The Turkish government is determined to take the initiative on the Kurdistan's peace process as it is planning to make public several plans in favour of Kurdish language and Kurdish economy. The reforms are aimed at softening international and domestic public opinion, as well as preparing the ground for a future negotiation. Reuters news agency reports that Ankara wants to "pre-empt" Abdullah Ocalan's announcement due on August 15. Despite being in solitary confinement in Imrali, the Kurdish pro-independence leader and former head of the PKK intends to release his road map to solve the Kurdish question.

According to several political analysts Reuters has consulted, the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan may promote Kurdish language and culture in universities and private television channels. It may also allow the use of Kurdish among civil servants and during election campaigns.

Erdogan could also announce further investments in the Southeast Anatolian Project (GAP), the Turkish development scheme that aims at revitalizing economy in Northern Kurdistan.

Abdullah Ocalan's proposals still remain to be seen. It is expected that the document argues in favour of autonomy for Northern Kurdistan and includes conditions for PKK's abandonment of armed struggle. The Kurdish leader has long given up pro-independence views and has focused on peaceful conflict resolution.

Whatever the content of the road map is, Ankara "does not want to give the impression of dealing with Ocalan", political commentator Rusen Cakir told Reuters. As Turkish minister for foreign affairs, Ahmet Davutoglu, said, "the Kurdish question will not be solved in Imrali, but Ankara".

Further information:

• Bianet: "Öcalan Can Stop Fighting, but Expectations Must Be Realistic"
• Today's Zaman: DTP points to Öcalan in solution to Kurdish issue
• ekathimerini.com: Kurdish rights up for debate?

See the dossier Peoples and nations today: Kurdistan for more information.