Kurdish leaders consider next conference

ANKARA, Turkey, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- The pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party in Turkey said it was considering an October summit to weigh the elements for a political peace settlement.

Ankara put forward a sweeping plan to find a political solution to lingering issues with the Kurdish minority in Turkey earlier this year.

Pressure is mounting on leaders in Ankara to find a solution to the 25-year conflict with the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party, PKK. That conflict has taken its toll on the Turkish military and the political influence of the ruling Justice and Development Party.

Pro-Kurdish leaders said they aimed to gather the Kurdish diaspora and regional groups to discuss their plans for a political solution. If a formal conference goes forward, possibly in March, the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq may host the summit, inviting Kurdish leaders in Europe, Iran, Syria, Iraq and Turkey.

Democratic Society Party leaders said it would weigh in on the issue during its party congress scheduled for Oct. 4, reports Turkish daily Today's Zaman.

Pro-Kurdish groups were expecting a statement on the issue from imprisoned Kurdish guerrilla leader Abdullah Ocalan, though his lawyers were unable to obtain his message.

Meanwhile, Turkish military officials have called on members of the PKK to lay down their weapons as part of a political solution.