The Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated by Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan continues. One of the groups offering the strongest support for the process, carried forward with the expectation that the state will take steps, are families who lost their children during periods of conflict. These families are calling for the process to conclude with peace as soon as possible.

 

Makbule Yavuzer, Co-Chair of the Association for Solidarity, Support and Culture with Families Who Lost Their Relatives on the Ancient Lands of Riha (Urfa) (KATDER), called on all peoples to participate in the “Hope and Freedom” rally to be held on 4 January in Amed (Diyarbakır).

 

Makbule Yavuzer’s brother, Müslüm Kaplan, joined the Kurdish freedom struggle while living in Ankara in 1992. Kaplan lost his life in 1995, and despite the passage of 30 years, he still has no grave. Makbule Yavuzer said she lives with the hope of one day finding the remains of her brother, who was dearly loved by everyone.

 

Drawing attention to the process, Yavuzer said they do not want anyone else to lose their life and called for the removal of obstacles to democratic politics. 

 

She said: “Our people have paid such a heavy price. Kurdish mothers have lost so many of their children, yet they still speak of peace today. The Kurdish people demand their identity, language and culture. Our children gave their lives for these rights. If there is to be peace, the rights of the Kurdish people must be fully recognized.”

 

Emphasizing that the peoples of Turkey must struggle together, Makbule Yavuzer called for taking to the streets and squares, adding: “The physical freedom of our leader, who is the chief negotiator for peace, must be ensured. The whole world knows and accepts our leader’s paradigm. For this reason, all peoples must join the rally to be held on 4 January.”

 

MA / Omer Akin