The Party of European Socialists (PES) gathered in Amsterdam on Thursday for a two-day congress to elect its top positions and discuss its European-level strategy.
A delegation of the DEM Party, consisting of Co-Chair Tuncer Bakırhan, Deputy Co-Chair Ebru Günay, responsible for the Foreign Relations Commission, Brussels/European Representative Eyüp Doru, and Strasbourg Representative Fayik Yagizay attended the congress.
Speaking at the PES Leaders’ Summit following the Congress, Tuncer Bakırhan said: “I am very pleased to be here. We have had very important discussions over the past two days. Fifty million Kurds are fighting for democracy, justice, and equality. The Kurds in Rojava, who defeated ISIS, want equal rights. All the speakers talked about justice and a common structure. However, the Kurds’ quest for democracy and freedom also needs to be discussed in these forums and platforms.”
Bakırhan continued: “The Kurds are the most secular people in the Middle East. Women and young people are leading the Kurds’ struggle for freedom. Therefore, we want our friends and comrades in Europe, especially the PES, and political parties that value these principles to contribute to and support the Kurds’ quest for democracy and freedom in Syria, as well as the search for a solution in Turkey, just as they have done in Ukraine and Palestine. We are Turkey’s third largest party, and our hopes are high. Coming from a tradition of struggle, we believe that one day, women and nature will be liberated from capitalism and modernism through solidarity. With this belief, I respectfully greet you all. Thank you.”