AKP’s authoritarian policies undermining peace. Solidarity with all the democratic forces struggling for a peaceful and democratic Turkey!

Statement of Georgos Loucaides, AKEL C.C. Spokesperson

AKEL C.C. Press Office, 17th March 2016, Nicosia

 

We express our deep concern and condemnation of the events that are taking place in Turkey, and which add more cases in the chain of authoritarian policies implemented by the AKP government. More specifically, over the last few days the arrests of academics who do not agree with the Turkish Government’s policy on the Kurdish problem are continuing.

At the same time, the attempt to suppress the Kurdish political movement itself continues, aiming at lifting the parliamentary immunity of militants of the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s leadership (HDP). This would possibly lead the Kurdish political movement into a state of semi-illegality, a development which in turn will contribute towards the further social polarization in the country.

The political crisis and instability caused by the choices of the President and Government of Turkey do not serve the cause of peace in the Middle East.

AKEL will continue to monitor the developments as they are evolving in Turkey, bearing in mind that the general instability in the region is likely to adversely affect the Cyprus problem itself. Finally, we express our solidarity with all the democratic forces that are struggling for a peaceful and democratic Turkey.