The Kurdish conflict "cannot be resolved only through military means", Erdogan said in a televised monthly address to the nation. "It is a social, economic and cultural issue... Beyond all, it is an issue of democracy."

After 25 years of unrest and some 45,000 deaths, Turkey must "question the mentality that withheld the rights of its citizens and broke hearts... (and) those styles of governance that damaged faith in justice and sought to have (state) authority accepted... by way of fear," Erdogan said.

"We hope that today, while re-thinking the issue, we will nurture a common sense to end the suffering of our people... and we call on everybody to do what we can together," he said.

Erdogan insisted that "as democratic openings bear fruit... the possibility to uphold terror as a means (of struggle) will disappear."

The government announced last month it would undertake "courageous" reforms to improve Kurdish rights, hoping to erode popular support for the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has fought Ankara since 1984 and is listed as a terrorist group.

But the government has remained tight-lipped on the content of the plan, while struggling to win support from civic groups and a hostile opposition which argues broader Kurdish rights will pave the way for Turkey's disintegration.

"Those who see a plan of treason in this project of reconciliation are doing a great evil to Turkey," Erdogan said. "We will never ever take the smallest step that can harm Turkey's interests."

A senior ruling party lawmaker said last week the Kurdish language could be introduced as an elective course in Turkish schools as part of the plan.

Media reports say the government may also consider returning the Kurdish names of villages that have been renamed, lifting a ban on using Kurdish in political propaganda and modifying the definition of Turkish nationality in the constitution.

Sceptics however argue a lasting settlement cannot be achieved if Ankara insists on rejecting dialogue with the PKK and fails to draw up a clear strategy to convince the rebels to lay down arms, including a general amnesty.

Keen to boost its bid to join the European Union, Turkey has in recent years granted the Kurds a series of cultural liberties, including the launch of a public Kurdish-language television.

Kurdish activists however say the reforms are inadequate and thousands of PKK militants remain holed up in mountainous bases in southeast Turkey and neighbouring northern Iraq.