While travelling to Paris by plane, President Abdullah Gül answered journalists' questions on the Kurdish issue, violence and possible solutions.

"The matter is no joke"

According to Cnntürk, Gül said, "Turkey has convinced everyone that the matter is no joke. Everyone has begun to react against the terrorists. Democracy isolates terrorism and terrorists."

Gül spoke of the importance of balancing decisiveness and democracy, which should not be weakened: "You should not weaken the people's sense of belonging."

As for the "mothertongue issue", Gül said that past bans on Kurdish had led to exploitation; everyone should be given the opportunity to develop their own culture, to practice and to live it.

"Silences more meaningful than words"

Ertugrul Özkök, editor-in-chief of the "Hürriyet" described his impressions of the conversations in the plane in his column yesterday (28 November):

"The President did not answer a part of the questions. But in my opinion, there were meaningful silences and facial expressions..."

Özkök said, "What was not said during the conversation, or what was kept quiet about, was more important than was said."

Possibility of amnesty? 

For instance, so Özkök, answering the question "Is there a possibility of a new 'return home' law or an amnesty?, Gül did not categorically deny such a possibility, but said, measuredly: "At the moment there are hot battles."

Lay down arms? 

Again, when asked "Is there a comprehensive plan to make the terrorist organisation lay down arms?", Gül said: "If the terrorist organisation takes your soldiers hostage, if it goes around armed, you cannot do anything."

Another question was: "In recent days, people speak of these kinds of plans: For instance, with the terrorist organisation laying down arms and withdrawing into Iraq, a new phase could start. Is there something in this?" Gül, according to Özkök, "paused in a manner that drew the attention of all of us. He had an expression as if he was looking for the most suitable answer." And finally he said, "The most important thing is to stop them from being dangerous."

According to Özkök, Gül continued by saying, "There are many people who would surrender. During my visit in the area, I read many letters and diaries of people who are members of the terrorist organisation. They are not happy."

And more silence...

Özkök pointed to another question which Gül left unanswered: "The terrorist leader [Abdullah Öcalan] has been in Imrali [the island prison in the Marmara Sea] for years. Has no government representative tried to talk to him and influence him? Should that not be done?"

Özkök said, "Gül did not answer this question either. Again a clear hesitation and silence..." (NZ/AG)