This is a summary of a discussion we had with Lilav on February 28th, a young women organized with TekoJIN.
The dissolution of the PKK or the laying down of arms does not mean that we are “finished”. It means that we still have a lot to do, but that we can now work differently.
Won’t Turkey have all the more reasons to fight us now?
We have little trust to begin with and can’t expect a major change from the Turkish state. The PKK will not be able to continue defending itself like it has been, which is why we need new ways. It is also a process: it will not be done by tomorrow. Öcalan’s statement is also an outcall to start something new.
Regarding the accusation that Öcalan is only saying what he has to say as a prisoner and whether there is a chance that criminalization will decrease:
The Turkish state had 26 years to put pressure on him, but failed to do so. Öcalan has access to the media, at least Turkish media. He has certainly noticed the developments. He has recognized the political gap, the current weakness of the Turkish state. We have to make sure that he can work and read freely. The ban on releasing the video of him giving the statement is also a demonstration of power.
The criminalization of the Kurds will not disappear overnight. There was a massacre in Paris during the last peace process. (Note: Referring to the murder of Sakine Cansiz, Fidan Dogan and Leyla Saylemez) We have to be aware of many dangers, provocations, denial and persecutions.
Will the DEM delegation continue going to Imrali?
It has to. If it doesn’t, the process will take a completely different turn. If there are no possibilities for visits, a peace process cannot happen.
On the situation in Rojava (North- and East Syria):
The units there are not disarming. There are negotiations with the HTS to ensure the continuation of autonomy. There is also an attempt to integrate the SDF autonomously into the Syrian army.
Is the situation comparable to other armed struggles in the world?
The PKK was never made for just defending the population. Its main goal was to build up society and autonomy. Therefore, it is not directly comparable with Colombia or, as a good example, Indonesia.
Nevertheless, all such movements are following a similar path. They are fighting for the same thing at different levels around the world. The struggle for a free life is what unites us all and teaches us about each other’s experiences.
What are the concrete demands to the Turkish state?
The constitution must be amended and the DEM party must take a leading role, so that the population can develop in all areas. From schools to the economy to health. This needs to be guaranteed. For this policy to be possible, society need to put pressure on the Turkish state. That includes all of us.
Once again about the dissolution of the PKK:
The PKK congress will decide how exactly this will happen. We cannot say how long it will take from the outside. The development can already be read in the roadmap. The final decision lies with the party. Apo did not order, but only demanded that the PKK disband.
Why are we giving so much power to a prisoner? Are we giving power to the Turkish state ?
We give so much importance to his statements because he has given so much to society. All strategic decisions to date, including Sengal and Rojava, are built on the foundations of Öcalan’s efforts. That’s why we have this much trust in him. In other words: It is time that the PKK no longer makes decisions for the people, but that the people make decisions themselves. Power is not being transferred to the Turkish state, but responsibility is being transferred to society.
Isn’t disarmament nonsensical?
It is a change that comes with a lot of risk, nobody is denying that. Öcalan is aware of this risk. But he is also aware that it can’t go on like this. It will be a difficult chapter, but it’s already here. It is the next step in our fight that may also make things easier for us. There are risks in any case.
What have so many people died for?
This will be a big question for many families of fallen and wounded fighters. Disarming the PKK does not mean disarming the values and ideas behind it. The fallen and wounded, but above all the fallen, have created values. Those who take responsibility today think of them. „The blood of the fallen should not remain on the ground.“ We must continue the fight, but differently. If we say that they did not fall in vain, we must take responsibility and continue the fight. It is a new beginning, a different way to carry on. The PKK are values and principles that allow us to live on. As Öcalan himself says: The whole movement is a movement built on the efforts of the fallen. So is society.
The state will not change its mentality so quickly. We also have to work socially with Turks. What I mean is: There are many Armenians, Arabs and so on living in Rojava. We have to learn to build a life together. Changing the state means above all changing the mentality of the people. Let’s take the German state as an example: the CDU’s election victories are due to a mentality. States don’t change their mentalities, but people can.
What impact will this have on youth structures?
There needs to be a larger panel to discuss how the role of youth will change. There needs to be a focus on building institutions. The conditions under which we conduct our political struggle are changing. How can people who study economics or law use their knowledge to bring the movement ahead? Or how can the youth find a connection to their own Alevi faith? What will not change: A focus on building municipalities and councils. Education needs to be prioritized. More of Öcalan’s works needs to be read, especially the fourth and fifth defense writing, as well as “The roadmap to negotiations”.
How can we take creative action?
We must not respond to provocations. It is not a time in which we can get involved in unnecessary conflicts and get carried away. Let’s not allow ourselves to be provoked. It’s time for us to work on our personalities and communities. It is about taking responsibility with many risks. But we are prepared in Europe as Kurdish youth. We are ready to strengthen the communities and reach out to Kurds who are not yet politically active.