Solution Discussions

Discussions are going on about peace talks between Kurds and Turkey. I thought I would present two opinions which I hope you will find interesting and worthwhile to read. The first one is partial translation of an article from Hasan Bildirici, published 10 May 2009 in Kurdistan Post, titled "Qandil Trip" (emphasis added by me):

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Unilateral decision is enough to start a war however inadequate to end it. We have seen this clearly during various times when PKK declared unilateral cease fire. These attempts were left unanswered and didn't bear any fruit. It's easy to start a war, difficult to end it.

But every war has an end. The first World War lasted four, the second World War lasted six years. PKK and Turkish state have been at war for thirty years. It has been a long and tiring war. Babies held by Kurdish woman at demonstrations are now managing demonstrations, going to the mountains...

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In discussions about solution to the Kurdish issue one method always gets my attention.

"PKK should unconditionally lay down arms and then discussions about solutions should start!"

This is a Turkish state solution. Even if some well known Kurdish personalities say it, to take arms from Kurds and then start talks is a Turkish solution. According to the official records, Kurds laid down arms 29 times, but there has been no solution. I don't believe those who say the result will not be the same for the 30th uprising.

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PKK doesn't need to rush. PKK doesn't have a Kurdish problem, Turkish state has a Kurdish problem it needs to solve.

In conclusion, three things are very important.

First, to reduce the tension and to prevent degeneration and attacks the DTP and the PKK must include other Kurds in solution discussions and ask for their support...

Second, if PKK and Öcalan are not being accepted, the peace discussions should definitely be carried through DTP... As a party that won elections in Turkish system this is DTP's most legitimate and legal right...

Third, it's time to leave reporters' messages, behind the door meetings, facial gestures, and good intention wishes behind in solution discussions...

It's time for committees with clear composition and demands to meet and hold talks...

If not, there is no need to rush...

Turkish state didn't let anyone do anything about the illegitimate status of Cyprus for 35 years...

Kurdish problem is not Kurds problem, it is problem the Turkish state who usurped Kurdistan...

Let the Turkish state try to solve Kurdish problem for once without fraud, without lies...

I don't think the Turkish military wants the conflict to end. If Turkey wanted solution, they would halt operations for a while. On the contrary, Turkey says they want the problem to be solved while they conduct operations and pressure PKK who declared cease fire. Turkish military says they want the problem solved but yet the Chief of General Staff says "we are against collective cultural rights" in other words, no freedom for Kurdish language or any other cultural right for which Kurds have been going up to the mountains to begin with.

Here is another interesting piece; an interview with Michael Gunter published at Kurdish Media and titled "Dr Michael Gunter:It is not rational for Turkey to refuse to deal with the PKK" (emphasis added by me).

Gunter’s voice has always been one of balance and compromise, he explains “Therefore, the Kurds and their supporters must continue to press the Turkish state for the necessary reforms that will lead to Turkey’s EU accession and as a result help solve the Kurdish problem within the confines of a unitary but truly democratic Turkey. To help this process along, the PKK must not initiate any new violent and deadly attacks that would give the Turkish state the excuse to dismiss Kurdish reforms as unjustified. Indeed, the PKK should work toward winning a full and genuine amnesty from the state that would allow it to participate freely but peacefully in the political process. This can only happen if the PKK maintains its military capabilities until it is given the proper guarantees for genuine democracy. Otherwise, the PKK would be simply committing suicide.”

One has to ask. If PKK lays down arms prematurely would it be just their suicide or all the things that are Kurdish too? Given the history and nature of Turkish state, it would be both.