10:50 ET 20 February 2006 Monday / Ankara -Turkey's media watchdog has announced that broadcasts in the Kurdish language may commence in March on private radio and television stations.

Allowing broadcasts in languages other than Turkish was one of the requirements set by the European Union.

Previously, the only broadcasts in Kurdish was a limited service on state media, introduced more than one year ago.

However, following a meeting of the Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) on Monday, it was announced that owners of private broadcasters could begin transmissions in Kurdish next month, after completing the necessary documentation and being granted permission.

Under existing Turkish legislation that came into force late last year, only radio and television networks with national coverage would be allowed to broadcast in languages other than Turkish.

However, Mondayââﾂ¬âﾄ¢s announcement means that regional stations will also be able to apply to broadcast in Kurdish in their local areas.