MARDIN, — Speaking at the constitution evaluation meeting organized by BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) and DTK (Democratic Society Congress), BDP MPs made significant statements. The meeting in Mardin was attended by a large number of people including DTK Co-chairs Ahmet Turk and Aysel Tugluk, BDP MP Sirri Sakik, BDP mayors and executives and representatives of civil society organizations, ANF reports.
Making the opening speech of the meeting, DTK Co-chair Ahmet Turk stated that a constitution with redline would be formed over the denial of Kurdistan and the existence of the Kurdish people. Turk noted that Kurdistan is the territory of Kurds that cannot be ignored.
Turk underlined that constitutions are the texts of reconciliation on democracy, human rights and peoples’ rights and reflect the conscience and moral of the society. Warning that a constitution with a redline would not recognize Kurds and other nations, Turk said that; “Different identities and cultures should be secured by the constitution. Kurds have a territory today and it is the Kurdistan which is a historical reality. Kurds decided on a common life with Turks but in the course of time they were ignored with a denialist policy.”
Turk continued his speech remarking that the Kurdish people demanded justice, equality, rights and law in the face of the attitude which committed them to memory as a potential danger.
“We are aware of the mentality which deceives the Turkish people and imbues them with nationalism”, added Turk.
Speaking after Turk, DTK Co-chair Aysel Tugluk started her speech criticizing the state for dropping bombs on its own citizens. Pointing out that Kurds and all democratic political institutions have become the target of the state, Tugluk remarked that the state conducts a total warfare against Kurds in many different ways. Tugluk commented the statements made in this bitter situation as nothing more than a contradiction and continued as follows; “Former governments would deny the existence of Kurds but the present government recognizes them and argues that a brotherly living would be ensured between Turks and Kurds. Furthermore, it gives democracy lessons to the rest of the world despite the fact that it imposes only the traditional state mentality on millions of people who live within these borders. There is a two-faced policy.”
Tugluk continued her speech underlining that a new constitution is a need for all segments of the society in Turkey. “While the operations continue, which means a real fascism practice in my opinion, no one should expect these people to trust the state. The ending of operations and the release of jailed politicians could enable a discussion on the new constitution”, added DTK Co-chair.
BDP Muş MP Sirri Sakik also called attention to the importance of a new constitution saying that; “Either peace will be made or the fight will continue with Kurds.” Sakik underlined that Kurds paid prices for the amendment of the constitution and added that; “Not any constitution can restrain my language and identity. This is why Kurds wage this fight. These people are paying such big prices to change this constitution. Kurds have many times experienced that all areas and mountains will be the solution if a solution isn’t found here to change the situation.”
The final declaration of the meeting, where NGOs presented their opinion about the new constitution, will be released on 26 December.