Reconciliation process at a better stage compared to last two months, says PM


Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu said that the government is at a better point compared to the last two or three months and emphasized that talks are not just being made by one side, but also with many actors and parts of society in eastern and southeastern Anatolia. Returning to Turkey from his visit to Germany on Monday night, Davutoğlu responded to questions from journalists. In response to a question about the current situation of the reconciliation process, Davutoğlu said that both sides regained a conscious attitude by noticing the mistakes that they have made and a "common sensitivity" became evident in a short time. "In that sense, I see the current atmosphere as very positive. From previous experiences forward it is necessary not to give the opportunity for those who want to influence the process in a bad manner by naming a date for its conclusion," he said.Emphasizing the necessity of public order, he underlined that this is not a condition but an indispensable thing without being a matter of negotiation. "I mean, nobody can say, 'We shall provide the public order and you shall do that.' Public order is indispensable for a democratic society," Davutoğlu said, and added: "We can say that there is a more careful advancing process about the recent issues, at least for the last two months." Davutoğlu also stressed the significance of disarmament as an ultimate degree for the future of the process: "While there are all kinds of opportunities for politics in democracy, all kinds of thoughts can be expressed in Ankara and across Turkey, opinions can be declared through all kinds of meetings and demonstrations, but taking arms is impossible to advocate for a person or group that believes in democracy."