From Desmond Tutu to Erdogan: "Solve Kurdish Problem by Peaceful Means”

South African human rights activist and winner of the Nobel Peace Award Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote a letter to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, asking him to use his power and authority for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish problem.

In his letter, Tutu also reminded Erdogan of his statements on the Palestine problem. "I am concerned at the escalation of the conflict... in which ... young people from both sides are losing their lives," Tutu said adding that no winner could emerge from such a clash.

He stated that as it is the case in the Middle East, peaceful negotiations are the only lasting solution to problems. "We are firmly in the view that the Kurdish question can likewise be resolved through peaceful negotiations with the genuine leadership of the Kurdish people," Tutu added.

Tutu also suggested Erdogan to accept the help of the South Africa-based Kurdish Human Rights Action Group (KHRAG).

The letter was to be delivered to the Turkish Embassy in London by KHRAG Deputy President Priest Matthew Essau. He was accompanied by British parliamentarians Siobhain McDonagh, Jeremy Corbyn, liberal democrat politician Jonathan Fryer, human rights activist Frances Webber and former London mayor Ken Livingstone.

However, according to the report of the Firat News Agency (ANF), police officers in front of the embassy turned the delegation away.

Essau, in a statement, said that the Turkish Embassy has turned the letter down without even knowing its content. He stated that this is an incomprehensible attitude and added that letters are accepted even during the worst times. Essau said that the Turkish government has made an 'opening' to solve the Kurdish problem, but stated that this seems to be a deception. He added that it is very sad that the letter of Tutu, who is a person that spent his life struggling for peace, has been rejected.

KHRAG had launched an international petition campaign for the release of imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan so that peaceful negotiations on the Kurdish problem could be carried out. (TK)