SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY, MARCH 19, 2004

UNCLAS ADANA 000037 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU IZ ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY, MARCH 19, 2004 This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for March 19, ¶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 Zaman / In Ova district, Seyhan, Adana, a group of people organized an unapproved Newroz celebration, burning tires, and throwing stones at police cars. Cemil Aktas was wounded during the clash. Ulkede Gundem, Evrensel / Celalettin Birtane, Diyarbakir DEHAP Head, invited all of Diyarbakir to Newroz celebrations. Birtane also announced that there would be free bus services from the city center to the Newroz celebration area on March 21, Newroz Day. Bolge / CHP's Adana candidate Bulent Ozulku would take the lead in the local elections, AKP's Durak would come second and ANAYOL candidate Umit Ozgumus would be last. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for March 19, ¶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 Zaman / In Ova district, Seyhan, Adana, a group of people organized an unapproved Newroz celebration, burning tires, and throwing stones at police cars. Cemil Aktas was wounded during the clash. Ulkede Gundem, Evrensel / Celalettin Birtane, Diyarbakir DEHAP Head, invited all of Diyarbakir to Newroz celebrations. Birtane also announced that there would be free bus services from the city center to the Newroz celebration area on March 21, Newroz Day. Bolge / CHP's Adana candidate Bulent Ozulku would take the lead in the local elections, AKP's Durak would come second and ANAYOL candidate Umit Ozgumus would be last. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for March 19, ¶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 Zaman / In Ova district, Seyhan, Adana, a group of people organized an unapproved Newroz celebration, burning tires, and throwing stones at police cars. Cemil Aktas was wounded during the clash. Ulkede Gundem, Evrensel / Celalettin Birtane, Diyarbakir DEHAP Head, invited all of Diyarbakir to Newroz celebrations. Birtane also announced that there would be free bus services from the city center to the Newroz celebration area on March 21, Newroz Day. Bolge / CHP's Adana candidate Bulent Ozulku would take the lead in the local elections, AKP's Durak would come second and ANAYOL candidate Umit Ozgumus would be last. CULTURE and TOURISM Hurriyet / Erkan Mumcu, Minister of Culture, announced that the Zeugma antiquities will come back to Gaziantep after being displayed at Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. "That's where they belong," Mumcu stated. REID