Statement from DEM Party following political party visits! 'This is a matter of existence'

Members of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Party Assembly (PM) convened following the visits they conducted to political parties regarding the "new resolution process", which came after the PKK terrorist organization announced its decision to end its armed struggle and disband. In his opening speech at the PM meeting, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan said, "Either we will re-establish Kurdish-Turkish relations on a democratic basis, or we will be consumed within the disaster scenario of the Middle East."

Bakırhan addressed those opposed to the process, saying, "Do not undermine the hope for peace for the sake of your own political futures. Please stop sowing fear and paranoia in these lands; the harvest of divisive policies brings only pain and tears from Kars to Edirne. If we cannot learn to live together, we may be dragged into a catastrophe together."

Tuncer Bakırhan stated the following:

"We are facing a historical choice. Either we will re-establish Kurdish-Turkish relations on a democratic basis, or we will be consumed within the disaster scenario of the Middle East. The process that began on October 22 and reached its peak with the call of Mr. Öcalan on February 27 has actually opened the door to salvation. If we can pass through this door, not only Turkey but the entire Middle East will breathe a sigh of relief. An opportunity has emerged to build a common future in these lands, stretching from Diyarbakır to Edirne, from Batman to İzmir. If we can achieve this, we will have created a great model and a democratic example for the Middle East and the world. Today, some mistakenly think of the democratic society and peace process as a simple negotiation, and we watch this with sadness. However, this is not a negotiation; it is a matter of existence. I underline that this must be perceived with such seriousness and that one must act accordingly. In a period where global and regional dynamics are completely changing, we are not just solving the Kurdish issue; we are also preparing Turkey and the region for the next century. While we think on such a grand scale, some continue to pursue petty calculations. I want to address those opposed to the process once again: do not undermine the hope for peace for the sake of your own political futures. Please stop sowing fear and paranoia in these lands; the harvest of divisive policies brings only pain and tears from Kars to Edirne. If we cannot learn to live together, we may be dragged into a catastrophe together!"

News Source: 12punto