HDP Deputy: We Applied to Go to İmralı Island

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) deputy Sırrı Süreyya Önder called for ‘total national coalition’ by making statement on behalf of İmralı delegation.

Önder said they applied Ministry of Justice to go to İmralı Island (which Abdullah Öcalan, the leader of PKK, lives in). The delegation went to İmralı on April 5.

Group Deputy Chairmen Pervin Buldan and İdris Baluken from HDP İmralı delegation participated in Sırrı Süreyya’s press statement.

Önder stated that a total national coalition should be formed.

“The President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan undermined the resolution process. Peoples of Turkey turned the tables on Erdoğan after the general elections.

“We should form a national coalition totally. Not only with parliament members but also with supporters outside. This is far more important than the coalition of government.”

Önder said by indicating that they haven’t negotiated with the government for two months:

 “This is our cause and there is nothing more precious or dear to us than this cause. A date for disarmament may be announced after the delegation go to İmralı.”

Deputy Önder pointed out HDP’s votes from general elections (13% of the votes) were a part of permanent ceasefire but leader Abdullah Öcalan would decide that.  

Upon the question whether HDP deputies would swear the parliamentary oath in Kurdish or not, Sırrı Süreyya Önder answered “All of our oaths will be appropriate for standing orders.” (NV/BD)

* Photo Credit: AA/Volkan Furuncu

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