BDP organizes 'government, take a step' rally in Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has held a rally in Istanbul to urge the government to move forward in the Kurdish peace process. DHA photo

The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has held a rally in Istanbul to urge the government to move forward in the Kurdish peace process.

"If you are really insistent on this process, we want to see concrete steps," BDP Istanbul deputy Sabahat Tuncel said during the rally, organized on İstiklal Avenue under a banner that read "Government, take a step."

"All over the world, steps to increase trust are important during conflicts. Without these steps, neither peace nor resolution is possible," she said.

Tuncel also said that eventual Kurdish autonomy emerging in northern Syria was not a "danger" for Turkey. "If you are going to solve the Kurdish issue, if you are against [Syrian President Bashar] al-Assad, why are you against the gains of the Kurdish people? We are calling on the ruling Justice and Development Party's government. The self-governance of Kurdish people in Rojava [northern Syria] is not a threat for Turkey. It is an important step for the democratization of the Middle East and the solution of the conflict in Syria," she said.

Meanwhile, a scuffle broke out at the rally between BDP members and fans of Istanbul's Kasımpaşa football club, who were in Taksim protesting against the decision to allow Beşiktaş to play their home matches at the Kasımpaşa stadium next season. The police used tear gas to disperse the clashing protesters.