STATEMENT : KCK PRESINDENCY OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL / EPITAPH FOR MEHMET ALI BIRAND

TO THE PRESS AND PUBLIC OPINION / KCK Info 20.1.2013

We have received the news of a tragic loss of prominent Turkish journalist and intellectual Mehmet Ali Birand due to illness. Mehmet Ali Birand was a great asset to the Turkish intellectuals and media. We extend our condolences to his family, colleagues, Turkish intellectuals and the Turkish media.

The loss of Mehmet Ali Birand, at a time when people such as him the most needed in Turkey, is a great loss for peace and for public in general. Mehmet Ali Birand who showed courage against Turkish colonialism`s strict ban and denial to interview Leader Apo, was first to see the reality in Turkey and approach responsibly. His untimely loss leaves a great void.

First of all, as a man of peace, he wanted democratic solution to the Kurdish question, had a serious effort for the freedom of Leader Ocalan and for the development of peace far from any kind of chauvinistic feelings. M. Ali Birand who was a writer and a real intellect, especially in recent years through his writings tried to show the framework of a democratic solution to the Kurdish problem. He was a democrat and an intellect that was not ignorant of reality, did not bow to any exclusions, prosecutions and restrictions due to his approach for a democratic solution of the Kurdish question and insisted on his attitude.

It is an important task for the friends of Mehmet Ali Birand and those who admire him, to also share his thoughts and goals.

On this basis, we state that by developing peace, democratic solution and the brotherhood of peoples, we can cherish the ideas and dreams of Mehmet Ali Birands. Once again, we extend our condolences to all people of Turkey and to all people of Kurdistan for the loss of a friend.

KCK PRESIDENCY OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL – 18.01.2013