The program of Newroz was presented at a press conference in Sur, Amed. The press conference saw the participation of co-chairs, co-spokespersons and representatives of Kurdish parties: Democratic Society Congress (DTK), Peoples' Democratic Congress (HDK), Free Women’s Movement (TJA), Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), Democratic Regions Party (DBP), Kurdistan Islamic Party (AZADÎ), Revolutionary Democratic Kurdish Association (DDKD), Human and Freedom Party (PIYA), Kurdistan Communist Party (KKP) and Kurdistan Democratic Platform (PDK).

Leyla Güven: Newroz is the call of resistance

Speaking at the press conference  DTK co-chair Leyla Güven said: "Newroz is the call of resistance. Newroz is a referendum for the Kurds. The demands of the Kurds can be heard during Newroz celebrations in the squares. The Kurdish people demand freedom and status.

We want to show our unity in Kurdistan again. So we see Newroz 2020 as important, and we hope that this Newroz will be instrumental in the freedom of all Kurds, and the freedom of political prisoners and the freedom of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan. We want us to be together to let the Kurds once again shout their demands for status and freedom in the area on Newroz."

Pervin Buldan: Newroz 2020 will have a historical significance

HDP co-chair Pervin Buldan said: "Newroz 2020 will be a Newroz of great historical significance. I remind of Amed square in 2013 which witnessed the letter and call by Mr. Öcalan."

We will celebrate the 2020 Newroz, where the Kurdish people will demonstrate their unity and solidarity. We will celebrate Newroz 2020 in Amed, Istanbul, Van, all over Kurdistan and Turkey."

Mithat Sancar: Newroz will be celebrated on the basis of freedom and justice

HDP co-chair Mithat Sancar said: "The prerequisite for a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East is securing the rights of Kurds. Newroz has always been an opportunity to remind this in the heart of the Middle East. Newroz is celebrated by many peoples, but for Kurds it has a special meaning. 

This Newroz will be celebrated on the basis of freedom and justice. Newroz should be the strongest reflection of a longing for peace. In this respect we invite everyone to join the celebrations."

Application for celebrations filed today

Answering the question of journalists as to whether there was a possibility that Newroz celebrations be canceled due to coronavirus, HDP co-chair Pervin Buldan said: "The application is being filed today. Coranavirus is an issue that concerns the whole world, we do not know what will bring happen in the coming days. We hope that we can get through this process without any loss of life. Should there be any problem, we will review our plans for Newroz."