This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS ADANA 0015
SIPDIS
UNCLAS ADANA 0015
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU IZ ADANA
SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY
JANUARY 17-18, 2004
1. This is the Southeastern Turkey press
summary for January 17-18, 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.
2. CULTURE:
Vakit / The Malatya Ak Party Deputy Fuat
Olmeztoprak announced that a Traning
Center will open in Malatya. The training
center will provide workshops
and contain computer and language labs.
ECONOMIC:
3. Milliyet / 2003 Trade volume at the Mersin
Free Zone increased 68% compared to 2002 and
reached USD 2.7 Billion.
4. Cumhuriyet / The Syrian Government relaxed
the visa process for Turkish business
travelers to Syria. Travelers registered
with the Chambers of Commerce and Industry
in Turkey will be able to get their visas at
the Syrian border as promised by President
Esad during his visit to Turkey.
5. Ozgur Gundem/ Batman merchants are concerned
because 630 Turkish Petroleum (TPAO)
temporary workers' contracts are not renewed
yet. The Merchants Chamber General
Secretary Suleyman Gunes indicated that the
SIPDIS
Chamber is supporting its members. If the
problem is not solved, workers are planning
to go to Ankara with their family members to
protest.
6. Cumhuriyet/ In the Southeast, unemployment
figures reached up to 50% in many cities in
the region. Population also increased almost
25% since the 1990 census.
REID