ŞIRNEX - The Peace Mothers, who commented on the process, emphasized that peace could be achieved through the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, stating, “Blood cannot be cleansed with blood, but only with clear water. For 50 years, there has been war and death. There is not a single inch of land left in Kurdistan where our children's blood has not been shed.” 

 

While the process initiated by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan's call for “Peace and a Democratic Society” on February 27 continues, the state has not responded to public expectations. While the state is expected to take positive steps towards the process, attacks on Kurdistan's nature continue. 

 

Peace Mothers who participated in the vigil action held in the Besta Region of Şirnex on September 9-10, led by the Democratic Institutions Platform (DEKUP) with the slogan “No to eco-genocide, we are marching against the plundering of nature,” shared their assessments of the process.

 

‘The people of Kurdistan are still suffering oppression’

 

Emine Oruç, a Peace Mother who condemned the tree felling, said that the felling was carried out by forest rangers. Emine Oruç said, “Enough is enough! Everyone needs to reach out in the name of brotherhood. How long will we remain the oppressed and persecuted? We want peace and tranquility, but they continue to destroy nature and wage war. We are all brothers and sisters; there is no difference between us. Our children have scattered to the four corners of the world because they are unemployed and hungry. This is a disgrace for Turkey. The people of Kurdistan are still suffering oppression. Every day we suffer oppression and injustice."

 

‘We want the freedom of our leader’

 

Peace Mother Nebiha Acar stated that the call made by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27 was an important step. Emphasizing that this was an important step not only for Kurds but also for Turks and all peoples, Nebiha Acar said, "But unfortunately, no step has been taken by the Turkish State. We mothers want peace to be realized. We want peace to be established in all four parts of Kurdistan. We want the freedom of our leadership. Enough is enough, how long will our children remain in prisons?

 

Mothers brought those children into the world to live with them. No mother gave birth to her child to die or be imprisoned. All mothers in the four parts of Kurdistan who say, “I am a mother, I have a conscience,” should stand up and join hands. Whether Turkish, Kurdish, Circassian, or Arab, a mother is a mother. Let us all join hands; enough is enough. All mothers want peace. We do not want war, bloodshed, or death.”

 

'Not a single inch of land remains untouched by the blood of our children'

 

Pointing out that the war has been going on for over 50 years, Nebiha Acar noted that death and war have brought nothing. Nebiha Acar said, “No one can be free as long as the leadership is not free. The leadership must be free, and the Turkish state must sit down at the table with them. This is what must be done for lasting peace between the Turkish and Kurdish peoples. There has been war and death for 50 years. 

 

Not a single inch of land remains in Kurdistan where our children's blood has not been shed. Our children are still in prison. I had four brothers; two were martyred, one is in prison. Only one brother remains. My nephews and grandchildren are the same. All mothers are experiencing what I have experienced. We no longer want deaths and imprisonments. We are mothers, our hearts ache, we want peace. We want to be with our children now."

 

‘Let the war end and the prisoners be released’

 

Peace Mother Kıymet Acar also said that they stand behind the call made by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and that they too are in favor of peace. Recalling that the Peace Mothers were prevented from speaking in Kurdish at the parliamentary committee meeting, Kıymet Acar continued: "Today, both the leadership and our politicians should be in Parliament and carry out their work there. This war must be ended by coming together.

 

We have no faith. If they are sincere, they should take a step too. Our mother tongue, our culture, our art are being banned. The war continues. We are mothers, our hearts are burning, we don't want to cry anymore. Without the Leadership being free, we cannot be free either. Without the Leadership being free, peace cannot be achieved."

 

‘Peace cannot be achieved without reconciling with our leader’

 

Peace Mother Maşallah Kaya emphasized that Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s call aimed to achieve peace and end the deaths, asking, “How much longer will the bloodshed continue?” Maşallah Kaya said, “Enough already, let neither Kurdish nor Turkish mothers’ hearts burn. No more soldiers, police, or guerrillas should be killed. The Kurds and the PKK have fulfilled their responsibilities. But if they do not carry the burden on their shoulders and fulfill their duties, peace cannot be achieved. 

 

Let there be peace now, and let them sit at the table with Leader Öcalan. Enough people have died. The ground is full, the prisons are full. Let them release the people in prison now. Isn't that enough? Thousands of prisoners with serious illnesses are still in prison today. Our hearts are burning, we don't want other people's hearts to burn. Peace cannot be achieved while the Leader is imprisoned. Peace cannot be achieved without peace with our Leader."