Atalay: "The govt will accelerate the democratization initiative"

Interior Minister Besir Atalay, coordinator of the ruling party's initiative to resolve the Kurdish issue, yesterday reiterated the government's determination to proceed with its plans, adding that these efforts would gain momentum. Calling for more common sense, he also stressed that security forces are in full control of violent street protests meant to hamper the government's efforts. "Our aim is to eliminate acts of terror in the country and grant broader freedoms to our citizens," he explained. Atalay's remarks followed a meeting with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to assess rising tension due to a series of illegal demonstrations by supporters of the terrorist PKK over the past two weeks in Turkey's east and southeast. Among participants at the meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Bulent Arinc, Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin and Atalay. This summer, the government launched the initiative to solve the decades-old Kurdish question, but was unable to win the support of the opposition parties. Tension grew even higher after the closure of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) by the Constitutional Court last week, resulting in several clashes between demonstrators and civilians. Yesterday Atalay stressed that they know who is encouraging the provocations. He said there is no need for panic, as everything is under control. Urging opposition parties to adopt a more responsible stance on the initiative, Atalay also reiterated steps which will soon be taken within its framework, such as the establishment of an independent anti-discrimination body.