2016 marked ‘terrible year’ for Turkey, says Armenian MP

Last year turned out a critical period for Turkey, an Armenian member of the country's parliament said, analyzing the developments of last year.

Speaking to Tert.am, Selina Dogan of the Republican People’s Party referred particularly to the July 5 failed coup attempt that led to the arrest of hundreds. “There is absolutely no freedom of speech here as we have seen repeated pressures against the media. Yet, we are still hopeful to see freedom and democracy although TV channels owned by Alevis were closed down as early as a few days ago,” she said, adding that popular rebellions against the existing restrictions continue.

The politician also highlighted the economic pressures in the country.

“We are preparing for a fight, for continuing our fight,” she added.

As for the problems facing the local Armenians, Ms Dogan said a key development expected in the nearest future is the election of the Istanbul-Armenian patriarch.  

“Certainly, the Armenians here have their fears too,” she said, citing the continuing policy of xenophobia, restrictions on freedom of speech and ethnic discrimination as major threats to the community.

The Turkish-Armenian MP said she expects the upcoming constitutional referendum to be a major development in the country this year.

“They wish to eliminate the parliamentary system to found a presidential system of governance. The greatest change here is that the entire power passes on to the president,” she added. “What [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan practically wishes is to be the leader of not only one [political] party but also the entire republic.”

“This will be a backward step – a regress – for Turkey,” the politician said, noting that the distribution of power is a key issue for the EU to which the country aspires to accede as a full-fledged member.