Saleh Muslim: Beneficiaries of war block peace process

Saleh Muslim, member of the Presidential Council of the Democratic Union Party (PYD), confirmed that the Leader's call is the definitive solution to the wars raging in the Middle East. He called on the international community and the Turkish government to achieve the physical freedom of Leader Abdullah Ocalan and to complete the peace process through dialogue and mutual respect.

In an interview conducted by ANHA agency with Saleh Muslim, he assessed the impact of Leader Abdullah Ocalan’s call issued on February 27 on the stance of the Turkish state and international forces towards it, as well as internal factors within Turkey and the role of the democratic society at this stage.

The interview text is as follows:

How do you evaluate the initiative launched by Leader Abdullah Ocalan on February 27, and what is your opinion of the Turkish response to it so far?

When Leader Abdullah Ocalan made this call, it was not only for the Kurdish and Turkish peoples; it impacted the entire Middle East. But how prepared is the other side for this? Some parties in Turkey have reached the point of changing themselves, but not all of them. For this reason, the call is still ongoing. We saw the PKK resolve itself and announce a ceasefire; the Kurdish people and their organizations view the issue very positively. But to what extent will the other side understand this? Therefore, we assume the current call is for solving the Kurdish issue and finding a comprehensive solution for the Middle East. Here, the Turkish state must take the initiative first because it is Turkey itself that places obstacles before the Kurdish issue in the four parts of Kurdistan. It is very important for the Kurdish people to follow up on this matter to solve their issue. We hope our people view this issue more deeply and broadly.

Given that the process faces delay and procrastination from the Turkish state, how do you assess the Turkish government's stance on this initiative, especially regarding the need to respect the choices of the democratic society and the concerned parties?

Of course, there should have been an opportunity to respond to the Leader's call and achieve what he demanded, but many still do not believe in this opportunity, even some inside Turkey do not believe in it. Who are they? They are the beneficiaries of this ongoing war; those who profit from the war against the Kurdish people and Kurdistan. There are many forces inside and outside the country that do not want peace or a solution to the Kurdish issue. These parties exist within the Turkish state itself more than among the Kurds. As we have seen, the leader of the Nationalist Movement Party, Devlet Bahçeli, understood and accepted this. In other words, all parties in Turkey except the Turkish chauvinist parties have expressed their willingness and acceptance. But now, who can achieve this? It is the state itself— the Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Erdoğan. On this front, there are obstacles. What are these obstacles? Those who have special interests in this war do not want it to end. Therefore, you will fight until their views change.

Although Leader Abdullah Ocalan has taken two practical and professional steps, what is your opinion on the continuation of the isolation imposed on him, and what are the effects of this isolation on the political and humanitarian  situation?

Isolation is certainly not new; it has lasted for 26 years and has reached a stage that requires a solution. This isolation contradicts international law and human rights standards in general. If you want someone to work for peace, you must release him to be free. Historical figures like Nelson Mandela and Gandhi are the best examples of this, they were released so they could speak to the people and movements. This requires a change in mentality.

If the Turkish state has not done this until now, it is a grave mistake. There has been some leniency, such as allowing the visitations of some imprisoned comrades, families, a delegation from the People's Equality and Democracy Party and some other facilitations. For example, they formed a general secretariat, and the Leader will be able to work more. But this is not enough. The criteria they have set so far are enough to do what they want and serve their goal. Certainly, neither the people nor the organization nor we accept this. Therefore, the Leader must be able to communicate and discuss freely and comfortably with the Kurdish people and everyone. The Leader is not required to bear this responsibility, nor can he. But if the Leader were free, he could do many other things.

How can pressure be applied to the Turkish government to lift the isolation and allow family and lawyer visits, especially in light of its international and human rights obligations?

The Kurdish people have continued their activity relentlessly since the international conspiracy against the Leader began until today. For example, we contacted Nelson Mandela's lawyers, who advised us: "If you stand still and do not act, your leader will be forgotten; they will work on that." Therefore, the struggle that has been waged inside and outside the homeland, and what is happening today, is the result of the resistance of the people and the guerrillas, the resistance of Kurdish social, political, and diplomatic efforts. If we weaken or neglect, then the Turkish state will act as it wishes. So this resistance must continue. One of these activities now is the international campaign, and there is also a campaign called "I Want to Visit Abdullah Ocalan," in which, as we were informed, 39 people want to meet the Leader; all are prominent professors, academics, and politicians worldwide. Then they will say, "Either you lie, or you do not tell the truth." These activities and events must not stop; otherwise, the enemy will act as it wishes concerning the Leader.

Do you believe there are internal factors within the Turkish state causing procrastination in implementing practical steps? If so, what do you think are the main motives behind that?

There are many factors inside the Turkish state that form obstacles. Economically, they are wealthy capitalists and see these obstacles as serving their interests. For example, let's say there are all these Turkish soldiers in Kurdistan today, and those who provide bread to these soldiers do not want their withdrawal so their bakeries will not stop. This is a very simple example. Additionally, there are smugglers and arms dealers, and there is also an oligarchy in Turkey. How can those who climbed to the top, like Erdoğan, come down? They denied the existence of Kurds and want change, or rather a mentality based on "Kurds are terrorists and must be killed." They have reached the point of beating and killing anyone who sings in Kurdish. They find it difficult to accept the Kurdish people and live together in general. Racists formed parties based on this mentality. So, there are many obstacles that require their own struggle. The Kurdish people, through their organization, i.e., the People's Equality and Democracy Party go from house to house, village to village, city to city, to explain to the people the outcome of peace. In the end, justice will prevail, which is peace and democratic society.

Do you see the international community as responsible for either obstructing or facilitating this process? What role can international powers play in ending the isolation and respecting the democratic process?

Why are so many international powers present in the Middle East now? They are here for their own interests, not just now, but for centuries. They promote their trade, sell their weapons, and spread their culture. They do not want a free society capable of acting independently, nor do they want enmity. So what do they do? They hinder the activities of some communities. Why was the PKK listed as a terrorist organization? For their interests with the Turkish state. On every Turkish visit to Britain or America, Turks say, "The PKK is terrorist." Has the PKK committed terrorist acts against the English or Americans? No. So how is it classified as terrorist? Because of their interests with the Turkish state. Thus, the relationships of international powers with the Kurds and other peoples are based on interests. What is most important here? International powers do not engage in this issue themselves; rather, they incite parties against each other and support one side at the expense of another. So it is important to be socially cautious and aware. We must know that all their actions serve their interests, not ours. If we do not make this mistake, our problems will be solved.

Unfortunately, this is still the case. Some international powers want peace in the Middle East to allow oil pipelines to pass and trade routes to open, all through Kurdistan. Since their projects are stalled, they want a solution. Others do not want it because they sell weapons thanks to ongoing wars, and they have their own goals now. For example, the European Union has its own laws on human rights and its peoples which prioritize democracy, and we now want to accept these standards and principles for the Kurdish, Turkish, Arab peoples, and others. Since the peace process started, a very special war began. They work on digital media like an army against this. Who are these? Those who have interests in this war, so they do not want peace. There is also a conflict about this; some international forces accept it, others do not. Therefore, we are asked to resort to institutions to understand this problem. We hope to achieve good results in the future.

What message do you send to the Turkish authorities regarding this process and the necessity to respect the human and political rights of Leader Abdullah Ocalan and the people of Kurdistan?

It is not us who say this, but the Turkish state itself admits that it has lost billions of dollars in the current war. Although Turkey has all these resources and generally exploits Kurdistan's resources, it has reached a point where the Turkish people search for their food in garbage. These are the results of the war on the Kurds. About 4-5 thousand villages in Kurdistan have been burned and evacuated; these villages used to supply products to Turkey, and today, the Turkish state is forced to import meat. The reason for all this food crisis is the war against the Kurds. What have they gained from this war throughout the last century, from Lausanne until now? Thousands of our people have become martyrs, thousands killed, and they speak of 60,000 dead on their side. They say, "We spent two trillion dollars on this war." Why? All so the Kurds do not become free and to enslave them. The Leader mentioned this truth in his pleadings and clarified it. They should think about what they need now: peace, brotherhood, and stability. So they should work to achieve it. Let us all do this together.

How do you assess the internal and Kurdistan reactions to the delay in implementing this initiative, and what steps do you think are important to ensure the success of the process?

When the Leader took this step, he considered all Kurdish parties and took everyone's opinions. Therefore, 90 percent of Kurds support this initiative and will do their utmost to achieve it. Those remaining outside are those whose relations with the enemy remain for their own interests or those influenced by other ideas. But they will join us gradually. Some parties and international forces will be forced to change their views. For example, in the Syrian file, let us solve current problems with the Damascus authorities. They support ISIS and the current government. Why are they against us? Why do they extend their hands? To eliminate the Kurds. But if that happens, you will be the losers. We hope international powers consider this. We have said before that we should adopt the principles and standards they embrace regarding democracy, but they should not crush us for their interests. It should not reach the level of war and death. This has been the case until now and some progress has been made, but it has not reached the level that one truly supports and wants to adopt. We hope for greater change in the future.

In your opinion, what is the future of the Peace Call process in light of this great challenge? What will be the future of the peace call? And what role should democratic societies and their forces play in this context?

Leader Abdullah Ocalan's call has pushed many to reconsider themselves, many minds opened and thought about it. For example, unity was achieved among the Kurds in Rojava Kurdistan. I believe this unity will also be achieved at the level of all Kurdistan. The Leader has already proposed this. He said: "Let both the Kurdistan Community (KCK) and the Kurdish National Congress (KNK) unite, and let Masoud Barzani be included and supervise this process." Thus, the Kurds will advance. This is for all democratic forces. It is time for no one to lie to or deceive themselves; if you want democracy, here it is; if you want equality, here it is. Come and do not lie to or deceive yourselves. This is all for us. International forces that support democracy and peace, and who say, "Freedom, equality, democracy," should also support us in establishing these principles. We must work and find supporters to influence the international arena and even state policies. They should realize that this homeland has its owners, and even if they have their own interests, they will be able to consider their interests alongside principles. I believe if all this is achieved, the situation will be better.

Are there additional messages you want to convey to the Turkish authorities or the international community about the need to end the policy of isolation and complete the dialogue and peace process?

The war has been ongoing in the Middle East for centuries and has not stopped yet. The Leader’s call is the ultimate solution for this war. Therefore, everyone is required to support the Leader’s call. First, international powers must be convinced to release the owner of this thought and philosophy so he can work. He has been struggling for years; he is a thinker and philosopher with many followers and an organization. So they must do this. This is required of everyone who wants to see peace in the Middle East. It cannot be achieved without someone adopting it. Look at the turmoil and unrest the Middle East has witnessed since 1923, from Lausanne until now, due to the failure to solve the Kurdish issue. Today, there are ways and means, and the people are ready to do it. The conditions of the Middle East require freedom, equality, and leadership. Those who want to achieve peace in the Middle East must do these things together. Many say "true" until now, but when it comes to implementation, they back down.

A-H

ANHA