31 July 2009 / SABAH NAZLI ILICAK,
Interior Minister Beşir Atalay did not announce the measures to be taken with respect to the Kurdish issue, but the method to be employed for a democratic initiative.
All institutions including the General Staff will be consulted, and the support of political parties will be sought so that a consensus can be achieved. The recent meeting held with Iraqi and US officials and Atalay's statement indicative of sincerity for a settlement are heartening. If the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) fails to take the necessary steps after creating such a positive atmosphere, it will no longer be convincing. It is vital that the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) must be part of the process. Atalay has already left the door open in response to a question about the DTP's involvement. He said a change might be made with the initiative of the prime minister. There was bloodshed for a period of 25 years. Now, it seems, we are close to a settlement. But, we should not forget that the settlement is largely dependent on cooperation among the political parties. If any party attempts to reap political gains over the bloodshed, this may discourage the AK Party.
