Norwegian Ambassador meets deputy leader Kurtulmus

As the Kurdish initiative and negotiations with imprisoned leader of the terrorist PKK organization Abdullah Ocalan are underway, Norwegian Ambassador to Ankara Janis Bjorn Kanavin paid a second visit to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) headquarters two times in one week, suggesting the intensification of communications about resuming Oslo talks. Previously, Prime Minister Erdogan has suggested that new talks could take place in Oslo following the negotiation process to ensure PKK disarmament, saying, "It is a question of time. Negotiations could take place anytime, whether in Oslo or not. If it is a must, we will take the necessary steps." Kanavin held a meeting with then AKP deputy leader Omer Celik for 1.5 hours at the AKP headquarters and revisited the party headquarters yesterday. As Celik was appointed as Culture and Tourism Minister in the cabinet reshuffle, Kanavin was received by current AKP deputy leader Numan Kurtulmus this time. During the one-hour meeting, relations between Turkey and Norway were discussed and Kurtulmus pointed out that despite not being an EU member, Norway was a representative of the European culture, offering a different economic model. "Norway has carried out a substantial example of the social welfare state where both the state and the private sector are efficient." Kurtulmus added.