MERSIN – Socialist organization and trade union representatives in Mersin emphasized the collective responsibility in democratizing Turkey. “For the democratization of this country, for the development of a democratic society and republic, everyone has duties. Including the state, every individual must fulfill this task,” they said.

 

Referring to Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society,” the speakers stressed the need for a democratic and peaceful resolution to the Kurdish issue. They emphasized that the new period must be built through lessons from the past and a strong social alliance.

 

Nejdet Kılıç, Spokesperson, Mersin 78’ers Movement, acknowledged the process has created both hope and uncertainty among the public. He described Öcalan’s proposal as “a valuable approach aiming for peaceful co-existence of peoples on the basis of equal citizenship,” stating: “We revolutionaries, socialists, progressives, and democrats must strengthen and socialize this process.”

 

He further emphasized that Öcalan’s message is directed not only at Kurds but also to leftist and progressive circles: “The PKK has dissolved itself; the Republic of Turkey must also take steps in this regard. Airstrikes must cease... The construction of a democratic society must involve all democratic forces... Peace talks should be accelerated immediately with transparency and legal guarantees in Parliament, as Mr. Öcalan has suggested.”

 

Figen Kandemir, Vice Chair, Mersin 68’ers Association, she addressed the deep-rooted distrust within socialist circles due to previous failed peace efforts: “A new world is being formed... There’s a new map shaped by imperialist powers... Turkey’s position in this map is critical... We hoped this peace process would be different, but even symbolic steps like the parole law were not taken.”

 

İhsan Derinöz, Founder of Dev-Lis, stated that the Kurdish struggle had reached a critical stage at a heavy cost: “This prolonged conflict caused thousands of deaths and nearly $3 trillion in economic loss to the country.”

 

He added: “Everyone has duties to build a democratic republic. The state, too. Because this fire is burning all of us.”

 

Women’s Secretary, Retirees Union Mersin Sıdıka Gündüz pointed to the public’s anxiety caused by the lack of clarity in the process. She said: “We want a fully democratic country. We want to live with dignity. No more mothers should cry... If this process is managed well, it can yield significant gains.”

 

MA / Abdulkadir Ayten