Peoples’ Democratic Party co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş attended the 2nd Congress of SYRIZA which kicked off in Athens yesterday and will last till October 16.
The Congress was also attended by leading politicians from Kurdistan, including PYD (Democratic Union Party) co-chair Saleh Moslem and PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) Politburo member Melle Bahtiyar.
Following the opening speech held by SYRIZA Central Board Secretary Panos Rigas, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took to the stage and made a speech highlighting their goals and practices as the government and the party.
Tsipras’ speech was followed by the messages of representatives from the political parties in the Greek parliament, and by those of European Left Party President Pierre Laurent and HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş.
Demirtaş started his speech by calling attention to the struggle of millions to migrate to safer areas after facing massacres and oppression, travelling through Turkey and Greece to reach Western Europe, and continued:
“Unfortunately, EU leaders have failed in this test. They still haven’t performed any kind of leadership or guidance neither for their people nor for the regions in conflict. Unfortunately, the rise of the conservative right wing in most of European countries is closely related to this mass migration crisis. In confronting such crises, we must base our foundation on progressive values of the leftist perspective and universal human rights.”
HDP co-chair said they are aware of the responsibility SYRIZA has taken during the most severe times of the economic crisis as it has carried the weight of governing a truly independent and free Greece since January, 2015.
“We, as HDP, would like you to know that we stand by your side in your struggle for social justice and prosperity in these difficult times. We promise to increase our efforts for a closer cooperation and standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Greece on the rough road to social justice, freedom, and a lasting stability for the sake of the people.
We believe wholeheartedly that both the people of Turkey and Greece will overcome this difficult period, with this shared struggle on the pillars of solidarity, and will eventually achieve the social justice, peace and tranquility we all deserve. Let’s cultivate our hope together, and build the resistance front against fascism and exploitation together regardless of borders.
It’s time for carrying the heavy but sacred weight of defending freedom, pluralism and democracy without boundaries hand in hand, through these hard times.”
PYD co-chair Saleh Moslem and PUK Politburo member Melle Bahtiyar will also present their messages to the SYRIZA congress this evening.
Selahattin Demirtas attends Syriza's annual Congress
