Atalay: "Democratic Initiative" Carried on Despite Opposition

Minister of the Interior Beşir Atalay, co-ordinator of the government's "democratic initiative", criticized the opposition for provoking the people in yesterday's (23 Ocotber) press conference. He also expressed his concerns about the Democratic Society Party (DTP) using the measures taken for their political advantage.

Atalay evaluated the reactions regarding the return of 26 refugees from Mahmur and 8 members of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) from Kandil in Iraq as a support for a peaceful sulotion to the Kurdish question. All 34 group members were released after being interrogated.

Opposition parties Republican People Party (CHP) and National Movement Party (MHP) had sharply criticized the government. CHP leader Deniz Baykal said, "With this operation the PKK is granted full discharge by law". MHP leader Devlet Bahçeli argued, "The PKK members were treated like special guests. The judicial authorities entered the race to release them to the street. Moreover, this infamy has been appreciated by the Prime Minister".

Thousands of people were spilled onto the streets after the "peace groups" entered the country from the border crossing at Habur. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Abdullah Gül had criticized the events organized by DTP as "casting a show". DTP said they are going to be more careful.

On the other hand, the Chief of General Staff described the welcome celebrations for the "peace groups" as "unacceptable" in today's press briefing.

Atalay: Approaching enduring freedom

The Interior Minister emphasized that Baykal's comments were "untruthful" and "criminal". Atalay explained that the people that returned to Turkey were treated within the legal framework, adding that it is out of the question for them to meddle with this issue.

Atalay's statement can be summarized as follows:

* The opening initiative is continuing and will contribute to solidarity and to our togetherness. We approach the great brotherhood we all desire and a lasting peace.

* Some political parties turned this process into a tool for political exploitation by distorting it. This is simply irresponsible, this is a crime. Some statements have been made which implicated an incrimination of the judge and the prosecutors. We may not look away from the fact that there is the crime of violating confidentiality and an attempt to influence a fair trial.

* If this step is not taken now or is interrupted, the problems increase. I agree with the words of our prime minister that this is the last chance; apart from us nobody will be able to dare it.

* The amendments for the democratic initiative will be brought before the parliament in November. (TK-EÜ/VK)