ANKARA
The Turkish parliament has passed a bill to support the country's ongoing "solution process" to end terrorism.
"What the nation is expecting from us is to find a resolution to the issue," Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker told the general assembly Thursday during discussions for the bill.
He said the bill would contribute to the normalization of Turkey.
The government initiative called "solution process" began early last year with a ceasefire between the Turkish government and the terrorist organization PKK.
The Nationalist Movement Party leader Devlet Bahceli also attended the general assembly to show his party's strong opposition to the passing of the bill.
The Republican People's Party and pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party deputies voted "yes" on the bill.
"We have a purpose. We want peace, right now and for everyone," deputy group chairman of the Republican People's Party, Engin Altay, said.
The draft bill comprises the following measures:
- The government to determine the necessary political, judicial, socio-economic and cultural steps to be taken in its bid to end terrorism and strengthen social cohesion.
- If necessary, it will have the authority to assign any individual, group or institution both from Turkey and abroad to maintain contact, dialogue and talks with any individual, group or institution.
- It will take the necessary measures to ensure that those who lay down their arms will return home and participate in social life.
- It will provide the public with fast and accurate information regarding the measures taken as part of the process.
- It will monitor the outcome of the measures taken and maintain coordination with relevant groups and institutions.
- Necessary works will be done in terms of introducing new legislations regarding the process.
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