‘No peace, democracy possible in Turkey without resolving the Kurdish question’

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The 6th Ordinary Congress of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) took place in Ankara yesterday (February 27).

The congress was held at the Nazım Hikmet Cultural Center in the capital city; the congress hall was adorned with flags and banners that read in Kurdish and Turkish, "National unity is not an option, but a must", "We are determined to organize politics with the awareness of a democratic nation" and "A democratic, ecologic and libertarian life for women."

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Chair Mithat Sancar also made a speech during the DBP congress. Underlining the DBP's "special place in the struggle for peace and a democratic resolution for the Kurdish question", Sancar recalled that the DBP is also a constituent of the HDP.

Extending his thanks to the DBP for its contribution to the struggle for democracy, peace, freedom and an equal and shared life, Mithat Sancar stressed that "the HDP's promise for democracy, peace and freedom is not an empty slogan" and briefly added the following in his speech:

'Kurds' existence is under threat'

"Kurds' existence is not solely their freedom. Their freedom first is under threat. They face attempts of captivation with policies of annihilation, denial and isolation everywhere; their will is disregarded.

"For this reason, no one has the right to make up excuses or reasons concerning national unity. One of the most important ways for Kurdish people to obtain their freedom is through national unity.

"The DBP says 'struggle' about this issue. The DBP shoulders this burden and moves to its target with success. If the existence, freedom and political will of Kurdish people are under threat, national unity in the face of this is inevitable. National unity is not a preference, but a must.

'They now constantly mention peace'

The duty assumed by the DBP and the important dynamic held for the HDP is the resolution of the Kurdish question and peace. There is no peace and democracy in Turkey without peace and a democratic resolution for the Kurdish question.

"We, as the HDP, are doing our best to spread this future among the widest possible sections under the struggle of the democratic alliance. Those who rolled their eyes when we mentioned peace, the ones who degraded the word peace now constantly say it when the world is on fire.

'Negotiation and diplomacy'

"Today, everyone has had to see again how important peace is. The current point of the war for global dominance and power waged around the Ukraine crisis is the danger that the war may spread to Europe.

"We have rejected all types of military intervention and invasion regardless of where it comes from; the resolution of problems is possible through negotiation, dialogue and diplomacy, be that within countries or between states." (RT/SD)