NEWS CENTRE - In the Newroz celebrations held in Erdîş, Panos and Gimgim, Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's call was embraced and the state was called on to take steps.

 

Newroz celebrations were held in Serhat (East Kurdistan in Turkey). Newroz celebrated in Erdîş (Erciş/Van)), Panos (Patnos/Ağrı) and Gimgim (Varto/Muş) regions of Serhat were colourful and enthusiastic. Citizens who came to the celebrations wearing traditional clothes often chanted "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" slogans. In the Newroz event organised by Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA), it was emphasised that the historic call made by Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Ocalan on 27 February should be embraced and the state must take steps. After the speeches, Newroz fire was lit in the cities and people danced with Kurdish songs.

 

 

Speaking in Erdîş, Neslihan Şedal, Co-Mayor of Wan Metropolitan Municipality, stated that they had been waging a struggle for years. "The torch of peace is now rising from the hands of Mr Öcalan. We promise Mr Öcalan that we will crown your call for peace with an honourable peace under the leadership of young people and women," she said. 

 

"The state must take steps from now on without any excuses" said Wan MP Sinan Çiftyürek.

 

 

Speaking in Agirî, Wan MP Mahmut Dindar said, "Mr Öcalan made a call for an end to the wars that have been going on for years. We promise that we will do everything we can to fulfil this call. We are calling out to the state from here; you have persecuted and tortured for years, 'enough is enough'. You need to hold the hand extended for peace."

 

 

Speaking in Gimgim, DEM Party Colemêrg (Hakkari) MP Onur Düşünmez said: "We will not take a single step back from our struggle until Mr Öcalan is liberated, until the right to hope is recognised, until roses bloom in the mountains, until those who were exiled from their country are brought back, until we build a democratic society and peace. Our people must unite around the stance and attitude put forward by Mr Öcalan. This call will bring peace and free life to all humanity."