Helin Ahmed

Sulaymaniyah — On October 26, the Freedom Movement announced the withdrawal of its forces from Turkish territory, a step considered a historic turning point paving the way for the second phase of the Call for Peace and the Democratic Society.

The historic call made by Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, in which he called for “peace and a democratic society,” brought about a major transformation in the political and social landscape within Turkey, as well as in the Middle East and the world. Following the 12th Congress held on July 11, the Peace and Democratic Society Group, led by Bese Hozat, the co-chair of the Freedom Movement, organized a conference in Jasina Cave in the city of Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region, to discuss ways to strengthen the path toward a democratic solution.

On October 26, the Freedom Movement’s fighters announced their withdrawal from the Turkish borders toward the legitimate defense zones, a step seen as an indication of their commitment to peace. However, the Turkish Parliament decided to extend military operations in Kurdistan Region and Syria for an additional three years, sparking wide controversy.

 

 

“The Kurds Have Always Been Peaceful”

Political activist in Kirkuk and member of the Central Committee of the Freedom Movement, Bekhal Fawzi, stated:

 “The Kurdish people have always been peaceful and have sought to resolve their issues through peaceful and collective means. The peace process in Northern Kurdistan is the goal of every Kurd. Under the leadership of the Freedom Movement, the Kurdish people have taken several important steps toward peace — from disarmament to the withdrawal of their fighters from the Turkish borders. Therefore, the Turkish state must also take meaningful steps toward this process.”

She explained that the withdrawal of the Freedom Movement’s fighters from the Turkish borders crowns a series of peaceful initiatives undertaken by the movement within the peace process.

 “This process has gone through multiple stages. The movement’s statement emphasized that today is not a day for waiting, but a day for organized struggle for freedom and democracy.”

Fawzi stressed that everyone — especially women — must play an active role in advancing the peace process:

“The whole world is watching the position of the Turkish state, which must recognize the existence of the Kurdish people and take serious steps toward resolving the Kurdish issue through dialogue and peace.”