Turkey's HDP reiterates support for Kurdish self-determination

"In our view, the implementation of this referendum is a requirement of democracy."

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (Kurdistan24) - Turkey's pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) on Monday once again voiced support for an upcoming referendum by the Kurdistan Region on independence from Iraq.

"We believe peoples have the right to self-determination. We back every initiative to that end within the framework of democracy, diversity, and co-existence," HDP's Co-leader Serpil Kemalbay told reporters in the Kurdish city of Diyarbakir.

Early in June, the Kurdistan Region's leading parties announced an independence referendum would be held on September 25 following a meeting with President Masoud Barzani.

"In our view, the implementation of this referendum is a requirement of democracy," Kurdistan24's Diyarbakir Bureau quoted Kemalbay as saying.

Previously HDP spokesperson and lawmaker Osman Baydemir praised the move.

Baydemir also criticized Turkish government's stance as "vitriolic," calling them to respect the decision of the people of Southern Kurdistan.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry had called the decision to hold the referendum "a grave mistake," and highlighted its support for the 'One Iraq' policy.

"The Kurdish people are entitled to whatever rights the Turkish, Persian and Arab peoples have, no more, no less," said, Baydemir.

Other HDP lawmakers such as Botan Lezgin and Adem Geveri, both representing the Van Province in the Turkish Parliament, told Kurdistan24 the international community should heed the Kurdish people's aspirations.

The Kurdistan Region's plans for independence has drawn Turkish ire, as Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said it was an "irresponsible" step, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared it to be a "threat" to Iraq's unity.

 

(Kurdistan24's Diyarbakir Bureau contributed to this report.)

 

Editing by G.H. Renaud