Kurdish Workers Party Says They Have Nothing To Do With Güngören Explosions

Rejecting the rexplosion reports against them, the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) says they never support such acts against civilians. Non-governmental organizations, political parties and professional chambers protest the attack.



Bia news center - İstanbul
28 Temmuz 2008, Pazartesi
Erhan ÜSTÜNDAĞ

Turkish Peace Council said, about the bomb explosions in Güngören, Istanbul, that “it is disturbing that Turkey is being pulled into an environment of violence, regardless of who organized this attack and for what purpose.”

Peace Council spokespeople Ayhan Bilge, Cengiz Güleç and Yüksel Mutlu warned against publications and announcements that would create hatred and division in the society.

Announcement by the Kurdish Workers Party

As some newspapers claimed the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) was responsible for the attack, Istanbul governor Muammer Güler, too, said, answering a question, that there seemed to be a link between the attack and the separatist organization. The investigation is still not completed.

In the meantime, according to gündemonlne.net, the PKK announced that they had nothing to do with the attack.

Protests of the Non-governmental organizations

Non-governmental organizations, political parties, professional chambers and unions made announcements protesting the attack.

President of the Confederation of the Revolutionary Labor Unions (DİSK) Süleyman Çelebi said nothing could be solved with violence and asked all the groups for democracy, freedom and democracy to get together and prepare for a long struggle.

President of the Turkish Union of Chambers of Engineers and Architects (TMMOB) Mehmet Soğancı said in a period when everyone is being intimidated, we should stand by each other for a democratic, equal and free Turkey.

According to president of Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People (MAZLUM-DER) Ömer Faruk Gergerlioğlu, “This attack against civilians, not concerning itself with the women, children and elderly, is, without any doubt, an attack against humanity.”

Co-president of the Democratic Society Party (DTP) Ahmet Türk protested the attack, too, characterizing as an attack on peace and future.

The Freedom and Solidarity Party (ÖDP) deputy Ufuk Uras claimed that this attack would strengthen the hand of the racist, reactionary and pro-violence powers.

President of the Labor Party (EMEP) Levent Tüzel said, “This attack showed once again that the terrorist networks, the gangs and the dark powers in Turkey should be eliminated completely. Through a democratic struggle, the crimes and designs against the people should be uncovered.”

Turkish Journalists’ Association (TGC) asked that this attack is solved quickly. (EÜ/EZÖ/TB)