HDP delegation headed by co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş continues their talks in Hewler city of Southern Kurdistan for two days. The delegation arrived in Kirkuk and met with Governor Dr. Necmettin Kerim today.

The meeting began at 10:15 in the morning and lasted an hour. Kerim and Demirtaş held a joint press conference after the meeting.

Kirkuk Governor Necmettin Kerim voiced happiness over the visit of HDP delegation, saying: “With this meeting, we had a chance to talk and exchange views with the HDP delegation regarding the struggle of the Kurdish people in Northern Kurdistan and the dialogue among Kurds. We will try to fulfill our responsibilities more comprehensively on these subjects.”

Speaking after Kerim, HDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş said they were also glad to be in Kirkuk, and put emphasis on the importance of their meeting with Kerim.

Demirtaş pointed out that the diversities in Kirkuk constitute an example to radical democracy and live together in a peaceful environment despite the uncertainty over the status of the city ongoing for long years.

Demirtaş saluted the Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen and other peoples living in Kirkuk and thanked all Kurdistani parties and individuals that have contributed to the co-existence of diversities in Kirkuk which is being through very difficult times today.

HDP co-chair also thanked Kirkuk Governor Necmettin Kerim who have made huge efforts to ensure domestic peace by protecting the city against all attacks. He continued:

"During these days when we are making a major endeavour for domestic peace in Kurdistan, I hope Kurdish parties will also put in effort in order for the achievement of unity, regional and domestic peace."

After the meeting in Kirkuk, the HDP delegation left for Sulaymaniyah where they are expected to meet with PUK Secretary General Jalal Talabani. The delegation will continue their talks with PUK officials and representatives of other political parties.