Tuncer Bakırhan reiterates call for freedom for terrorist leader Öcalan: 'He needs to meet with his own people'

Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan spoke at a rally organized by the Şanlıurfa Labor and Democracy Platform as part of September 1 World Peace Day events. Bakırhan stated regarding terrorist leader Abdullah Öcalan, "You cannot imprison Öcalan in a 12-square-meter cell; he needs to meet with his own people."

Addressing the crowd at the rally, DEM Party's Bakırhan said, "We will wage a great struggle together for peace and freedom. With his call, Öcalan dispelled hopelessness and took on a great responsibility. The Middle East has turned into a bloodbath. In the midst of all this, Öcalan also made a call for peace."

"YOU MUST ACCEPT OUR LANGUAGE AND OUR RIGHTS"

Stating that the security of the new era cannot be ensured with weapons and borders, Bakırhan said, "A new world is being built. Those who do not read this will lose. The safest harbor of the new era is peace. Cannons, rifles, and barbed wire on the border do not ensure security. Peace is labor; it is preventing the murder of women. Peace is struggle. We will share the burden of Öcalan's peace responsibility. Despite this heat in Urfa, tens of thousands are in this square. What we say to the government from here is this: you must accept our language, our will, and our rights. You must stop denying this. Because this people has not given up on these rights for years, and they will not give up. No one can escape legal regulations anymore."

"THE COMMISSION MUST LISTEN TO ÖCALAN"

Bakırhan argued that peace would be achieved through action, not words, and added: "We demand that the government respect and accept the will of our people. The way must be opened for meetings with Öcalan. Öcalan's views envision a unifying life model. Furthermore, the Commission must listen to and meet with Öcalan as soon as possible."

CALL FOR FREEDOM FOR TERRORIST LEADER ÖCALAN

Stating that the commission must take steps for peace, Bakırhan said, "Almost all parties are in the commission. The commission must take steps appropriate for peace. We are not reinventing the world. There is an example in Ireland. They made peace with those who held the weapons. Today, they have to meet with Öcalan. You cannot imprison Öcalan in a 12-square-meter cell from this hour on."

EMPHASIS ON THE RIGHT TO HOPE

Bakırhan said, "Öcalan needs to meet with his own people. We must be the side that solves the problem. Öcalan's 'right to hope' must now be recognized. Peace is won through struggle. We cannot win this process by standing still. We must put forth a struggle greater than the one we have waged for 40 years so that peace may come to these lands."