Turkish politico suggests Kurdish solution

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- A high-level Turkish political leader has suggested steps to resolve the country's ongoing dilemma with its independence-seeking Kurdish population.

Ufuk Uras, deputy for the Freedom and Solidarity Party, last week suggested actions that could be taken to resolve the situation even before Kurdish militants lay down their weapons, Bianet reported last Thursday.

Uras called on Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to cease ratcheting up tensions regarding Democratic Society Party, Interior Minister Beşir Atalay should ensure flexibility for the party's sit-in protests and President Abdullah Gul should arrange a summit of representatives from all parties in Parliament as soon as possible to encourage a dialogue among them.

Uras also called on parliamentary Speaker Koksal Toptan to send a delegation under the auspices of the Human Rights Commission of the Parliament to Imrali Prison to investigate conditions there. In addition, he said, Justice Minister Mehmet Ali Şahin should make an attempt to transfer Abdullah Ocalan, imprisoned leader of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK), to what he called a normal place with suitable conditions.

Uras also wants a new definition of citizenship, removal of obstacles to cultural expression, multilingual education, amnesty and the strengthening of local governments.