Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Co-Spokesperson for Diplomacy, Hafize İpek, evaluated the ongoing discussions regarding the establishment of national unity among Kurdish parties and organizations.

Noting that they have increased their contacts with Kurdistani parties following Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call for national unity, İpek stated that the overall response has been positive. She added that dialogue continues with parties that are approaching the process with caution.

 

‘NATIONAL UNITY IS ESSENTIAL’

 

Hafize İpek highlighted that as part of these efforts, the Democratic Unity Initiative and the Kurdish Women’s Unity Platform have been established, stressing that national unity is “essential” under the current circumstances. “This fragmentation among the Kurds does not benefit Kurds. It does not help other marginalized people either. In order for this process to succeed from the Kurdish perspective unity is necessary. With this awareness, the work continues,” she said. 

 

Pointing out that internal contradictions among Kurds and cceratin international developments pose obstacles to national unity, Hafize Ipek stated, “Kurdish national unity will undoubtedly be achieved.”

 

She recalled Abdullah Öcalan’s message that “the fragmentation of Kurds has become a deep societal wound and a source of weakness.” Hafize Ipek added, “Mr Öcalan says unity must be formed on the condition that Kurds are able to govern themselves. I believe that in efforts such as cultural unity and linguistic unity, all parts should jointly raise their level of struggle.”

 

Emphasizing the need for all parties, institutions, and organizations to come together for unity, Hafize Ipek said: “National unity can only be achieved by coming together on a common ground. Work on this common ground continues. Especially on the women’s front; a women’s platform has been established in Rojava (East Kurdistan-Syria). In Başûr (South Kurdistan-Iraq), a women’s platform has also been created. In Bakur (North Kurdistan-Turkey), the declaration of the Kurdish Women’s Platform has been made. As a result of these developments, the formation of the National Kurdish Women’s Union will become a reality—and this is truly an overdue formation. The same must happen more broadly as well.”

 

‘KURDS MUST ATTAIN STATUS’

 

Highlighting the importance of national unity in protecting Kurdish gains, Hafiz Ipek stressed: “Kurds must shoulder responsibility for unity in every part. Everyone must approach this with awareness. Because resolving the Kurdish issue is a key pillar of peace in the region. A status has been achieved in Rojava through immense struggle. In Turkey, the conditions must be adapted accordingly to establish a Kurdish status. That status is only possible through existence, and that existence can only be achieved through unity.”

 

MA / Müjdat Can