Cablegate: Southeast Turkey Press Summary for May 10, 2005

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS ADANA 000102

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PINS PGOV PHUM TU ADANA
SUBJECT: SOUTHEAST TURKEY PRESS SUMMARY FOR MAY 10, 2005

This is the Southeastern Turkey press summary for May 10, 2005.
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

EVRENSEL / OZGUR GUNDEM: During a visit to Siirt on
Saturday, PM Erdogan met with Siirt's AKP Mayor Mervan Gul.
Erdogan also met with six Municipality Assembly members from SHP
(Social Democratic People's Party). The assembly members
reportedly called for an end to military operations in the
southeastern region and a general amnesty, in order to foster
the establishment of a peaceful society. Erdogan's responded
that military operations were carried out for the sake of
people's security, adding that without economic stability, peace
would be a difficult end to achieve.

CUMHURIYET: The paper quotes Mersin's CHP Mayor Macit Ozcan as
saying that the AKP has been exercising influence in all
Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Turkey. Complaining that
such behavior has caused a lack of cooperation in Mersin, Ozcan
added that due to their political aspirations, representatives
of NGOs are firing criticism at every service rendered by the
municipality and opposing all opportunities for people to come
together.

YENI SAFAK: A dinner organized to resolve a feud between two
Kiziltepe families in Mardin province was reportedly attended by
members of both families, Mardin Governor Temel Kocaklar,
Mardin's AKP deputies and 70th Mechanized Brigade Commander
Selahattin Kisacik.

YENI SAFAK / OZGUR GUNDEM: Bad weather is affecting life
adversely in Erzurum, Mus and Kars provinces. Heavy wind in Kars
destroyed roofs of houses, demolished a minaret of a mosque and
caused blackouts. Lightening struck and killed two people in
Mus.

REID

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