US reiterates condemnation of attacks on parties, media in Turkey

WASHINGTON

DHA photo

The U.S. State Department on Sept. 9 condemned the latest attacks against the Kurdish problem-focused Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), as well as the second attack targeting Hürriyet headquarters in Istanbul on Sept. 8.

State spokesperson John Kirby said attacks against HDP offices across Turkey were “unacceptable,” while also condemning mob violence targeting media outlets.

Here is the full text of the section about Turkey in the transcript of Kirby’s press conference, according to the State Department:

“On Turkey, the United States finds unacceptable yesterday’s attacks against offices and buildings associated with the Peoples’ Democratic Party and for the second day against the headquarters of the Hurriyet Daily. We join those Turkish people who are condemning the use of violence directed against specific political parties, ethnic groups, and media outlets. These events followed an escalation in violence over the weekend, as you know, by the [outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party] PKK. We strongly condemn the PKK’s terrorist attacks on Sunday that killed 16 soldiers and 12 police officers. This represents a deadly escalation in violence and hurts the cause of those Kurds who want to live in peace. We extend our condolences to the families of the soldiers and police who were killed, and as we have said before we call on the PKK to renounce violence and return to the peaceful political process.

“We endorse the calls made yesterday by the Turkish prime minister and the HDP co-chairman [Selahattin] Demirtaş and other leaders in condemning the violence and appealing for calm. It is critically important that Turkish law enforcement provide equal protection to all segments of society, political parties, and media outlets. There is no place in a democracy for violent protests, particular those motivated by partisanship or ethnic animosity. And as I said yesterday, we expect Turkish authorities to uphold Turkey’s core values, democratic foundations, and universally recognized fundamental freedoms.”