Birdal Joint Candidate for Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor

Democratic Society Party (DTP) Diyarbakır MP Akın Birdal is revealed as the party's candidate for Istanbul metropolitan mayor in the upcoming local elections on March 29th. A number of socialist party and groups had formed a coalition for elections, which will be supporting Birdal. DTP is also in that provisional electoral coalition. 

We'll promote the multiculturalism of Istanbul, Birdal told bianet. "We know the problems of Armenians, Syrians, Turks, socialists, workers living in this city. Our aim is to transform Istanbul into a city where everyone can live without fear and dismay."

He proposes to represent all who is not content with the way things works today. "Istanbul is Turkey. A relation of sentiment and soul must be established between Istanbul and Diyarbakır. We'll make sure the working people of Istanbul meet Diyarbakır's Kurds. This is imperative for a mood of sisterhood and brotherhood in the country."   

Birdal was born in Nigde, in central Anatolia in 1948. He studied agricultural engineering in Ankara. Before the military coup in 1980, he was involved in cooperatist movement. 

He acted as the Human Rights Association's (IHD) chair and the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH) co-chair.

Birdal took part in the establishment of the Socialist Unity Party, the United Socialist Party, the Freedom and Solidarity Party and the Socialist Democracy Party.

He was subjected to an attempt of assassination in 1996, while working as IHD's chair. Perpetrator of the failed attempt, Semih Tufan Gunaltay is now standing trial in Ergenekon case.   

He was elected MP in July 2007 elections and now acts as a member of DTP's parliamentary group and the parliamentary committee on human rights.(TK/AGÜ)