“Our president’s agenda does not include such a solution process. The struggle against the PKK will continue,” Kalin said in a written statement issued on May 18.

According to Hurriyet daily the statement came after advisor Ilnur Cevik responded positively to a question about whether there could be a new peace process, during an interview on Haberturk TV late on May 17.

“Sure, why shouldn’t such things [happen]. But apparently it has to wait until after the election given the short period of time,” Cevik said.

Questioned about whether the reason for delay has anything to do with the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) pre-election alliance with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), Cevik said “it has nothing to do with the MHP.”

He instead pointed to Erdogan’s pledges for “more freedom and more democracy” if he is re-elected president, saying “I think there would be a process within this [perspective].”

Reporter’s code: 50101