‘We are against any war that brings about death and destruction’

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Over 800 citizens, including writers, poets and academics, have released a joint statement, calling for an end to ongoing conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"No to war, hate and enmity; yes to peace," the statement is entitled, adding that the signatories are "against all types of wars that bring about death and destruction." Other highlights from the statement are as follows:

'War and violence is not the solution'

"War once again hit the agenda of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia on September 27. The reason for the war is the century-old issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 90s, the war that broke out between the two countries for the same reason did not bring any results. No permanent solution is in sight.

"Bloody solutions such as war and violence are destructive for societies, they bring sorrows. One needs to know that no permanent solutions can be attained in this way and insist on dialogue and negotiation in solving problems. Those who produce 'nationalism' over Azerbaijan-Armenia war and the government circles are accusing the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) of 'treason'? What is the 'treason' of the HDP?

"[The treason] is not supporting the war that has erupted between two neighboring countries and the declaration prepared by the parties in the Parliament in support of Azerbaijan.

"It was the year when the Syria war broke out. Around 30 people of ours with Islamic identities released a declaration entitled 'A third way is possible' in Syria. Pious people who signed this declaration and led to the first serious breaking point among the religious circles were subjected to fierce attacks, lynches and threats in the name of 'religion'.

"Years have passed. History is a witness. What is the consequence? The death of around one million people, perished households, a devastated country, over five million migrant lives who have come to Turkey...

'Everyone does not have to support war'

"Not everyone has to support war policies. Not expressing support for war is not treason; on the contrary, it is required by claiming humanity and life.

"The HDP is the 6.5 million voters' pursuit of peace, democracy and freedom. It is a legitimate structure based on the representation of 6.5 million citizens. Accusing millions of people of 'treason' because they want peace is 'monist' and 'domestic enemy-oriented' policies.

"It is now seen that the will and desire of Turkey's society and peoples to live together is on the verge of disappearance due to the escalating hate and nationalist/chauvinist policies.

'We have to lay claim to peace'

"Garo Paylan, who requested a solution through peace and dialogue rather than war in his speech at the Parliament, is a member of the HDP's Central Executive Committee and an Armenian citizen of Turkey. The grief for Hrant Dink has deeply shaken our people's sense of justice.

"That is why, we know and feel the trauma caused by sorrow quite closely. For this very reason, we have to lay claim to peace and stand together and unite in the face of our people's being targeted." (RT/SD)