German ambassador welcomes govt democratic expansion initiative for Southeastern Anatolia

German Ambassador to Ankara Eckard Cuntz said yesterday that his country welcomes the government's democratic opening initiative, whose details are still pending, to solve Turkey's longstanding so-called Kurdish or southeastern Anatolia issue. Stating that Germany is more interested in developments in Turkey than in any other country due to strong bilateral ties, with many people of Turkish origin living in Germany, Cuntz added that if Turkey comes up with good solutions to tackle its problems, this will make it more powerful. Anything that will make Turkey stronger is welcomed by both Germany and the European Union, he added. Stressing that in recent years Turkey has taken bold steps on both the economy and its relations with the EU, Cuntz said the Turkish public has been discussing important issues lately, and called on everyone to contribute to this democratic process. "Violence and terrorism must come to an end. No solution to the issue can be found through terrorism," he explained. The Turkish government has been taking steps to strengthen the country, not weaken it, he said. "This is Turkey's domestic issue, but I commented on it because of the unique relations between Turkey and Germany," he added. In related news, speaking at a inauguration ceremony for facilities in the Black Sea province of Rize, his hometown, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed the government's firm determination to carry out the democratic expansion initiative, adding that they had stepped up efforts to this end. In other news, Interior Minister Besir Atalay, government coordinator of the initiative, continued to hold talks with representatives from political parties and non-governmental organizations to help promote a broad social consensus on the plan. Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Democratic Society Party (DTP) leader Ahmet Turk, Atalay said Turkey can solve its problems as long as it keeps its self-confidence. In a statement afterwards, Atalay said the meeting had been very productive and had provided an important opportunity for exchanging views. “We have wanted from the start for this project to be carried out under the roof of Parliament," he said. "We think the contributions of Parliament and our political parties to this project of peace and brotherhood are very important. We explain, in these visits, the work we have been carrying out. In all the meetings we have had so far, including with three political parties, we have listened to valuable opinions that light the project's way." He also announced that he would be meeting with representatives of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TÜSİAD) next Tuesday. Atalay yesterday also visited the Union of Turkish Bar Associations and workers' unions Türk-İş and Hak-İş.