High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn released a statement on the detention of co-mayors of Amed Metropolitan Municipality.

The statement described the detention of democratically elected co-mayors as worrying reports, saying:

"Over the last 15 months, violence never stopped in the south east of Turkey. The EU fully recognises the grave threat posed to Turkish security by the PKK, which is also listed as a terrorist organisation in the EU. At the same time, it is always essential that all steps are taken in full respect of the rule of law, due process and fundamental freedoms - all commitments Turkey has made as a candidate country."

Mogherini and Hahn said the EU reiterates its call for a political solution: Arms must be laid down and a process of internal political dialogue should start as a matter of priority, involving the elected representatives of the affected population.

The statement underlined that a political solution is the only viable option.