Turkey parliament commission approves bill to end terror

The Turkish Parliament's internal affairs commission approved on Friday a draft bill to rekindle an ongoing government initiative to end terrorism and improve minority rights.

If passed in the parliament, the six-article "Draft Law to End Terrorism and Strengthen Social Integration" would authorize the government to assign individuals or organizations to establish dialogue with any individual or group related with the issue.

The law is expected to be endorsed before July 25, parliament''s summer recess.

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.

Commenting on the draft law, Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said Friday that the bill would provide a framework for the future measures to be introduced as part of the solution process.

"If new legislative amendments are needed, they will come to the parliament to be debated and approved," he said.

Turkey's 'solution process' began early last year with a ceasefire between the Turkish government and outlawed PKK terrorist organization.

The government pledged democratic reforms to empower minorities, particularly the Kurdish minority, which is by far the largest forming 18 percent of the population.