HDP co-chairs meet with George Papandreou in Ankara

Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP) co-chairs Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sancar met with a delegation led by former Greek Prime Minister and Kinal MP George Papandreou at the party’s headquarters in Ankara on Friday. According to the HDP, an exchange took place on the current world and regional political situation.

Special attention was paid to the social and political situation in Turkey as well as an intensive exchange on strategic alliances for the elections. The increasing political pressure on the HDP and, in particular, the banning of the party as well as mass arrests and detentions of members were also discussed at the meeting.

Other items on the agenda included strengthening cooperation and solidarity between the two sister parties, HDP and Kinal, both within the Socialist International, of which Papandreou is president, and the Council of Europe. Kinal, the Movement for Change, was formed in March 2018 as a merger of Pasok, Dimar, To Potami and some smaller parties.

Papandreou also met with representatives of the CHP (Republican People’s Party) and DEVA (Democracy and Progress Party) in Ankara. On Saturday, the Greek politician will be awarded the “International Prize for Friendship and Peace” in the Turkish capital. The award, presented by the Çankaya Municipality, thus honours the 69-year-old’s commitment to world peace and international friendship. Giorgos Papandreou shares the award with the Turkish composer Zülfü Livaneli. The award will be presented by CHP Chairman Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu at a ceremony.