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

At the meeting in Ankara outlining the AKP’s platform for the June parliamentary elections and presenting its candidates, Davutoğlu 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.