ANKARA (DIHA) – Metin Bakkalcı, spokesperson of Peace Assembly of Turkey, said that the Peace Group’s return to Iraq is a shame and loss for Turkey.

Bakkalcı released a press statement on behalf of the Peace Assembly in which he blamed Turkey for not taking advantage from their presence.
“These people came from Maxhmur and Quandil to take part in the peace process in Turkey. And unfortunately Turkey cannot benefit from this step. On the contrary, Turkey gave itself up to nationalism and the status quo. This opportunity was wasted by bringing these peace delegates to court and arresting them. This is a shame for Turkey as well as a loss.

In addition, the common declaration made by 649 NGO from 20 cities is also a good opportunity for giving peace a chance. We salute the declaration. We will do everything, whatever it takes, to make it effective all around Turkey.”
Seventeen of 34 delegates from the peace group, who had come on October 19 from Maxhmur Refugee camp and Quandil, have returned to Iraq since the same conditions which occasioned their departure from Turkey remain in place.

Eleven were arrested and 10 remain in prison, awaiting their trial. Twenty-six members of the group are already on trial for disseminating propaganda on behalf of the PKK and, if convicted, will serve 20-year prison sentences. While a member of the group, Lutfu Tas, has already been sentenced to 10 months in prison.

While the aim of sending exiles back to Turkey was to demonstrate the sincerity of the Kurds in solving the Kurdish conflict in Turkey, it was also a test for Turkey to show that it has a new approach to the crisis.

Although the decision by the authorities not to prosecute the peace group, as previous administrations had with other peace groups in 1999, was seen as a gesture of reconciliation by the Kurdish side, the government’s approach soon became harsher towards the PKK and Kurds.

(gü/bk)