The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) recently published the final resolution of its 12th Congress, which was held from 5-7 May despite continuous Turkish air strikes. Following the call of its founder Abdullah Öcalan, it announced its dissolution and the end of the armed struggle. It had already declared a unilateral ceasefire on 1 March.
This is the starting point for a political and social transformation and thus for the beginning of a new era.
Further steps must be taken immediately so that this transformation can succeed. The creation of the appropriate political and legal foundations is essential, as is the freedom of Kurdish Political Leader Abdullah Öcalan. The latter is also relevant in the context of implementing the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.
The PKK’s declaration was welcomed internationally and the importance of the political process was emphasised. In its report on Turkey, the European Parliament also recognised the developments in the context of Mr. Öcalan’s historic appeal. It is now important to exert influence on Turkey in order to strengthen the process.
The European Union can directly and positively reinforce developments by increasing the pressure to implement the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and constitutional reforms in Turkey and by removing the PKK from its terror list.
Peace and a democratic society will have positive regional and global implications that are more necessary than ever. Rapid, strong and clear action is therefore required from all sides, especially European institutions.
—
EU Turkey Civic Commission
www.eutcc.net
Twitter: @EUTCC1
Facebook: Eu Turkey Civic Commission
Instagram: @eutcc1
