Kurdish News

[imported_RUDO]

Impact of Diyarbakir felt in Ankara

Impact of Diyarbakir felt in Ankara
Mete Belovacikli

[email protected]30 March 2006


This week's incidents in Diyarbakir have led to a gradual rise in tension in that city and in Ankara as well. Tension is rising due to the fact security forces have been unable to take control of the situation.

As local police were incapable of dealing with the incidents on Tuesday, special teams were dispatched to the city. Armored vehicles were also brought into the city from neighboring cities yesterday morning.

I mentioned in my column yesterday how readers had commented about these incidents on Turkish newspaper websites. There were two basic approaches in those reactions.

The first group of readers believe that "Kurds should leave the country," while the second group says that the demonstrations should be ended through all means necessary, including violence.

These two approaches include reactions that are very strong. The average person may think like that, but what does Ankara think?

The officials that I asked this to are at a much sharper point. It seems as if a commonsense approach within the scope of classic state administration has given way to stronger rhetoric.

Let me give you a couple of examples...

There are those who believe that the Diyarbakir incidents were triggered in an attempt to prevent a spring operation against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is set to start soon. They underline that the coming period will be one in which strong measures will be taken against the PKK and believe that the terrorist group will thus shift towards mass actions in major cities.

However, the same sources don't fail to repeat that very strong measures will be taken despite the efforts of the terrorist organization and its supporters.

Another example is as follows:

A rumor in Ankara circles says that a law on "population exchange" may be proposed. You may wonder how such a law could come about. Let me explain ...

The decision-makers in Ankara believe that the public tends to go to extremes about the Kurdish problem. They've decided that the Kurdish problem cannot be solved through being able to separate out terrorists from ordinary people.

The same decision-makers reluctantly say that the public has started to express ideas such as that the Kurdish problem can be solved through either total or partial division of the region from Turkey or through ethnic cleansing.

Worried that these beliefs may quickly bring Turkey to the brink of an internal conflict, the decision-makers cite those who claim that the problem can be solved through a population exchange law. Those who support this opinion say, "Let's draw up the borders, those Kurds living in the west should go east."

The decision-makers of course don't share this opinion but they are disturbed by the fact that such opinions are becoming more influential and now they feel a greater urge to solve the problem. They consider the solution to be taking stricter measures in order to reassure the public.

As I said earlier, this seems the reason for Ankara adopting stronger rhetoric. This is the ripple effect of the Diyarbakir incidents on Ankara...

[Gavur]

Turkish army besieges Diarbakr

Turkish army besieges Diarbakr

3/30/2006 KUNA
Turkish army besieges mainly-Kurdish city

Tank-armed Turkish Army troops besieged the southeastern provincial city of Diyarbakr on Wednesday where streets turned into battle zones in escalating violent clashes between the Turkish government troops and Kurdish activists, Anatolia news agency reported.

The news agency said 70 people have been arrested since the clashes erupted two days ago, adding that the Kurdish activists set buildings afire in the city.

According to initial reports from the city, several journalists and policemen were wounded in the clashes that inflicted damage, estimated at million of dollars.

Facades of many stores have been damaged or destroyed and a four-storey building housing a bank has been set ablaze.

Buildings housing security forces have been attacked with stones by the agitated demonstrators.

A demonstrator who attempted to raise a picture of Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned chief of the outlawed Workers Part of Kurdistan (PKK), was shot dead in a town near the city.

KUNA

[imported_RUDO]

Diyarbakir incidents go beyond funeral protests

Diyarbakir incidents go beyond funeral protests
Ilnur Cevik

[email protected]30 March 2006


The incidents in Diyarbakir on Tuesday could be explained as a funeral that got out of hand. We don't believe this is the case because we see deliberate action by separatist militants who were intent on exploiting the grief of funeral goers to create havoc on the streets of the provincial capital. However, even if we had any doubts, the incidents on Wednesday showed that the provocation is at a high level and is intent on creating serious disturbances in the city.

On Wednesday the militants were on the streets all over the city in Diyarbakir. They attacked work places and prevented shops from opening. It created great inconvenience as people could not even buy essential food items. They clashed with security forces all day long and the police were hard pressed to put an end to the violence, so much so that even students who left a high school after class were caught in the middle of fighting.

The toll on Wednesday was 100 wounded, including 36 police officers, and 80 taken into custody. The military rolled their tanks into the city as a precaution in case events got out of hand.

The city was turned into a battlefield reminiscent of the bad old days when Diyarbakir became the capital of terrorism in Turkey thanks to the PKK.

So who lost after all this havoc?

Everyone lost, including the terrorist PKK.

The main losers were, as usual, the people of Diyarbakir. For years the city had a bad image as a hotbed of PKK terrorists and its negative image was starting to improve. Many people started to visit Diyarbakir that even hosted cultural events. Only last week Diyarbakir hosted a cultural gathering on arts and movies that showed things were changing for the better. Let us hope the latest incidents do not ruin the current atmosphere in the city but we fear they might.

Then, of course, the incidents show that the situation in Turkey is volatile and any event in the southeast, especially in Diyarbakir, has a negative effect on the good name of our country. We see with regret that the events in Diyarbakir have created new tension in Ankara. We were already sensing some negative developments regarding the Kurdish issue because of the Semdinli incidents and the controversy surrounding Land Forces Commander Gen. Yasar Buyukanit. Now we see that the incidents in Diyarbakir are further fueling the tension and friction that already exists. If these result in new adverse developments, like more authoritarian rule in the southeast, we may face difficulties in our march towards European Union membership.

The PKK may feel it's scoring points by creating as much trouble as possible in Turkey but it has to be aware that by instigating violence in a generally peaceful place like Diyarbakir the PKK is showing it's not capable of any political action and remains a terrorist organization.

We feel the time is for a cool-headed approach. Ankara should not get carried away with the latest incidents and resort to authoritarian rule in the region …

[Gavur]

Turkey Continues its Brutal Suppression of Kurds Despite the EU Bid

3/30/2006
KNC
The recent turn of events in Northern Kurdistan has great cause for concern. The Turkish army killed fourteen PKK members on March 25, 2006 in Mush province of Northern Kurdistan. Serious allegations have been made indicating that Kurds were murdered by chemical weapons. This is a heinous crime against humanity, in violations of the Geneva accords.

Turkey, a so called democratic country which is in preparation to become a full member of the European Union (EU), must offer an explanation to the public regarding these recent events. A government that is in pursuit of joining an association of democratic nations such as the EU must prove it is worthy. A nation that refuses to grant its citizens the basic rights to liberty and life must not be allowed to become a member of the EU. The validity of the entire organization must come into question if such a terror state is allowed to take part without overhauling its unjust ways.

Although Kurdish parties have abandoned many of their demands for the sake of peace and reconciliation and have been advocating a very compromising policy criticized by many Kurds, the Turkish state does not seem to give positive responses. Reforms and some small steps have been promised yet the implementation has never been fulfilled. That is the reason many people believe, these so called reforms do not have any meaning and they are only for cosmetic purposes. Unfortunately the Turkish state with its practice and persistent denial policies leaves little doubt of the reality of this view.

Last November, a bomb attack was carried out by Jitem, the secret service of the Turkish army at a bookshop in Shemdinli, Hakkari. Despite the fact that eye witnesses caught those who committed the terrorist act, the Turkish state not only freed the terrorists but also started an investigation of the public prosecutor in charge of solving the crime. Turkey has been pressuring the Danish government to close the Kurdish Roj TV. Contrary to promises made to EU on respecting the language and culture of over 25 million Kurds and granting their rights, Turkey is putting pressure on Denmark to close down their media outlets. The government of Turkey is also planning to prosecute the Kurdish mayors who signed a declaration of support for Roj TV and to arrest those who appeared on programs aired by the TV station.

During the Kurdish New year (Newroz) celebrations and demonstrations against the oppressive policies of Turkey, many people were harshly beaten by the police and many were arrested in Amed, Wan, Batman, Siirt, Merdin and a number of other cities.

The Kurdish National Congress of North America condemns the brutal suppression of recent demonstrations in the Kurdish cities. Kurdish people took to the streets in and demonstrated against a regime that has used chemical weapons against innocent civilians and human rights activists. In Diyarbakir alone, 4 Kurds were killed and hundreds of people were injured as a result of police fire which shows the explosive and critical nature of the situation. The Turkish regime has continually denied the existence and basic human rights of Kurds. We support our Kurdish brothers and sisters in their peaceful struggle for freedom and democracy. Demonstrations are part of a democratic and civilized society. Should Turkey wish to join the ranks of nations with high standards of democracy, it has to respect the rights of the Kurdish people and start a dialogue with all involved Kurdish parties. Until this occurs, we strongly oppose any actions by EU that brings Turkey closer to a seat. We will publicize the horrific crimes that the Turkish regime has, and continues, to commit until brutality against the Kurds is ceased.

We also call on all Kurdish parties and organizations in Northern Kurdistan to form an alliance in order to be effective in ending the suffering and bring the struggle of our people to victory.

Public Relations & Media Contact: Soraya Serajeddini (408) 834-5557

The Kurdish National Congress of North America

P.O. Box 545
Millersville, MD 21108
Tel: 408-834-5557
USA

P.O. Box 1663,
Lake Forest, CA 92630
USA

https://www.kncna.org

Tel/Fax: 949-583-1417

[Gavur]

Event: The Kurds demand justice in Northern Kurdistan

3/31/2006
Kurdish Federation in UK
Protest outside Turkish Embassy
3:00pm 31st March

“Nobody should accept such a death. This is a crime against humanity. I don’t want anyone to die neither families of Kurdish guerrilla nor Turkish soldiers. I don’t want any family to shed tears”

- Ayse Demir, mother of Bulent Tensik PKK Guerilla fighter killed by chemical weapons one week ago.

“How can a soldier or police of this state kill a nine year old boy? I saw the policeman kill my son, his police number is 9766. We call on the world to protect our human rights. We want an end to this cruelty.”

- Mehmet Duran, father of Abdullah Duran, 9 year old Kurdish boy shot by Turkish policeman, 29th March 2006

Join our protest to demand justice and for a political and peaceful solution to the Kurdish Question in Turkey!

Kurdish Federation in UK
Contact Arzu Pesman on 07979662065

[imported_RUDO]

Counter-terrorism Board Decides to Take Measures

Counter-terrorism Board Decides to Take Measures
By Cihan, Ankara
Published: Friday, March 31, 2006
zaman.com


The Turkish High Counter-terrorism Board convened at the Prime Ministry in Ankara on Thursday evening following violent incidents in Diyarbakir and Batman, southeastern Turkish cities.

In a statement following the meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul, it was noted, "The decision to take all necessary measures in counter-terrorism has been taken."


Incidents of terrorism, illegal demonstrations and marches in some southeastern cities have been handled in all dimensions.


"The meeting concluded with the decision to mobilize all possibilities and resources of the state, to take all necessary measures in the frame of the legal and democratic principles and to implement them in full determination," the statement also read.


The Prime Ministry is responsible for establishing coordination among institutions charged with counter-terrorism.


The Turkish Parliament Commission of Foreign Affairs passed the draft bill empowering the prime ministry with establishing the coordination in counterterrorism. In the commission, opposition Republican People's Party deputies made the criticism that the government does not display a serious attitude in counterterrorism.


With the draft that has already passed, the Prime Ministry was conferred the duty to establish the coordination among institutions charged with domestic security, foreign security and counterterrorism.


With this bill, the name of the Security Works Chairmanship will be changed to Security Works General Directorate.


This directorate will conduct the Prime Ministry's relationships with institutions charged with domestic security, foreign security and counterterrorism and establish the coordination among these when necessary.

[imported_RUDO]

PKK Sympathizers Clash with Istanbul Police

PKK Sympathizers Clash with Istanbul Police
By Cihan, Istanbul
Published: Friday, March 31, 2006
zaman.com


A group of people held an illegal demonstration in Istanbul on Thursday evening and clashed with police to protest at recent incidents in Diyarbakir.

The pro-PKK protesters set up a barricade on a road in the quarter of Umraniye and threw Molotov xxxxtails at anti-riot police and armored vehicles.


The police used tear gas and armored vehicle to disperse the crowd.

[imported_RUDO]

Farewell to calm

Farewell to calm

The New Anatolian with AP / Ankara



Security forces broke up a violent march by thousands of Kurdish protesters in the southeast on Thursday as tension spread to a second city following the killing of 14 terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants.

The city of Diyarbakir has been hit in recent days by the region's worst street violence in more than a decade. Three people have died during protests while locals claim two of them were shot by the police. Five people were injured, including some by gunfire, during new clashes in Diyarbakir on Thursday, authorities said.

A child was wounded in further violence in Diyarbakir on Thursday after mourners, marching to a cemetery to bury the three killed, stoned a police station, the Anatolia news agency said.

Kurdish politicians said the boy was shot in the chest by the police. The authorities would not say how the child was injured.

Hundreds of protesters hurled firebombs at two banks and shattered the windows of the local police headquarters as well as a high school and some businesses, the Anatolia news agency said. Police also fired into the air in an attempt to disperse the crowds, it said. Police helicopters were hovering above the protesters.

Extra police and paramilitary forces were drafted into the city on Thursday and fearful residents kept their children indoors. Most shops remained closed.

Violent protests, meanwhile, spread to the nearby city of Batman -- and security forces stopped a march by some 2,000 people after firebombs were thrown at businesses. Protesters also smashed the windows of banks and government offices.

News reports said at least 10 protesters were injured in the clashes. There was black smoke from burning car tires mixed with white smoke from tear gas canisters fired by police.

The authorities have been trying to restore order in the southeast without using excessive force so as to not endanger the country's bid to join the European Union by further tarnishing its human rights record.

In Diyarbakir, residents feared an escalation of the violence which began after the funerals for four of 14 PKK militants killed by Turkish troops in the southeastern province of Mus in recent days.

"We're scared to go out," said one banker, who refused to give his name because he feared reprisals.

Mustafa Tanir, a locksmith, called for an end to the protests. "We can't open our shops," he said. "We want these incidents to end as soon as possible."

Mayor Osman Baydemir -- from the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party -- claimed that two protesters -- aged 19 and 23 -- were shot by the Turkish security forces. An 8-year-old boy also died this week, apparently hit by a car as he tried to escape the violence.

Baydemir met with protesters late Wednesday in an apparent bid to restore some calm, but he also expressed sympathy. Private channel NTV said he kissed a masked protestors on the cheek before saying, "I congratulate you because of your courage."

PKK terror has claimed the lives of 37,000 people in the region since 1984. The group is listed as a terrorist organization by the EU and the U.S. as well.

There has been a resurgence of violence for the past couple of months. A PKK-affiliated terrorist group called Kurds to make demonstrations and declared March a month of action.

In related news, a top official from Danish-based pro-PKK Roj TV, which has been accused of being a mouth piece for the terrorist organization and encouraging the clashes in the southeast, denied yesterday that the TV station called for clashes and violence.

The Turkish government has repeatedly urged Denmark to shut down Roj TV but Denmark has resisted pressure from Turkey to revoke the
station's broadcasting license, saying it is awaiting the outcome of a police investigation.

Turkey on Wednesday reiterated its demand that Denmark ban the TV station.

"Evidence showing that Roj TV broadcasts have been motivating, encouraging and directing PKK terrorist activities have been conveyed to the appropriate offices of the relevant countries, primarily Denmark, all along," Foreign Ministry spokesman Namik Tan said on Wednesday.

The station has its newsroom and production facilities in Belgium, but transmits its satellite signal to viewers via Denmark because it does not have a Belgian broadcasting license.

In 2000 Turkey protested that a Kurdish-language satellite TV station, Mesopotamia TV, was allowed to broadcast from Denmark to Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

[imported_RUDO]

Prime minister warns against provocation

Prime minister warns against provocation

The New Anatolian / Ankara



Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said yesterday that all state institutions are determinedly fighting terror, and he asked the nation to show common sense amid escalating tension in the southeast.

In his live TV broadcast to the nation on Thursday evening, Erdogan asked citizens to shut their ears and hearts to dark terrorist propaganda.

Raising the specter of provocateurs who tried to create tension during the March 21 Nevruz celebrations, Erdogan said that Turkey has always experienced such provocations. He said people have tried to divide the nation in a variety of ways: leftist-rightist, Alevi-Sunni and western-eastern.

Erdogan said that gangs trying to create conflict would exploit even the smallest disagreement within society, and he warned citizens to stand firm and act with common sense against these circles.

Erdogan repeated that Turkey has been taking all necessary measures against short-, medium- and long-term threats facing the country.

[imported_RUDO]

Diyarbakir mayor faces probe over Diyarbakir incidents

Diyarbakir mayor faces probe over Diyarbakir incidents

The New Anatolian / Ankara



The Interior Ministry yesterday launched a probe into Diyarbakir Mayor Osman Baydemir for allegedly supporting the protesters who destroyed buildings and vehicles in two days of violent demonstrations in Diyarbakir this week.

Baydemir on Wednesday addressed the demonstrators from his official car and called on them to use their commonsense.

The ministry's reason for the probe has been announced as Baydemir's comment of "This city, this region was mourning for 14 people but it'S now risen to 16," referring to 14 members of the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) killed by troops in Bingol over the weekend and two people who died during the demonstrations as of Wednesday. The death toll rose to three Wednesday night.

"I support your protest; I share your pain," he also added.