Tensions rise as Ankara considers Kurdish curbs

MPs from a pro-Kurdish party say they will withdraw from Turkey's parliament in protest at a Constitutional Court ruling to dissolve their party. The court voted on the 11 December 2009 to ban the Democratic Society Party (DTP) because of alleged links with Kurdish separatist rebels part of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The political unrest in the country threatened to set back the efforts by Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan to improve relations with the Kurdish minority in the country. The European Union and the United States expressed concern over the DTP's ban.

Deutsche Welle, 15.12.09: Two killed in Kurdish protest in Turkey http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5016713,00.html

BBC News, 15.12.09: Two killed at pro-Kurdish protest http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8413940.stm

BBC News, 12.12.09: Pro-Kurd party MPs to withdraw from Turkey's parliamen http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8409608.stm

Deutsche Welle, 13.12.09: Kurdish party in Turkey boycotts parliament amid violent protests http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,5009724,00.html

Sweden: EU Presidency: Press Release, 11.12.09: Presidency Statement on the closure of Democratic Society Party (DTP) in Turkey http://www.se2009.eu/en/meetings_news/2009/12/11/presidency_statement_on_the_closure_of_democratic_society_party_dtp_in_turkey.html

ESO: Background information: Turkey claims ‘historic opportunity’ for Kurds http://www.europeansources.info/record/turkey-claims-historic-opportunity-for-kurds/

EurActiv, 15.12.09: EU criticises Turkey's court ban of Kurdish party http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/eu-criticises-turkeys-court-ban-news-223113

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