BEHDINAN – KCK Executive Council Member Sabri Ok, speaking in a special program broadcast on SterkTV, made evaluations on many issues such as the absolute isolation imposed on Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan, Newroz celebrations, upcoming elections in Turkey and attacks on the guerrilla.
Stating that the upcoming elections are very important in terms of overthrowing the power held by the AKP-MHP, Ok said, “We know that the Turkish state will attack the guerrilla in a more brutal way from now on. Because their rule is coming to an end. Therefore, it aims to attack the guerrilla. But they still won’t be able to escape extinction,” he said.
Emphasizing that what the Kurdish people need most in this process is national unity, Ok stated that the Kurdish people are hungry for this and said: “Just as the spirit of Newroz brings all our people closer together, so do all Kurdish personalities, Kurdish intellectuals, Kurdish revolutionaries, Kurdish patriots and Kurdish organizations. on this basis, national unity should be put on its agenda. There are also efforts in this direction. It will be after that. They will not be able to destroy the Kurdish people with massacres and fragmentation. The Kurdish people exist and will exist. It will build its national unity with its struggle.”
The full text of KCK Executive Council Member Sabri Ok’s interview broadcast on Sterk TV is as follows:
RÊBER APO’S PARADIGM AFFECTS ALL HUMANITY
For two and a half years, a heavy isolation against Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan has continued. Millions of people who took to the streets in Newroz demanded the physical freedom of Abdullah Öcalan. How do you evaluate the Kurdish People’s Leader’s ownership?
First of all, I congratulate the Newroz of all our resistance people, our friends, our comrades and Leader Apo. Leader Apo’s situation should always be on the agenda of our movement and every friend. Everyone knows that the enemy has been carrying out its policy of genocide against the Kurdish people for 24 years through the Leadership. Against this, Rêber Apo has been showing a great resistance for 24 years. This is an important and serious issue for our movement, for our party PKK, for all our people, for our friends and comrades. Neither our people nor anyone who loves or respects Rêber Apo should feel comfortable because Rêber Apo is in Imrali.
As you mentioned, millions of Kurds from four parts of Kurdistan to Japan from abroad celebrated Newroz by taking to the streets with the spirit of freedom. Wherever our people celebrate Newroz, their demands are clear, and that is Leader Apo’s physical freedom. Our people know that they cannot be liberated before Rêber Apo is liberated. For example, our slogan is “Bê Serok Jiyan Nabe”. There is no life without Leader Apo’s paradigm. This is not life, life is lived with dignity and freedom. Our people are aware of this. The Kurdish people have always needed a leader for centuries. Many Kurdish leaders emerged, rebelled, fought and struggled.
Unfortunately, the Kurdish problem was not a normal problem. The geography of the Kurdish people was divided into 4 parts, and all international forces had stepped in. They did not allow the Kurdish leaders to breathe. For this reason, many leaders such as Şêx Seîd, Seyit Rıza and Qazi Mihemed were executed. For this reason, the Kurdish people have always felt the pain and lack of a leader. Although he went against the whole world today, he could not destroy a leader like Rêber Apo. Because with the Rêber Apo paradigm, it affects not only the Kurdish people, but all humanity. Millions of people from the Middle East, South Africa, Africa and Europe, who are against capitalist modernity and support democracy and freedom, loved and took care of Rêber Apo.
THESE NEWROZES WILL AFFECT OUR FUTURE
This year, very clear messages were given in the field of Newroz. How do you evaluate the messages given in the Newroz area? How will this affect your freedom struggle?
Newroz is undoubtedly a special and meaningful day for the Kurdish people, for other warring peoples, especially for the peoples of the Middle East. It is a day that emerged with resistance, courage and the spirit of freedom. This is what Newroz means for the Kurdish people, but the enemy wanted to take Newroz away from its meaning as they played with everything else. With the birth of the PKK, Newroz once again entered the agenda of the Kurdish people. Everyone knows how it used to be celebrated. But the enemy just wanted to drain its essence, trying to project it as if it were a spring day. Leader Apo sowed the seeds of the Apoist movement, especially in the Çubuk Dam on Newroz Day in 1973. This was very important. That’s why we say today that the PKK is also a Newroz party.
The Kurdish people are also the people of Newroz. The Kurdish people realized their reality with Newroz. This historical spirit has once again built itself with the spirit of Newroz. As it is known, in the 90s, the invading state was carrying out brutal attacks against our people in order not to celebrate Newroz. He made assassinations and massacres to steal Newroz. The Kurdish people paid a great price, but they never took a step back and did not give up on Newroz. For the first time in history, the PKK celebrated with a free spirit. Our resistance people celebrated Newroz in the same way this year. Everyone from 7 to 70, male, female, young and old, was in the Newroz area. They celebrated Newroz holidays with great courage. Millions of our people have rebelled this year. On this occasion, we once again congratulate our people who came to the field. It is a very honorable stance for them to celebrate Newroz with one soul, one will, one voice and one emotion and to protect the Leadership.
Our people also celebrated the Hero Week. Heval Mazlum Doğan and Mahsum Korkmaz are the values and honor of the Kurdish people. They achieved this with their resistance, they exposed it. The Kurdish people opposed the occupation on the basis of these values, did not bow to the enemy, did not give up their free life and national unity. Newroz is the basis of this resistance. The enemy is now brutally attacking the guerrilla and our people. With the 50-year tradition of resistance and the ideology of Leader Apo, our people must further enlarge their struggle and resistance against the enemy with the spirit of Newroz.
WE WILL REACH FREE LIFE
Newroz was also celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement in Cizîr and Nisêbîn, where the enemy made brutal attacks with the ‘Plan of Precipitation’. How do you evaluate the people’s enthusiastic embrace of Newroz?
The images that emerged in Newroz were exactly those that suited Cizîra Botan and Nisêbîn. Cizîra Botan is like this not only today but also in history. He didn’t bow to anyone. He has always lived naturally, always insisting on his national character. If you remember Newroz in the 1990s, riots developed in 1991, 1992, especially with the martyrdom of Comrade Kamuran. Especially the uprisings in Cizîra Botan and Nisêbin opened a new page in our history of struggle. In other words, awareness has arisen among our people. He became aware of his existence and his future. Despite all the attacks and massacres, our people did not take a step back. A few years ago, there were revolts for autonomy. The enemy, once again, brutally attacked our people in Cizîra Botan. Against this, our people showed their democratic will.
But the invading enemy ruthlessly attacked our people, Cizîra Botan, and destroyed their homes and neighborhoods. He massacred women, young and old, and the bodies of people were left in the refrigerator for days on the street. Our people should not forget this. Forgetting is betrayal and will not be forgotten. They tied ropes to the corpses, dragged them to the ground, and attacked with all kinds of wild weapons, razing houses to the ground. Many comrades like Mehmet Tunç, Pakize, Asya, Çiyager, dozens and hundreds of heroes left their mark on that period. The Kurdish people will never forget this. It was a massacre. The invading Turkish state wanted to give the message to the Kurdish people that if you fight for freedom, this will be your end. So from now on, he said, you will remain silent.
In fact, a heavy price has been paid. There were massacres that did not fit humanity, the morality and law of war. Despite this, 2023 Newroz was celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in Cizîra Botan, Silopi and Nisêbin. Our people gave the message to the invaders that no matter what you do, we will never take a step back. Undoubtedly, this is the Kurdish people’s tradition of resistance. Therefore, our Botan people gave the necessary answer to the invading enemy who said we finished and destroyed a few years ago. Once again, he showed that he is standing by the Turkish state and the whole world. The invading Turkish state has no choice but to accept the will of the Kurdish people. Maybe we will continue to pay the price, but as a result, we will reach a free life.
OUR DECISION FOR INACTION WAS CONSCIOUS AND ETHICAL
Despite your decision of inaction, the Turkish state’s attacks continue. In the most recent statement made by the HSM, it was noted that the AKP-MHP regime was pursuing provocations. How do you evaluate this situation?
The Maraş-centered earthquake caused great suffering in Türkiye and Kurdistan. As it is known, our management made evaluations on the subject. We had discussions on what our humanitarian, conscientious and moral duty is, how we should approach this issue or how we should respond this time, and we took a decision of inaction on this basis. Rather, it was a decision. We are still of this opinion. I must say that many people, many states, international powers, sometimes directly and openly, sometimes in different ways, sent news and greetings to our administration; They said, ‘If one day you decide on inaction and a ceasefire, we will play our part’.
Maybe this also affected our decision, but we approached it as a conscientious, moral and humane thing and took this decision. The forces demanding inaction and a ceasefire saw our decision, but the Turkish state does not recognize this decision. In life, he practically wants to see it as a weakness. He wants to use this as an opportunity, as before, even more than before, guerrillas are attacked every day. It also carries out illegal and immoral attacks against guerrillas such as tactical nuclear bombs and chemical weapons. HPG made a statement regarding this. KCK Co-chairman also made a statement. In other words, if the attacks continue, this situation cannot continue like this. The main factor in our movement’s taking this decision is moral and humanitarian. The intention of our movement should not be abused.
But as you can see, when the attacks continued, HPG felt the need to make a statement. The description of HPG must be given meaning. HPG Center made such a statement because it deemed it necessary. Everyone should see this. The Turkish state approached this decision lightly and misused it. The cost will be higher and more dangerous. This is how we think.
It is also the month of Ramadan. On this occasion, we wish all Muslims a blessed month of Ramadan. As I said, there is pressure on us, the attacks of the Turkish state continue, but this will not always be the case. As a movement, we did our part. There was an earthquake, we said it was the month of Ramadan and we took such a decision, but Turkish state officials ignore it. As I said, HPG has also very clearly expressed its discomfort on this issue. Everyone should know that this will not always be the case.
THIS CHOICE IS VERY IMPORTANT
A new election process has started in Türkiye and Kurdistan. What is the significance of this year’s election? How will the results of this election affect Turkey, Kurdistan and the region?
Everyone says this election is an important one. We also agree. Elections so far were seen as routine and normal by society. But not so this time. So this choice is really important. This is where its importance comes from. This government remained in power for 20 years with the mind of the nation state, the mind of Eurasia, the mind of Ergenekon. But it is no longer possible for this power to continue. A clique within the state came to power with the AKP. As you know, there was the Middle East project ‘BOB’. They wanted to develop Moderate Islam through Erdogan’s hand. They created such excitement from the Middle East to Africa. They showed this with the help of America and Europe. In addition, they fed, financed and armed organizations such as ISIS and Al-Nusra in order to make the Kurds attack.
From Eurasia to other parts of Ergenekon, they all united against the Kurdish people. The stakes are the same. This state, namely the AKP, Erdogan represents the 100-year-old mentality of the Turkish Republic. Either it will continue like this, or there will be a break in the oppressive mentality of the Republic of Turkey. International powers and politicians withdrew their support from the government. Let me open a parenthesis: The Turkish state, led by the AKP, is slyly using NATO membership to its advantage. He plays against both Russia and NATO.
But no matter what they do, they cannot get out of NATO’s framework, but they are playing with it. Without America and NATO, it cannot wage such an immoral war against the Kurdish people and the guerrilla, and cannot use chemical weapons. The Turkish state is a member of NATO, although the international powers are dissatisfied and withdraw their support and assistance, when it comes to the PKK or when it comes to attacking the Kurdish people and their gains, they remain silent and give their support. In other words, the Turkish state has so far resisted our movement and the Kurdish people by gaining strength from here. When we look at it, they collapsed the economy, stole Turkey’s resources by stealing, made its supporters rich. It has created a heavy burden on Turkish society. They have nothing left to maintain their power.
AKP SEES AGAIN AT NEWROZ THAT THE KURDISH PEOPLE DO NOT SUBMIT
If they fail, a new situation, that is, a new process, will undoubtedly arise. The influence of the democratic society is too much, so nothing will be the same as before. That’s why the democratic forces are resisting. It is not clear what kind of provocations the government will make against the people before the election. So there is a possibility of provocation. Obviously they will lose. They’re heading here. They will do anything to not lose. Everyone sees his brutal attacks on the guerrilla. HPG also talked about the possibility of the AKP-MHP government starting a major war before the election. Because they have nothing left. They cannot change or democratize Turkey’s politics, they have the same mentality as fascists, even racists and ISIS. They cannot fix the Turkish economy, they have taken hundreds of billions of dollars abroad, they are hiding it in the world, they are criminals.
They want to do only one thing, and that is to attack the PKK, to break the will of the Kurdish people and to say that we have a pleasant result and we will be in power again. They’re just playing with it. Other than that, they have no chance. But Newroz saw once again that neither the Kurdish people nor the Leadership are yielding. The Kurdish people showed their will and attitude. Turkish society has also suffered a lot under AKP/MHP rule. Workers, laborers and other segments of society saw that they had no political or economic gains in the AKP-MHP regime. On the one hand, the racist, fascist bloc formed by the AKP-MHP, and on the other hand, a libertarian and pro-democracy group. This segment and other system parties of the state also want the AKP-MHP regime to go. For example, the 6-way table also wants the power to go. So this selection process is going to really heat up a bit,
We know that the Turkish state will attack the guerrilla in a more brutal way from now on. Because their rule is coming to an end. Therefore, it aims to attack the guerrilla. But they still will not escape extinction. What the Kurdish people need most in this process is national unity. The Kurdish people are starving for this. Just as the spirit of Newroz brings all our people closer together, all Kurdish personalities, Kurdish intellectuals, Kurdish revolutionaries, Kurdish patriots and Kurdish organizations should put national unity on their agenda on this basis. There are also efforts in this direction. It will be after that. They will not be able to destroy the Kurdish people with massacres and fragmentation. The Kurdish people exist and will exist. He will build his national unity with his struggle.
Kurdish society is now homogeneous. There are different classes among them, but the general public, no matter what anyone says, is based on the line of patriotism. This line is the identity and future of the Kurdish people. People should unite along this line. against what? There must be unity against the line of occupation, the line of collaboration and betrayal. The Kurdish people are very proud, that is, they are committed to their freedom, dignity and identity. As long as they are united. Conferences, meetings, platforms and congresses should be held in all four parts of Kurdistan and abroad. This is the most important issue in the second century of Lausanne.
HDP finally took the decision to hold elections with the Green Left Party under the umbrella of the Labor and Freedom Alliance. How do you evaluate this decision?
A few days ago, we watched AKP’s TV, A Haber, they were talking about heval Abbas. Way sir heval Abbas said we support this, we don’t support that. What do they think of the PKK? The PKK is already an ideological and political movement. Our aim is to do politics. Of course, we will support some people, we will not support others. How much we will support and how much we will not give depends on our values, ideology, politics, tactics, strategy and work. So what does the AKP want from the PKK? The PKK does not want it to talk about politics at all. Fascists, of course, do not want the PKK to talk about politics. Of course we do politics, but as an ideological movement, we have different duties and responsibilities as the PKK. Political, legal, democratic movements are different. How they work is their responsibility, but it is our duty to express our views. Of course, some people may benefit from it, some may not like it.
For example, we will say that there is no law and justice for the Kurdish people. Even animals have rights in the international arena, you see, they have both names and rights. But the Kurdish people do not have a name. Of course there are Kurds, they have legitimate rights, this is different, but the Turkish state did not accept this. It did not include Kurds in its constitution. The Kurdish people have no rights in the Constitution either. This situation is also seen with the pressure policy towards HDP and democratic parties. They are swinging Damocles’ sword at HDP. The reason is that it is a democratic, libertarian party that includes Turks, Kurds, democratic forces and socialists. It’s a lot of power, and that’s a good thing. But HDP’s closure is on the agenda. HDP’ on the day the lists are finalized A decision will be made as to whether or not to close. The whole world knows this.
HDP and Kurdish democratic politicians have experience. Some parties were closed before, some parties were disbanded. But the Kurdish people, the democratic will, the forces of democracy and other communities have always existed in the face of these oppressions and they are getting bigger. The Kurdish people and their friends, together with Turkey’s democratic forces and socialists, demonstrate their attitudes and engage in democratic politics. There is an election and HDP and democracy forces will not bow down. Against these political attacks, they will enter the elections with the Green Left Party. Very right decision. This is reasonable for us. They must have prepared beforehand. The Kurdish people and the democratic political movement have past experiences. Changing their parties and logos is a 1-day job. They must learn and cast their votes. This situation does not make HDP lose anything.
A few days later, April 4th. 74th birthday of Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan. What is your message for April 4th?
First of all, happy April 4th to Rêber Apo, our people and all our comrades. April 4 is Rêber Apo’s birthday. It is an important and honorable day. Our people recognized themselves with Rêber Apo. PKK was born with Rêber Apo. It is the birthday of our resistance people, democratic forces, that is, all of us. Today is a day of celebration, but also a day when our people see their own reality. Rêber Apo has been held captive in Imrali for 24 years. We should celebrate April 4 with Rêber Apo outside. We have a duty and responsibility to ensure the physical freedom of Rêber Apo. Our people and friends will celebrate the Leader’s birthday and plant trees everywhere. April 4 is the day to recognize our reality. Our motto is to ensure the physical freedom of Rêber Apo. We will freely celebrate Rêber Apo’s birthday in Kurdistan.
