Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) Co-Chair Gültan Kýþanak evaluated the recent developments in the Middle East and the Kurdish problem in her speech at the "Middle East Forum in Istanbul" which was organized by the Democratic Congress of People (HDK).

Kýþanak pointed out that the issue of Middle East should be handled by considering the global actors, regional actors and public opposition in the process. BDP Co-Chair remarked that the main role of global actors is played by the U.S. and NATO, underlining that the movements in the Middle East cannot only be evaluated as the rising of people who have been suffering from dictatorships.

Kýþanak remarked that the leftist opposition there is intended to be suppressed while opposition organizations of Islamic character mainly come into prominence in the region. Kýþanak noted that millions of people who also rise against dictatorship don't act as organized political actors, pointing out to the necessity for the organization of a democratic opposition in consideration of the position of global and regional actors in the process.

Kýþanak indicated that the rights of minorities aren't assured and the rights of the majority are protected in Turkey and underlined; "Democracy doesn't mean holding elections alone." BDP CO-Chair continued as follows;

"I think everyone should take responsibility for the evolution of the current situation into a democratic course. Kurds who want to take an active role in changing this course are now on the stage as an organized center of opposition. I believe Kurds have the power to be effective in this process and to obtain results in their favor."

Kýþanak ended pointing out to the expectations from BDP in this process when Kurds put forward a "Democratic Unity of Middle East" proposal against the "Greater Middle East Initiative".