“I don’t have a high expectation for his [Gül] visit to Diyarbakır since a single word from the president will not have a magic-wand effect on the Kurdish problem. However, the visit can create a positive impact if the president uses inclusive language for all the citizens of this country. A tone of language that is a continuation of the state language [used for] years would be exclusive. Gül should give a message that everything can be discussed without violence. One side [ethnic Kurds] says something and the other side [ethnic Turks] immediately refuses the idea without considering it. Mutual refusals should be eliminated. Otherwise we cannot build a dialogue.” Emin Aktar, chairman of the Diyarbakır Bar Association, Diyarbakir December/2010
“We expect a message from the president different than [that from] the government,” Bilici said. “We expect him to say that all the problems can be solved with more democracy.” Raci Bilici, the Diyabakır branch secretary of the Human Rights Association, or İHD, Diyarbakir December/2010
