"Peace Groups Spark Hopes in Diyarbakır"

Former President of the Turkish Medical Association (TBB) and co-founder of the Turkish Human Rights Foundation (TİHV) Selim Ölçer said that the atmosphere in Diyarbakır has changed since the Peace Groups arrived in Turkey and did not encounter custody or other procedures to prevent them from their freedom.

Ölçer said in an interview with bianet, "At least people enjoy the reunion with their friends and families. There are many things to say, but this situation goes beyond any kind of speculations".

"This hope is needed here"

"Of course not everything is going to change from today till tomorrow, but there is a significant hope for peace".

Ölçer continued, "The government made a step by calling it an initiative. Now the answer has come. A serious good fate, hope and softening is born among the people. This is an absolutely necessary issue for this place after so much concern and anxiety. Because the people want to see the change and they want to believe in it. This is the hope for an end of the clashes, for a coming peace and to see their friends and families. There is an atmosphere of ease related to the future.

"Everybody's effort"

Ölçer indicated that everybody has to put effort into this issue after this milestone has been reached:

"Everybody has to put effort to make this process continue and to increase the calmness. You have to communicate to the people continuously that it is possible to achieve something good, to achieve peace. Also the political power has to strengthen and support this process. Everybody has to do whatever is necessary for the PKK to come down from the mountains". (TK/VK)