Bulletin de liaison et d'information - Institut kurde de Paris

Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Baszn Özeti
interrogation? Ras Turkey done a good thing by bringing Sakik to Turkey? Could Sakik not be used more
effectively in other ways as a factor to speed up the PKK's disintegration?
Some of the TV channels have been trying to shape an anti-Sakik front, with one of them interviewing the
relatives of the 33 soldlers whose deaths Sakik had ordered. Another TV channel, on the other hand, has
argued that Sakik has been brought to Turkey too early. Some media establishments say that Turkey must
draw rational conclusions from the PKK's disintegration process. They stress that the problems would not
be over with the end of the PKK. They underline the need for tackling the core of the problem and to solve
the problems of the people of the region.
Due to the Sakik incident the Kurdish problem has bounced back to the top of the agenda. The Republican
People's Party (CRP) has been sending missions to the region for on the spot observations as part of its
planned Southeast offensive. The names of persons suggesting "moderate solutions" to the Kurdish
problem are coming to the foreground. One of these persons, Ibrahim Guclu, is returning to Turkey.
A solution without the PKK
Once more the public is discussing the possibility of "a dialogue which does not involve the PKK."
Observers recall that the Kemal Burkay-led Kurdistan Socialist Party (KSP) and the lalal Talabani-led
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had launched an initiative which led to the 1993 cease-fire. Now the
debate is whether a similar initiative could be launched, this time without the participation of the PKK,
probably through the mediation of a number of "Kurdish intellectuals" who have remained outside these
formations.
Speculation to this effect has upset the PKK leadership. PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan has accused Ibrahim
Guclu, Samdin Sakik's brother Sirri Sakik, former deputies of the now defunct Democracy Party (DEP)
Ahmet Turk and Sedat Yurtdas, and Democratic Mass Party (DKP) leader Serafettin E1ci of "seeking
reformist solutions." Also seen as a likely element to undertake such a mission is the "dialogue group" led
by former True Path Party (DYP) deputy Abdulmelik Firat.
The fea~ibility of that alternative would depend on the degree of flexibility the PKK would display. The
"Kurdish moderates" may make more vigorous efforts for a dialogue if the PKK lays down its arms, tries
to shed its "terrorist" image in the eyes of the United States and other Western countries, and inspires some
trust in the Turkish army. For the time being, these circles too seem upset due to the PKK's harsh stance.
The tragic end of the 1993 cease-fire with the massacre of 33 young soldiers would make any effort for a
new cease-fire quite difficult. Various segments of the public would demand a "guarantee" from the PKK
on this issue.
A plausible cease-fire
Meanwhile, PKK circles are trying to overcome the shock which Sakik's desertion caused them. After
making a series of conflicting statements initially, the PKK leadership has started to say that Sakik's escape
has allowed the PKK to rid itself of disorganized, unruly bands which have given it a "terrorist image."
Trying hard to turn Sakik's escape into a political advantage, the PKK leadership is maintaining that Sakik
represented the undisciplined, trigger-happy part of the organization, and that his defection would not harm
the organization either politically or militarily.
By making his major "commanders" appear on Med-TV programs one after another, Ocalan is trying to
give an appearance of unity. Observers speculate that in the wake of the recent developments Ocalan will
focus on political activities and gather around him younger persons whom he can rule more easily. These
observers say that in an effort to create a "moderate" image Ocalan williaunch a series of diplomatic
offensives, the most important of which would be declaration of a "cease-fire" during the summer.
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