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G. Papandreou: There is another way, of reconciliation and peace with Turkey

Former Prime Minister and President of the Socialist International, George A. Papandreou, visited Ankara where he was awarded the Çankaya International Peace Prize, together with composer and writer Zulfos Livanelis, for their contribution to the struggle for peace and democracy. The award, given for the first time in 2022, is an initiative of the mayor of Çankaya (Ankara suburb), Alper Taşdelen, and the head of the jury is the former chairman of the Republican People’s Party and Foreign Minister of Turkey, Hikmet.

The award ceremony took place yesterday in the presence of Republican People’s Party (CHP) leader Kemal Kilistaroglu, Good Party (Iyi Parti) leader Meral Aksener, Ankara Mayor Mansour Yavas and members of the Turkish Parliament. body.

George Papandreou, in his speech, among other things, said that today humanity “has to face big problems, such as climate change, pandemics, long-term conflicts that lead people to leave their country, financial crises, major social and economic inequalities and injustices “. Some believe, Papandreou noted, that these problems can be tackled “by extremism, xenophobia, fanaticism, violence and even by undermining peace and the fundamental values ​​of democracy.”

“There is another way,” said the former prime minister, who was followed by Ismail Cem. “We may not have solved the difficult problems, but we have shown another way to ensure long-term peace. We have decided to dedicate ourselves to building peace and stability. A vision that concerned not only our two countries, but also the wider region.” , he stressed.

As George Papandreou pointed out, “we saw a Turkey with a European perspective. Europe is not just a geographical term, it is mainly a family of values. Democracy, rule of law, human rights. A solid, meaningful democracy with accountable institutions is the greatest guarantee for Because democracy is based on dialogue and understanding, it gives space and rights to all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, personal choice, it guarantees freedom of expression, demagogy, hate speech, “stereotypes poison democracy and threaten peaceful coexistence inside and outside borders.”

He dedicated the award to all those who had and have the courage to fight for a democratic and peaceful future for the region and to say that there is another way.

During his stay in Ankara, Mr. Papandreou, as President of the Socialist International, met with the President and General Secretary of the People’s Republican Party (CHP), Kemal Kilistaroglu and Celine Sayek Boke, as well as Democratic People’s Party (HDP) Pervin Buldan and Mithat Sankar. He also met with Peace and Progress Party (DEVA) leader Ali Babacan and other political and diplomatic figures. During these meetings, views were exchanged on political developments in Turkey and the wider region.

Source: AMPE

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Source From: Capital

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