Towards a political solution to the Kurdish question in Turkey

London, 16 May: Open discussion on the ‘Road Map to Negotiations’

The panel will include Jeremy Corbyn MP, Dr Michael Gunter, Professor of Political Science, Tennessee Technological University, Secretary General of EU Turkey Civic Commission (EUTCC), Dr. Cengiz Gunes, Associate lecturer at the Open University, author of The Contemporary Kurdish National Movement in Turkey: From Protest to Resistance (London: Routledge, 2012), David Morgan, Secretary Socialist History Society, Stan Newens, former MP and MEP, President of “Liberation”, Dr Felix Padel,  Social Anthropologist, Author and Political Activist. It will be chaired by international human rights lawyer Margaret Owen.
The third volume of Abdullah Ocalan’s prison writings which has just been published is entitled The Road Map to Negotiations and in common with earlier volumes presents the Kurdish leader’s thoughts on the prospects of a solution to the longest unsolved conflict in Turkish history. The new volume is a translation of the document which became a focus for high-level secret talks between its author and representatives of the Turkish State in 2009, talks which were broken off in 2011. The book remains a topical document and presents an outline of the proposals for a resolution from the Kurdish side which could form the basis of any future negotiations. The proposals outlined by Ocalan in the new book are widely supported by the Kurdish people and offer the hope of a lasting solution in the future whenever the Turkish government decides to enter into serious negotiations with the Kurds.
In order to help explain what is meant by a “democratic solution to the Kurdish question” and the steps that need to be taken to achieve it, Peace in Kurdistan will be holding an open discussion in London at Garden Court Chambers.  The current stalemate that has emerged since the ending of the secret talks now needs to be overcome and the aim of the meeting will be to debate the issues raised by the new volume and help break the deadlock by ensuring a greater awareness of the demands from the Kurdish side.  
The event is organised by Peace in Kurdistan

Campaign Against Criminalising Communities (CAMPACC) & Liberation
Refreshments will be available. All welcome.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012, 6.30-8.30pm
Garden Court Chambers, 57-60 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London WC2A 3LJ
(Holborn tube station)