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TURKEY FACING CHALLENGES: RESOLVING KURDISH PROBLEM
By Andranik Ispiryan
Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am
Sept 14 2009
Armenia
Kind of "lull" was observed in the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement
process from April 23 to August 31. That day, through Swiss mediation,
Armenia and Turkey published the Protocols on normalizing the bilateral
relations. It was during that "lull" that the Turkish authorities
declared another initiative, which is of no less importance for the
country. The Justice and Development Party announced the initiative
to resolve the Kurdish problem as part of democratization processes
in the country. Thus, Turkey decided to normalize its relations
with Armenia simultaneously settling one of its domestic problems,
the Kurdish problem.
At present Turkey, particularly the Turkish authorities, is facing
most serious challenges. Time will show how serious are the country's
authorities intentions to resolve the two acute problems. Until
recently, instead of resolving them, the Turkish authorities have
been struggling against both for many years, wasting huge funds and
efforts. According to some information in the Turkish press, Turkey
has spent a total of U.S. $420 billion to flight against Kurdish
insurgents over the last 30 years, to say nothing of millions spent
on anti-Armenian propaganda at the international level. Moreover,
various external forces regularly use now the Armenian factor now
the Kurdish one to exert pressure on Turkey. By settling the issues
Turkey will, to a certain extent, "get rid of the diktat." Furthermore,
on one occasion Turkish Vice-Premier Bulent Arınc stated that, as
soon as the issues have been settled, no one will be able to block
Turkey's way, and the country will become more than a regional force.
The issue of normalizing the Armenian-Turkish relations and the Kurdish
problem seem alike in Turkey. The Turkish Opposition is vigorously
opposing both the initiatives. The only difference is that internal
pressure is being exerted on the process of resolving the Kurdish
problem, whereas the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement process in mainly
under external pressure.
This year the intensely hot summer in Turkey saw no less intense
political developments. The trials of the Ergenekon case, the plan
of destroying the Justice and Development Party and Fethullah Gulen
published in the press, a criminal group exposed in the Turkish
Navy... And, with the resultant domestic political clashes, the
official statements on the possible settlement of the Kurdish problem
made by Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep
Erdogan. Several months ago the Turkish President stated progress was
expected in the Kurdish problem. Late this July, while in Kayseri,
his home town, the Turkish leader stated that the Kurdish problem
would be resolved in Turkey as a result of democratization.
The Turkish Premier too made repeated statements on the Government's
plans to resolve the problem. He stated that the details would be known
before the end of this year. The Turkish Premier also stated that the
problem would be resolved as the role of democratic values enhances in
the country. In this context, Premier Erdogan agreed to meet with the
only Kurdish member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Chairman
of the Democratic Society Party Ahmet Turk. The Opposition was highly
critical of that meeting and charged Erdogan with having actually
met with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (Parti Karkerani Kurdistan,
PKK). Thus, the Opposition identified the PKK with the Democratic
Society Party. Moreover, disregarding the Opposition's charges,
Erdogan stated that he would carry the plan through at any cost. And
even after the clashes with Kurdish insurgents on September 8 claimed
the lives of eight Turkish servicemen, Erdogan stated that nothing
would stifle the settlement initiative.
Two Turkish political parties are severely critical of the initiative:
Deniz Bayka, Chairman of the Republican People's Party (Turkish:
Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi or CHP), and Devlet Bahceli, Chairman
of the Nationalist Movement Party (Turkish: Milliyetci Hareket
Partisi, MHP), pronounced against Erdogan's initiative. Devlet
Bahceli brought an especially grave charge against the Turkish
Premier - ones of "partitioning" the country. The recriminations
of Erdogan and Bahceli are even getting funny now! As part of the
settlement plan, the Turkish leader Abdullah Gul, who visited the
settlement of Guroymak (Kurdish: NorÅ~_în) is a district of Bitlis
Province, Turkey, densely populated with Kurds, called it NorÅ~_în
thereby provoking a new storm of charges on the part of Opposition,
particularly Devlet Bahceli. Erdogan immediately responded, stating:
"Alp Arslan conquered Manazkert (also Malazgirt, Malâzgird), but
did not rename it though it was an Armenian name. So are you more
of a nationalist than Alp Arslan? The founder of the Ottoman Empire,
Osman, conquered Bilecik, but did not rename it. So are you more of a
nationalist than Osman? Mustafa Kemal Ataturk made Ankara the capital,
but did not rename it despite it is a Latin name. So are you more of
a nationalist than Ataturk?"
In their turn, the lawyers of the Justice and Development Party, who
studied the charges Bahceli brought against Erdogan and his party,
decided to lodge two claims against the leader of the Nationalist
Movement Party - one on behalf of Recep Erdogan and the other on
behalf of the party itself. A little later, the Parliament members
of the Justice and Development Party lodged a claim against their
colleagues representing the Nationalist Movement Party.
The PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned by the
Turkish state since 1999 on İmralı Island, helps the settlement
initiative with his advice. He addresses regular messages to his
"companions-in-arms" through his lawyers. This summer Ocalan stated
he was preparing "a roadmap" for settling the Kurdish problem and
was going to present it soon. Late this August Ocalan's lawyer
stated that on August 20 the "roadmap" was presented to the prison
administration on August 20 and, after permission has been received,
would be published. In one his messages Ocalan said that Kurds did not
seek independence. Rather, they only wanted the Government to recognize
them and they were ready to recognize the Government. According to
him, Kurds would have two homelands, Turkey and Kurdistan. As part of
Turkey, Kurdistan must have extensive powers. The "Ocalan-authored"
roadmap is, according to him, is a 760-page document.
On the other hand, Ocalan is "famous" for his "original" statements
and publications. Specifically, he stated that the Turkish President
and Premier asked his help in resolving the Kurdish problem. And,
a rather strange coincidence: both Abdullah Gul and Recep Erdogan,
who were in different places at the moment, simultaneously refuted
that statement. Of interest is also Ocalan's response to the fierce
opponents of the settlement of the Kurdish problem, Devlet Bahceli and
Deniz Baykal. Addressing Bahceli, Ocalan said: "If forty million Kurds
rise the State will come to its end." One of the Democratic Society
Party members stated he would demand the separation of Kurdistan
unless the Kurdish problem was resolved. Ocalan disliked the term
"separation" and stated the party members did not understand what they
were saying. He asked Premier Erdogan to speed up the settlement
process. The Turkish press reported that the Turkish National
Intelligence Service (Turkish: Milli Istihbarat Teskilati, MIT) was
maintaining close contacts with the Imrali Island prisoner. The MIT
disliked Ocalan's roadmap, which was remitted to revision.
The only Kurdish party, DTP, with its 22-member- faction, is actively
contributing to the settlement of the Kurdish problem. The DTP
leader Ahmet Turk voiced his support for the Government-announced
initiative. However, he stated that the key to the settlement of the
Kurdish problem is in Ocalan's hands and urged the Government to take
the fact into account.
The Turkish Opposition represented by the CHP and MHP is rather
hostile to the Democratic Society Party (DTP) - they believe it to be
supportive of a terrorist organization. In response, at Kurdish rally
in Van early this September, the DTP leader Anmet Turk addressed Devlet
Bahceli and Deniz Baykal, stating they were incapable of anything even
"of being shepherds."
The development of the initiative to resolve the Kurdish problem is
accompanied by events that could hardly be imagined over the last
ten years. The Kurdish language had been forbidden until 1991 in
Turkey. From now on, however, departments of the Kurdish language and
literature are to be opened at Turkish universities, which has been
approved by President Abdullah Gul. In the eastern parts of Turkey,
the military posts have been removed - for many years they have been
checking all the vehicles. In some south-eastern regions of Turkey
the names of streets can now be seen in three languages: Turkish,
Kurdish and Arabic. The Diyarbakır police stated they realize the
need for knowing the Kurdish language. The military band of the local
garrison participated in a function arranged in Diyarbakir early
this month. Among other songs the band performed the well-known
song "Cane-Cane" authored by brother of the leader of one of the
PKK chapters.
The latest developments in Turkey, as well as the authorities' plainly
stated intentions to resolve the Kurdish problem at any cost, are
evidence that the ruling forces will have to stand serious trials. A
considerable part of Turkish society will support the authorities'
initiative, viewing it a hope for peace in Turkey. Thousands of parents
sending their sons to the Turkish army fear lest they fall victim to
clashes with the PKK militants. In turn, many Kurds believe Erdogan
will resolve their problems and peace will be established. Of course,
some Kurds are distrustful and believe the developments to be another
"simulation." So we can conclude that the Turkish Government's
initiative to resolve the Kurdish problem has already brought
about some improvements in the Turkish regions densely populated by
Kurds. However, it is not yet clear how well the Turkish authorities
will progress, considering the fact that they have yet to resolve
another problem, namely, normalizing relations with Armenia.
By Andranik Ispiryan
Information-Analytic Agency NEWS.am
Sept 14 2009
Armenia
Kind of "lull" was observed in the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement
process from April 23 to August 31. That day, through Swiss mediation,
Armenia and Turkey published the Protocols on normalizing the bilateral
relations. It was during that "lull" that the Turkish authorities
declared another initiative, which is of no less importance for the
country. The Justice and Development Party announced the initiative
to resolve the Kurdish problem as part of democratization processes
in the country. Thus, Turkey decided to normalize its relations
with Armenia simultaneously settling one of its domestic problems,
the Kurdish problem.
At present Turkey, particularly the Turkish authorities, is facing
most serious challenges. Time will show how serious are the country's
authorities intentions to resolve the two acute problems. Until
recently, instead of resolving them, the Turkish authorities have
been struggling against both for many years, wasting huge funds and
efforts. According to some information in the Turkish press, Turkey
has spent a total of U.S. $420 billion to flight against Kurdish
insurgents over the last 30 years, to say nothing of millions spent
on anti-Armenian propaganda at the international level. Moreover,
various external forces regularly use now the Armenian factor now
the Kurdish one to exert pressure on Turkey. By settling the issues
Turkey will, to a certain extent, "get rid of the diktat." Furthermore,
on one occasion Turkish Vice-Premier Bulent Arınc stated that, as
soon as the issues have been settled, no one will be able to block
Turkey's way, and the country will become more than a regional force.
The issue of normalizing the Armenian-Turkish relations and the Kurdish
problem seem alike in Turkey. The Turkish Opposition is vigorously
opposing both the initiatives. The only difference is that internal
pressure is being exerted on the process of resolving the Kurdish
problem, whereas the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement process in mainly
under external pressure.
This year the intensely hot summer in Turkey saw no less intense
political developments. The trials of the Ergenekon case, the plan
of destroying the Justice and Development Party and Fethullah Gulen
published in the press, a criminal group exposed in the Turkish
Navy... And, with the resultant domestic political clashes, the
official statements on the possible settlement of the Kurdish problem
made by Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep
Erdogan. Several months ago the Turkish President stated progress was
expected in the Kurdish problem. Late this July, while in Kayseri,
his home town, the Turkish leader stated that the Kurdish problem
would be resolved in Turkey as a result of democratization.
The Turkish Premier too made repeated statements on the Government's
plans to resolve the problem. He stated that the details would be known
before the end of this year. The Turkish Premier also stated that the
problem would be resolved as the role of democratic values enhances in
the country. In this context, Premier Erdogan agreed to meet with the
only Kurdish member of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Chairman
of the Democratic Society Party Ahmet Turk. The Opposition was highly
critical of that meeting and charged Erdogan with having actually
met with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (Parti Karkerani Kurdistan,
PKK). Thus, the Opposition identified the PKK with the Democratic
Society Party. Moreover, disregarding the Opposition's charges,
Erdogan stated that he would carry the plan through at any cost. And
even after the clashes with Kurdish insurgents on September 8 claimed
the lives of eight Turkish servicemen, Erdogan stated that nothing
would stifle the settlement initiative.
Two Turkish political parties are severely critical of the initiative:
Deniz Bayka, Chairman of the Republican People's Party (Turkish:
Cumhuriyet Halk Partisi or CHP), and Devlet Bahceli, Chairman
of the Nationalist Movement Party (Turkish: Milliyetci Hareket
Partisi, MHP), pronounced against Erdogan's initiative. Devlet
Bahceli brought an especially grave charge against the Turkish
Premier - ones of "partitioning" the country. The recriminations
of Erdogan and Bahceli are even getting funny now! As part of the
settlement plan, the Turkish leader Abdullah Gul, who visited the
settlement of Guroymak (Kurdish: NorÅ~_în) is a district of Bitlis
Province, Turkey, densely populated with Kurds, called it NorÅ~_în
thereby provoking a new storm of charges on the part of Opposition,
particularly Devlet Bahceli. Erdogan immediately responded, stating:
"Alp Arslan conquered Manazkert (also Malazgirt, Malâzgird), but
did not rename it though it was an Armenian name. So are you more
of a nationalist than Alp Arslan? The founder of the Ottoman Empire,
Osman, conquered Bilecik, but did not rename it. So are you more of a
nationalist than Osman? Mustafa Kemal Ataturk made Ankara the capital,
but did not rename it despite it is a Latin name. So are you more of
a nationalist than Ataturk?"
In their turn, the lawyers of the Justice and Development Party, who
studied the charges Bahceli brought against Erdogan and his party,
decided to lodge two claims against the leader of the Nationalist
Movement Party - one on behalf of Recep Erdogan and the other on
behalf of the party itself. A little later, the Parliament members
of the Justice and Development Party lodged a claim against their
colleagues representing the Nationalist Movement Party.
The PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned by the
Turkish state since 1999 on İmralı Island, helps the settlement
initiative with his advice. He addresses regular messages to his
"companions-in-arms" through his lawyers. This summer Ocalan stated
he was preparing "a roadmap" for settling the Kurdish problem and
was going to present it soon. Late this August Ocalan's lawyer
stated that on August 20 the "roadmap" was presented to the prison
administration on August 20 and, after permission has been received,
would be published. In one his messages Ocalan said that Kurds did not
seek independence. Rather, they only wanted the Government to recognize
them and they were ready to recognize the Government. According to
him, Kurds would have two homelands, Turkey and Kurdistan. As part of
Turkey, Kurdistan must have extensive powers. The "Ocalan-authored"
roadmap is, according to him, is a 760-page document.
On the other hand, Ocalan is "famous" for his "original" statements
and publications. Specifically, he stated that the Turkish President
and Premier asked his help in resolving the Kurdish problem. And,
a rather strange coincidence: both Abdullah Gul and Recep Erdogan,
who were in different places at the moment, simultaneously refuted
that statement. Of interest is also Ocalan's response to the fierce
opponents of the settlement of the Kurdish problem, Devlet Bahceli and
Deniz Baykal. Addressing Bahceli, Ocalan said: "If forty million Kurds
rise the State will come to its end." One of the Democratic Society
Party members stated he would demand the separation of Kurdistan
unless the Kurdish problem was resolved. Ocalan disliked the term
"separation" and stated the party members did not understand what they
were saying. He asked Premier Erdogan to speed up the settlement
process. The Turkish press reported that the Turkish National
Intelligence Service (Turkish: Milli Istihbarat Teskilati, MIT) was
maintaining close contacts with the Imrali Island prisoner. The MIT
disliked Ocalan's roadmap, which was remitted to revision.
The only Kurdish party, DTP, with its 22-member- faction, is actively
contributing to the settlement of the Kurdish problem. The DTP
leader Ahmet Turk voiced his support for the Government-announced
initiative. However, he stated that the key to the settlement of the
Kurdish problem is in Ocalan's hands and urged the Government to take
the fact into account.
The Turkish Opposition represented by the CHP and MHP is rather
hostile to the Democratic Society Party (DTP) - they believe it to be
supportive of a terrorist organization. In response, at Kurdish rally
in Van early this September, the DTP leader Anmet Turk addressed Devlet
Bahceli and Deniz Baykal, stating they were incapable of anything even
"of being shepherds."
The development of the initiative to resolve the Kurdish problem is
accompanied by events that could hardly be imagined over the last
ten years. The Kurdish language had been forbidden until 1991 in
Turkey. From now on, however, departments of the Kurdish language and
literature are to be opened at Turkish universities, which has been
approved by President Abdullah Gul. In the eastern parts of Turkey,
the military posts have been removed - for many years they have been
checking all the vehicles. In some south-eastern regions of Turkey
the names of streets can now be seen in three languages: Turkish,
Kurdish and Arabic. The Diyarbakır police stated they realize the
need for knowing the Kurdish language. The military band of the local
garrison participated in a function arranged in Diyarbakir early
this month. Among other songs the band performed the well-known
song "Cane-Cane" authored by brother of the leader of one of the
PKK chapters.
The latest developments in Turkey, as well as the authorities' plainly
stated intentions to resolve the Kurdish problem at any cost, are
evidence that the ruling forces will have to stand serious trials. A
considerable part of Turkish society will support the authorities'
initiative, viewing it a hope for peace in Turkey. Thousands of parents
sending their sons to the Turkish army fear lest they fall victim to
clashes with the PKK militants. In turn, many Kurds believe Erdogan
will resolve their problems and peace will be established. Of course,
some Kurds are distrustful and believe the developments to be another
"simulation." So we can conclude that the Turkish Government's
initiative to resolve the Kurdish problem has already brought
about some improvements in the Turkish regions densely populated by
Kurds. However, it is not yet clear how well the Turkish authorities
will progress, considering the fact that they have yet to resolve
another problem, namely, normalizing relations with Armenia.