SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY MAY 14, 2004

UNCLAS ADANA 000059 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM IZ TU ADANA SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY MAY 14, 2004 ¶1. This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for May 14, ¶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. Ulkede Ozgur Gundem/ Turkish Forces started operations in Cukurca, Hakkari province and in Gurpinar, Van province. It is reported that in Gurpinar province Turkish soldiers fired at the village guards who did not want to be involved in the operations. ¶3. Evrensel / Turkish Security Forces found four C-4 remote control bombs on Pulumur-Tunceli road. ECONOMIC ¶4. Zaman / Businessmen from Southeastern Turkey announced that they will be negatively affected by the U.S Government trade ban on Syria. "The U.S is our ally, but Syria is our commercial partner," Stated Nejat Kocer, head of Gaziantep Chamber of Industry. On the other hand, Bulent Kavsak, head of the Iskenderun Marine Trade Commodities, announced that Turkey would benefit from the ban.