'Peace cannot be achieved by the sacrifice of one party'
“Peace cannot be achieved by the sacrifice of one party,” said Cemile Xelif, a martyr’s relative, who expressed her support to the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” of Abdullah Öcalan.
YUSRA AL-EHMED
Raqqa-The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) held its 12th Congress in the Medya Defense Zones between May 5 and May 7, 2025, following the “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan on February 27, 2025. On May 12, 2025, the PKK announced that it dissolved itself and ended its armed struggle, calling on the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye to play its role in building peace.
The relatives of those who lost their lives in the Kurdish Freedom Movement also support the new process started by Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan. Cemile Xelif, sister of Şerfin Halil who was martyred in 1999, thinks that the call of Abdullah Öcalan and the decisions made at the congress are an important step for people's longing for peace.
“The decisions made at the congress are a positive step for building peace in the region,” she told NuJINHA. “As women, we believe in the struggle of Mr. Öcalan. He has been resisting in Imrali on behalf of everyone who demands freedom. For the Kurdish people, who have been subjected to assimilation policies and ignored for years, the PKK is a will that protects our identity, language and dignity. This movement represents our will.”
‘The approach of Türkiye to the process is decisive’
Cemile Xelif thinks that the new process must be internationally guaranteed. “If the other party does not take a step, peace will not be achieved. After more than 40 years of struggle, we do not accept laying down arms without mutual steps and international guarantees. The approach of Türkiye to the process is decisive. Yes, we demand peace; however, peace cannot be achieved by the sacrifice of one party. True peace is only possible when both parties make efforts for it.”
‘This process can be a model for the Middle East’
Cemile Xelif commented on the wars and conflict suffered by the Middle East in the 21st century. People have suffered from wars, conflicts and political chaos in the Middle East, especially in Syria. If this peace process succeeds, it can be a role model not only for the Kurdish people but also for all people in the region. As the relatives of martyrs, we want the peace process to be successful. We hope that the years of suffering will finally end.”