DEMONSTRATION IN ADANA CITY CENTER

UNCLAS ADANA 000156

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PREL TU ADANA
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATION IN ADANA CITY CENTER


1. (SBU) On December 12 at approximately 12:30 pm, at the
Railway Station Square in central Adana (6-7 kilometers from the
U.S. Consulate),approximately 500 demonstrators protested U.S.
policies in Iraq and GOT collaboration with the U.S. The group
disbanded at 14:45 hours without incident.


2. (SBU) The event was organized by the Saadet (Felicity)
Party and included members of the provincial organizations of
the True Path Party (DYP),Republican People's Party (CHP);
Nationalist Action Party (MHP); Toil Party (Emegin Partisi); and
the Public Employees Union. Demonstrators denounced the death
of civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, accused the U.S. of
imperialism, and claimed the invasion of Iraq was part of the
"U.S. and Israel's Greater Middle East Project." Organizers
also protested the AK Party's collaboration with the U.S.,
including permission for the U.S. to operate fighter aircraft
from Incirlik Air Force Base. (Note: The U.S. does not operate
fighter aircraft from Incirlik Air Force Base, but a small
number of U.S. tankers temporarily rotate through the base. End
note.)


3. (SBU) There was heavy Turkish National Police presence
during the event. The Consulate's SD team monitored the
situation throughout. Demonstrators did not make any move
toward the Consulate. TNP did not report any incidents,
arrests, or injuries having occurred at the demonstration.

REID