On the one hand, some argue that Costner's statements may contribute to the government's image in society and that the government should increase its efforts to draw the attention of celebrities to the initiative. However, on the other, opponents maintain that the American film star's remarks look irrelevant to the issue and harm the serious stance which is needed for progress on the initiative.

She also noted that the democratic initiative has been able to garner public support, thus the government does not need the help of foreign celebrities such as Costner, adding, “That is our problem, and we are able to solve this problem with discussion.” todayszaman

“Costner contacted the AK Party and genuinely supports the democratic initiative, which indicates the importance Turkey attaches to human rights and the country's democratization,” said Sözen in a written statement on Sept. 24.

Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) parliamentary group chairman Oktay Vural, who has disparaged the initiative as a situation scripted by external forces, commented on Costner's remarks in a gibing manner. “I said it is a scene, an act, and now Costner is their [the government] actor. Later they may bring Sharon Stone to play a role in the scene,” he said.

Suat Özçelebi, the head of the SITA political consultancy company, told Sunday's Zaman that Costner's statements have both a negative and a beneficial influence on how the Turkish public perceives the democratic initiative.

“Firstly, Costner's appreciation is viewed as an external intervention in Turkey's internal affairs. As is known, Turks do not like such involvement. Therefore, Costner may harm the public's support of the democratic initiative. Yet, people may see such statements from internationally famous stars as a positive step if such remarks continue to be expressed,” said Özçelebi.

Explaining the government's roadmap to achieve the goals of the democratic initiative, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan underlined the importance of public backing for the initiative. He said at a press conference last month that after Parliament debates the issue, the government would explain the details of the initiative to society.

“Costner's comments indicate that the steps of government on the Kurdish problem have been able to draw international attention,” Özçelebi said and noted the image of Costner in the eyes of Turkish society. “Kevin Costner is a star who visited the tomb of Atatürk in Ankara and who performed in an advertisement for Turkish Airlines [THY].Thus he is not the usual popular film star for our people, who find him closer to their hearts. Nevertheless, his support seems to be irrelative. If the same support were to be expressed not by Costner but by a foreign politician, that would make more sense.”

Özçelebi also said that if the government views the support of well-known stars as beneficial for garnering social backing, the policy should achieve sustainability: “For example Bono, the head of U2, should also lend his support to the democratic initiative.”

Fikret Hakan, a Turkish movie star who has spent most of his life in the Turkish movie sector, said Costner is seeking more job opportunities in Turkey, adding: “I supposed that he is a serious man like we have seen in his films, but I felt let down by his recent statements on the Kurdish initiative. I think he has no idea about Turkey, its Kurdish problem or Kurds living in Turkey. Therefore, I do not take him seriously.” Hakan also praised the Turkish celebrities who have expressed support for the democratic initiative and compared the local celebrities' support with Costner's statements, saying, “If the same statements were uttered by a Turkish movie star, it would definitely be more influential for Turks.” He disagrees with Özçelebi and stated that if more foreign stars voiced their backing of the democratic initiative it would be seen as something done only for their economic interests.

Gülin Yıldırımkaya, executive editor of Haberturk.com, interpreted Costner's remarks and the ensuing debate among the Turkish public as unnecessary, something which resulted in a funny debate on the issue, affecting the step's seriousness.

“The democratic initiative may be considered the most important issue of Turkey. Edibe Sözen overestimated and exaggerated Costner's support by releasing a written statement as if Obama had expressed support for the initiative, which paved the way for opponents of the government to make fun of the initiative” said Yıldırımkaya, with a clear divergence from the comments of the MHP's Vural.