Speaking at the Newroz celebration in Colemêrg, DTK Co-chair Berdan Öztürk said, "The Kurdish people did not bow down to their years of oppression. If there are talks in İmralı today, it is the result of Mr Öcalan's resistance and your struggle."

 

In Colemêrg (Hakkari), the Newroz of "Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)" and "Newroz of Democratic Society for Freedom" was celebrated in the Tekser Bus Terminal area in the city. Thousands of people flocked to the Newroz in their national clothes and colourful images were seen. People who came to the Newroz are in the morning hours danced halay to the music played here. The young people who arrived at the area frequently chanted "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" slogan and Newroz started after a minute of silence. After the DEM Party provincial co-chairs greeted the people, the messages sent to Newroz were read.

 

Abdullah Zeydan, dismissed Co-mayor of Wan (Van) Metropolitan Municipality, said that the people of Colemêrg did not step back from the struggle despite all the pressures. Reminding the call of Abdullah Öcalan on 27 February, Abdullah Zeydan said, "This call is a new beginning for all of us. As Kurdish people who want peace and freedom, we need to embrace this call from all four sides. We said before the election that if we are united we will achieve everything. We are very close to peace and freedom. Kurds give their message everywhere and say that they are always ready for peace. Just as Kurds embrace this process, Turks should embrace it as well."

 

DEM Party member Özlem Gündüz said, "We support the 'Call for Peace and Democratic Society' initiated by Mr Öcalan. Women who say 'jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)' against war policies will not give up our struggle until we bring peace to the whole world. If there will be peace, it will be with the labour of our mothers because you are the ones who deserve this peace the most. We will continue to grow the fire lit by Kawa. From here we send greetings to İmralı and the dungeons."

 

Democratic Society Congress (DTK) Co-chair Berdan Öztürk saluted the resistance of the Kurds despite all the policies of denial. Berdan Öztürk said, "The Kurdish people did not bow down to their years of oppression. If there are talks in İmralı today, it is the result of Mr Öcalan's resistance and your struggle."

 

After the speeches, the Newroz fire was lit with the slogans "Bijî Serok Apo". The Newroz ended with the songs of Rugeş Bazi and Azad Bedran and dances.