WAN - The Newroz celebration in Wan started with enthusiasm. While the slogan "Bijî Serok Apo" was raised from the are, messages of support were given for Abdullah Öcalan's call.
Under the leadership of Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) and Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party, Newroz celebration is being held in Wan with the slogans "Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)" and "Democratic Society for Freedom". Tens of thousands of people from the city centre, surrounding districts and rural neighbourhoods flocked to the Newroz Area on the outskirts of Wan Castle early in the morning.
"Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" slogans were frequently chanted from the area where the enthusiasm increased with each passing minute. Young people and women turned the area into a riot of colours with their colourful dresses. They also carried yellow, red and green coloured streamers.
The programme started with a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in the struggle for freedom and democracy. Artist Fikret Goyî took the stage. Then the Newroz fire was lit with great enthusiasm.
'WE SUPPORT ÖCALAN'S PARADIGM'
Neslihan Şedal, dismissed Co-mayor of Wan Metropolitan Municipality said, "The people of Wan have always written history and continue to do so. Despite all the oppression and persecution policies for years, the people did not bow down to the oppressors. Now there is talk of a peace process. The people and youth of Wan will stand by this process. We will always support Mr Abdullah Öcalan's call for peace and we will serve for peace."
Abdullah Zeydan, dismissed Co-mayor of Wan Metropolitan Municipality said, "The resistance of the people of Wan has set an example to the world and everyone is talking about your stance. We have suffered a lot, but today peace is being talked about. Whenever Mr Öcalan speaks, the air of peace blows. Today again Mr Öcalan has started a process. This process will lead to the freedom of all peoples. We declare from this square that we will stand by the call and paradigm of Mr Abdullah Öcalan."
Sinan Çiftyürek, a member of Kurdistan Communist Party (KKP), reacted to the massacre of 9 people, including 7 children from the same family in Kobani. Çiftyürek said, "Kurds will not end with these massacres and you will not succeed with these massacres. Mr Öcalan recently made a call for the solution of the Kurdish issue. Everyone should embrace this call. After the call, an agreement was made in Syria. With this agreement, Kurds acted together and demonstrated their will. We support this agreement."
TJA activist Fatma Ablay said, "With the struggle of women, the philosophy of 'Jin, jiyan, azadî (Woman, life, freedom)' spread all over the world. We celebrate the Newroz of the Kurdish People's Leader Mr Abdullah Öcalan, who created this philosophy, and we embrace the message he sent." Fatma Ablay stated that women will support the process.