Nevertheless, the Turkey's largest pro-Kurdish party, the BDP, called the event a "crime against humanity".

The existing pro-Kurdish party, People's Democracy, shocked the establishment in April by winning mayoral races in nearly every important southeastern city.

More than a dozen parties have been banned in Turkey over the last decade, including several pro-Kurdish parties that were found guilty of supporting separatist policies.

Newroz celebrations are usually organised by Kurdish cultural associations and pro-Kurdish political parties.

Three former members of Parliament from a pro-Kurdish political party are serving 15-year jail terms after being convicted in 1994 of supporting terrorism.

A new pro-Kurdish political party emerged to replace the one to which Ms. Zana belonged, but it has fared no better.

In Turkey supporters of BDP, the main pro-Kurdish party, have demonstrated against the Turkish government before and after the general elections.

Last June the Ciller Government banned the country's only legal pro-Kurdish political party.

Last month, a Turkish court shut down one of the leading pro-Kurdish political parties.

Several Kurdish politicians have said they may soon try to start new pro-Kurdish parties.