Killers must not spark war

The only conclusion that can be drawn at this stage is that this was a political act by someone to derail the efforts to find a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue in Turkey.

That the perpetrators could be linked to interests within the Turkish establishment or within the banned Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) does not make the murders any less outrageous.

It is clear that a military struggle cannot achieve a separate Kurdish state and that a solution will require democratic means.

This was the conclusion of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the PKK.

I was present in the Kurdish region during the Turkish general election in 2011 when Kurdish activists, standing as independents due to the strange electoral rules, were elected in record numbers as MPs.

The sense of optimism that the democratic route would lead to progress was quickly smashed as some of these newly elected MPs were barred from parliament and arrested for allegedly supporting the PKK.

The opportunity presented by the democratic gains was completely lost due to the actions of the Turkish authorities. This clearly helps those who still see armed struggle as a way forward to gain greater sympathy.

Recent government indications that they will resume talks with Mr Ocalan have raised hopes again of a peaceful solution.

Opposition comes from ultra-nationalists who do not wish to make any concessions to the Kurds and those who continue to support armed struggle.

It is time for the Turkish government to receive clear messages from the international community, including Britain, that negotiations are the only way forward.

At the same time the Kurdish community, both in Turkey and in Europe, must be given the space to enable them to peacefully address their basic democratic concerns.

Stephen Smellie

Hamilton