Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan on Monday called for national unity after a court ruling banning a main Kurdish party sparked violent clashes and plunged the EU candidate into political uncertainty. Turkey's Constitutional Court on Friday ruled in favour of banning the only Kurdish party in parliament after it found it guilty of co-operating with separatist PKK rebels, dealing a fresh blow to Turkey's hopes of joining the European Union.
In his first comments since the verdict was delivered, Erdogan told reporters when asked about the government's plans to push reforms aimed at ending decades of conflict with Kurdish separatists: "We will overcome these problems as long as our nation is united and in solidarity." Erdogan said he will address parliament later on Monday to discuss in detail the ban on the Democratic Society Party (DTP).
The European Commission warned on Monday the verdict could deprive a substantial portion of Turkish voters from representation, which it said was essential to Ankara fulfilling its democratic mandate. The closure of the party prompted three days of violent street protests, mainly in the south east but also in the heart of Istanbul's shopping and entertainment district on Sunday.
Investors who are hardened to the emerging market's domestic turmoil were relatively untroubled by the events. The Turkish lira and bonds weakened moderately on Monday but shares were in positive territory, boosted by news of Abu Dhabi's surprise $10 billion bail-out for debt-stricken Dubai.
DTP deputies have threatened to quit parliament, a move that could force new elections in Kurdish districts. The PKK has fought for 25 years for a Kurdish homeland in south-eastern Turkey. The Kurds, who make up around 20 percent of the population but were for decades forbidden to use the Kurdish language, have long complained of discrimination.
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