07.12.2025 19:35
Former co-chair of the HDP, Selahattin Demirtaş, sent a message to the 'International Peace and Democratic Society Conference' organized by the DEM Party, stating, "I wish all these prejudices could be set aside and opportunities could be created for Öcalan to speak directly with society. Then I am sure that satisfactory answers will emerge for everyone in Turkey who is anxious and angry, and unnecessary speculations will not be given ground."
On the second day of the 'International Peace and Democratic Society Conference' organized by the DEM Party at the Cem Karaca Cultural Center, a message sent by former HDP Co-Chair Selahattin Demirtaş, who is imprisoned in Edirne Prison, was read.
"PEACE IS NOT JUST ABOUT LAYING DOWN ARMS OR SILENCE"
In his message, Demirtaş stated: "I respectfully greet everyone who has come together in Istanbul today, aiming to build peace, justice, and a democratic society. In this period, which is one of the deepest crises in human history, peace is no longer a choice for us, the peoples of the world, but a necessity. The destruction caused by war, inequality, authoritarianism, and denial policies has wounded not only our geographies but also our consciences.
For this reason, every step taken, every sentence constructed, and every decision made at this conference affects not only our present but also the fate of future generations. Peace is not just about laying down arms or silence. As you all know, true peace is only possible with justice, equality, freedom, and a dignified life.
"A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY IS A COMMON LIVING CONTRACT WHERE ALL DIVERSITIES CAN EXIST EQUAL AND FREE"
Peace is possible through the establishment of a system where Kurds, Turks, Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Alevis, Sunnis, women, youth, workers, and everyone, whether religious or non-religious, can feel themselves as equal and free citizens of this land and live in prosperity.
A democratic society rises not on fears, anxieties, and pressures, but on trust, based on the principles of democratic participation. It is a common living contract where not a single identity, a single language, or a single belief exists, but where all diversities can exist equally and freely. For this reason, defending democracy is not just a political stance but also a moral and humanitarian responsibility.
"I WISH OPPORTUNITIES COULD BE CREATED FOR ÖCALAN TO SPEAK DIRECTLY TO SOCIETY"
In this sense, Öcalan's brave and determined stance is very valuable and meaningful. I wish all these prejudices could be set aside and opportunities could be created for Öcalan to speak directly to society. Then I am sure that satisfactory answers will emerge for everyone in Turkey who is anxious and angry, and unnecessary speculations will not be allowed to take root.
"THE TIME HAS LONG COME TO PUT WORDS, WILL, DIALOGUE, AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF PEOPLES AGAINST A SYSTEM NOURISHED BY ARMS, OPPRESSION, AND FEARS"
In this period, where the Middle East has been turned into a center of war for decades, where peoples have been pitted against each other, and where the common will of peoples has been fragmented; the search for a democratic solution and peaceful dialogue is very precious for all of us. The time has long come to put words, will, dialogue, and the brotherhood of peoples against a system nourished by arms, oppression, and fears. Turkey must now be recognized not for denial, othering, and discriminatory policies, but as a place where democracy, law, and social peace are lived in the strongest way. The way to achieve this is to face the realities courageously, to remember the pains of the past, but to show the will to build a common future for the peoples without succumbing to these traumas.
"PEACE IS POSSIBLE FOR ALL OF US, DEMOCRACY IS POSSIBLE"
Finally, I want to say this. Peace is possible for all of us. Democracy is possible. A life together, equal and free, is possible. Remember that this is not a process of fragmentation or division; it is a historical process that will ensure the dignified unity of peoples that are already shattered. Let us never give up believing in this. Let us fight for it. I greet you all with love and respect. I congratulate everyone who contributed to the conference and express my gratitude."