The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is based on the ideas of its founder, Abdullah Öcalan. Şivan Hesekê, an Arab guerrilla in the People's Defense Forces (HPG), said: "Young people from all over the world, from a wide variety of nations, are joining this movement. Because the spirit of the Democratic Nation in the Middle East has found its expression in its paradigm."
Unity of the peoples and social peace
While in the guerrillas, Şivan Hesekê recognized the comprehensive importance of Abdullah Öcalan's ideas, and said: "The martyrs had a profound influence on me, which is why I joined the party. After joining, I immersed myself in the philosophy and ideas of Rêber Apo [Abdullah Öcalan]. Understanding the idea of a democratic nation led to profound changes in my personality. With the idea of a democratic nation, Rêber Apo is creating unity among peoples in the Middle East and promoting social peace."
For the freedom of all peoples
Guerrilla Şivan Hesekê spoke from the perspective of the Arab people, for whom Abdullah Öcalan's ideas have great significance and strong influence. He explained that Öcalan initiated the resistance not only to solve the Kurdish question, but for the freedom of all peoples. In order to achieve this goal, Şivan Hesekê said he will remain in struggle and resistance for his entire life, adding: "We are in the mountains of Kurdistan, our life as a guerrilla is extremely difficult here. But the spirit of co-operation (Hevaltî) and resistance make it all the easier and more beautiful."
Cultural freedom
Guerrilla Hesekê said: "Arriving here is directly related to the truth. Because the truth that we are expressing here was hidden for a long time. The Syrian system put great pressure on the population and prevented the Kurds, Arabs and Assyrians from freely shaping their respective cultural lives. But with the thoughts of Rêber Apo, all peoples came together and created a common life. Everyone joins in accordance with their own truth and culture, and in the existing unity, no culture or diversity is suppressed."
The path to truth
Guerrilla Hesekê said: "Many Arab comrades are here. We are going through an important process and are at a historical turning point. All together we are resisting the occupation of the Turkish state. It is trying to suppress Rêber Apo's thoughts. But we hold on to them and will continue this paradigm. After twenty-seven years of international conspiracy, we will finally overcome it. Rêber Apo is resisting in Imrali, and this resistance has become a moral support for all peoples and societies, as well as the path to truth."