The Labour Party (EMEP) has issued a final declaration following the International Conference on the Middle East, held at the United Metal Workers' Union headquarters on 25-26 May. The conference was organised to discuss major developments in the Middle East, particularly Israel's attacks on Palestine.

The statement emphasised that Israel's attacks on the Palestinian people have caused tens of thousands of deaths and forced many to migrate. The conference was highlighted as an important step to draw attention to such humanitarian crises and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The first day of the two-day conference focused on hegemonic struggles and the economic and political dimensions of inter-state relations in the region. On the second day, solutions were discussed with a focus on public dynamics. Local and international academics, politicians and journalists examined the intense and bloody agenda centred on Palestine from historical and regional perspectives.

IMPERIALIST COMPETITION AND CONFLICTS

It has been noted that the Middle East has been one of the regions with the most intense competition among the imperialist states throughout the twentieth century and today. This competition has become more and more intense because of oil, natural gas and strategic routes. The escalation of conflicts in the region has been linked to the rise of China and Russia as "superpowers". It was noted that states and local authorities serving the interests of global monopolies have created and exploited unresolved issues in the region by provoking religious and sectarian conflicts.

SYRIA AND TWO HEGEMONIC POWERS

The ongoing proxy wars in Syria and the direct interventions of the USA and Russia were discussed in terms of their destructive impact on the region. The conflicts between these two powers were seen as ongoing efforts to expand their influence and control over regional resources.

TURKEY'S REGIONAL POLICY

It was mentioned that the Turkish government takes every opportunity to assert its initiatives both in the region and globally. This includes operations in neighbouring countries to expand the National Pact (Misak-ı Milli), the sale of drones to Middle Eastern countries, the sale of public institutions and land, the search for partners for projects, and the evaluation of investment opportunities for capital.

ISRAELI ATTACKS AND GLOBAL RESPONSES

The inaction of regional states in response to Israel's attacks on Palestine was criticised. It was noted that the continuous actions of the world's workers have not been enough to stop Israel's aggressiveness, and that states have responded to these protests with violence, giving Israel a green light. It was noted that the power and influence of the states that recognise Palestine has not been enough to make Netanyahu back down.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS AND HIGHLIGHTS

The conference agreed that the massacre of the Palestinian people must stop immediately and that their right to self-determination must be recognised. Key issues included Turkey's refugee and immigration policy, which turns the country into a depot, and the internal and external political instrumentalisation of the policy towards the Kurdish people spread across four countries.

NOTABLE VIEWS OF PARTICIPANTS

Israeli anti-Zionist Prof. Moshe Zuckermann criticised Israel's attacks on Palestine and the Netanyahu regime. Udi Raz of the German-based Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East described the German state's efforts to silence dissenting Jews by labelling all criticism of Zionism as anti-Semitism. Al-Taher, from the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, stressed the importance of democratic popular unity and united struggle against the militant and massacring alliance of Israel and the USA.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS AND THANKS

The main highlights of the conference were the immediate cessation of the massacre of the Palestinian people, the declaration of a ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza and the facilitation of the return of the Palestinian people to their homes. It called for the recognition of the Palestinian state and the release of Palestinians in prison. It was stated that the right to self-determination belongs to the Palestinian people.

Thanks were expressed to the speakers from home and abroad, to the participants who were present in the hall for two days, to those who watched the live broadcast and to everyone who shared their feelings and thoughts.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

May 25, 2024

10:30 Opening Speech: Seyit Aslan (Labor Party Chair)

11:00-13:30 FIRST SESSION POWER STRUGGLES AND HEGEMONY IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Moderator: Fulya Alikoç

• Musa Özuğurlu (Journalist)
• Gilbert Achcar (UK, Academic)
• Maher Arafat Al-Taher (Palestine)

14:00-17:00 SECOND SESSION TURKEY-MIDDLE EAST RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC POLITICS

Moderator: Nuray Sancar

• Arzu Yılmaz (KRG - Iraq)
• Bahadır Özgür (Journalist)
• Mühdan Sağlam (Academic)
• Erhan Keleşoğlu (Academic)

May 26, 2024

11:00-13:00 FIRST SESSION PEOPLES AND STRUGGLES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Moderator: Hediye Levent

• Sibel Karadağ (Academic)
• Doğan Çetinkaya (Academic)
• Mira Assadi (Iran, Academic)
• Kıvanç Eliaçık (Union Expert)

14:00-17:00 SECOND SESSION POSSIBILITIES AND CONDITIONS FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Moderator: Hakkı Özdal

• Moshe Zuckermann (Israel, Academic)
• Udi Raz (Germany, Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Middle East)
• Lindsey German (UK, Stop The War Coalition)
• Cengiz Çiçek (DEM Party MP)
• İskender Bayhan (EMEP MP)