As of tomorrow, Thursday the 11th May, the president of the Socialists and Democrats Group in the European Parliament, Gianni Pittella, will begin a two-day mission to Ankara, Turkey, to express full solidarity and support for the S&D sister parties, CHP and HDP. Meetings are planned with CHP president Mr Kılıçdaroğlu and with the HDP party and the CHP leadership. The S&D president calls on both parties to put aside their differences and stand together for democracy in Turkey against any attempt to turn the country into an authoritarian regime, distancing it further from Europe.
Hence, on Thursday, President Pittella will also attend the trial of the HDP chair, Selahattin Demirtas, calling on the Turkish authorities to release him along with all other political prisoners.
The S&D Group has always and will continue to work for constructive relations with Turkey. We would have liked to keep Europe's doors to Turkey open. Unfortunately, the referendum called by Erdogan has forced us to request the suspension of the accession negotiations. The way the amendments to the constitution will be now implemented will turn out to be crucial for the future of the EU-Turkey relations.
On Thursday, at 17:30 at the EU delegation, President Pittella will hold a press conference. All journalists are invited.
