No peace without democracy, says BDP

ANKARA - Doğan News Agency

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) co-chairperson Gültan Kışanak said the peace process would fail without democracy.

“Those who have anything to say should be able to go out on the streets and say it. There could be no solution without democracy,” Kışanak said.

Kışanak called on the government to take a “step forward” in the peace process over the Kurdish issue, saying her party had made efforts and been self-sacrificing.

She referred to the BDP delegation’s recent meeting with the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) during the BDP parliamentary meeting June 25. “We are striving to continue the peace process with all our self sacrifice without suspension,” she said.

“We have a three-phase solution plan. If Parliament and the government don’t do what they are supposed to do, then the people will struggle to overcome the obstacles,” she said.

“The national will cannot be measured with numbers,” she said, adding that democracy does not mean only elections.

Kışanak also called on Parliament to cancel the summer recess and continue working on reforms.

Kışanak also slammed the release of a policeman who allegedly shot protester Ethem Sarısülük during Gezi protests in Ankara on June 1, saying a cover-up was being attempted.