Leyla Zana for President of Turkey can speed up EU membership

 

 

By Steve Tataii

July 24, 2007

 

 

 

Leyla Zana became the First Woman Parliamentarian in Turkey's history. Awarded the 1995 Sakharov prize by the European Parliament, she was unable to collect it until the 2004 release from Turkish prison, serving 10 years for mere supporting the Kurdish cause considered against Turkey's unity. The conviction included speaking her mother language "Kurdish" in a Parliament session at the end of taking oath to serve as Turkey's first woman parliamentarian. Prior to that she was awarded the "Rafto Prize" for being recognized as a "Prisoner of Conscience" in 1994, and the "Bruno Kreisky" Award in 1995. In prison she authored her book titled "Writings from Prison".

 

Her retrial led to the March of 2003 release after her conviction was condemned in 2001 by European Court of Human Rights stemmed from EU's repeated calls for her release, making it clear by awarding her with the high "Sakharov Prize" in 1995.

 

I honestly believe; that as a grassroots political Leader; Leyla Zana is perhaps Turkey's only passport to be welcomed as a member in EU family of states if she becomes the new President, which is a ceremonial position compared with Prime Minister, hence it is to the advantage of Turkey to champion itself by choosing Zana, and take a Giant Leap ahead during recent highly controversial, and negative series of political news developments since 2003.

 

Let's make no mistake about it; this gentle woman is one of most outstanding Leaders of our time, and perhaps the only grassroots leader, who has survived the harshest tests of her lifetime as a Kurd, when she stood her grounds with pride, wisdom, sacrifice, and tenacity to insist on Freedom of all captive peoples to run their own social affairs.

 

Despite her clarifications on calling for "States of Turkey" right before the election; my point about the endless persecution of today's 30 million Kurds in South, and South East Turkey is proven, when regime's immediate distorted image initiated by chief  prosecutor of Igdir, where Zana spoke in a Rally: "It is time to Divide Turkey into States". Zana stated, and that: "This is not a call to divide the country, but a step to strengthen unity, and co-existence within Turkey".  She then stated; that:

 

"A planned legislation on creating local administration centers should be implemented to allow people govern themselves". She continued by saying: "They said redrawing borders is not necessary anymore; people can live together in peace provided that the governing class appreciate this. We have tried this policy for years. What have you done? Nothing. You have taken one step forward, followed by two steps back".

 

Zana also called for General Amnesty for the PKK, considered a "terrorist" organization by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union. (Source: Zaman, July 21, 2007).  

 

I believe now Turkey has a remarkable opportunity of a lifetime, the chance to regain most of her lost Democratic legitimacy. A chance, which may otherwise fail to be fully recognized for decades more to come, because Zana is able to do what no other Turkish Leader has done since 1923. I've listed only 5 difficult issues from that long list below:

 

     

1-   Able to quickly begin getting favorable support from EU members to grant Turkey in becoming another fellow member if it has the heart to let Zana become president.

2-    Bring to an end the 23 years of ongoing clashes between Turkish military, and Kurdish PKK forces, costing 37,000 lives on both sides, because she can help to persuade them lay down their arms, and stop fighting permanently  in exchange for a fair, and permanent General Amnesty, and because all Kurds, and Turks respect her. Isn't an end to PKK retaliations what Turkey wants? I recon it is.

3-    Almost immediately enhance Turkey's tourist industry due to more security, but best of all help Kurds, and Turks to enhance their talents, education, and become more advanced technologically, while many other states are way ahead.

4-    Offer the best alternative to help Kurds, and Turks live in peace once again, after years of conflict due to the negative political environment since 1915. This takes skills, understanding, honesty, and wisdom. She has all the above.

5-    As a proven great peacemaker; she can use her wisdom, and gentle skills to help bring peace, and stability in the region as a popular leader they'll highly respect. This will help Turkey advance economically, and maintain its strategic importance, while other regimes have destroyed that chance through lack of vision.

 

These are only 5 among dozens of other benefits with great Potentials into the future.

 

I ask Turkish PM, and members of the selection committee to consider my proposal, and enable their "Fellow European" Journey to begin in a peaceful, and effortless manner. I also hope; that if they do; Leyla Zana will accept their offer to become the First Woman President of Turkey in history.  

 

I close by sending my sincere Congratulations to PM Receb Teyyip Erdogan, and all other Winners of the 2007 historic elections, wishing them all the best. If you need to contact me write to: tataii2003congress@msn.com You may also visit my educational Website at: www.tataiiforcongress.com Please forward this proposal to Turkey's Presidential selection committee for it to hopefully be considered, helping to bring peace, and stability in a longtime. Steve Tataii, author, and U.S. Senator Candidate in the 2006 elections.