Turkish Prime Minister is optimistic on solving conflict with Kurdish rebels peacefully

Turkey’s prime minister says he hopes this week’s Kurdish spring festival will herald the start of a peaceful resolution of the nearly 30-year-old conflict with Kurdish rebels.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke Tuesday, ahead of Thursday’s spring festivities when jailed Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan is expected to reveal his plans for peace, including a possible cease-fire declaration and a timetable for his fighters’ retreat from Turkey.

Ocalan is seeking guarantees from Turkey that his rebels will not be attacked as they withdraw from Turkey.