‘Distribute Disinfection and Hygiene Products to the Poor Free of Charge’

* Photo: Mezopotamya Agency (MA)

Click to read the article in Turkish / Kurdish

Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Spokesperson Ebru Günay held a press conference at the HDP Central Office today (March 13). As reported Mezopotamya Agency (MA), Günay addressed the reporters about a series of current issues, including Syria's Idlib and coronavirus outbreak.

Günay said that the emergency meeting held by the HDP Central Executive Board yesterday also discussed the latest developments in Syria's Idlib and the official talks between Russia and Turkey in Moscow.

"The outcome in Idlib is quite clear", said Günay and continued as follows:

"The war policies imposed on the society by the Justice and Development Party (AKP) have turned out to be a dead end. The way out here is to pull out of Syria as soon as possible. What disappoints Turkey in the international arena is fiascos like the one in Moscow."

"They should abandon their antagonism towards all peoples, especially the Kurds. Our party as the solutions that will comprise the entire society and find solutions for all problems. We are in a position to found an alliance that will establish peace and democracy and develop solutions."

'We have prioritized public health'

Günay also referred to HDP's cancellation of mass gatherings for Newroz in late March over coronavirus concerns.

CLICK - HDP Cancels Mass Gatherings for Newroz Due to Coronavirus

"Newroz is a festivity of resistance for all peoples, especially for the Kurds. This festival is very important to us", Günay said and added that "they had to postpone the celebrations as they took public health into consideration:

"We based [this decision| on the views of independent medical institutions, especially World Health Organization (WHO), Turkish Medical Institution (TTB) and Health and Social Service Laborers Union (SES)."

"It was important to celebrate Newroz and welcome the spring. We firmly believe that the masses will carry the splendour of Newroz to May Day, they will carry the same enthusiasm to the squares on May 1."

'AKP shouldn't seek after political interests'

Speaking further on Covid-19 outbreak, Günay briefly said:

"A system driving societies to war and death leave them vulnerable to natural disasters. While this issue is seriously discussed around the world, the government, especially the Minister of Health, approaches the issue in a manner far from being as serious as the issue itself.

"The precautions taken about this issue should be shared with the public as soon as possible, the measures should be transparently introduced and they should work in coordination with health organizations.

"In all disasters and crises, the AKP tries to turn the issue into a security policy, thereby maintaining its own place in power. We saw that in Elazığ earthquake and Van avalanche. It is not an issue of security, it is not something that the AKP can derive power from, it is a matter of public health.

"The AKP should not seek after political interests. Disinfection and hygiene products should be distributed to the poor free of charge as soon as possible. It is - by definition - what being a social state is all about.

'Release the inmates'

Concluding her remarks, Günay also raised concerns over the risk of coronavirus in prisons: "Another risk area is prisons. A separate assessment is necessary by evaluating their conditions of health. All prisoners who are at risk, especially the ill ones, should be released." (EMK/SD)