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Burkay’s letter:
„PLEASE DO NOT FORGET
US!"
Kurdistan Socialist Party’s General
Secretary Kemal Burkay has sent the letter below to the Foreign
Ministers of the European Union’s member countries and to their
representatives in the Commission. In his letter, Burkay expresses
his views about the Accession Partnership Document for Turkey, which
the European Commission published on November 8th, and
the demands of the Kurds.
November, 16. 2000
Dear Minister,
On November 8th 2000, the European Commission
published the Accession Partnership Document for Turkey. This document
comprises proposals for a series of political and economic reforms
which are considered necessary for Turkey’s preparations towards
becoming a full member of the European Union.
The Socialist Party of Kurdistan supports
these proposals and considers them to be an opportunity for bringing
about change in Turkey. We desire that the required reforms, particularly
those concerned with human rights and democratisation, are promptly
implemented by Turkey without amendment or any restrictions on publicity
at home or abroad.
However, the document does not give the
Kurdish issue, one of th most e serious problem in Turkey, the kind
of attention which it deserves. The Kurdish problem does not even
receive any direct reference. But in numerous resolutions from various
institutions and committees of the EU, particularly the European
Parliament, it has been stated that a solution to the Kurdish question
is a prerequisite.
If the reason for this omission and cautiousness
is to pacify the nationalistic and jingoistic elements within Turkey,
who do over-react to the Kurdish question, then we are of the opinion
that such an omission does not serve the democratisation process
within Turkey. The Kurdish problem is the major reason for the current
existence of systems of suppression and anti-democratic structures
in Turkey. Turkey cannot realized the proposed reforms without acknowledging
the Kurdish reality. Without the necessary steps towards a peaceful
and just solution to this question, Turkey cannot undertake any
serious steps towards human rights and democratisation.
The document does indeed contain proposals
which might be seen to be in the interests of the Kurdish people,
for example, the freedom to Radio and TV broadcasting in all mother
tongues and the right to education in one’s mother tongue. However,
these proposals are not referred to as "minority rights".
The Turkish authorities will therefore interpret them as "rights
of the individual". The Turkish State is not willing to undertake
any responsibility in this area. The extent to which the state will
provide licenses and permits to the efforts of the Kurds is questionable.
The Kurdish question is not that simple
as to be resolved within the frame of the rights of individuals,
nor is the minority status suitable for a solution. The kurdish
question concerns a nation of 40 million people who has been divided
and split up. For decades the Kurdish people have been active in
trying to achieve their freedom - in Turkey, in Iraq, in Iran and
in Syria. Only a few nations in the world have experienced the kind
of repression and suffering that we have.
Nearly a half of the Kurdish nation,
20 million, live in the northern part of Kurdistan within the borders
of the current Turkish state.
Can peace and democracy come to Turkey
and human rights become reality as long as such a big question remains
unsolved? Can Turkey utilize its resources for development prior
to this question being solved? Can the EU really accept Turkey with
such a big problem as the Kurdish question?
Everybody, with Turkey at the forefront,
needs to address the Kurdish question openly and realistically.
A solution to this question is vitally important for the Kurdish
and Turkish people, for the region and for Europe. Only a solution
based on equality can be a just solution.
The Socialist Party of Kurdistan has
supported a just and contemporary solution for years. We are convinced
that both peoples can live together in a state with the federal
structure.
The Kurdish people are deeply hurt about
the fact that the European Commission in the "Accession Partnership
Document for Turkey did not address the Kurdish question to the
extent which it deserves and did not even make direct reference
to the Kurds.
At the very least, this injustice should
be rectified in the final version of this document, particularly
by the time of the Nice-Summit, and the basic demands of the Kurds
should be included within it.
The return to their homes of millions
of deportees and forced evacuees should take place in the immediate
future and they should also be compensated for any damage or loss.
Radio and TV broadcasting in Kurdish
must be allowed. Public broadcasting stations must also be required
to broadcast in Kurdish as well as Turkish, as Kurds also pay taxes.
Primary school education, which is compulsory,
must be provided in Kurdish. Further education, for example, in
secondary schools, universities and technical colleges, must also
be provided in Kurdish.
Kurdish political parties must have the
right to the freedom of activity.
In any amendments to the Turkish Constitution,
Kurdish identity must be recognised and guarantees given to the
rights of Kurds.
Dear Minister,
we demand your support for the 20 million
Kurdish people living in Northern Kurdistan and western Turkey,
whose national rights have been denied and who are forbidden to
use their mother tongue.
Please do not forget us!
Yours sincerely,
Kemal Burkay
General Secretary
Kurdistan Socialist Party
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