The Spokesperson for the Nûn Initiative for the Freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, Lebanese Sewsen Şoman and Egyptian political scientist Fernaz Atiye spoke to the ANF about the 7-point message sent out from Imrali through the DEM Party delegation by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the ongoing isolation imposed on him.

Sewsen Şoman said that the physical freedom of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan is an important and comprehensive struggle, and added: "Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] is being held in severe isolation. This isolation is related to the concern about what kind of resistance and transformation Leader Apo's ideas can create."

Şoman added: "The 7-point document proposed by the Öcalan plays a key role in resolving the current chaos and crisis. They offer concrete solution proposals for the Kurdish issue. The proposed points have been formulated in a way that encompasses all peoples. This situation is a glimmer of hope for communities under chaos, crisis and oppression. Considering it as a road map will be an important step in favor of the peoples. A solution process that ensures everyone’s participation can be created."

Continuity of talks should be ensured

Şoman said that "Leader Apo is a leader who laid the foundations of the united struggle of the peoples and the inclusive paradigm," and added: "Isolation, which violates universal law and Turkey’s domestic law, makes it impossible to conduct a healthy dialogue in a safe environment. It is the right of everyone to know the living conditions of Leader Apo. In this context, our first priority in the talks should be to improve his working conditions. Taking his health and safety into consideration is an indispensable part of this process. Working conditions should be made suitable; continuity of the talks should be ensured. Not only delegations, but also family and lawyer visits should not be prevented. This is a critical step in securing the rights of Leader Apo."

Northern and Eastern Syria are an example

Şoman drew attention to the fact that Leader Apo’s democratic nation project is a solution and an alternative developed against genocidal policies, and said: "This project is a ray of hope to correct the chaotic situation in the Middle East. In Northern and Eastern Syria in particular, we are witnessing people living a democratic and free life with concrete examples of this project. It is seen that Leader Apo emphasized the importance of this project once again in his recent messages. Leader Apo’s physical freedom and the implementation of the democratic nation project provide a solution that will benefit everyone."

Chauvinism should end

Fernaz Atiye underlined the necessity of a federal system in terms of solving today’s crises and chaos, and added that the Kurdish People’s Leader’s message offers solutions to the people, includes different communities and is for the benefit of everyone. "Leader Apo advocates an inclusive understanding of democracy and equality," said Atiye, adding: "In an environment where chauvinism exists, it will not be possible to find a permanent solution to the Kurdish question and to establish equality and democracy among the peoples. Unless chauvinist approaches are eliminated, the solution to these problems will become impossible. Therefore, as a priority, ensuring Leader Apo’s physical freedom is a prerequisite for establishing justice and peace."

Transparency and participation

Atiye underlined the vital importance of continuing the talks as well as ensuring transparency and participation, and added: "Ensuring regular meetings with Leader Öcalan and his physical freedom are actions that must be taken immediately. The isolation that is being implemented is not only against the law, but also a political approach. If his freedom is provided, the plans of many conspirators will be thwarted and this situation will open the door to a wide-scale transformation. The suggestions presented by Leader Abdullah Öcalan can actually play a key role in preventing the fragmented stance, chaos and crisis environment in the Middle East. His suggestions aim to establish a safe zone and produce permanent solutions. However, from what we understand, isolation will not be lifted that easily. Turkey is trying to keep the Kurdish people under pressure with this isolation policy."