Gov't, HDP prepare joint text for Kurdish peace

The most critical stage in hectic talks between the government and the Peoples? Democratic Party (HDP) on the resolution process, which has recently gained visible momentum, has arrived.

At meetings held on two consecutive days earlier this week, Deputy PM Yalç?n Akdo?an and the HDP delegation, composed of Deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Pervin Buldan and Istanbul deputy S?rr? Süreyya Önder, drafted a ?joint statement? which was put forward as a condition by the jailed leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers? Party (PKK), Abdullah Öcalan, for the announcement of a ?reinforced cease-fire.? In order not to encounter any problem from the PKK side, the HDP sent the text to the PKK headquarters in Iraq.

President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, who cut his trip to Latin America a day earlier than planned, also wanted to see the text before it was announced, sources said.

Erdo?an, who is known to have been following the developments in resolution process closely after taking office as president in August following his 12-year prime ministry, has been keeping his eyes on the hectic traffic among the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the HDP, sources said.

Unprecedented shuttle talks are continuing to advance the resolution process, which is aimed at ending the three-decade-old conflict between Turkey?s security forces and the PKK, with the government delivering a promising message, saying, ?Good things will happen.?

?Good news coming?

?Important statements will come in the coming days,? Be?ir Atalay, the spokesperson for the AKP, said Feb. 13 when reminded in an interview with NTV of comments suggesting that Kandil could not be persuaded.

?We know that meetings are going well and we will receive good news...