An initiative on the Kurdish issue dubbed ’psychological’

The rumored initiative is two-fold and could be categorized as "psychological." The first part is to abolish the ban on the use of Kurdish names for places. A ban on the use of Kurdish names for newborns was lifted in the past, a move that Kurds in the region saw as a positive one.

The second part of the rumor is the possible removal of the official catchphrase, "Turk, be proud, work and trust," from the walls of governors’ offices in the towns of southeastern Anatolia. Some Justice and Development Party, or AKP, members with Kurdish origins had similar demands in the past as they assumed that these moves would create a better climate for future initiatives.

Are these merely wishful thinking by some AKP deputies of Kurdish origin or is it an agreed-upon package? Though there is no concrete answer, it seems there will be significant developments in the near future on this issue.Â

"In the past, Kurds were disregarded. For years, Kurds were forced to memorize the motto of ’How happy is he/she who calls himself/herself a Turk.’ Was it a good solution to force one to call himself Turk? Now it appears that these policies failed. While granting Kurds economic, cultural and social rights, the tools of psychological pressure should also be cleared," a senior official of the ruling party said in Parliament.

These two steps are still being discussed among the AKP brass. But senior AKP officials confirm that they will likely be brought to the agenda soon, adding that they could be realized "within 2009." We’ll all see whether this "psychological wall" will be destroyed and these two steps will be executed.

SECOND ARTICLE

EU’s ’social policies’ chapter at risk
Membership negotiations with the European Union have been affected by the local elections and have been progressing at snail’s pace. Turkey will take a critical turn in April because the decision of whether to open the "social policies" chapter will be made then.

All right, but will this be implemented? Experts emphasize the fact that in order to open this chapter, Turkey must make big strides in "social rights," such as collective labor agreements, lifting obstructions before unionization, granting rights for strikes to civil servants and lock-outs. As for the constitutional change, this is at the leaders’ discretion. And this process may pull Turkey into difficulties because there is not much time, and if not implemented by the end of April, the "social policies" chapter might not be opened. But let me say this: The process will test the state minister for EU affairs, Egemen Bağış.

THIRD ARTICLE

Rebel deputy won’t protest Barack Obama
Kamer Genç, an independent deputy from Tunceli, is famous for his protests in Parliament and his remarks. Since the July 22, 2007, elections, Genç has scolded almost all of his counterparts including Baykal, Bahçeli, Gül, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, parties’ group leaders and Parliament acting speakers. Even Israeli President Shimon Peres was subjected to his protests. While Peres was paying a visit to Turkish Parliament, Genç did not stand up to protest the guest leader. What will Genç do if U.S. President Barack Obama visits Parliament? Genç smiles and says, "I will not protest him because he is new at office. It is not appropriate to protest our guest."