The DTP is committed to resolving the Kurdish issue through peaceful and political means and is crucial to achieving a swift solution to the issue. It is an SI member and supports the resolution of this long-standing situation through dialogue and democracy.
PES President Poul Nyrup Rasmussen said: “The Constitutional Court’s decision is very troubling. I fear that the banning of a party committed to resolving the Kurdish issue politically may incite a more violent reaction from those who favor Kurdish demands. The banning of this opposition party is a step backwards for the democratic process in Turkey and will undoubtedly constitute a major obstacle to their accession negotiation to the EU, which the PES supports. Democracy and minority rights can only be assured through dialogue and non-violent means, and the DTP should play a key role in this process”.
For further comment/interview bids, please contact Silke Thomson on +32 2 548 90 85 or +44 7941463912
