MMEHIAN HALBIN ZIDAN

VAN_ Amid the continuing repercussions fo war and the rising calls to end the cycle of violence, the mothers of Peace continue their efforts to establish a culture of dialogue and coexistence, affirming that peace is a collective responsibility requiring unity and the transcendence of differences. From Ankara, the mothers renewed their message that the struggle for peace will not stop until it becomes a reality guaranteeing dignity and safety for all.

With the participation of more than 300 Mothers of Peace, coming from 24 cities in Kurdistan and Turkey, the capital Ankara witnessed, on November 2, a sit-in organized in Kortuluş Park to demand peace.

 The following day, a delegation of the participants headed to the Turkish Parliament, where it held a series of meetings with representatives of parties, conveying to them the mothers' demands regarding peace, before returning to their cities.

Speaking about the event, Kevi Işık, a member of the Council of Mothers of Peace from Van, affirmed that heading to Ankara came as a confirmation of adherence to peace and the continuation of the struggle for it, stressing that the mothers will not retreat until a lasting peace is achieved.

"The earth has had its fill of blood"

She explained that the Mothers of Peace from various cities decided to head to Ankara with a joint will, despite all difficulties. "We made our decision for peace, and we said we would go to Ankara no matter what happens, in fulfillment of our word and our position. We will not retreat from our position."

She added: "Enough is enough, and everyone must resort to their consciences and give this phase their attention. The earth has had its fill of blood, and we mothers no longer want more bloodshed, but want a lasting peace under which everyone lives in dignity. A mother remains a mother, whether she is Turkish, Kurdish, Sorani, Arab, or Yazidi. There is no difference between one mother and another; our hearts have burned, and we went out to the squares and roads so that other mothers would not live the same pain."

"Even if fire rains down, we will continue the struggle for peace"

She pointed out that the mothers headed from the parliament gate to Kortuluş Park amid chants and slogans. "The scene was full of enthusiasm, beauty, and sanctity, to the point that we did not believe what our eyes saw. We were constantly talking about how to achieve our goal, and we touched a very positive reception and interaction, and we felt that others also realize the importance of this step. We spent the night in the sit-in, and most of us could not sleep. We lit the fire and sat around it and sang, and young people joined us and participated in the sit-in shift."

She added: "During the night, rain fell and water leaked into our tent, but we adhered to our position and repeated what we always say: Whatever the circumstances, whether rain falls, floods sweep us, or fire rains down on our bodies, we will bear the difficulties for peace. We are ready for everything so that peace is achieved with dignity in this country."

"Let us build a bridge for peace together"

Kevi Işık stressed that the responsibility for achieving peace does not fall on the mothers alone, but requires everyone's participation and solidarity, calling for not ignoring the pain of mothers who lost their children or were even deprived of knowing the fate of their remains. "There are mothers who cannot see their children, and millions of mothers have lost their children, while thousands of them could not even see the bones of their children. Despite all this pain and sorrow, we still extend our hands for peace. We have always wanted it, and we still adhere to it. Hence, I direct my call to all mothers: Rise up for this phase and for peace. Let us all stand together, transcend all barriers, and build together a bridge that carries us to peace."

"The Kurdish people have taken many steps for peace"

Speaking about the peace and democratic society process launched by Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Kevi Işık affirmed that peace formed the focus of his calls and positions, considering that guaranteeing his physical freedom represents the fundamental entry point for pushing the process forward.

She said: "The demand of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan, and of every person who possesses a conscience, is to achieve peace. A solution cannot be reached through war and killing; rather, brotherhood and unity must be established no matter the circumstances. Everyone must take practical steps for peace, while preserving their partisan affiliations and their loyalty to their martyrs and leaders."

She stressed that "now is the time for alliance and peace. Devlet Bahçeli directed a call within the framework of this phase, in which he demanded the presence of Leader Abdullah Öcalan in parliament, and Öcalan subsequently announced his permanent readiness for peace. Through his call, Öcalan addressed his people, and this was followed by the announcement of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) dissolving its organizational structure. The Kurds have taken the steps required of them, and the state must also meet these steps with tangible measures as soon as possible. The first step must be guaranteeing the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, because without the freedom of our leader, our freedom will not be possible."

She believes that Leader Abdullah Öcalan is an essential party in the peace process, calling for listening to his calls and working to strengthen the internal unity of the Kurdish people. "Achieving peace is linked to Abdullah Öcalan. Everyone must listen to him and adhere to what he proposes. The Kurdish people must maintain their connection to their leader, their martyrs, and their movement, and must first work to strengthen their internal unity and solidarity."

"We will continue the struggle until peace is achieved"

Kevi Işık renewed the affirmation that the Mothers of Peace will not stop their movements until peace is achieved, pointing out that they have knocked on the doors of cities, neighborhoods, and homes, and extended their hands to various parties to end the cycle of violence.

She demanded that the Turkish state take practical steps, renewing the affirmation that guaranteeing the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Öcalan should be the first step in this phase, asking: "How can this peace be achieved if our leader is not free and able to exist alongside his people? The state must move without delay, for we want to see Abdullah Öcalan in parliament and among the sons of his people. This is our fundamental demand."

Kevi Işık concluded her talk by affirming that the Mothers of Peace will continue their struggle, and that they will not abandon their endeavors until peace transforms from a demand raised by mothers in the squares into a reality that everyone lives in dignity and safety.