Demirtas: We can stop war, violence and weapons

Jailed Kurdish leader Selahattin Demirtas called once more on his party officials to increase the dialogue with Turkish society and come up with more peace policies, to be able to sooth the fears of terrorism among Turkish people.

Former HDP (People’s Democratic Party) Co-chair said in a written interview with Halk TV that his party administrations should take the necessary precautions to prevent the ruling block’s relentless demonization of HDP.

“For instance, I would like to visit Galipoli war grave, lay flowers, pray. I would like to show that we should stand side by side, like the ones lying in there” he said, referring to the Gallipoli Battle of WWI where thousands of Kurdish soldiers resisted alongside Turks against the invading ANZAC forces.

Demirtas reaffirmed that by embracing the Turkish people, HDP could win the support necessary to enhance democracy. “We can overcome this weapon, violence, war problem permanently and through dialogue and persuasion. HDP has the power” he said. 

Demirtas also said that removing the AKP (Justice and Development Party) from power would not be enough and appealed to the opposition parties for a boost in efforts towards a democratic transition. He said six opposition parties of the Nation’s Alliance have not yet made a serious move and should try harder.