Interview with Matti Wuori about the Kurdish question, Turkey 23.9.2005

Q. What were done for the resolution in South Africa?

A. I myself took part in the Commission of Researching War Crimes in South Africa. Then, many conveniences were presented to us. We received the support of many institutions and that eased our tasks in the search for the truth. The state officials were in a serious approach. We worked in East Timor as well but there we were face with many difficulties.


Q. If compared with South Africa, can the Kurdish problem be resolved in diplomatic terms as well?

A. Yes, I think so. The Kurdish problem can be solved in diplomatic terms more easily but the international institutions should take action. For example, the black in South Africa had the political power but the white had economical power. Both sides needed each other so the resolution was easy. But the Kurdish problem is different from that of the South Africa in several aspects. Therefore the need for the international intervention is more. Furthermore there are 11 official languages used in South Africa. The resolution in South Africa was reached under the guidance of German Constitution but the situation in Kurdistan is much more different. You have to confront with 4 different countries. The resolution in each country would be different than in another one.

Q. Many countries in Europe consider PKK as a terrorist organization. How do you assess this?

A. The countries having problems should definitely leave the political channels open. The problems can not be resolved claiming an organization as terrorist. The doors should never be left closed. For example we had a meeting in Brussels with an organization considered as terrorist by many countries. Many countries were uneasy about that. The situation in Turkey is similar to that. But resolution with arms is impossible. Everybody should realize that.


Q. To you, is this manner of the countries a political decision or do they really think PKK is a terrorist organization?

A.  There are many views about the case. Some thinks PKK is a terrorist organization and some say not. There are also some using this as a political interest. They list an organization as terrorist. Then what? Can they solve the problems? The right thing is dialog. If the doors are kept closed, then the problems bear catastrophes. The conflict between Palestinian and Israel is the best example. For a long time many countries considered Palestinian organizations as terrorist. But now everything changed. The dialog was developed.

Q. European Court of Human Rights wanted Abdullah Ocalan to be retried but he is not allowed to contact with his lawyers. How the ECHR will assess this?

A. Yes, Turkey does not take the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights seriously. But trivial cases for Turkey are considered very important by the European Court of Human Rights. Turkey will have to be sentenced once more for this case. To pardon or to punish everybody in such countries can not solve the problem. We should the way in between. But the governments of the countries having problems should create convenient opportunities for the resolution otherwise the problem stays unclear. Both the Turks and Kurds should listen to each other. The real resolution of the problem comes from those experiencing the problems. If they desire the resolution the problem can be easily solved. If the sides in Ireland had not listened to each other the problem would have remained unsolved.

Q. How will the Kurdish problem be resolved according to you?

A. I think the sides should remain far from forgetting and blaming any side at first. Instead, they should investigate the situation in details and find out the offenders. If in the first step, any of the side is considered as guilty, then the resolution will be stuck in advance. I the sides want to resolve the problem they should help to the mediators. The Turkish government should listen to the Kurds and The Kurds should listen to the Turkish government. Moreover an international commission can serve as a go- between for the resolution.

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