DEM Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan, along with Mehmet Rüştü Tiryaki, Deputy Co-Chair responsible for Democratic Local Governance, met with nine imprisoned politicians at Marmara Prison on Thursday.

The delegation met with Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, Bekir Kaya, former Co-Mayor of Van, Esenyurt Mayor Ahmet Özer, Şişli Mayor Resul Emrah Şahan, Can Atalay, TİP MP for Hatay, Ercüment Akdeniz, Halil Aksoy, Nesimi Aday, and Ahmet Saymadi.

In a written statement regarding the visit, Ekrem İmamoğlu stated that the visit by DEM Party Co-Chairs Tülay Hatimoğulları and Tuncer Bakırhan was valuable and important.

Imamoğlu remarked that Turkey's second century must begin with eternal brotherhood and stated the following: "We must address the issues that prevent many segments of our society, including Kurds, from feeling like equal partners in our state, and we must move forward with confidence toward the future. For the future of our state and nation, it is of great importance that a governance approach that guides Turkey toward democracy, peace, and prosperity—rather than chaos, crisis, and instability—illuminates the path of the Republic of Turkey under the guidance of the will of the people. This is the issue of Turkey.

I believe that the steps necessary for both the ongoing process to end the conflict and for the Kurdish issue to be resolved on the basis of the principles of equality and democratic republic must be taken with transparency, participation, and around a commission to be established in parliament. In order to end the conflict in a way that prevents its recurrence and to resolve the Kurdish issue in a manner that is acceptable to all our citizens, these issues must be negotiated not behind closed doors but under the guidance of the nation and the parliament.

The Kurdish issue cannot be permanently resolved without our country returning to democracy and the rule of law with all its institutions and regulations. A mindset that treats opponents as enemies and imposes hostile laws on the CHP and the opposition while attempting to resolve the Kurdish issue cannot permanently resolve our problems.

The situation in our country and region, Israel's attack on Iran, and the events in Syria once again demonstrate the need for us to pursue a careful and rational regional policy. We must strive to prevent the flames ignited by Israel in the region from spreading further and support a transition process in Syria that culminates in a constitution safeguarding the rights of all Syrians, including Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen, Alevis, and Druze.

In order to prevent our region from experiencing another major disaster, we must resolutely pursue diplomatic initiatives guided by the principles of respect for territorial integrity, the rule of law, and democratic governance among the countries of the region.

Turks,Kurds, together with all our citizens, we will overcome the current challenges shaking our region with brotherhood, solidarity, and a shared vision for the future. On this occasion, I would like to once again thank the co-chairs of the DEM Party for visiting me and sharing their valuable insights. I send my heartfelt greetings to our nation, longing for the day we will be reunited.”