“Withdrawal Resumes, People Optimistic”

bianet reached Şevket Akdemir, one of the 25 Human Rights Association of Turkey representatives located on Turkey's border to observe PKK's withdrawal.

"We have formed commissions in all departments on the region. In addition, our headquarters have established a 25-member observation commission. For the past two days, withdrawal occurred smoothly and people are very optimistic about what's going on," Akdemir said.

“We are taking measures against potential provocations"

Located in Kasrik gateway, in the intersection between Gabar and Cudi Mountains, Akdemir informed bianet that they have not observed any PKK guerrillas withdraw in the first person, but were told that withdrawal was in progress in other parts of the border. 

"There is nothing unusual here. Sometimes we see military exploration planes above, which has not caused any issues yet.

"Our duty is to prevent undesirable situations on gateways. We are taking measures against potential provocations. We are working to prevent issues on police check-points.

"We always advocated for a peaceful resolution of the Kurdish problem. We are glad to see where we reached now.

"As Human Right Association of Turkey, we are working closely to avoid right abuses. We always shared those with public and we are also doing now.

“We are anticipating that the withdrawal will last 3-4 months. We will circulate around the region and resume our observer duty.Turkey suffered enough and we will avoid any further sufferings." (EKN/BM)