. It added that as an indication of good faith the AKP should withdraw the Internal Security Package.

‘The government should enable our movement to meet Leader Apo without delay’

The KCK said that it would be in keeping with the spirit of the process to permit representatives of political parties and civil society organisations to meet Leader Apo and would increase support for the process.

‘Negotiations should start immediately’

The KCK statement said work should start immediately so that negotiations could begin, with delegations being established and monitoring bodies set up. The statement concluded by calling on all democratic forces to support the project of democratisation and for democratic pressure to be exerted to ensure the state and AKP government takes the necessary steps.