Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Co-President Selahattin Demirtaş made a statement to the press in Amed before leaving for Şırnak's Cizre district where crackdown by Turkish security forces continues.

Pointing out that attacks on HDP in 176 places were conducted by the hand of the state, Demirtaş said; "The current process we are going through is not an ordinary one, nor based on coincidences. This is a turbulent process that will lead up to a major fracture and changes in both our country and the Middle East."

Pointing to HDP's persistent efforts for peace, Demirtaş said; "Unfortunately, we couldn't achieve a result, as the bloodshed and deaths continue. We have unfortunately failed to stop this pain."

Demirtaş said it was President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu that have started this war, despite which they still made efforts on the basis of their moral and conscientious responsibility. He recalled that HDP was founded to strengthen civil peace and guarantee co-existence.

HDP Co-President continued by addressing his remarks to the assailants targeting HDP offices across the country; "Those just demonstrating have the most legitimate right to protest, like all of us. We have nothing to say to them, we can listen to their criticism and try to understand them. However, these people do not include those who are triggered by the AKP and MIT (National Intelligence Service). These were determined one by one, and officially assigned as triggers. The acts of those who burn down the HDP offices, houses of Kurdish civilians, tents of seasonal workers, however, constitutes a crime for which they will be tried and arrested within the next 20 years. There is no government behind you. The government has fallen already. Yet, if you still insist on continuing your acts as 'heroes', this will be your discretion as you all will stand trial while the government officials will leave the power and go away."

Remarking that Erdğan and Davutoğlu have pointed the HDP as a target for days now, and holding it responsible for the deaths, Demirtaş called upon prosecutors with conscience and dignity to ask evidence for these claims, and to bring the HDP and its officials to account if these claims turn out to be true.

Recalling that the Turkish media reports claimed order for the Dağlıca attack was given by him himself, Demirtaş urged the prosecutors and judges to launch a probe regarding these allegations and reveal who actually gave the order for Dağlıca incident.

Demirtaş pointed out that PM Davutoğlu had been enjoying himself at a soccer match in Konya when reports of deaths came from Dağlıca, adding that he further used the son of a slain soldier in this.

HDP Co-President called upon the people in the western part of the country to manifest fraternity amid the ongoing conflict and anti-Kurd attacks throughout the country, adding; "If Turks and Kurds are meant to join hands, it is the very time to do that."

Demirtaş said he himself had met with Turkish officials numerous times in order for the ending of attacks on HDP and the Kurds, noting that the Governor of Ankara held a disrespectful and impertinent talk with him, and obviously decided to overlook the assailants that set the HDP Headquarters in the Turkish capital on fire.

Demirtaş urged the governor also to not be a party of these attacks that constitute a crime, and underlined that all those involved would be brought to trial.

Calling upon the people not to be deceived by provocations, Demirtaş recalled that self-defense against attacks was a legitimate right, also in accordance with the Turkish Penal Code, and said everyone should carry out proportional self-defense. He vowed to stop deaths and bring peace in the country.

Regarding the situation in Cizre, Demirtaş asked; "Do you think the people of Cizre have regretted voting for HDP and give their votes to AKP on November 1? What will ever change? We will grow stronger." Calling for the ending of the curfew, Demirtaş said they made efforts to ensure the change of the current situation into a normal environment without violence.

Answering a question "It seems your call for a cease-fire has not reached the concerned parties?, Demirtaş said his call has been answered by both sides already, with the President vowing that 'the war will continue', and KCK saying 'We are ready for both mutual negotiation and cease-fire'. Demirtaş said they were ready to do anything for the creation of conditions for peace, adding; "What do the President and Prime Minister expect from HDP while they themselves drag the country into a chaos?

To another question on Cizre, HDP Co-President stated that they would remain there until the curfew is ended and things return to normal.