Turkish Prime Minister reiterates commitment to democratic initiative

Despite rising political tensions due to terror attacks, Turkey’s government seems to be standing firm on its democratic initiative aimed at boosting the rights of the Kurdish minority. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held another key meeting with NGO representatives on Sunday. Erdogan dismissed criticism that the initiative has stalled or stopped, stressing that it is the only solution to the Kurdish issue. He said that the government is open to any offers that could be deemed important. He also pointed out that the role of women is crucial in ending the ongoing armed battle with Kurdish rebels. The government has short-, medium- and long-term programmes, Erdogan underlined, while emphasising the ruling Justice and Development’s Party determination to resolve the issue.