Reactions After PM’s Visit to Dersim: Disappointment

bianet interviewed advocate Barış Yıldırım from Dersim People’s Assembly Initiative as well as Dersim Initiative For Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation in the aftermath of PM Davutoğlu’s visit to the city yesterday. 

Yıldırım claimed that Davutoğlu failed to meet Dersim people’s expectations. 

“Even though PM made significant remarks, the fact that these steps are never taken is a problem,” he said.

The initiative’s demands

Yıldırım reminded that their meeting as Dersim People’s Assembly Initiative [a civil local initiative] with PM was canceled when he dismissed his visit to the municipality due to protests. 

Yıldırım added that they would forward their following demands: Recognition as 1938 Dersim Incident as genocide by the Turkish government and taking action according to international law, cancelation of 26 hydroelectric power plant and 145 mining projects throughout the city, suspension of high security military headquarters and cleaning of 10,557 land mines in the countryside.  

“We were unable to deliver the file directly"

Some of Yıldırım’s other remarks were as follows: 

“We prepared a file that included issues on the recognition of other beliefs and identities as well as poverty for bringing a resolution. 

“However, it has been said that local initiative were unable to forward their opinions to PM due to the municipality visit being canceled.”

“Unable to meet the expections”

“One of the messages was about Munzur University and establishment of   an old barracks as city museum. PM also pledged for improvement of Alevi people’s rights. However, these words hardly met Dersim people’s expectations. It was a disappointment. 

“We didn’t get a clear message. It was a repetition of what has been said already. We didn’t get any clear message on the recognition of Dersim Genocide and taking of steps. 

“The government constantly brings these issues, but never takes official steps. This creates questions in our minds. 

“Concrete steps”

“PM’s emphasis on coexistence of different identities and beliefs was important though. However, before all, concrete steps must be taken.

“If the Turkish state really wants face 1938 Dersim Incident, it must abandon its plans on hydroelectric power plants, mining and dams. (BK/HK)

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.