Demirtas: ceasefire depends on Turkish government
Demirtas: ceasefire depends on Turkish government
Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaþ said that his party has no "power to imposed any decision on anyone". Demirtaþ was answering questions about the rumors of a possible end of the unilateral ceasefire called by the PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party). Demirtaþ underlined that his party is clearly in favour of a lasting ceasefire. The PKK had said last week that it would revise the status of the truce this week, following what it called "the lack of positive steps" by the Turkish government.
BDP Co-Chair noted that the continuation of the ceasefire depends on the government’s attitude. He added that his party do not know whether the breaking of ceasefire will result in a new conflict or not. According to Demirtaþ, the breaking of the ceasefire will bring a political stall which will be dangerous, while even “a single bullet could break the ceasefire”.
"A government willing to solve the Kurdish problem does prepare the public opinion first" said Demirtaþ, adding that the Iraqi federal system doesn’t provide a good example for Turkey. The Kurdish people in the Federal Region of Kurdistan adopt a right wing and capitalist system said Demirtaþ, adding; "This is obviously their choice and we respect it”.
Answering a question on his participation within the party or as independent candidate in the coming June elections, Selahattin Demirtaþ answered that the electoral work is being carried out to allow the BDP to contest the elections as a party but a final decision hasn’t been made because of the high election threshold. “We are not in pursuit of a classical election alliance” said Demirtaþ, adding they will definitely be in the parliament.
To a question regarding the possibility of an "electoral alliance" with Republican People’s Party (CHP), Demirtaþ replied as follows; “We are not in search of an alliance with CHP. We haven’t had any contacts with them and don’t have any reason for a contact in the future either. Demirtaþ stated that CHP is not looking for a contact with the BDP either.
Translation: Berna Ozgencil
BDP Co-Chair noted that the continuation of the ceasefire depends on the government’s attitude. He added that his party do not know whether the breaking of ceasefire will result in a new conflict or not. According to Demirtaþ, the breaking of the ceasefire will bring a political stall which will be dangerous, while even “a single bullet could break the ceasefire”.
"A government willing to solve the Kurdish problem does prepare the public opinion first" said Demirtaþ, adding that the Iraqi federal system doesn’t provide a good example for Turkey. The Kurdish people in the Federal Region of Kurdistan adopt a right wing and capitalist system said Demirtaþ, adding; "This is obviously their choice and we respect it”.
Answering a question on his participation within the party or as independent candidate in the coming June elections, Selahattin Demirtaþ answered that the electoral work is being carried out to allow the BDP to contest the elections as a party but a final decision hasn’t been made because of the high election threshold. “We are not in pursuit of a classical election alliance” said Demirtaþ, adding they will definitely be in the parliament.
To a question regarding the possibility of an "electoral alliance" with Republican People’s Party (CHP), Demirtaþ replied as follows; “We are not in search of an alliance with CHP. We haven’t had any contacts with them and don’t have any reason for a contact in the future either. Demirtaþ stated that CHP is not looking for a contact with the BDP either.
Translation: Berna Ozgencil
