Mr. Phillips is Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights. He is adjunct faculty at Harvard Humanitarian Initiative. Phillips has also served as a senior adviser and foreign affairs expert to the U.S. Department of State

Gulan: After such a long and bloody war between the PKK and the Turkish government, both sides are realizing that that the Kurdish question cannot be resolved by military means. To what extent is the transition from military solution to a peaceful one important for both Turkish government and the Kurdish people?

Phillips: The PKK conflict can be resolved through democratization and development, as well measures to protect and promote Kurdish identity. Resolving conflict between Turkey and the PKK is especially important at this moment, given the spiral of deadly violence in Syria.

Gulan: The PKK has bases inside Kurdistan Region of Iraq, which has become a battlefield between the PKK and Turkish military forces. How can this war be resolved peacefully through negotiations?

Phillips: The goal is to resolve the PKK problem once and for all. Ceasefire is part of a process, setting the stage for comprehensive peace. Turkey can drain the swamp of support for the PKK through economic development and political reform. The civic constitution is a big step, but it will take time.

Gulan: How to build confidence?

The AKP-led government can show it is serious in the short term by abolishing article 301 of the penal code, which makes it an offense to denigrate “Turkishness,” and amending the anti-terror act which is broadly interpreted to crack-down on freedom of expression.

Gulan: What should be done to reintegrate PKK militias?

Phillips: Amnesty is the most difficult issue. It is anathema to many Turks. However, a grand bargain must include somne form of amnesty for the PKK’s rank-and-file. Addressing the status of senior commander is more problematic. It’s hard to imagine that they would return to their villages, as though nothing happened. Senior commanders could seek asylum in their country of current residence. Many are in Iraq. President Talabany would look favorably on applications for asylum.

Gulan: What about accountability?

Phillips: Crimes were committed on all sides. Restorative justice involving historical dialogue and truth telling is an alternative to punitive measures that would open old wounds and undermine confidence. There is a great deal of international experience around truth and reconciliation commissions. Of course, Turkey will have to adapt the truth and reconciliation process to its unique culture and history.

Gulan: You have worked on a solution to Kurdish issues for many years, and know that President Barzani has thought for a long time that the Kurdish question in Turkey is a political one and it can only be resolved by peaceful means. To what extent has Barzani played an important role in resolving this issue?

Phillips: President Barzani has played an extremely helpful role working with Turkey to address the PKK issue. He’s been very clear about the importance of allowing the expression of Kurdish identity for Kurds in Turkey. The AKP-led government has accepted this view.

Gulan: Yesterday Nechirvan Barzani, the KRG prime minister, held a meeting with the Prime Minister Erdogan. In your opinion, what role can the KRG play?

Phillips: The KRG has shown it can play a critical role consolidating peace in Turkey. It is also playing a critical role reaching out to the Kurds in Syria, engaging them in a dialogue about power-sharing in Syria after Assad. Erbil has become an epicenter for peacemaking in the region. That is due to the vision of President Barzani and the skillful leadership of Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani.

Gulan: You say that ceasefire is not the goal. Yet announcing ceasefire by both the PKK and Turkey has been considered an important step towards a peaceful solution. In your opinion, to what extent is the current ceasefire different from the previous ones?

Phillips: There have been many ceasefires in the past, but they have failed. This time there is great hope of political dialogue leading to sustainable and comprehensive peace. Abdullah Ocalan has called on PKK forces to withdraw from Turkish territories. Turkey can build on Ocalan’s good-will gesture through legal and constitutional reform. Once momentum is established, there can be a comprehensive negotiation on all issues. This is a historic opportunity. The international community should do all it can to assist. The KRG should also continue its efforts.


Gulan: If a ceasefire is not followed by a peaceful solution, then the problem will not be resolved. How can an effective peace process be established?

Phillips: There will always be spoilers on both sides who stand again politically or financially from continued conflict. Erdogan must marginalize nationalists who espouse conflict. He should take concrete steps showing that Turkey is committed to sustainable peace.

Gulan: Recently Turkey has been playing an important role in the region. Turkey cannot become a regional super power and get closer to European Union membership unless it resolves the Kurdish issue peacefully and through democratic means. To what extent is a solution to the Kurdish question important for Turkey?

Phillips: Ataturk said: "Peace at home and peace abroad." If Turkey is going to realize its potential as a regional power and as a force for good in the world, it must deal with the Kurdish question in a way which is consistent with international standards and European norms.

Gulan: Any message to the people of Kurdistan?

Phillips: The KRG is not only helping to promote peace in Turkey. It is also helping by reaching out to minorities in Syria. The KRG’s role in the region is increasingly important. The United States and the KRG share a vision of democratic governance, and should deepen their cooperation.