KNK (Kurdistan National Congress) members Refik Gefür, Niyaz Abdullah, and politician-writer Şaho Palanu spoke to ANF about Abdullah Öcalan’s new paradigm and recent developments in the Middle East.

We all have a responsibility to build a democratic society

Refik Gefür emphasized the significance of the new phase, stating that the Kurdish people must establish their own conditions and that the course of the process should be shaped not by the steps imposed by the Turkish state, but by Kurdish initiative.

Gefür said that Abdullah Öcalan’s new paradigm offers a comprehensive vision not only for the Kurdish people but for the entire Middle East, and added: “This project must be embraced with great care. We all have a responsibility to build a democratic society. The Turkish state must abandon its old habits and embrace this process through deeper reforms. This will not be possible with the current structure, transformation is essential.”

The Turkish state’s approach is critical

Şaho Palanu, a politician and writer from South Kurdistan (Başur), pointed out that the Middle East is entering a new era. Palanu said, “A hundred years have passed since the Treaty of Lausanne. This century was marked by policies of denial and annihilation. Today, the Kurdish people have broken through those barriers. Now we must think about how to build a new order. Mr. Öcalan’s new phase and democratic references are crucial for peace. The Turkish state’s positive approach is critical.”

Turkish troops must withdraw from South Kurdistan

KNK member and journalist Niyaz Abdullah stressed the importance of the recent call for peace, describing the new phase as a significant turning point, especially for Rojava. She noted that the Kurdistan Regional Government would also be affected by this process.

Abdullah pointed to the ongoing occupation and attacks by the Turkish army in South Kurdistan. She said: “The people of Behdînan in particular have suffered greatly from these assaults. We have lost martyrs, and many have been forced to abandon their homes. With this new phase, Turkish troops must fully withdraw from Southern Kurdistan. There is no justification left for their presence. Similarly, the attacks on Rojava must cease, and Turkish forces should pull back. The Kurdish people must resolve their issues with the central Syrian government, and the Turkish state must not interfere.”

Abdullah also emphasized the necessity of activating political mechanisms and establishing democratic systems in Northern Kurdistan (Bakur). She said:

“This call is deeply significant because Abdullah Öcalan has extended it to Barzani, to Mazlum Kobanê, and to all Kurds. Embracing this call means that Kurds must first achieve internal peace among themselves and then fight to preserve and build that peace.”