The result of the twenty-ninth meeting of the Joint Diplomatic Committee of Kurdistan Political Parties and Organizations:
With the presence of representatives of Kurdistan political parties and organizations, the Joint Diplomacy Committee held its twenty-ninth meeting on 26.10.2024, alongside a group of independent Kurdistan figures at the KNK headquarters in Brussels. After extensive discussions, a joint plan was formulated.
According to the agenda, the political situation in Kurdistan was discussed extensively, including the current state and ongoing talks regarding the solution to the Kurdish question in northern Kurdistan, the situation and role of Mr. Abdullah Ocalan in this process, Turkish state attacks on the South and Rojava, the parliamentary elections in southern Kurdistan, the dangerous situation and changing demographics of Afrin and other parts of Rojava, the political, administrative, and economic crisis in southern Kurdistan, elections for the Kurdistan Regional Parliament, the situation in eastern Kurdistan, and Iranian state threats and attacks. Additionally, recent changes and events in Kurdistan and the Middle East, the conflict involving Israel and Hamas-Hezbollah-Iran, and the influence of global powers in the region were discussed in depth. Plans for upcoming work and activities, including the organization of a Kurdistan National Consultative Conference and the establishment of an international tribunal (civil court) to address Turkish state actions in western Kurdistan, were detailed.
Based on these discussions, the meeting puts forth the following points:
- The Turkish state is considered the main adversary of the Kurdish people, initiating attacks throughout Kurdistan and leading other occupying states in the region. Its involvement in actions against the Kurdish population extends globally. The Turkish state is expanding its occupation in southern Kurdistan beyond areas like Metina, Zap, and Avashin, reaching Bashika, Shingal, Kirkuk, Makhmur, Panjewin, Chemchemal, and Kifri. Concurrently, daily attacks occur in western Kurdistan, preparing for further invasions with the aim of undermining all Kurdish interests.
The unparalleled resistance of the Guerrilla forces in Khakurk, Metina, Zap, and Avashin has effectively countered Turkish attacks and plans. The meeting commends this resistance and the victories of the Kurdistan Freedom Forces. Since the start of the month, there have been discussions in Turkey and northern Kurdistan aimed at resolving the Kurdish question, initiated by the government. After 43 months of silence, Mr. Ocalan’s nephew visited Imrali Island, delivering an important message from Mr. Ocalan calling for peace and resolution. Despite this, the strict isolation of Mr. Ocalan continues. The meeting acknowledges the importance of these discussions as a potential foundation for dialogue and resolution and supports Mr. Ocalan’s call for peace. It urges the Turkish government to end his isolation, enabling him to participate in the dialogue process, safeguard his health, and ensure suitable conditions for his involvement.
- On 23.10.2024, Guerrilla forces affiliated with the HPG conducted an attack on an air weapons factory in Ankara. This force is unrelated to Rojava. Nonetheless, the Turkish state used this as a pretext for widespread attacks on Rojava, Shingal, and southern regions. These attacks, ongoing during the meeting, violate all human and legal norms, targeting Rojava’s infrastructure and essential facilities such as water reservoirs, power plants, oil and gas reserves, grain warehouses, flour and bakery factories, and hospitals. The meeting strongly condemns these attacks, classifying them as war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law. It commits to closely monitoring these actions and presenting evidence to international courts. The establishment of an international tribunal for Turkish state actions in western Kurdistan is considered a key objective.
- In Afrin, demographic changes and aggressive policies persist. Prior to the Turkish invasion six years ago, the population of Afrin was predominantly Kurdish. Following the occupation, most Kurds were expelled, and those remaining face severe pressure. Kurdish properties were seized by force, and the area was resettled with Arabs and Turkmen, altering the demographics. This pattern has been repeated in Serêkaniyê and other occupied areas. The meeting calls for all of Kurdistan to view these developments as alarming, to resist these attacks, and to work towards liberating these areas. Rojava and all regions of North and East Syria must be defended from these plans and assaults, and an international protective framework must be established for Rojava. To safeguard Rojava from Turkish state attacks and hostile interventions and transform it into a peaceful, no-fly zone, comprehensive and strategic efforts are required. Additionally, Turkish forces should be expelled from Rojava, displaced residents should be allowed to return, and an international force should be stationed at the border under the auspices of the United Nations. This issue remains a top priority in all diplomatic meetings.
- The attacks, threats, and interventions by Turkey and Iran in southern Kurdistan have increased and continue. If we, as Kurds, do not stand united in our homeland, our federal status and numerous achievements could be jeopardized. The actions of the Turkish state and Iran, along with their partners, place the region’s security at significant risk. In many areas, the demographic composition of the region is changing. All Kurdistan forces should set aside their differences and collaborate to protect Kurdistan’s interests. The economic crisis and the ongoing non-payment of salaries in the Kurdistan Region persist. Reports indicate that regional officials travel to Baghdad multiple times a month to discuss the salary issue. This policy aims to weaken the Kurds through economic deprivation and bind them to dependence. Political and administrative challenges continue in the region. Although the parliamentary election was held two years past the scheduled time, holding the election, even belatedly, is crucial. While official results have not yet been announced, preliminary outcomes have been shared. The Kurdistan and Middle East region is experiencing a difficult and critical period. The assembly of parliament, the formation of a government, and the efficient use of time and resources are essential. The meeting recognizes the importance of holding elections at this time and urges all parties to establish a democratic government promptly and address existing issues and challenges.
For more than 40 years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has violated the rights of women and the democratic rights of all Iranians, suppressing opposition movements. Iran has become an open prison for women and its people. The Iranian population is discontented, unsatisfied, and yearning for freedom and a democratic country. The meeting recognizes the demands and aspirations of the people for freedom and the establishment of a democratic state as legitimate and supports the demonstrators and all activists. The meeting also condemns the Iranian regime’s attacks on protesters and the execution of activists. Conditions for political prisoners in Iran’s prisons are worsening, with increasing pressure and persecution. Due to these hardships, political prisoners occasionally protest and go on hunger strikes, which are ongoing. The meeting deems the demands and activities of the prisoners legitimate, supports them, and urges the Iranian authorities to end the oppression and injustice. Following the agreement between Iraq and Iran after September 2023, the forces and parties of eastern Kurdistan have remained in the South, largely disarmed and relocated to camps. Iran closely monitors their status and demands the extradition of certain leaders, escalating tensions and pressure on these parties. Simultaneously, Iran continues its policy of executions and regularly carries out prisoner executions. Additionally, attacks on Kurdish miners have intensified, with daily fatalities. This serious and dangerous situation should not be accepted. The meeting calls on all Kurdistan political parties and organizations to form a unified front as soon as possible and act against these pressures and attacks. Furthermore, the meeting urges democratic forces around the world not to abandon the Iranian people and to support the activists resisting the despots.
- Relations with occupying forces are sensitive and should be tactical, based on the interests of the Kurdish people. No Kurdistan forces should collaborate with the occupiers. The meeting views any cooperation with the invaders against a Kurdish force or part of Kurdistan as a red line and condemns
- The war that has been ongoing in Palestine for more than a year has now spread to Lebanon and sometimes extends into Syria, Yemen, and Iran. This war is expanding and may lead to a global conflict. Many powers are referring to this situation as the third world war. The invaders of Kurdistan are all involved in this conflict. In other words, when the war reaches Kurdistan, it also comes from Kurdistan. In this context, the unity of the Kurdish people and national solidarity are crucial. Given this situation and future decisions related to it, the implementation of the National Consultative Conference was a key agenda item. This topic was also discussed at the Lausanne Conference a year ago, where a decision was made to convene such a conference. This decision has remained on our agenda since then. Unfortunately, we have not been able to hold this conference until now. To prepare for the conference, the meeting decided to initiate preliminary meetings, followed by the general conference. It was resolved to conduct a series of meetings with all Kurdistan parties and institutions on this issue, and within a short period, party delegations will be formed, and the preparatory committee for the conference will be established.
- After 43 months, Mr. Ocalan’s nephew visited Imrali Island and brought back information from Mr. Ocalan. However, this does not signify that the isolation has been lifted. Mr. Ocalan himself has stated that the isolation continues. Lifting the isolation alone is insufficient; Mr. Öcalan must be freed. Therefore, activities and campaigns for his freedom should be intensified. The meeting supports the campaign “Freedom for Mr. Abdullah Ocalan – Solution to the Kurdish Question” and calls on all Kurds and friends of the Kurdish people to join and strengthen this campaign. As part of this campaign, a large march and rally will take place on 16.11.2024, in Cologne, Germany. The meeting urges all Kurds and friends of the Kurdish people to participate in this march and rally and to bolster the freedom campaign.
- The committee calls on all Kurdistan political parties and organizations to join the Joint Diplomacy Committee of Kurdistan Political Parties and Organizations and to engage in diplomatic efforts together.
After evaluating the political situation, information was provided on the international work completed thus far, and this work was reviewed in general. Following these discussions, recommendations were made for future plans, and a strategy was developed.
Kurdistan is one country, and the Kurdish people have the right to determine their own destiny!
Women – Life – Freedom!
Joint Diplomatic Committee of Kurdistan Political Parties and Organizations
30.10.2024, Brussels