Erdogan hopeful about peace process

In an address to his ruling Justice and Development Party's (AKP) parliamentary group meeting yesterday, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed hope that they would succeed in the peace process aimed at ending the conflict between security forces and the terrorist PKK "despite attempts at provocations and sabotage, with the help of our nation and with the will of the God." In his speech, Erdogan also addressed the families of soldiers who have lost their lives in the fight with the PKK, assuring them that there would be no disrespect to the memories of their fallen loved ones during the process. Stating that holding talks with the PKK leader does not mean surrendering to terrorism, Erdogan said, "Nobody can make us surrender. We did not take a step back in the face of any attack, we will not take any step back." Erdogan also warned against any provocations ahead of the three Kurdish women's funerals to be held in the southeastern province of Diyarbakir.