Selahattin Demirtas, a former co-chair of the pro-Kurdish “Democratic People’s Party”, who is in prison now, gave an interview to the “Agos” periodical.
Demirtas referred to the history of Armenians in Diyarbakır, as well as Armenian MP Garo Pyla. The latter will take part in extraordinary parliamentary elections in Turkey on June 24. He has been nominated as a candidate for deputy from Diyarbakır. Speaking to “Agos” correspondent, Uygar Gultekin, Demirtas said in particular:
“Garo is worthy of Diyarbakir and Diyarbakir of Garo. There were many cultures in Diyarbakir earlier. Being a deputy from Diyarbakir is a complete response to the sad story. I am sure that the people of Diyarbakır will welcome Garo with historical consciousness and enthusiasm. Garo is not a stranger for Diyarbakir. I believe that good communication will be made between him and the Diyarbakir youth. I wish him good luck. Armenians are not guests of Diyarbakir, but natives”.
Demirtas also said that Diyarbakir was a multi-ethnic settlement in the past, and there were Armenians even during his childhood. According to him, besides the Armenian Genocide, the migration of local Armenians also was due to the events of 1980-90 in Turkey. As a result of the violence, Armenians left their settlements.
Abcgazetesi