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Amid the escalating tensions between Turkey and Greece over the potential hydrocarbon reserves in the Eastern Mediterranean, a "peace declaration" by women from both countries has been signed by more than 1,600 people so far.
The petition was launched by women's rights activist Gülseren Onanç on September 15 and initially signed by 350 women.
"We aim to reach 10,000 signatures in a short time. This showed us women's thirst for peace. As the global women's movement resists the patriarchal system, the initiative we started with women of our neighbor has become a hope for the future in these days when the pandemic is intensifying," said Onanç.
"I am proud of all the women who contribute to this resistance in solidarity and lay claim to peace. Long live peace, long live women's solidarity!" she added.
Here is the full text of the petition:
We, women from Turkey and Greece, are following the escalation of tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean with great concern. Tensions that have risen through confrontational rhetoric and increased military mobilization from both sides intensifies the risk of armed conflict. The discourse of conflict and the possibility of confrontation threatens not only security and peace in the two countries concerned but the entire region at large.
We, as women, are calling for an "end" to the dangerous escalation.
We believe that cooperation between the two countries is more important than ever at a time when the global pandemic is deepening inequality, leading to economic crises and increasing the marginalization of women.
We believe that Greece and Turkey can negotiate their differences through peaceful diligent diplomacy under the guidelines of international law and equity, if necessary, with observers from international institutions.
The peaceful co-existence of the peoples of Greece and Turkey is more valuable than all underground resources.
Peace, nature and people are the most valuable assets for humanity.
As peace-loving women from Greece and Turkey, we are determined to strive for peace in the Aegean, enhance our shared culture, and embrace solidarity and friendship despite the patriarchal system that threatens the world.
(EMK/VK)
