A ceremony was held in the Medya Defense Zones to mark August 15, Resurrection Day. The event was attended by People’s Defense Forces (HPG) commanders Murat Karayılan, Zozan Çewlîk, and many guerrilla fighters.
In his speech at the ceremony, Murat Karayılan described the 15 August Initiative as “a revolt against slavery and colonialism,” stating that this initiative, with its ideological, political, social, and cultural dimensions, ensured the revival of the Kurdish people.
Referring to Abdullah Öcalan’s calls on February 27 and June 19, Karayılan stressed that the peace process cannot succeed through one-sided steps: “The guerrilla did not take to the mountains only for themselves. The peace and brotherhood of peoples cannot be achieved without the freedom of Rêber Apo [Leader Abdullah Öcalan]. The guerrilla will lay down their arms and return, but Rêber Apo will remain on Imralı Island! This is unacceptable.”
Karayılan defined the establishment of a commission in the Turkish parliament as an important step, adding that if laws inspiring trust were enacted, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) would fulfil all its responsibilities in building a democratic republic.
Karayılan’s speech includes the following:
“Dear comrades, our patriotic people!
Happy Resurrection Day to you all.
On the 41st anniversary of the August 15 Initiative, we congratulate Rêber Apo on the Resurrection Day. We extend our greetings, respect, and loyalty to him. We also congratulate all our people, the peoples of the region, the friends of our people, the mothers of martyrs, the families of martyrs, all our comrades, and all those who work tirelessly on the Resurrection Day.
We remember with respect all the martyrs of the revolution, in the person of our immortal commander Egîd (Mahsum Korkmaz), Fuat (Ali Haydar Kaytan), Rıza Altun, Nûreddîn Sofî, Koçero Urfa, Delal Amed, and Zîlan, and we bow before their memory. We renew the promise we made to our martyrs. We also commemorate all the martyrs of August in the person of our esteemed revolutionary and commander Zeki Şengalî, comrades Atakan Mahir and Rêzan Cawid, bowing before their memory and renewing the promise we made to them. For all our heroic martyrs, we say: may your soul be blessed, your flag will always be raised high, and your struggle will surely prevail!
In the history of our people, the August 15 Initiative is a turning point. It is the breaking of the chains of slavery. It is an uprising against slavery and colonialism. To make such a historic move in the darkness of that period created a profound change and transformation in Kurdish society. The Initiative may have begun with an armed action, but it was not solely military. It had ideological, political, social, and cultural dimensions. Society returned to its essence and began to question itself. In this way, it developed an intellectual revolution, a social revolution, a cultural revolution, and a women’s revolution within itself. The August 15 Initiative became a process for our people to rebuild themselves. This was how the resurrection took place. In this way, it became a revolution of existence and freedom. This historic move fostered a national spirit among the Kurdish people. It raised the flag of democracy and freedom in Kurdistan and in the region. For this reason, it is a historic day and must always be greeted with joy by our people.
As is well known, with Rêber Apo’s call on February 27, our struggle has entered a new phase. We are committed to the decisions of the 12th PKK Congress. Likewise, we are committed to Rêber Apo’s call on June 19. We will do our part to ensure the success of the process for peace and democratic society. However, a dove of peace cannot fly with one wing. For the dove to fly, it needs two wings. The reason all our comrades who have joined the guerrilla ranks from Kurdistan have done so is for the freedom of Rêber Apo, and this is a truth.
Undoubtedly, laws on democratic integration and freedom are important. However, if they are only considered as laws on laying down arms and the return of guerrillas, they will be insufficient. The guerrillas will not accept this. The guerrillas did not take to the mountains just for themselves. First and foremost, Rêber Apo, the architect of peace and brotherhood among peoples, must be physically freed. This law must be prioritized. If not, it will not be accepted. This is not just the word of us commanders and leaders. This is the collective voice of all fighters and guerrillas. A law will be enacted for the guerrillas; they will lay down their arms and return freely, but Rêber Apo will remain imprisoned in Imrali! This is unacceptable!
Another matter is the trust issue. Trust must be developed. The necessity of this must be recognized. A commission has now been established in the Turkish parliament, which is undoubtedly an important step. The Turkish authorities must take this reality into account. If real steps are taken on this issue during this historic period, the century-old Kurdish question will be resolved, and genuine brotherhood will develop between the Kurdish and Turkish peoples. For a fundamental solution to this issue and the development of lasting peace, there must be a truly comprehensive approach to this issue. We are taking a strategic approach in this regard. We do not resort to tactical maneuvers or deception. We wholeheartedly believe in Rêber Apo, and we are approaching this process strategically and with sincerity. Of course, we will take the necessary precautions, but this is our approach. If those on the other side also adopt this approach and demonstrate trust, and if trust-building laws are enacted, then we will fulfill our responsibilities. We will fulfill all our duties for the development of a democratic republic in Turkey and participate in it.
We welcome the 41st anniversary of the August 15 Initiative with the spirit of peace and a democratic society. This is a move. It is a move toward peace and a democratic society. We welcome August 15 with this spirit. It is undoubtedly a result, a brand-new beginning. A brand-new era is beginning on the basis of the August 15 Initiative. We believe that this initiative developed by Rêber Apo will bring about significant changes in Kurdistan, Turkey, the Middle East, and even the world. The struggle for a democratic nation and democratic socialism will grow and strengthen everywhere within the framework of democratic modernity. The path to a democratic Turkey and a democratic republic will be opened and strengthened.
At the same time, this move is a foundation for developing the cause of freedom and national unity in Kurdistan. Rêber Apo has called for national unity for this purpose. We reiterate Rêber Apo’s call. In this historic period, we must create national unity among the Kurds. This is the hope and expectation of our people. We must crown this period with national and democratic unity. At the same time, we will develop peace and genuine brotherhood with neighboring peoples on the basis of a democratic nation perspective.
August 15 has brought such important results to light. On this basis, we must succeed in developing a new democratic political strategy based on a democratic nation. To this end, the spirit of August 15 is necessary. The spirit of August 15 is the spirit of success and sacrifice. This spirit is also necessary in this period. All our people, all patriots, must approach this period in this way and participate in it.
On this basis, we once again wish you all a happy Resurrection Day, wish you success in your struggles during this period, and send you our greetings and respect.
Bijî, Bijî Rihê 15 Tebaxê!
Bijî, Bijî Serok Apo!
Bi Can, Bi Xwîn Em Bi Te Re Ne Ey Serok!
Bê Serok Jiyan Nabe!
Şehîd Namirin!
Jin, Jiyan, Azadî!”
Source: ANF News
