BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaþ said that the "Democratic Autonomy is the best way for citizens to exercise their right to self-governance". Demirtaþ was speaking at the meeting of the Union of the Municipalities in Southeastern Anatolia.

He also remarked that the model and shape of Democratic Autonomy the BDP has in mind is perfectly suitable for Turkey and its minorities, adding that "the stuck and stalling bureaucratic system would actually benefit from the BDP autonomy recommendation. What we need - said the BDP Co-Chair - is an open and flexible mind."

Demirtaþ then added that "mobilizing citizens and empowering them so that they can defend and represent themselves is essential for a comprehensive democracy. BDP's practices regarding local governance show us that we need to trust our people and respect their demands."

Ending his speech the BDP Co-Chair said that the coalition and platform for Kurdish governance "we Can Succeed Together" will hold another workshop to explain and support the Democratic Autonomy in Izmir. The creation of such a platform was inspired by a workshop held last week in Diyarbakýr.