ANKARA — Writer Nesrin Akgül commented on Abdullah Öcalan’s second-phase message, stating: “It is a text whose every article must be discussed one by one, and what is necessary must be debated. It was a call that set forth how peace can be established through a character of democratic integration.”

 

Nesrin Akgül spoke at an event organized in Ankara by the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party on the anniversary of the “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society.”

 

Nesrin Akgül said the process that began a year ago has advanced step by step and noted that the new period will also unfold in stages. “The first stage was about mutual persuasion, building sincerity and trust through confidence-building measures. Despite its shortcomings, we are about to move beyond that first phase. Mr. Öcalan has now declared how to transition to the second phase — the phase of democratic integration — outlining its historical background and the steps that must be taken,” she said.

 

‘EVERY ARTICLE MUST BE DISCUSSED’

 

Nesrin Akgül emphasized that the call is highly significant for all peoples: “It is a framework in which every article must be debated individually, and what is required must be discussed. It was a call that laid out what is necessary for the construction of a democratic republic for both Türkiye and the Kurdish people, and how peace can be built through democratic integration.”

 

‘A CALL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC’

 

Nesrin Akgül highlighted that one of the key points in the message was the fact that a year had passed since the historic call. “Of course, this year had many setbacks, but being able to leave it behind is important. It was a call defining the responsibilities of the state and of us all, and outlining how Kurds and Turks can build a new democratic republic together,” she said.

 

A CALL FOR WOMEN TO PLAY A LEADING ROLE

 

Nesrin Akgül described the message as a call for the transition from the existing republic to a democratic republic. Nesrin Akgül said: “Women are central within this text. Women constitute the main subject of this process. Against the masculine character of the republic, the monist mindset, and the patriarchal spirit revealed by the ongoing killings of women, the program of a democratic republic includes everyone. However, the most pressing issue of the current social crisis is the mentality produced by the male-dominated system and state structure.”

 

She argued that the state mentality can only become sensitive to democracy through sensitivity to women and the achievement of women’s freedom. She concluded: “At this point, women are one of the founding subjects. Mr. Öcalan made a call for women to play their leading role in the construction of a democratic republic and emphasized that they are the driving force of this transformation.” 

 

MA / Sema Bingöl