“If the European Union and other countries support Kurds, the peace process will be implemented sooner. Germany’s movement and organizations should support the Kurdish nation.”

Modrow said it was fundamental that the peace process include an insistence on human rights in Turkey.

As a precondition to start talks for Turkey’s admission, the EU has required Turkey to address its human rights issues and grant minorities like the Kurds greater political and cultural rights.

Modrow believes that for Turkey to join the EU, it has to take bolder measures to relieve Kurdish political and cultural grievances, and should free Ocalan.

“Turkey can only continue the process (EU talks) by freeing Ocalan and all other political prisoners. This case has to become an issue in the European Union elections, as the unionwww.Ekurd.net can play a role in this problem,” he said. We have to understand that the European Union has no choice but to set such a precondition on Turkey. If there is support in this regard, other steps could be discussed.”

Discussing relations that existed between East Germany and the PKK, Modrow said: “There were relations, but the public opinion did not know about it. Mr. Ocalan, the leader of PKK, had supporters in the Democratic Republic of Germany. I think we had strong friendly relations.”

By Serdar Agid Buztamor - Rudaw

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