IKV Chairman Ayhan Zeytinoğlu made a statement following the independence referendum in Catalonia that is one of the Spain's autonomous provinces. Having mentioned the referendum is contrary to the Spanish Constitution, Zeytinoğlu added that instead of mutual showdown, political negotiations are needed to find a solution. IKV Chairman continued his statement as follows:

“The Spanish Constitution, which was approved in 1978, has given the right of self-government to some regions such as Catalonia and the Basque Country. However, the constitution is based on the principle of “indivisible integrity of the Spanish nation”. Therefore, by organising such a hurry referendum despite of the central government’s oppositions, the Catalan government has brought things to a wrong spot. In addition, police’s use of force against civilians has caused the emergence of images that are ill-fitted with modern Europe.

According to the results of the referendum which had 42.3% participation level, 90% of people voted in favor of independence. However, declaring independence with reference to the results of this referendum which lacks both the announcement of the voter lists and an independent election commission will not only be illegitimate but also increase the tension further."

IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu indicated that common sense plays important role in referendums such as the one in Northern Iraq. Moreover, he expressed that this kind of political movements without a political consensus will bring nothing but hardship to all concerned parties: “Although there are substantial geographical and contextual differences between the referendums in Catalonia and Northern Iraq, they have some common characteristics. In both cases, there is a political attitude which threatens stability and security in spite of the opposition of other related political actors. Before taking such steps, there is a need to not only think carefully and but also measure diplomatic and political grounds very well. Otherwise, the result will be disappointment and tears.”

Lastly, IKV Chairman Zeytinoğlu touched upon the attitude of the EU regarding the Catalan referendum and emphasised that the EU has not made a comprehensive statement on this issue yet:

“Neither the EU institutions nor political leaders have made a statement on the referendum in Catalonia yet. Only Belgium and Slovenia came up with some statements to condemn the police violence. This shows that national sovereignty and territorial integrity maintain their importance in today’s Europe. No country can stay silent against such a challenge. Therefore, organisation of such an independence referendum by violating the constitution and claiming that the results are legitimate despite of the deficiencies during the election process have created a situation that endangers the security of the region and the prosperity of people."