THREE MORE GROUPS WILL VISIT ÖCALAN

Kurds autonomy only way to prevent Turkey division, BDP leader says

Ankara- The Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtas said giving autonomy to the Kurds is the only possible way to prevent Turkey disintegration, Milliyet daily said in a report.

“I’d like to tell Turkey public that giving autonomy to the Kurds and allowing them to decide their own fate is the only way to prevent Turkey disintegration,” Demirtas told reporters, denying the remark as a pre-condition to the withdrawal of Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) members from Turkey soil but as his party’s basic strategy. He added the process may take 5 to 10 years or even more but BDP will put all its efforts into making the goal come true. The remarks were highly echoed in Turkey media.

“Three groups should separately meet Ocalan in the coming weeks,” Demirtas said about Turkey peace talks with PKK jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan.

According to Demirtas the three groups include a PKK delegation, a delegation from BDP and a group of wise men, who have been formed to mediate in Turkey peace talks with PKK and explain it to the public. “I cannot tell you when PKK will lay down its arms completely but I believe Turkey will not return the days of war,” Demirtas further said. The BDP co-chair remarks come the day that Turkey president Abdullah Gul announced his government is ready to talk to PKK.