SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY APRIL 21, 2004

UNCLAS ADANA 000048 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM IZ TU ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY APRIL 21, 2004 This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for April 21, ¶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 Ulkede Gundem / GoT authorities declined to make the final decision on official approval for the Adana Private Kurdish Language Course. The case is now waiting at the Adana Governorate for the decision of the Adana Governor. Ulkede Gundem / In Mardin, eight families were approved by the district governorate to return to their villages. However, Turkish soldiers told the villagers on April 16 that they could return to their villages only if they would serve as village guards. ECONOMIC Turkiye / In Mersin, a conference on Turkish-American economic and political relations was organized by Cag University and the Mersin Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Professor Samuel Wilson from Cag University was the speaker at the conference. CULTURE and TOURISM Tercuman / In Akdamar island, Van province, tourism season started with folk dancing and songs. REID