“Peace, democracy and freedoms will come to this country with alliances where democratic forces come together,” Buldan was quoted as saying in a HDP press conference held in the eastern Kars province.

Buldan added that the government took measures to prevent any possible political alliances with HDP.

According to Ahval news agency Buldan said: “a party supported by millions of people, instead of approaching others, will open its doors to other parties and thus lead to the establishment of a transparent and democratic alliance.”

Buldan’s comments come days after two HDP deputies together with the main opposition party Republican People’s Party (CHP) deputy were stripped of their mandates by the Turkish Parliament last week. A day later, the former lawmakers were arrested.

Both HDP deputies were accused of having ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), an armed group fighting for Kurdish self rule in Turkey for over three decades.

The Turkish government accuses the HDP of harboring sympathies and acting in the interest of the PKK and has intensified a crackdown on the group. The HDP denies any links.

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