EP Socialist Group urges Turkey to return to peace process

by Roni Alasor

Brussels, 27 January 2016 - Middle East Diplomatic (MED) - S&D president Gianni Pittella and EP Rapporteur on Turkey Kati Piri urged Turkey to return to peace negotiations with Kurds and insure human rights for all citizens.

Following an exchange of views with the Kurdish leader of the Peoples` Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin DemirtaÅŸ, during the Group meeting of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) in the European Parliament, S&D president Gianni Pittella deplored "the quality of Turkish democracy and the overall security situation in the southeast of the country, civilians, mainly Kurdish people, are caught in the crossfire between the militants and government forces and are being deprived of food and essential services".

Pittella asked for "all sides to return to the peace process which must be accelerated because this is the only acceptable way for the solution to the Kurdish problem".

The President of the S&D Group also reiterated the European Socialists` support for the HDP, "the main Kurdish political party of Turkey which obtained a remarkable outcome in the last elections" and for its leader "Selahattin DemirtaÅŸ in his political effort of dialogue for peace and constitutional reform".

EP Rapporteur on Turkey Kati Piri underlined the disastrous humanitarian situation in the Kurdish Region: "As we speak, wounded civilians cannot get access to urgent medical care, electricity and water while under curfew. I`m urging the authorities to ensure immediate access for medical staff into towns like Cizre. The continued support of the local population for a political solution is crucial, as the Kurdish question cannot be solved by violence", concluded Piri.