ISTANBUL – Politician Ziya Pir, involved in preparations for the rally scheduled for November 8 in Cologne, Germany, emphasized, “Mr. Abdullah Öcalan is the chief negotiator. He needs to be free to manage the negotiations more effectively.”

 

As part of the internationally launched “Freedom for Abdullah Öcalan, Democratic Solution for the Kurdish Issue” campaign, a major march and rally under the slogan “Freedom for Leader Apo” will be held in Cologne on November 8. The event calls for Öcalan’s physical freedom and the implementation of the European Court of Human Rights’ “right to hope” decision.

 

Pir, former MP of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), commented on the preparations and significance of the rally: “The Peace and Democratic Society Process has been ongoing for a year. With this rally, we aim for the freedom of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Ocalan and a democratic solution of the Kurdish issue. At the start, we were cautious, and that caution continues. Over the past year, the Kurdish side has taken bold steps, including disbanding the organization and withdrawing guerrillas. Yet the state has not reciprocated any concrete action, beyond saying we are heading toward a ‘terror-free Turkey.’ A parliamentary commission was set up, which held 16 meetings and listened to some instituitons and persons.”

 

‘THIS PROCESS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE’

 

Pir underlined that the rally offers citizens a chance to actively engage rather than remain passive: “This process is an opportunity for peace and for the rights of people in Turkey. The upcoming reports will shape the next steps. Our rally in Cologne allows citizens to move from a spectator role to a partner in this process. Everyone who values peace should attend and say ‘I am part of this.’”

 

‘PEOPLE MUST SHOW THEIR LEGITIMACY’

 

Addressing diplomatic negotiations, Pir said: “While Abdullah Öcalan and DEM Party officials conduct talks, we must show the other side that the people support this process. The aim in Cologne is to demonstrate public backing for the negotiations and assert their legitimacy.”

 

‘NEGOTIATIONS CANNOT HAPPEN BEHIND BARS’

 

Pir stressed the importance of Öcalan’s freedom for effective negotiations: “Negotiation cannot be conducted from a small cell behind four walls. Look at Nelson Mandela; he began in a cell but later gained freedom to continue talks. Mr. Öcalan is the chief negotiator and main architect. He needs more freedom and contact with the outside world to manage negotiations more efficiently and quickly.”

 

Pir explained the dual audience for the rally: “We are speaking to both the governments and societies of Turkey and Europe. We tell Turkish society: ‘We support peace, join us.’ A strong rally will also strengthen Mr. Öcalan and DEM Party officials, giving moral support and showing that their legitimacy comes from us. With this march and rally, we aim to apply pressure and collectively claim our rights.”

 

RALLY CALL

 

Highlighting the campaign’s demands, Pir said: “Since the process began, the Kurds have taken many steps: the PKK has dissolved itself, burned weapons, and declared withdrawal from Turkey. European countries cannot continue listing the PKK as a ‘terrorist’ organization; they must remove it. Experienced individuals like these must be recognized as interlocutors by both Europe and Turkey. This year’s rally and march should be stronger and more successful than previous years. I call on everyone to come on Saturday and demand our rights.”

 

MA / Omer Ibrahimoglu