Army's Affection for US Overcomes Boycott for DTP

Boycotting the General Assembly meetings since the election of pro-Kurdish Democratic Society (DTP) members, commanding officers of the army attended US president Barack Obama's speech at the parliament.

Also avoided by the PM Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on grounds that they refuse to declare Kurdish rebel group PKK as "terrorists", DTP co-chair Ahmet Türk was able to meet with Obama yesterday in Ankara and present their views.

"We expressed our views for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue, during the seven-minute meeting with Mr. Obama," Türk told reporters.

DTP gave the US president a dossier on the issue, including their views, which they shared with the public.

"Mr. Obama emphasized the importance of democratic process and DTP's existence, allowing the involvement of Kurds in mainstream politics. He also condemned armed struggle as inconclusive to provide a resolution. We also deemed violence but also noted that more than 17 thousand civilians have been victims of extra-judicial killings in the region."

Türk confirmed that this is Turkey's internal problem but countries like the US could have a positive influence as to push forward with a democratic process and dialogue between parties.

Moreover, Obama expressed pleasure in meeting a Kurdish politician from Turkey, adding he had fruitful meetings with Kurdish leaders from other regions. He was presented with a traditional bracelet from Mardin area and a pin for his wife.

Army commanders, including the head of General Staff, General İlker Başbuğ observed Obama's speech at the parliament. They last attended a parliamentary meeting on April 23rd, 2007 and boycotted assembly meetings since. DTP had entered the parliament following general elections on July 2007.

Furthermore, Erdoğan had rejected appointment demands by DTP members on several occasions, for they failed to condemn the PKK as "terrorist."(EÜ/AGÜ)