Selahattin Demirtaş: It Cannot Be Possible to Discuss Unity in the Left

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Arrested in Edirne Prison since November 4, 2016, Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) former Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş has answered the questions of Erdal İmrek from Tükenmez Haber news website.

He has addressed a series of issues in his interview, including the audience of the theater play adapted from his second short story book "Devran", the possibilities of unity and alliance in the left and the recently founded political parties. Some highlights from the interview are as follows:

Regarding debates on "Devran"

(Adapted for the stage, the debut of "Devran" was watched by his wife Başak Demirtaş, Dilek İmamoğlu and Selvi Kılıçdaroğlu.)

"In one word: It was amazing. Being together, expressing solidarity and raising the hope are - above all else - a meaningful message given to polarization. (...) I can only thank them all. It will - of course - be very good if politicians learn a lesson and get inspiration from that.

"When the words 'Süleyman' and 'Soylu' (noble) stand side by side, one thinks that something really good will come out. But, the exact opposite is the case. I do not believe that this person deserves an answer from me.

CLICK - Interior Minister Targets Audience of Theater Play Adapted from Demirtaş's Book

Alliance

"When every political party or movement forces its own program upon others, it will not lead to a sound alliance and this, in turn, will cause the forces of struggle to look disorganized and will hinder its growth.

"So long as the interests of parties and cadres and unnecessary ideological conflicts are not ended, no meaningful unity of forces will arise. But, still, a ground for healthy discussion can be formed and a democracy block on a wide social basis can be established.

"Under these circumstances, a comprehensive and complete unity in the left does not seem very likely. While everyone regards the protection of their own little parties as the most important cause and aim of the world, no one can meet the real expectations of the people.

"While even a joint press statement is discussed for days and turns into a crisis over a single word, it cannot be possible to discuss unity in the left, unfortunately. It is sad.

New political parties

"If they have an attitude and social support that will contribute to the transition to democracy, they will naturally be reciprocated in the political sphere. And we will make our evaluations accordingly.

"For now, we are just watching, we will set our own political position according to possible developments. The relevant committees of the HDP are already evaluating all these issues in their all aspects.

"Their practices will determine what kind of a relationship we will have. But, as far as I can see, the HDP is not closed to democratic and principles-based co-operations. And I think, it is the right thing to do." (EKN/SD)