For years, the Basque people and specially the Abertzale Left has a fluent relation with the Kurdish people and its representatives. This relation concerns different aspects of the cultural, social, linguistic and political life of both countries. But the main issue linking Kurdistan and Basque Country is their struggle towards a democratic resolution of their respective conflicts. A common struggle for a peaceful scenario based on dialogue, negotiation and political agreement.

The Abertzale Left was invited to explain the current situation in the Basque Country and its experiences concerning conflict resolution. Representatives from other countries with similar experiences were also invited: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Bolivia and Catalonia.

Two weeks before, Abertzale left had launched the final resolution document called Stand Up, Basque Country, finalising its internal debate. This document is a historical step towards a resolution of the conflict and it is a clear commitment with democratic and peaceful means.

The spokesperson of the Abertzale Left, Miren Legorburu, explained directly the document to all international guests and Kurdish representatives also its reasons and objectives.

Once we briefed on our experience and situation, the main goal was to hear from all participants. The interventions did not disappoint our expectations. Even though each country has its own history and political conditions there are some points that are always common: In order to solve political conflicts there has to be political dialogue without exclusions and pre-conditions. All issues have to be discussed and all parties have to be convinced that the achievement of a new, peaceful and democratic situation is its own mayor interest. Any peace process has to have a clear methodology, agenda and ways to avoid political blockades which could facilitate a return to an open confrontation. Popular involvement and democratic support for a process has to be guarantied.

The South African process shows that political leadership is an important ingredient for a successful outcome of a peace process. Without Nelson Mandela the process could hardly moved forward. The Irish process reveals the determinant meaning of international mediation and a very pragmatic but complete negotiation agenda. On the other hand, the Bolivian reality makes clear that without democratic participation of the people no progress can be achieved.

Another interesting debate concerned the political frameworks and their capability to solve political conflicts with armed confrontation. While the current autonomy does not allow a democratic scenario for the Basque Country, the autonomy of the North of Ireland based on Good Friday Agreement does it and a kind of autonomy could probably satisfy Kurdish democratic demands. But, one of the principal lessons is that there are no closed models.

Finally, we had the privilege and opportunity to know directly from various Kurdish and Turkish personalities the challenges is confronting the Kurdish people in the direction towards a democratic scenario and lasting peace.

The Abertzale Left congratulates and encourages the Democratic Society Congress to continue organizing such international events in order to facilitate common work among peoples suffering political conflicts