Turkish PM avoids highlighting peace process, Kurdish issue in manifesto meeting

Prime Minister Ahmet Davuto?lu remarkably shunned referring to the peace process led by his own government in the 100-article "2023 New Turkey Contract," which he read out along with his Justice and Development Party's (AKP) at party meeting on April 15.

At the meeting in Ankara outlining the AKP's platform for the June parliamentary elections and presenting its candidates, Davuto?lu did not mention the word "Kurdish" even once in the 100 articles. He also did not mention the peace process or "resolution process," aimed at ending the three-decade long conflict between Turkey's security forces and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The word "Kurdish" is used in the election manifesto of the ruling AKP, but only once. Likewise, the term "resolution process" is cited only once in the manifesto.

The phrase used in the manifesto is "Kurdish origin citizens," in a sentence emphasizing the "fundamental rights and freedoms of all citizens." As for "resolution process," the term is said in the manifesto to have paved the way for natural rights such as faith, sect and cultural identity, along with other government-led initiatives.