International solidarity was greatly experienced at the 4th congress of Peoples' Democratic Party. Hundreds of people attended the congress from 28 countries. 

 

AKPM UNited Europe Left Group President Tiny Kox said: "Seeing all these people at the congress despite all the pressure on the party have not only impressed me but also impressed all the delegations and inspired us all. The congress showed that despite all the oppression HDP is an important actor for the future of Turkey. "

 

Speaking on the isolation on PKK Leader Abdullah Öcalan and the imprisoned politicians, Kox said: "Turkey does not comply with its obligations. Therefore, as the AKPM group we invite Turkey to fulfill its obligations arising from its membership to Europe Council. We remind Turkey to respect human rights. That includes the convicts and the prisoners. This is not because we say so. This is Turkey's obligation. And we will continue to articulate this in every platform."

 

SELLIN: HDP IS IMPROVING ITSELFG

 

Jean-Christophe Sellin, Foreign Affairs Officer of the French Left Party / Unyielding France Movement, said: "I came to the previous congress too, Efrin was being occupied at that time. The participation was great. HDP is improving itself every time. It is moving forward with confident steps, putting another stone in line with his own goals. And HDP is trying to do this with the people of Turkey." 

 

'ÖCALAN MUST BE RELEASED'

 

Sellin said: "We are showing solidarity for the release of political prisoners. Our political programs are parallel, overlapping. In order to solve the crisis in Turkey, Middle East and Kurdistan, PKK must be removed from the terror list. Abdullah Öcalan must be released. Abdullah Öcalan is the Nelson Mandela of the people of Kurdistan. Democratic confederalism debates are going on in Europe these days. This might lead to a solution for the people of Turkey, Middle East and Kurdistan. Democratic confederalism is a project that will bring peace to people not only in Middle East but globally.

 

MEMBER: NO REGIME CAN ENDURE THE STRUGGLE OF THE PEOPLE

 

Italian Democratic Party Lia Quartapelle Member said, “As someone from Italy, I am aware of the pressures on HDP. I was not expecting so many people to come here despite everything. This is something far exceeded my expectations. Despite such pressure, it is very important for people to develop such a close relationship with HDP. This is hopeful not only for HDP but also for the future of Turkey.

 

İtalya Demokrat Partisi Lia Quartapelle Member,“İtalya’dan gelen biri olarak HDP üzerindeki baskılardan haberdarım. Bu kadar insanın her şeye rağmen buraya gelmesini beklemiyordum. Beklentimin çok çok üstünde bir şey oldu. Bu kadar baskıya rağmen insanların HDP’ye bu kadar yakın bir ilişki geliştirmesi oldukça önemli. Bu HDP için sadece değil Türkiye’nin geleceği içinde umut veren bir şey” dedi.

 

FILIBECK: WE SAW DETERMINATION IN THE FACE OF OPPRESSION

 

Giacomo Filibeck, Deputy Secretary General of the European Socialists Party (PES) said: “Despite all the measures and pressures that HDP and all its supporters have been subjected to, we have seen commitment and determination at the Congress. This congress confirms that there are people in Turkey that will not give up fighting for democracy in Turkey, for a state of law and humans' rights."