IHD: Cease-Fire is Historical Opportunity

Turkey's Human Rights Association (IHD) has issued a statement welcoming the new unilateral and unconditional cease-fire declared by the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), saying this was a historic opportunity to create the conditions of a democratic solution to the country's Kurdish problem.

The Association said all sections of the society in favor of freedoms had to participate in the debate on a solution in this period and that the priority was to prevent the peace process from being obstructed.

According to the IHD, the most important priority now is to be careful against all provocations and remarks that could create tension in the society, prevent a total laying down of arms and obstruct a lasting peace.

The IHD statement also said the PKK itself had to give time and a chance to democratic means so that arms could be laid down.

"In this period", said the statement, "focus should concentrate on what can be done for a democratic solution rather than on the concepts".

It said the Turkish Parliament needed to make the required legislative changes for the continuation of peace and a democratic solution. "All political parties represented in Parliament or not should share their views on a solution to the Kurdish problem with the public opinion of Turkey" it said.

The Association also noted that any debate in this period needed to be conducted in a positive manner that would strengthen peace, tolerance and solidarity between the people. (TK/II/YE)