The International Peace Delegation from Europe was in Amed on Thursday for a series a meeting and to know first hand the situation of the hunger strike action launched by Leyla Güven.

The delegation, who first visited Güven in Amed, met with a number of civil society organizations. On the second day of its visit, the delegation met with the Peace Mothers Assembly and Leyla Güven. The delegation also met with DTK co-chair Berdan Öztürk, the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) co-chair Mehmet Arslan, Free Women’s Movement (TJA) activists Ayşe Gökkan and Gülcihan Şimşek. The delegation was accompanied by the HDP Foreign Affairs co-spokesperson and Batman MP Feleknas Uca.

After the meetings the delegation held a press conference in DTK building.

‘We will bring your message everywhere’

Speaking at the press conference, former Interior and Justice Minister of Iceland, Ogmundur Jónasson stated that they went to visit Güven during their two days in Amed and experienced some very emotional moments. “We received the message that Leyla gave us. We will transmit this message wherever we are going. The only demand of Leyla Güven is the removal of isolation against Mr. Öcalan. Our aim was to show our solidarity with the Kurdish people here, to learn something. We will continue this learning process with the meeting we will make with Mr. Öcalan's lawyers tomorrow.”

Jónasson added: “Women's voice and achievements are impressive. We tried to visit Leyla one more time, but we could not see her. But on the way out, she made the sign of victory at the door. We will take this victory sign to Europe. Leyla's resistance will triumph.”

'Turkey did not take the right steps’

Recalling that the delegation had sent a letter to the Turkish Ministry of Justice before coming to Turkey, Jônasson said: "We want to discuss the violations and isolation in Turkey. We look forward to the necessary steps to remove the isolation to be taken. We haven't received an answer yet. I came to Turkey in 2014. I came once again in 2017 and saw how bad the situation was. I came back today. I want to say that: the situation may improve. There's a key to make this happen. This is the key that will open the Imrali's door. Therefore, we expect Turkey to take the right steps."

Argentine economist Beverly Ann Keane, said: “The demand made by the hunger strikers is neither strange nor unusual. They are demanding to comply with Turkey laws first and foremost. Hopefully tomorrow we will get the news that Turkey has decided to use the key to peace and to the end of isolation.”

EU and UN criticised

Member of the delegation, Keene, reminded that Turkey is a candidate member of the European Union and member of the United Nations. Therefore, he said, those international institutions should urge Turkey to comply with international laws and conventions.

“Leyla Güven, 313 prisoners, and many activists and politicians in Turkey and Europe are on hunger strike demanding that Turkey complies with its own laws. Mr. Öcalan should benefit from the rights granted to each prisoner. I call on the EU, the UN and international organizations to take action to protect life. Take action immediately.”

DTK co-chair Berdan Öztürk pointed out the importance of the delegation's visit and said: “Leyla Güven has been on hunger strike for 99 days. Hunger strike actions continue in prisons. The hunger strikers are demanding the removal of isolation. They ask Turkey to comply with its own laws. AKP-MHP fascism is making black propaganda. We have come so far in the struggle for the freedom of Mr. Öcalan and we will continue to fight. We will succeed."

‘Turkey did not listen, Argentina listened’

TJA activist Ayse Gökkan said: “The members of this delegation heard the voice of the hunger strikers, yet Turkey did not. Mothers from Argentina, unions from England heard this voice. The peoples of Turkey too should listened to this voice and act to prevent any death.”

The delegation will meet with Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan's lawyers in Istanbul today.