Atalay expresses hope to obtain result in resolution process

Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay yesterday met with UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos in Ankara. Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Atalay said that the ongoing resolution process aimed at resolving the Kurdish issue in Turkey was very important to the government. In response to a question about the release of eight Turkish public officials who have been captured by the outlawed PKK, Atalay said that the release was not the subject of a negotiation or bargaining, but that they have welcomed the release as an indication of good will and a confidence building factor. Stating that the ultimate objective of the process is the laying down of arms, Atalay said, "We are seeking a rooted solution, and we are not discussing history. We hope that we can obtain a result soon in a way to meet the expectations. We are sincere and honest. We have never adopted and we will never adopt confidence shaking attitudes."