"Searching for Peace and a Future Together" in Arbil
The Abant Platform is the most influential civilian and intellectual power in Turkey. It is a thought platform. It represents the rich political and social spectrum of thought in Turkey.
Intellectuals from all ideological camps come together on this platform to discuss the important problems of Turkey. The search for tolerating diversity and conflicting strands of thought is what makes up the spirit of the Abant Platform.
The Abant Platform will convene tomorrow in Arbil. The of the meeting, to be held in cooperation with Arbil's Salahaddin University and the Mukriyani Institute, is "Searching for Peace and a Future Together." This meeting is a powerful one. This meeting alone may serve as a turning point between northern Iraq and Turkey. The conditions are ripe. It is no longer possible to maintain the status quo. Everyone stands at a crossroad, trying to make up their minds as to which road to take. The Arbil meeting may become a successful model for civil society diplomacy.
Abant spirit
Abant is the name of a crater lake in central Anatolia, a true natural beauty. This lake is surrounded by a forest containing a variety of tree species. The contrast between the diverse trees of the forest merges with the lake to offer a landscape that inoculates peace and tranquility in the human mind. The Abant Platform meets around this lake with a wealth of ideas and opinions.
The platform meets around the universal common denominators of humanity. Participants value the rule of law. They believe that human rights are sacred and must be protected.
They object to laws that do not rely on the consent of the governed. In other words, they regard democracy as the sole method of governance.
They reject violence as a means of solving existing problems. They advocate peace in all cases. They believe that all problems can be solved through compliance with human rights, tolerance and dialogue.
Having met in light of the above-mentioned principles, the Abant Platform discussed the Kurdish issue last year. Thus, Turkey had the opportunity to discuss this challenging issue in a free atmosphere, and an influential final statement was made public. The meeting served as preliminary to the upcoming Arbil meeting. Some of the articles I quote below from the statement give hints about the content of this meeting.
The statement began as follows:
"Having become one of Turkey's highest-priority and most important problems, the Kurdish problem is in need of a solution contingent on the formation of an atmosphere of healthy dialogue, the ending of prejudice and the establishment of mutual trust. In creating a language that promotes a solution, the media's responsibility, sensitivity and style will contribute significantly. The aim of this platform is to foster efforts to help create a suitable climate, language and ground for a solution."
Other articles that are part of the statement:
"The aim is to have sound and dynamic channels of communication in order to put an end to the lack of dialogue rather than trying to convince the parties to come to terms around a solution program. As a chief principle, we defend the free expression and discussion of any sort of ideas unless they contain open calls for violence and expect respect from everyone for the right of all people and groups to express their various thoughts and ideas."
"We consider the absolute rejection of any sort of violence and any methods that involve violence an indispensable prerequisite for the solution of the Kurdish problem. We reject assimilation policies toward Kurds and other elements. We oppose the use of Turkish-Kurdish separation as a means of mutual homogenization, otherization and alienation."
"It is a must to confess that very bitter events have in the past transpired with respect to the Kurdish problem. These bitter events should be remembered as an experience for the prevention of similar events and should never be turned into a feud."
Universal law
"In addition, it is compulsory to completely and unhesitatingly recognize all social, cultural and political rights included in all international laws about fundamental human rights."
"Respect for one's native language is part of respecting the person. We think that the right to speak one's native language and to use it in teaching and education is an indispensable human right and that opposing this right cannot have any justification. Conditions for a comprehensive amnesty law should be created. "
"We reject all practices that overstep the bounds of the state of law with respect to the Kurdish problem."
"As the Abant Platform, we believe that this meeting makes a contribution to the creation and maintenance of a confidence-inspiring atmosphere committed to the supremacy of law and democracy."
"Our search for a solution that aims for peace and a future draws strength from the centuries-old will to live together in unity."
Arbil meeting
The statement also contained messages for the people living in northern Iraq:
"Kurds, alongside all groups in Iraq, are our brothers. We see it a compulsory move to develop friendly ties with the federal Kurdish administration."
The launching point for tomorrow's meeting will be this idea. The Kurdish issue of Turkey and the status of northern Iraq are two mutually correlated factors. This also applies to northern Iraq. The Kurds living in northern Iraq are seeking security and a future. The raison d'etre of this meeting is to ensure that both nations can proceed together toward peace.
The Middle East is going through a rapid transformation. As a major player in the region, the US is preparing for a new era with President Barack Obama. It is obvious that peace and stability will be two key concepts in this new era. In a few years, a different Middle East will be shaped. The future favors peace.
The Abant Platform is pioneering this search for peace in Arbil.
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