ANKARA — The reconciliation process that began with a ceasefire declaration by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in 2013 has reached its first anniversary.Since the ceasefire, the government has boosted efforts to expand rights and freedoms of citizens of Kurdish origin while increasing investment in the east.The task of finding a solution for this three-decade-old problem and to prepare the necessary legislative support is handled by Deputy Prime Minister Beşir Atalay.Daily Sabah sat down with Atalay to discuss the present state of the reconciliation process, the reform processes, Cyprus and the EU membership process.It has been a little over one year since the reconciliation process began. What is your evaluation of the current state of affairs? One of the greatest achievements of the peace process has been the ceasefire itself and the cessation of casualties. I can say with confidence that since we have undertaken this process, public understanding on the matter has taken root. If it had not been for the democratic opening that started in 2009, we would not have been able to reach this point. The matter at hand is highly sensitive for the public. It concerns not only eastern and southeastern Anatolia but also the whole of Turkey. In spite of all the negative propaganda the Turkish public has taken ownership of the process. Surveys taken across the country reveal that the process is supported by 70 percent of the general public. In eastern and southeastern Anatolia, the process is support by 90 percent. Over the past week, I visited provinces and district centers in the region and was delighted to see first-hand the local public's support for the reconciliation process. This not only brought us great joy but also instilled the confidence to execute the necessary next steps.When considering similar experiences in other countries it is normal to see a back and forth element of the process. We are determined to continue with this process and will ensure that all the necessary steps are taken to fulfill the aim. The ultimate aim of the reconciliation process is to bring an end to violence, disarmament and for members of the terrorist organization to return home from the mountain and be rehabilitated. We are undertaking comprehensive and detailed work to ensure the success of each step in the process. To maintain and build trust between the two sides, we are aiming to implement necessary reforms. This year, as in previous years, Abdullah Öcalan's message was read out during the Nevruz celebrations in Diyarbakır. What is your take on Öcalan's 2014 message?Öcalan is one of the parties involved in the reconciliation process. Messages from Öcalan's support for the continuation of the process are positive and heartening. All steps and statements that will contribute to the process are important to us. The reconciliation process was outlined in three steps as withdrawal, disarmament and negotiation. After the past year, which step are we at with the process?As I mentioned before, we view the reconciliation process to require patience and dedication. In these types of situations one year is not a significant amount of time. Partly due to our regional factors, partly due to the raging civil war in Syria and other issues, the withdrawal did not happen at the speed we had hoped.It is true to say that the withdrawal period was protracted. The withdrawal and disarmament must be fully completed. Once these steps are completed, we will have undertaken wide-ranging comprehensive work on rehabilitation for organization members to be fully integrated back into society.All parties will discuss these matters in detail after the March 30 elections. It is possible that a timeline will be established for the withdrawal and disarmament phases. Once the negotiations are formally recognized by the Parliament, there will be some recommendations on how to prepare the legal ground for the negotiations and we are open to such recommendations. All these are open to debate.We have not conducted any step of the reconciliation process in secrecy. All state agencies are taking on the necessary responsibility and our citizens are informed of every development. We are open to all positive and constructive recommendations that will contribute to the reconciliation process and will discuss them without prejudice. Will there be a new reform package over the location elections? To date many successful reforms have been implemented. Including the Kurdish language becoming available as an elective class in schools, the use of the Kurdish language in election campaigns, the acceptance of the Kurdish alphabet, and more.Additionally, the legal arrangements to lower the amount of time spent in custody is an important step. Comprehensive work is being done on reforms that still need to be put into effect. For example, we are considering the removal of the Counterterrorism Law. The necessary steps will be taken to bring about the European Local Governance condition. Many of the conditions set out have already been met and plans to meet the remaining conditions have been accelerated.At the same time the wrongdoings of the state - torture and even unresolved cases - have all halted. Now the state and citizens alike proclaim that differences [among people] are fortunes and [support] cultural freedom for every citizen to live as they choose. This understanding developed through the reforms and transformation by the AK Party over the past 12 years.We are resolute in continuing the process, all necessary steps will be taken and we are determined to carry out the required reforms. However all criticism and suggestions must be rational. Recently the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) deputies have been making statements that "the leader should be freed" in reference to Öcalan. This is not a matter open for discuss or concession. Furthermore, the underhand threatening statements made by BDP deputies do not contribute to this process. In an atmosphere of mutual trust, all recommendations with the appropriate tone will be considered and all problems resolved. Any steps taken by the government regarding the Kurdish Communities Union (KCK) prisoners will build confidence in the region. Are there any developments on this matter? The democratization package legalized in early March has a significant impact on this matter. Changes such as courts authorized under clause 10 of the Turkish Civil Code, the closure of the special courts and the detention period being limited to five years are beginning to be applied in relation to KCK prisoners. In the past week nine lawyers and a writer, arrested as part of KCK trials, were released.Necessary precautions are being taken with ill prisoners. There are 17-18 KCK prisoners who will benefit from these changes.We will not tell the judiciary to release verdicts for KCK prisoners. This is the duty of the courts. However necessary steps are being taken to normalize the judiciary and all steps will be taken to prepare the way for these releases. In the past you had made statements regarding the parallel state (Gülen Movement) being against the reconciliation process. Can you elaborate on this?I can say for certain that the parallel state is against the reconciliation process. It is evident when considering the organization's statements and the publications in its media organs. Since the beginning of the process they have published negative and baseless articles claiming that the process has seen terrorism strengthened. This organization does not want Turkey to grow by embracing all its citizens with a sense of equality.The coalitions they envisage are from a past time. The old Turkey supported by nationalists, terrorism and others seek to build alliances with the parallel state.To prevent the reconciliation process, as well as the AK Party's efforts to solve Turkey's problems, has been the key aims of the parallel state. Because as we solve the problems, we strengthen.The reconciliation process is, currently, the most important project for the state and the government. Not one of the most important I should add, but the most important and we are going forth with determination.You will see that as the parallel state loses power the reconciliation process will accelerate. In previous democratization packages nothing was particularly mentioned regarding Alevi citizens. Will there be reform packages regarding Alevis in the future?As the AK Party we firmly believe that the state should embrace all its citizens and treat them equally. To date, all steps taken toward democratization have been with this consideration at the forefront. Our government is determined to bring about solutions to current problems of our Alevi citizens. Arrangements regarding Alevis were on the agenda for the previous democratization package, however as these were not fully formed they could not be included in the package at that time. One of the biggest reasons for this is that the NGOs that represent the Alevi community have not yet formed a unified view and cannot agree on their own demands. While one group may have a positive stance on an issue, another group takes a negative stance. We desire an agreement on which all parties agree on minimum common ground. The key point is the status of Cem houses. Our Alevi citizens want legal status for Cem houses. We are working on this matter. In the coming days there are tangible steps that will be taken. Until last year, the AK Party was seen as reformist and the political party that had transformed Turkey. After Gezi and the Dec. 17 operation this image was damaged. To change this perception what are your plans? The AK Party management firmly believes in the necessity to change this perception both internally and externally and will take the required steps to do so. In order to change this view an expedited reform process will begin following elections.The fundamental mission of the AK Party is to bring democracy and to fulfill this democratization and new reforms will continue to be implemented.EU Membership and the negotiation process is highly important. Despite delays in the negotiations, the Copenhagen criteria and EU values are the most important anchor for us and we will continue to pursue the membership process. The reforms that will be executed under the reconciliation process on the one hand will bring democratization at a national scale and on the other hand will improve our international image.The reopening of the Halki seminary has been on the international agenda for some time. Important developments toward a resolution have taken place and we hope that a permanent solution will be reached in the coming days.You are continually describing future reforms you plan to undertake in different areas but there are local elections next week, presidential elections in August followed by general elections. Won't this election period have a negative impact on the implementation of the reforms?A reformist attitude is part of the AK Party nature. We, as a party, have the determination to bring about reforms. Taking important steps during election periods is part of politics. These reforms are not economic based to be used as election bribes but steps towards democratization are better implemented during election periods. I agree with your statement, but on the evening of March 30, we will be entering a new period at which we can look toward with confidence. The Turkish Republic of North Cyprus is under your responsibility as deputy prime minister. How do you see the new negotiations that are underway? As Turkey we are keen to see a decisive solution to Cyprus and fully support ongoing negotiations.The cross visits and dialogues seem to have been productive so far. During our visit to the EU in January, Cyprus was one of the most talked issues. The EU also wants a permanent solution to the Cyprus problem. The U.N. has also been supportive toward the process. With the assistance of the international community, if a reasonable solution can be reached it will not only be beneficial for Cyprus but Turkey as well. What are your views on Twitter being blocked? Both my party and I are firm believers in democracy. As people who have taken key steps toward democratization during our time in power, there is no feasible way in which we can support blocks imposed on social media.The block on this company is a result of the company's failure to comply with the TİB court order. However, I do not foresee this block to be permanent or long lasting. We use and follow social media, and when used appropriately, the medium is beneficial. I think the current situation will be resolved quickly. Who is Beşir Atalay? After completing a bachelor degree at Ankara University Law Faculty, Atalay went on to complete a master's degree and a doctorate. He previously held positions as an academic at Atatürk University and Marmara University. He was the founding rector of Kırıkkale University and serves on the UNESCO Turkey National Commission Board of Directors and DPT Social Planning Head of Department. Atalay is currently continuing his role as Deputy Prime Minister.