Chairperson of pro-Kurdish HDP says “no rapprochement with AK Party

Mithar Sancar, Co-Chairperson of pro-Kurdish HDP stated that they would not be in an approach that could mean reconciliation with the AKP, except for “solving the Kurdish problem with a plan that would include the opposition”.

HDP Istanbul MP Erol Katircioglu had said in an interview, “the HDP would provide (be open to) a compromise in case AK Part took a step forward in an eventual negotiation for the solution of Kurdish problem.” He had added “If they thinks about taking a step towards a solution, of course we will talk.”

Same deputy shared another message on Twitter later saying “I didn’t talk about compromise, but essentially sitting at the table and talking”, considering his words could be interpreted (mistakenly) as “co-operating in the elections” by some segments

“Sincere step impossible”

Speaking to journalists, Mithat Sancar (HDP chairperson) expressed his opinion that Katırcıoğlu’s words had been interpreted without taking into account the context and general intention. Sancar said that as a party, they insisted that there is no other way to a democratic solution to the Kurdish problem except for negotiations and dialogue.

Sancar said that the steps that would open the way for the solution of the Kurdish problem through dialogue and negotiation were mainly taken by the powers, “given the ideological mortar, political mentality and practices of the current power, it can easily be seen that it is impossible to take a sincere step in this direction”.

“If the real intention is to move forward with a democratic solution to the Kurdish problem, it would be the most unfavorable, even extremely dangerous, approach to instrumentalize the issue for electoral calculations. Our proposal and preference is to operate a process that covers the entire opposition, is based on a broad social basis. Parliament will play an active role, is connected to the legal framework and is transparent. If such a path is opened, we will of course carry out our responsibilities and duties.

Call to opposition

In addition, we are not involved in any approach or initiative that would mean reconciliation with the AK Party. Frankly, we expect the opposition parties and the Democratic Forces to be open and bold in terms of solving the Kurdish problem, the model of dialogue – negotiation – Democratic politics – social legitimacy that I have outlined.”