If the problem is to provide “more freedom” to the citizens in Southeast, locals in the area have never enjoyed so many “democratic advantages.” The steps taken for European Union (EU) membership were hitherto impossible to dream of. It was said, “Kurdish should be taught.” The state gave permission to dozens of Kurdish courses and with pompous opening ceremonies, Kurdish language courses were opened. It resulted in a fiasco! Since there is no great demand for these courses, they have begun shutting down one by one. “Kurdish broadcasts,” it was said. Now, Kurdish language broadcasts are being aired. Several television channels started the broadcasts together, new channels are on the way. “Kurdish songs should be allowed,” it was said, now, every channel broadcasts Kurdish songs. Turkey with all its maturity listens to these songs which are accompanied by applause from the audience in live broadcasts. As some assume, this is not the apocalypse…
As Turkey is traveling on its way towards the EU, the PKK is running out of discourses; as the government is making gigantic strides on “basic rights and freedoms,” the PKK no longer can play the role of “the aggrieved” and “the victimized.” The terrorist organization is disintegrating; it is losing the support it used to get in the world and in the region. That’s why it has become peevish and by fomenting violence, it wants to pull itself together. This is not only suitable for the PKK but also for other pro-violence groups. Hence, it is possible to say that there are deep alliances working behind the scenes. Those who do not want Parliament to elect the president, those who plan to create a security syndrome and wear the government down, are watching the acts of violence incited by the PKK with pleasure.
Politicians in the region have a historic responsibility in such critical periods, however, they don’t seem to be cognizant of the heart of the matter either. For instance, Diyarbakir Mayor Osman Baydemir is not paying his moral debt to the people of the region through services. He has to show interest in issues having to do with the city, find solutions to unemployment, solve the city’s problems and develop projects to maintain social harmony. No way! Let’s assume he cannot tackle all this alone; then he should at least ensure sharing, balance and stability in the society. He shouldn’t act as if he is a PKK member. That is what befits Baydemir. However, neither the mayor nor other Democratic Society Party (DTP) officials seemingly are aware of the dangers of inciting political conflicts instead of providing services to the citizens. For example, the remarks made by the DTP Siirt provincial leader are very clear and very provocative indeed. They cannot even find an answer to the question, “Where are these provocations heading”? Either they are incapable of doing so or they are following “directives.” I wonder, who stands to gain from the failure of democratic moves by stoking fears and suspicions?
Every sane person has a huge responsibility today because the tension that is escalating is part of an axis of evil, part of a clandestine plan! This ominous trap does not target a particular region or class: The powers disturbed by the democratization progress in Turkey are advocating conflict, terrorism; and are planning to start a new period of bloodshed through grudge.
There is no need for despair! Because, despite the provocations by organizations, the public is deciphering the plan with its own unique insight. For this reason, in spite of the pressures on Diyarbakir with a population of 1 million, not many people are taking part in these acts of violence. I urge everyone who wields influence in the administration of the country to explore this secret treasury, which I would call “public insight.” I wish they could see the cultural values that keep the region on its feet and the social texture the public holds above these values…
March 31, 2006
