Jail sentence to Peace Mothers

Sat, 03. Jun 2006 15:14:51 +0000

Activisits of Peace Mothers Initiative Muyesser Gunes and Sakine Arat were
sentenced to 1 year jail each and 600 YTL fine in the trial charging them
with ' appraising guilt and guilty'.

The case started about Peace Mothers Activists Muyesser Gunes and Sakine
Arat in Ankara 4 th Criminal Court of peace with charge of ''appraising
guilt and guilty'' was dealt with. The court ruled out 1 year each jail
sentence and 600 YTL fine each for suspects.

In the indictment it is claimed that ''Muyesser Gunes and Sakine Arat had
went to General Staff on 22 August 2005 to talk about incidences taking
place since 1999, had a press briefing there, and committing crime of '
appraising organization and its leader' in the press briefing.''

Gunes: We will object to the decision

Stating they will appeal for decision, Muyesser Gunes, said they drew
attention to urgency of state make steps for solution of Kurdish problem in
the press briefing they held. Indicating they will keep on struggle and
decisiveness imperative for peace, Gunes, said 'We mothers will continue to
insist on peace, brotherhood and freedom. This kind of penalties can not
divert us from peace.'' Gunes told they will appeal for decision.

******************************************************
Co-president of DTP, Turk: Kurds can bring peace to Middle East

Co-presidents of DTP Ahmet Turk and Aysel Tugluk who went to Federal
Kurdistan Region to participate in Meeting of Socialit International Kurd
Study Group had various negotiations with autorities of government as well
as the meeting. Co-president Ahmet Turk had answered questions of DIHA about
results came out of Socialist Intenational Meeting, his contacts during the
week and impressions.

* Can you tell us about aims of your visit to Federal Kurdistan Region?

As you know, there was a meeting of Socialist International Kurd Study
Group. We were also invited to this. This meeting has a great importance for
Kurds. Participation of General Secretary of Socialist International Luiz
Ayala had reinforced this importance. We also participated to the meeting to
see the perspective of Socialist International about Kurdish problem and to
come together with Kurdish political parties. Actually beside this, we had
been desiring to see Iraq Kurdistan and developments here. We want to take
views of political parties in here, and to exchange ideas about subjects
like dialogue between Kurds and how the way of democratic politics can be
opened. At the same time 21st century have expectations about us, we are
here to discuss points like how we can answer this expectations, how can we
develop policies which will be in accordance with expectations of people.

* Generally, what kind of issues were stressed in the meeting?
Discussions were made in 3 points as Kurds in Turkey, Kurds in Iraq and
Kurds in Iran. We put forward our ideas about Kurds in Turkey. We put
forward that if there is a peaceful project, the environment of war and
tension could come to an end. There were statements of General Secretary of
Socialist International Luiz Ayala as they are ready to give support in
subjects like putting forth such a democratic project, a general pardon came
into force, and they will take this subject to general councill.

* How were the approaches of other Kurdish parties to problems experienced
in Turkey?
Clearly, approaches of repreantatives of Kurdish parties did not satisfy us.
We can say that we were expecting a different attitude. They talked about
lack of dialogue between Kurds in Turkey, and between political parties.
They stated that because some political parties are effective there, this
results in weakening of other parties. And we expressed that the process is
a process of dialogue, and we clearly put forward our desire to solve
problems with peaceful ways. We expressed our thought if a democratic
project is put forth and serious steps are made towards solution of Kurdish
problem, the problem will be solved within the unity of Turkey. We stated
our idea that to date the state does not have a democratic projects in front
of it, and the stalemate results from state not having such a project and
most of participants gave support to this. They put forward their ideas
about state to make steps.

* What were the points discussed in terms of solution of Kurdish question?
Kurdish problem is not only a problem of Turkey but that of Middle East. If
Kurds did not incorporate themselves into democratic politics in Turkey, and
their way was blocked, this situation would delay democratization of Turkey
and put barrier in the way of democratic development in Middle East.
Accordingly if politics in Turkey develops in a way which will answer the
demands of its citizens, in peace with its citizens and gaining support of
its citizens, reflection of this will not be limited only to Turkey, it will
bring about change in Middle East fastened. Today, actually demands of Kurds
are very legitimate and right. There are two things; one is creation of
environment in Turkey which I can express myself with my own willpower and
securing right of organizing, identity and cultural rights within the
unitary structure of Turkey. And the second is a general pardon come into
force for assuring social peace. Already these are legitimate and just
demands. Fulfilling these rights will not leave Turkey powerless, to the
contrary it will empower Turkey. Again it will contribute to democracy
prevail in Middle East and in improving diologue with neighbor states. For
this reaso these are demands which can be, could be fulfilled.

* Does Socialist International promise hope in solution of Kurdish problem,
what is your expectations as a party?
When we are putting forward our ideas we can not be in a situation not
expecting support. Everyone should support such a situation. This idea came
out in all contacts we had. There was an important point emerging from our
negotiations. And ideas like if the problem is not solved today, a PKK can
go and another will appear, were sounded by important persons. Because of
this, Kurdish problem is not only a problem of Turkey but Middle East, and a
problem of democratization. Kurds have a democratic accumulation and culture
which could easily provide democratic development of Middle East. Of course
it was emphasized this problem is withing main agenda of Socialist
International and it was voiced more active efforts would be exerted for
solution of problem.

* Outside the meeting you had certain contacts and negotiations with
authorities here. What kind of result came out of these negotiations?
First of all we realised a meeting with president of parliament. We found
opportunity to discuss long. Again we put forward our ideas. Our ideas are
totally oriented towards starting peaceful process. We stressed everybody
has duty to perform for development of peace process. Later we came together
with Mr. Barzani, We expressed our views in the same way here too. We stated
that the century which we live is a century of projects which requires
developing democratic projects, and about our efforts for hindrances in
front of democratic politics lifted, and wanted these efforts known by all
Kurds. They also expressed to share our views and think the same way as us
about developing democratic politics and ready to contribute to solution of
the problem. I want to say that these negotiations have passed positively.

* What can be the effects of federal structure in Iraq on the Kurds living
in other countries?
Formation of federal structure in here is a positive acquisition for Kurds.
It is important that Kurds get a status to rule themselves. Of course
conditions of each country Kurds live is different. For example in Turkey
Kurds and Turks should live together under the unity of country. If
population of Kurds is about 20 million, almost half of these lives at
western parts of the country outside the Kurdish geography. Also there is a
very different composition here. That is to say, Kurds and Arabs have not
lived mixed very much. They had lived as two separate people as confronting
each other from beginning of foundation of Iraq. But in Turkey it is a
thousand year process. because of this we handle differently the status
formed here and those must be in Turkey. So one should make evaluations
depending on reality. What should be at the moment in Turkey is constituting
Democratic Republic. It is necessary to take living in the common fatherland
as a basis. Of course we should handle existing right of Kurds and discuss
it extensively. But this should be done under the unity of the country.

* How can dialogue between Kurds living at different countries develop?
Dialogue between Kurds is a must. Because our age is a age of dialogue, of
understanding each other and contributing. This is important for Kurds.
Still it is mandatory to develop a true dialogue between Kurds and other
peoples. So we did not look at the problem from nationalist cahauvenist
logic. We look at the subject through the basis of brotherhood and equality
of people. When peoples express themselves with their free thoughts,
identities, education rights, and organizations, problems will not exist. We
have a motto; we should protect differences but must create conditions for
differences could exist together. We look at the situation with this
reasoning. Because of this, today Kurdish Federal structure do exist but
there are Turkomons, ,Arabs and, Syrians within this structure. We have to
guard their rights. We want democracy and equality. Since we want these, we
should be able to say these also for other peoples. We approach with logic
of freedom and equality for everybody because of this.

* What you think about very discussed issue of holding an international
conference between Kurds? Was this point handled in the contacts you made?
Actually there have been attempts for this. We also had endeavoured for this
some times. But it did not materialize until now. It was a point again
handled in the meeting of Socialist International and it came to agenda. I
hope it will be realised in a short time. I think it would mean a lot for
Kurds.

* If we return to agenda of Turkey again, assault to State Councill and
events developed afterwards have made up the agenda for a long time. And
connections to event of Susurluk and Semdinli came out. How do you evaluate
these developments?
We could not have kept track of developments closely for two days because of
our intensive contacts in here but when we were in Turkey some clues had
come to surface and even reached to certain point. We can say this clearly;
this event is not a clash between secular versus anti-secular. Generally
such an atmosphere is wanted to be created but this is not true. When we
look at closely we see that this scenario was put into practise by certain
quarters whose names meddled in incidences like Susurluk, who are seemingly
patriotic, and argues to serve to state and in reality connected to deep
state. For this reason everybody sees clearly which play is at the stage.
What is aimed was kicked. We had seen many similar events like this which
planned to interrupt process of democratization in Turkey. Whenever the
demand of peace and freedom are in increase, we are encountered with a
provocation. This is a repeated scenario. These would continue. But, both
Kurdish and Turkish people should anslyse these events carefully and must
press hard. The government each time says it will probe the event to the end
but we had not seen this yet. But Turkey have to change. If not, development
of Turkey will be interrupted. In spite of everything, we belive that
peaceful and democratic efforts will develop.

* Do you think the government have a project for solution:
Of course, we believe this problem will be certainly solved. If you ask how
will it develop? As known, Turkey is entering into atmosphere of election.
We see that it is not possible to solve such a great problem in the
atmosphere of election. But we should prepare the ground for this. When it
was prepared, and demands became clear, we can go ahead. The problem should
be looked at like this. I already mentioned at the beginning. Operations are
stepping up and efforts to change the agenda are at play. These are things
we already expected. Now what is important is to account all of this and
show joint attitude, expression and understanding of struggle. It will
certainly be painful. But I believe this process could not last very long.
This problem has gripped the country for 20 years. Great sufferings took
place. Thousands of people died. We all know this. Allright do the problem
solved? No it was not solved in this way, this should be seen. Evrybody
should endeavor to solve problem with mind and logic rather than emotions.

* There was an explanation of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Ocalan as '
if it goes like this there would be a divorce' and similar statements of
authorities of KONGRA-GEL have followed.

Again I said this when I was commenting about incidences of Diyarbakir in a
TV broadcast; if state don't represent an attitude embracing its citizens,
people will begin to think 'the state no more want to embrace and gain us'.
This is very dangerous. The state must take initiative to launch a
democratic project at this point. This is what Ocalan tries to tell. This
subject is sensitive, contemplate on it and solve, he says. Kurds are ready
to solve this. But if you will not do this what will happen? The trust will
disappear. Kurds will come to point as state does not see me as its citizen.
Psychology of people is important at this point. We should understand this
very well. Because of this, it is an important resolution. I perceive it as
a warning to everybody to act quickly.

***********************************************
40 Kurdish Children Face Up To 24 Years Imprisonment
With the release this Wednesday of 15 children from Diyarbakir prison there
are no minor offenders remaining in prison in the city in relation to the
wave of violence that swept through the province at the end of April.

A total of 40 children who were arrested and placed into a special annex
building at Diyarbakir prison in relation to the 28 March-1 April incidents
have been released from captivity since May 8. During the incidents where
five children were killed when police opened fire on protestors, 213 minors
were initially detained, 94 of them were then arrested. A majority of the
children were subjected to torture and mistreatment under custody.

Cengiz Analay, a lawyer for the children, told Bianet that releasing the
minors where they still had to face prosecution was not a solution and added
"an acquittal decision needs to be taken for the children". If found guilty,
the children still face up to 24 years imprisonment.

This Wednesday's hearing was monitored by The Initiative to End All Forms of
Violence Against Children representatives Ezgi Koman and Emrah Kerimsoy.

In a statement after the hearing, the Initiative stressed that the children
had been held in prison for 62 days in violation of their rights to life,
development, protection and participation, with total disregard of their
interests.

"To put children who have no relation to the incidents and who are not able
to comprehend the meaning or consequences of their actions on trial is in
violation of various international conventions including the United Nations
Convention on Children Rights, the principle of a state of law and the
judicial system for children" the statement said.

The Initiative recalled that the public case launched against the children
demanded up to 24 years imprisonment for each of the minors on charged of
damaging public property, violating law number 2911 and membership to an
illegal organisation.

It stressed that allegations which could lead to heavy penalties for the
children could impose negative examples to the judicial system which itself
was a part of the system of protecting minors and said that the children
concerned should be given the opportunity to use every right the system
offered them and be subject to a decision that would support and protect
them.

The statement invited everyone to reject violence of all forms against
children whatever its source and urged for strategies that will prevent
children from facing conditions of violence and conflict and suffer damages
>from these.
***********************************************
Turkey cracks 'plot' to kill Turkish PM

Anti-terror police in Turkey are reported to have foiled a plot to kill
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Turkish newspapers says nine people,
including three soldiers, have been detained in the capital, Ankara.

Police are said to have found grenades, explosives, a timer, and a sketch
showing Mr Erdogan's route home.

There has been no official comment. Mr Erdogan, whose party has Islamic
roots, last month criticised the army's chief for encouraging popular
protests.

He attacked General Hilmi Ozkok for supporting demonstrations against
Islamist militancy after a judge was murdered by a suspected Islamist
gunman.

The army sees itself as the guardian of secularism in predominantly Muslim
Turkey.

The Hurriyet and Sabah newspapers suggested Cuneyd Zapsu, one of Mr
Erdogan's advisers, was also the target of a likely attack.

There has been no confirmation from the police, but the semi-official
Anatolia news agency said the suspects were "allegedly planning an attack
against a politician".