Resolution on Kurdish issues slow

ANKARA, Turkey, June 5 (UPI) -- Officials say resolving the so-called Kurdish question is closer than ever in Turkey, though some worry separatist efforts could undermine progress.

Turkish President Abdullah Gul prioritized issues pertaining to Kurdish political and regional momentum, placing the matter before economic and other matters.

Turkey is faced with looming questions regarding Kurdish ambitions in the region. The ruling Justice and Development Party lost power to the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party and other Kurdish support groups in municipal elections in March.

Meanwhile, Turkish and other regional militaries continue to face threats from Kurdish separatist guerrillas, namely the Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK.

The PKK announced recently it had extended a unilateral cease-fire possible through September to allow the political process to take hold while Gul said it was important to separate ethnic Kurds from the action of Kurdish rebels.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan acknowledged, however, that while all sides were speaking "more openly and frequently," there were no quick fixes to the problem, Turkish daily Hurriyet reports.

"We do not have miracles that we can create overnight," he said.