BDP co-chair Selahattin Demirtaş said that debates over whether Kurds existed had been replaced by discussions on the position Kurds should adopt in the Middle East and the World. Demirtaş said that the current resolution process had begun in October last year at the initiative of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan and Prime Minister Erdoğan, adding: "Today our political delegations visit İmralı. State representatives are also constantly going to the island. Even if the discussions of the delegations with Mr  Öcalan are not officially recorded, they are still recorded. The day will come when they will be seen by everyone."

Demirtaş said these talks were significant: "The important thing is that these talks are taking place, and that those involved are being engaged. To start something means to finish it. This is how we view these talks. Everyone with sense should support these talks. The alternative is conflict. Those who say: 'we are opposed to talks' must find an alternative to war. We saw the consequences of the table being removed at Oslo." Demirtaş added that politics could not be based on hope and expectation, saying: "Today the Middle East is a cauldron. If the table is removed it will mean the end of dialogue. We will do all we can to prevent this dialogue ending."  

Demirtaş recalled that the 'Democratic Liberation and Free Life' manifesto issued by PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan in Diyarbakır at Newroz had come about as a result of an accord with the state, adding: "Mr Öcalan issued this at Newroz for a solution in the Middle East. Both the Kurdish people and the Turkish people should be aware that this was issued as the result of an accord."

Demirtaş stated that the resolution process had been continuing for a year, adding: "At the latest meeting Mr Öcalan said: 'We are not involved in a process in which anyone has lost, this is important.' No one should see the point we have reached as a loss. At least we have reached the stage of negotiation." Demirtaş said that the government had taken a significant step in its talks with Mr Öcalan, adding: "No one should criticise the government for taking such an important step. That is unfair. The state did not want to recognise the PKK or Mr Öcalan until today. This government understood this, which is why on this subject we have given the government all necessary support."

Demirtaş said that Prime Minister Erdoğan constantly saw himself as the sole actor in the process, adding: "Today the PM says that mothers are no longer crying, but he does not mention Mr Öcalan's contribution to this. This question is not a simple matter between two people. Haven't Mr Öcalan, the PKK and the BDP played a part in this? This imbalance must end. The Prime Minister has recently made speeches to galvanise the process, but no one knows what he will do. This is the problem that needs resolving. For a year the two sides have got acquainted. We must take the talks to a conclusion by benefiting from international experience. If we cannot have negotiations after this process everyone will question us. We want the negotiations to start. Mr Öcalan has also been saying this from the beginning."

Demirtaş said that the government should treat PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan with respect, and that his prison conditions should be improved. "If you are addressing a person you must show him respect. The authorities are aware of the mission the Kurdish people and the PKK have entrusted to Mr Öcalan. They know how they value him. Therefore the state should change the manner in which it addresses him. While Mr Öcalan's conditions are like this how can negotiations take place?  Mr Öcalan is of the same view. Nobody should expect Mr Öcalan to swim in an empty pool".