Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Co-Mayors Serra Bucak and Doğan Hatun held a meeting with Ambassador Thomas Hans Ossowski, Head of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Turkey.

At the meeting in Ankara, Co-Mayors Bucak and Hatun discussed critical issues such as Turkey’s democratisation process, the appointment of trustees, sustainable peace and the strengthening of local administrations.

The Co-Mayors stressed that the EU’s support for safeguarding local democracy is crucial, noting that the practice of appointing trustees has shaken the people’s faith in democracy, but that the Kurdish people continue their struggle for a democratic and free life.

Ambassador Ossowski underlined that the EU supports a sustainable peace process and that the appointment of trustees is a matter of concern for the EU. He emphasised, in meetings with the authorities in Turkey, that protecting local democracy is of vital importance, and that if elected mayors are removed from office, those appointed in their place must reflect the will of the people. Drawing attention to the Copenhagen Criteria, Ossowski stated that Turkey must strengthen democratic values and that the EU would monitor this process.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Co-Mayors invited Ossowski and the ambassadors of EU member states to Diyarbakır, stressing the need for the EU to give active support to the process. Co-Mayor Bucak recalled that Turkey is still a candidate country for EU membership and emphasised that the EU should encourage Turkey to implement democratic reforms and to meet the accession criteria.

During the visit, the Co-Mayors were accompanied by Permanent Council Member Gülay Kılıç and Head of the Department of Strategic Planning and Projects Murat Akbaş.