MERSIN — Former political prisoner who spent 32 years in prison Cevat Yerdegul has called for “trust-building and concrete steps” to advance the ongoing peace process concerning the Kurdish issue in Turkey.
Kurdish Freedom Movement announced its withdrawal to the Media Defense Areas in Bakur Kurdistan (Turkey) on October 26, following the PKK’s earlier decision to dissolve and disarm as part of the Peace and Democratic Society Process initiated under Ocalan’s guidance. The movememnt described the withdrawal as the start of the “second phase” of the process.
Yerdegul, who was released from Afyon Bolvadin T-Type Prison on May 2, told reporters that Ocalan’s release would play a decisive role in building lasting peace.“Mr. Öcalan’s presence outside would allow the foundations of peace to be built on stronger and healthier grounds,” he said.
‘THE ISSUE MUST BE RESOLVED WİTH ITS TRUE INTERLOCUTOR’
Yerdegül stressed that meaningful progress depends on direct talks with Öcalan: “The interlocutor of the Kurdish issue is Mr. Öcalan. Direct negotiations with him would make a positive contribution to the process. The isolation must be lifted immediately. Not only official delegations but also journalists and representatives of civil society should be allowed to meet with him.”
He also urged the media to adopt a more constructive tone: “The war rhetoric of the 1990s did not produce solutions. The media of that era contributed to deep social trauma. Similar language still creates negative effects today. What people need most is peace — the media should embrace a language that promotes it.”
‘A MODEL BEYOND TURKEY’
Stating that Ocalan’s vision for a democratic society offers not only a path toward peace in Turkey but also a potential model fort he wider Middle East Yerdegul said: “Politics in the region currently produce nothing but war, from Palestine to Iran, the situation is clear. If the peace process succeeds, it could open a new door of hop efor the peoples of the region.”
Yerdegul criticized lack of confidence-building measures from the government: “The guerrillas’ withdrawal is a gesture of goodwill, but politics must act more courageously. The discussions held so far have not been enough to convince the public. Trust must be established through tangible, concrete steps.”
‘POLITICAL AND LEGAL REFORMS ARE ESSENTIAL’
He underlined that progress in the peace process requires both political and legal reforms: “A framework must be created to open the path for democratic politics. The Kurdish people’s linguistic and cultural rights must be guaranteed. Such steps would build trust and bring relief to society. Neither the Turkish nor the Kurdish people would oppose this.”
He stressed that genuine integration between communities cannot be built on denial: “Every society has its own culture, history, and values. Democratic integration means mutual recognition and participation, not assimilation, but coexistence.”
‘NO HEALTHY PROCESS WHILE ISOLATION CONTINUES’
Yerdegul stressed that the public’s main expectation is Ocalan’s freedom and concluded: “Mr Ocalan must be released unconditionally. His freedom would have a stronger and more positive impact on the peace process. As long as isolation continues, a healthy process is impossible. Overcoming prejudice and making progress requires opening dialogue with Mr Ocalan across different segments of society.”
MA / Mehmet Gules – Abdulkadir Ayten