Statement from HEVKARI, Sweden

There have recently been attacks in Switzerland by the PKK against sympathisers of KOMKAR and PSK (Kurdistan Socialist Party). Hevkari (co-operation), a committee founded by Kurdish political organisations in Sweden, published a statement in Kurdish which condemned these attacks. This is the English version of the statement.

In the course of history, powerful groups and dictators have always resorted to methods of suppression and violence. When they have been unable to defend themselves from criticism they have resorted to violence in order to silence it.

The history of mankind, however, has shown that violence never triumphs over the critics it seeks to silence. It has always been the perpetrators of violence who have been condemned to the dark chapters of history.

The PKK have persistently resorted to violent acts and methods in the political struggle in northern Kurdistan. They have continually attempted to silence their critics with repression and murder. The PKK have always reacted with aggression towards internal as well as external opposition. Organisations in northern Kurdistan constantly complain of the PKK’s attitude.

For more than a month now, PKK sympathisers in Switzerland have been carrying out a campaign against sympathisers of the PSK. In March and April, the PKK attempted to hinder PSK meetings, PSK Newroz celebrations and other events.

This is not the first time that the PKK have resorted to such methods. One of the major set backs for the Kurdish movement in Europe has been the violent actions by the PKK. They have organised many violent and illegal activities against dissidents within their own organisation as well as against other Kurdish organisation and European states.

As an organisation in Sweden for the co-operation and solidarity between Kurdish organisations, we condemn as a disgrace the PKK’s abhorrent actions within the European states. We call upon all patriotic Kurdish groups to speak out against the actions of the PKK.

7th May, 2001

COMMITTEE FOR THE COOPERATION OF KURDISH POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS AND POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS ORIGINATING FROM KURDISTAN IN SWEDEN (HEVKARI)

Kurdistan Democratic Party - Iraq (KDP-Iraq); Independent Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKSK); Iraqi-Kurdistan Communist Party; Kurdistan Democratic Party -Iran (KDP-Iran); Democratic Union of Kurds in Syria - Hevbendi  (PDKP-S, PDK-El Parti, PHG-Suriye, PÇK-Suriye, PYDK-Yekiti-Suriye), PDK-El Parti-Suriye, Socialist Party of Kurdistan (PSK), PDK-Bakur, RSDK, PADEK, VEJIN