Demirtaş Calls on PKK, Government to Agree Ceasefire

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Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) Co-Leader Selahattin Demirtaş has called on the PKK and the government to agree a ceasefire.

He made the call during a press conference in Diyarbakır, during which he answered questions on the 15 July coup attempt and subsequent events, as well as the Kurdish issue and resolution process.

A delegation headed by Demirtaş will visit the Iraqi Kurdish Region tomorrow. The delegation, along with several party representatives, will meet with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) President Masoud Barzani, former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, KRG Prime Minister Nechervan Barzani, various civil society organizations and institutions.

“Ceasefire, not disarmament”

In his statements today, Demirtaş said: “I emphasize that this be a ceasefire for both the PKK and the government. ... The government is always twisting these words but we are not saying the government, police or military should lay down their weapons. We are talking about a ceasefire.

“We are talking about not firing at one another, not bombing, not launching operations and giving a chance to a political solution.”

“A ceasefire is not something immoral. Look at Syria, where our government is worked for a ceasefire and said they were happy when it happened. But in their own country they denounce those who talk about a ceasefire as traitors to the homeland. Can you imagine?

“To want the guns to stop is the most virtuous and honorable stance. That is what we want today, and we will continue to insist on it.”

“Whether this war finishes in 100 years or in five minutes, it has to end with dialogue. Within this period they must have understood many times over that neither the PKK nor the Government will be able to solve the Kurdish question through military means.” (AS/PS)