Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) co-chair Gültan Kışanak evaluated the suspension of the withdrawal of Kurdish guerrillas from Turkey by the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK) Executive Council Presidency on Monday.

Reminding that the Kurdish side has so far warned the government again and again about the possible disruption of the resolution process and a deadlock, and urged it to take steps in order to create an environment of mutual trust, Kışanak said the suspension of the withdrawal was not an unexpected development. BDP co-chair remarked that the AKP government has however failed to answer all these calls and to take the steps agreed in the resolution process.

Kışanak pinted out that it was not only the KCK but the whole public opinion in Turkey that expected the resolution process to make headway. She said all sides had a part to play for the achievement of this purpose, adding that "We hope the government will make an endeavour to fulfill its responsibilities".

Reminding that the ceasefire will still remain in effect, Kışanak said this was a significant opportunity to allow the government to take urgent action for the advancement of the process.

BDP co-chair noted that the government has given no answer to Kurdish side's demands for the practice of necessary arrangements to remove the obstacles to democratic living, particularly with regards to the freedom of thought and expression, the anti-terror law and the law on political parties.

Kışanak underlined that; "The public struggle on the streets is being suppressed by police brutality every day. Thousands of Kurdish politicians are still being held in prisons and the Prime Minister has adopted the status quoist attitude and language of old times, defending that the recognition of the Kurdish language would split the country. On the other hand, the cemetery of Kurdish guerrillas have been demolished and the body of a guerrilla was exhumed from his grave only recently. These are all provocations against the resolution process”.