DEM Party Co-Chair Hatimoğulları on alliance claims: 'It absolutely does not exist'

Tülay Hatimoğulları, Co-Chair of the Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party), appeared on the Rota program on Halk TV.

She responded to the characterization of Erdoğan's words, "At the very least, we have decided to walk this path as a trio: AKP, MHP, and DEM," as a new alliance. Hatimoğulları stated that this is not possible.

Hatimoğulları stated the following:

"Both their spokesperson Ömer Çelik and the President himself have made statements that 'an alliance was not intended.' From the very first day this process began, we have not only met with the government. We have also met with opposition parties. Therefore, we have emphasized from the beginning that a peace process cannot exist without the opposition. There is absolutely no such alliance. It cannot be for the narrow interests of any party. We witnessed a historic moment in Sulaymaniyah. We would have preferred that to be discussed. It is clear that a certain segment does not want this process. We are not walking with any party. We are walking this path with the state."

Hatimoğulları said, "The government has not signaled an early election. Either an early election or a constitutional amendment is required. The peace process should not be confused with the election process. This would harm the peace process. We do not even want to take it onto our agenda as much as possible."

Stating, "We are not a party to be deceived or misled," Hatimoğulları added, "The Constitution is not on the agenda right now. But there is a need for a 'clearing of the path' for this constitution to be changed. The current Constitution is not being used. This must be eliminated. The pressure on the opposition and the law on appointed trustees (kayyum) must be lifted."

"THEY WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN CIVIL LIFE"

Hatimoğulları stated that as the peace process continues, PKK members want to return to Turkey following a symbolic weapon-burning ceremony.

Hatimoğulları used the following words:

"Those who have held weapons until today have said they want to engage in politics in the open. They want to be involved in civil life. They said they want a new page to be turned. They stated that they have taken a decisive step to achieve practical success. They expressed that they would integrate themselves into democratic politics. What needs to happen is for this ground to be provided. They want to engage in 'open-field' politics for the process to become permanent. They want to be involved in commune discussions. Ultimately, if they are going to be arrested when they arrive, they cannot come. Therefore, naturally, a legal arrangement must be made for the cadres who lay down their arms in the PKK as part of concrete steps."

The PKK is also demanding the release of Abdullah Öcalan from Imralı Prison. However, Hatimoğulları said that Öcalan's demand is to 'play an active role.' Hatimoğulları said, "We as DEM have also demanded this. The weapons have been burned. Now, channels must be opened for Öcalan to be able to meet with everyone."

News Source: 12punto