ANKARA, TURKEY — Prominent Kurdish politician and former Co-Chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Selahattin Demirtaş, has made a new statement regarding the peace process, confirming his participation in the initiative and vehemently denying any rivalry with the imprisoned PKK leader, Abdullah Öcalan.
Demirtaş, who remains in prison, said he wanted to clarify several issues because "discussions centered on his name are also affecting the peace process."
In his statement, he aimed to dispel rumors and speculation that have complicated the delicate atmosphere around finding a peaceful resolution to the Kurdish question in Turkey.
Key Points from the Statement:
Confirmed Involvement: Demirtaş confirmed his position as being an active part of the efforts towards peace.
Dismissal of Rivalry: He asserted that there is no competition or power struggle between himself and Abdullah Öcalan.
Impact of Discussions: He emphasized that debates revolving around his identity and status are having a detrimental effect on the progress of the peace process itself.
The statement is seen as an attempt to unify Kurdish political figures and messaging, ensuring that focus remains on the substance of the peace initiative rather than on perceived personal conflicts among leaders.