Mert Gozde
Marc 1, 2001
Ankara- Turkish Daily News

A formula on broadcasting in Kurdish and educating the Kurds determined at
Monday's National Security Council (MGK) meeting fails to fulfill the expectations of the
outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) sympathizers living abroad

On a program at the pro-Kurdish Medya TV, the MGK's formula is referred to as, 'the
continuation of Turkish government's 75-year-old negligence policy'

Meanwhile, Diyarbakir Mayor from the People's Democracy Party (HADEP) Feridun
Celik proposes to hold a referendum for the solution of the Kurdish question

Determination on negligence

Medya-Tv said the National Program seemed to have some positive statements
referring to broadcasting in Kurdish, but if examined carefully, it reflects Turkey's
75-year-old firm attitude to negligence on the Kurdish problem.

"The National Program which is approved at the MGK meeting says, 'Languages used
in daily life other than Turkish instead of saying 'Kurdish language.' And about
broadcasting in Kurdish, the Program says, 'it is not possible to accept the usage of
another language if it is used an element of an other sovereignty that claims Turkey's
sovereignty,'" the station is quoted as saying.

Medya Tv said that these statements will be included to the final wording of the
National Program and also drew the path of Turkey's policy over Kurdish problem.

"Educating in Kurdish will be explained like this in the National Program: The national
language and language of education in Turkey is Turkish. But this principle is not a
deterrent for the usage of other languages and dialects in the daily life. Turkey will work
in an effort to lift the deterrents," Medya-Tv stated.

Referendum offer

According to a news report at the Medya-Tv, Feridun Celik, in an interview with the
Dogan News Agency (DHA) proposed a referendum in order to solve the Kurdish
problem.

Criticizing state for not fulfilling its task in the Southeast at a period when there was a
perfect opportunity due to peaceful times, Celik said a referendum is a solution.

"The State should hold a referendum in an effort to learn the Southeastern people's
political demands on various issues such as broadcasting and educating in Kurdish,
removing Emergency Rule (OHAL) and immigration," Celik said.

He said that Turkey's development is based on the solution of the Kurdish question
and it is the main reason for Turkey's economic and social problems.

Celik stated that unemployment in Diayrbakir reached 70 percent and if necessary
measures are not taken, mass social reactions may take place.
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The Kurdistan Observer
www.kurdistanobserver.com