“Monumental Opportunity” for Solution to Kurdish Question

Ahmet Türk, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP), spoke at a party parliamentary group meeting yesterday (12 May).

He referred to President Abdullah Gül’s description of the Kurdish question as “Turkey’s priority” in his speech, saying that these comments were “positive and encouraging”.

“Our expectation and desire is that these messages are turned into concrete steps and that the government will act as soon as possible.”

Türk further said:

PKK’s attitude a great opportunity: “Today there is a great opportunity for a solution to the Kurdish question. The fact that the PKK has decided not to fight until 1 June, recent announcements by the organisation, the framework for a peaceful process it has put forward, all create hope that an important step towards a solution will be taken. We take this very seriously. All sides have expressed the opinion, in different contexts, that war and violence will not solve the problems. The fact that the PKK has expressed its belief that the problems will be solved with democratic politics means that a door has been opened towards dialogue. Evaluating these opportunities must be a priority for the government. The issue is a political issue, and the solution can only come from political institutions.”

Debate important: Türk emphasised the importance of the solution of the Kurdish question for the democratisation of Turkey in general and called on the government and state institutions to prepare the ground with discussions, and on civil society and people to encourage such initiatives.

Everyone’s problem: “The Kurdish question is not only the problem of the DTP, or the government, or only of other political parties. This is the most basic question for the 71.5 million citizens of Turkey.”

Ready to meet the government’s steps: “We are ready to meet any steps the government takes towards a solution with constructive and democratic responsibility.”

An opportunity for a solution: “In 1993, there was also a historical process of dialogue, and some concrete steps towards a solution were hinted at. However, because of provocations, the process was cut short. Now, we see that there is a monumental opportunity for a solution. The public wants an end to violence. Neither Kurds nor Turks have any more patience or endurance for any more conflict. Peace and democracy have become shared demands.”

Concrete plans? Türk said that the government had yet to present any concrete plans, adding that a few amendments to the constitution would not suffice.

Without democratic politics, no hope for peace: Türk warned that if the current opportunities were not grasped, then the conflict would continue. (TK/AG)