SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY

UNCLAS ADANA 0003 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU IZ ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY JANUARY 03-05, 2004 ¶1. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for January 03-05, 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. Cumhuriyet / Diyarbakir Security Office started a computer course for underprivileged children. Thirty children are getting training from the Diyarbakir police. ¶3. Ozgur Gundem / In Van "The Free Election Platform" founded by the Democratic People's Party (DEHAP) in Van organized its first meeting. After 31 more meetings in the area, DEHAP will decide on its Van candidate for the local elections. ¶4. Vakit, Bolge / Adana DEHAP organized a meeting in front of the Adana Human Rights Organization building and made a press announcement asking for the closure of Imrali Prison. ¶5. Ozgur Gundem / In Guclukonak, Sirnak province, three Turkish soldiers reportedly died during a clash between the Turkish soldiers and the People's Defense Forces (an illegal anti- government organization.) ¶6. Tercuman / The Mardin governorate removed all city police guard booths from fixed locations and announced that the governorate would be using mobile police teams to maintain public order in the city. It is believed that recent attacks on police guard booths influenced the decision. ¶7. Evrensel / The Hatay Democracy Platform gathered in front of the Archeological Museum and wanted the government to stop transferring prisoners to "F" and "D" type prisons ¶8. Sabah Guney / Salih El Mellah, head of the Aleppo Chamber of Commerce, visited Gaziantep businessmen and announced that his chamber wants to start new projects with Turkish businessmen. ¶9. Hurriyet / Reyhanli sub-governor Sukru Cakir announced that Turkish citizens would be able to visit their relatives and friends in Syria during the coming Islamic holidays. REID