COLEMÊRG – Known to the public since 2005 for catching soldiers red-handed attempting to bomb his bookstore amid debates on solving the Kurdish issue through dialogue, Seferi Yılmaz said: "Everyone must work day and night for peace against war profiteers."

 

During the discussions about solving the Kurdish issue  through dialogue rather than military means, Yılmaz, who caught two sergeants attempting to bomb his Umut Bookstore in Şemzînan (Şemdinli) district of Colemêrg (Hakkari) in 2005, emphasized the need for everyone to defend peace against provocations.

 

Speaking to Mezopotamya Agency (MA) about Kurdish People’s Leader Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and Democratic Society” and the ongoing process, Yılmaz noted that this issue, which should be resolved through dialogue, led to war because it wasn’t handled properly.

 

“If there had been a chance to talk then, the war would not have lasted. If everyone had the freedom to express their views freely at that time, this war wouldn’t have continued for 50 years. Democratic politics and organizational freedom, having an identity like other peoples, would have prevented this war. The point reached by this struggle is clear. No assimilationist power, state, or government can deny Kurds anymore. The real struggle is just beginning now,” he said.

 

‘THE STATE IS CURRENTLY IN A WAIT-AND-SEE POLICY’

 

Yılmaz highlighted Öcalan’s paradigm: “This struggle has precedents in Latin America and other countries. These experiences have long been studied by states and organizations. Öcalan’s call was not just a February statement; he sought dialogue multiple times in the 90s, but no serious counterpart emerged. The Kurdish issue is centuries-old and cannot be solved by a few democratic packages, legal frameworks, or releasing some prisoners. The state has not taken serious steps yet and is trying to delay. While the ruling powers stall, democratic organizations, labor movements, and socialist groups show no serious mobilization. Movements and organizations that push the state to act are necessary; otherwise, this process will rot if it follows a wait-and-see stance.”

 

‘KURDS MUST OWN THIS PROCESS MOST’

 

Stressing that Kurds who paid the highest price for the war must embrace the process more, Yılmaz said: “All peoples in Turkey must show will to solve their own problems. Chauvinistic approaches neither solve their issues nor support Kurdish issues. Öcalan’s conditions must be improved; he should engage more with mass organizations and communicate better with skeptical groups. The enormous destruction from 40-50 years of war makes resolution difficult. We still face the era of forces like İttihat Terakki and Ergenekon, with ongoing assassination attempts. Many officials supporting the Kurdish issue, like former President Turgut Özal and General Eşref Bitlis, were sidelined. Incidents like Pervin Buldan’s car crash and Sırrı Süreyya Önder’s death require investigation. The first step is securing Öcalan’s physical freedom and ensuring freedom to organize, meet with academics, and conduct psychological evaluations of society. These are essential to soften the process.”

 

‘WARNING AGAINST WAR PROFITEERS’

 

Yılmaz pointed out the media’s important role in this process and the need to abandon old language. He also noted that the state is not homogeneous: “There are war profiteers within groups linked to war, from village guards to upper levels, including state officials. Ending the wars might economically impact many states, including Turkey, from arms sales to ammunition. Some involved in disappearances and drug trafficking have benefited from this dirty war. Both the state and government resist disarmament. The ‘wait-and-see’ policy sustains the war. İttihat Terakki remains resilient since the Republic’s foundation, becoming more visible due to the war. We know there is resistance when we consider all these together.”

 

‘EVERYONE MUST ENGAGE IN THE PROCESS’

 

Yılmaz warned everyone to be cautious: “National liberation movements suffered their biggest massacres during ongoing talks. The process still appears stalled because the state doesn’t take real steps. Democratic organizations, the people, and labor movements must assert themselves strongly to prioritize peace. Political parties should reorganize and actively engage in the field. The state will obstruct, but all political movements must take radical action in the streets. Expecting good steps from the state is naive. We need to rethink ourselves as a people. Political parties must reassess and fully commit day and night to the process.”

 

MA / Adnan Bilen