SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY

UNCLAS ADANA 0014 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU IZ ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY JANUARY 16, 2004 ¶1. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for January 16, 2004. Please note that Turkish press reports often contain errors or exaggerations; AmConsulate Adana does not vouch for the accuracy of the reports summarized here. POLITICAL, SECURITY, HUMAN RIGHTS ¶2. Bolge / Atilla Gursal is appointed as the new Adana Education Director. ¶3. Bolge / Incirlik has become a transfer center for the American soldiers. In the coming four months approximately 60 thousand American soldiers will be transferred to and from Iraq. ¶4. Turkiye / Forty-two women's NGOs gathered to start a project called "Adana Health Education Volunteers." The project aims to provide volunteer help for the hospitals, and educate women in the under-privileged districts of Adana. ¶5. Sabah Guney / AK Party Adana head Abdullah Dogru announced once more that Aytac Durak won't be the candidate of his party in the local elections. Dogru stated that Adana AK party would be respectful to Ankara's decision if they appoint Durak as the Adana AK Party candidate. "We would show respect even if Ankara appointed Fidel Castro," Dogru reported. CULTURE ¶6. Evrensel / Kurt-Pen is opening a branch in Diyarbakir. Author Edip Polat reported that on February 7, they are going to open Kurt-Pen's Diyarbakir branch. Kurt-Pen is a member of International Pen. REID