This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS ADANA 000106
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM IZ TU ADANA
SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY AUGUST 17, 2004
This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for August 17,
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
SABAH: A written announcement by the American Embassy in Ankara
expressed that Turkey did not have a better friend than the
United States in its twenty years of anti-PKK struggle. The
announcement said any support to the terrorist organization by
the Unites States was out of question. The announcement read
"With various intelligence, diplomatic and financial measures we
are engaged in an active effort to limit PKK's activities." In
response to interpretations that the visit of U.S. Vice Consul
Alicia Allison's to Diyarbakir Mayor was evidence of support to
PKK, the announcement said "There can not be such a thing so far
from the truth. American officials' visits to elected political
representatives are among their ordinary diplomatic activities.
In addition, Allison told her interlocutors to take a clear
stance against PKK terrorism, and to avoid undertaking actions
which could be perceived as supportive of PKK."
RADIKAL, MILLI GAZETE, TERCUMAN, VAKIT: In Hakkari province, a
remote-controlled mine planted on the road between Yuksekova and
Esendere border gate with Iran, was detonated by GOT forces.
Hakkari Governor Erdogan Gurbuz was going to use that route to
meet his Iranian counterpart.
EVRENSEL: On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the PKK's
armed struggle, some youth groups in Yuksekova, Hakkari
province, set fires and shouted pro-PKK slogans. GOT forces did
not intervene in the incident which lasted for an hour and was
supported by local spectators. Similar activities were staged in
Nusaybin, Mardin province, as well as in Van and Batman
provinces.
ULKEDE OZGUR GUNDEM: A group from the Diyarbakir Free Citizen
Movement tried to submit to the Diyarbakir Governor's office
petitions signed by 30,600 persons stating that Abdullah Ocalan
was the means for solving the Kurdish issue through peaceful
ways. Police arrested 14 persons who were trying to deliver the
petitions and attacked the group waiting outside. The crowd
arrayed banners reading "Long Live President APO".
ULKEDE OZGUR GUNDEM: Heze Parastina Gel, (HPG - Peoples Defense
Forces) announced that two soldiers were killed and three others
were wounded during August 12 clashes with GOT forces in
Semdinli, Hakkari province. An armored personnel carrier
attempting to intervene in the incident ran over a five-year old
child and killed him. HPG added that near Herinke village of
Yuksekova, Hakkari province, an armored vehicle was destroyed
and four soldiers in it were killed during the incident on
August 14. HPG claimed that forty persons were detained
following the incidents.
ULKEDE OZGUR GUNDEM: Gaziantep Security Directorate interrogated
eight DEHAP members who had attended a press announcement
concerning Abdullah Ocalan's isolation in detainment. In
addition, 150 of 500 persons who had filed pro-Ocalan petitions
with the Governor's office were interrogated for violating
Assembly and Demonstration Marches Law.
REID