BRUSSELS—The European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD/ANC Europe) has called on Turkish citizens living in Europe to vote for the leading pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic Party (Halkların Demokratik Partisi, HDP) in the June 7 parliamentary elections in Turkey.
“EAFJD’s support for the HDP is based on the shared values and approaches on many issues of mutual interest,” read a statement by the organization released on May 18. “We consider the HDP to be a progressive force in Turkey, actively struggling for peoples’ rights in their vernacular and with respect to their cultural and religious beliefs and background.”
The EAFJD has been in an ongoing dialogue with the HDP since the latter’s foundation and has already supported the candidacy of several ethnic Armenians as candidates of the HDP.
“The EAFJD expects the Turkish authorities to ensure a free and fair campaign cycle and elections and is continuously and closely monitoring the course of events,” read the statement. “The European Armenian Federation wishes the HDP success in the upcoming parliamentary elections. An HDP parliamentary group in the Grand National Assembly of Turkey would mean the presence of a party for freedom, equality, peace and justice.”
Guest Contributor
As if the EAFJD has any weight in Turkish communities living in Europe…