MESOP : SELAHATTIN SUPERSTAR

Demirtaş meets EU delegation – ANF – ISTANBUL 31.07.2014 – HDP Presidential candidate Selahattin Demirtaş has held a meeting with the Head of the European Union Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Stefano Manservisi and First Counsellor Francois Naucodie, regarding the upcoming Presidential elections.Following the meeting, Demirtaş once again challenged the Prime Minister to a live TV debate.

Selahattin Demirtaş, the candidate of the people and of democratic change, had a one-hour meeting with the Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Turkey, Ambassador Stefano Manservisi and First Counsellor Francois Naucodie, regarding the upcoming Presidential elections, in Demirtaş’ office in Mecidiyeköy in Istanbul.Demirtaş addressed the press after the meeting. Before speaking he gave chocolates to the members of the media on the occasion of Eid.  Demirtaş said he had answered the delegation’s questions regarding the election and the campaign run by the HDP. He said that the EU was closely following the elections and that Ambassador Stefano Manservisi and First Counsellor Francois Naucodie would write a report regarding their meeting and present it to the EU. Demirtaş said that for this reason the meeting was important.Demirtaş added: “We explained our principled opposition to the single line, and our democratic line. Most of what we advocate is in harmony with the values and principles of the EU, which has been noticed. We answered their questions in detail. Demirtaş said he had answered questions such as: “What kind of Presidency are you promising? What will your position be in the second round, whether or not you make it? What as the HDP is your future vision for Turkey?” He added that he had also answered questions regarding developments in the Middle East.

Demirtaş said the delegation had already met CHP-MHP candidate Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, but had not yet been able to meet AKP candidate Erdoğan. He added: “I don’t think this will be possible.”

‘The 3 candidates should engage in live TV debate’

Demirtaş stressed the importance of a live debate between the 3 candidates, saying: “I believe it would be useful for us all to come together on a TV programme as regards the people getting a better understanding of the president they will elect. In such an environment where the candidates are asked questions objectively this is possible. I reiterate that I am prepared to answer all manner of question live. We are prepared to discuss everything. We want to be the President of all the people.” “We are not preparing for war. Mr Erdoğan and Mr İhsanoğlu are not our enemies. We are involved in political competition. We are not going into battle on 10 August. Coexistence and a democratic political culture cannot develop in an environment where human relations are ignored and political relations are at rock bottom. The Prime Minister is not making a contribution. Instead, he is deepening the existing polarisation with his attitude.”