The DTP’s ’Kurdish report’ in President Obama’s briefcase

So he presented Obama with a 14-page letter. Actually, this was a "Kurdish report." The DTP camp is keeping information on the report tight. After a series of tremendous efforts during the week, I found some clues on this report, which was prepared by DTP Istanbul deputy Sabahat Tuncel.

As she was tried for being a member to the outlawed Kurdish Workers’ Party, or PKK, Tuncel participated in the elections as a candidate from the "Candidates of a Thousand Hopes" list. After she was elected, she was released from Gebze Prison and stepped into Parliament. The degree of toughness in this report is somewhat obvious considering her personality.

The report begins with information about the history of the Kurdish political struggle, I was told. The DTP’s suggestion for a solution was also stated inside in addition to "democratic autonomy." The party had previously given the details of "democratic autonomy" as "defending people’s democratic participation in the decision-making process.

"The PKK and Abdullah Öcalan cannot be ignored" was noted in the solution. During his trip, Obama didn’t refer to the Kurdish issue except his remark that the PKK is a terror organization. We don’t know what the impact of the DTP’s report will be at the White House. Let’s see how the report in Obama’s briefcase will contribute to the process.

Left and right of politics change roles

Following the March 29 local polls, political parties have been getting into action. Except the Democratic Left Party, or DSP, none of them accepted defeat. The governing Justice and Development Party, or AKP, lost votes but still controls municipalities. The Republican People’s Party, or CHP, increased its votes a little and declared success. The Nationalist Movement Party, or MHP, and the Saadet (Felicity) Party are acting likewise.

But will the leaders of these parties change? It is unlikely. There is an interesting detail, though. In the West, leftist parties are more open to changing leaders and renewals. Rightist parties are relatively uptight. In Turkey, however, it is the opposite because in the center-right, the AKP can have a leader for four consecutive terms. What about the central-left parties, the CHP and the DSP? There are no limits. It seems that left and right have changed roles.

No talk about human rights

Obama’s speech in Turkish Parliament was generally found positive. But there were people who were unsatisfied.

Okşan Öztok, an activist who defends gay rights, criticized Obama for not talking about the problems of homosexuals in the frame of human rights.

"I am not satisfied by Mr. President’s messages. We were expecting more openings in the subject of democracy and human rights," said Öztok.