Bulletin de liaison et d'information - Institut kurde de Paris

Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basm Özeti
Anatolia 20 Mar 00
KDP Holds First Nevruz Reception in Ankara
[FBIS Translated Excerpt]
Ankara (AAl -- The Ankara representation of the Iraqi ~urdish Democratic Party [IKDP] has held a Nevruz
reception for the first time in Ankara.
IKDP Ankara representative Satin Diyazi and Huseyin Fincare, the tourism minister of the north Iraqi
region, received the guests dressed as peshrnergas.
In a statement at the reception,' Diyazi expressed the wish that Nevruz will bring peace and stability to
the region and thanked Turkey, the United States, and Britain for the efforts they exerted in 1988 and in
1991 to put an end to the tragedy in North Iraq. At the reception a written text in English on the history
of Nevruz was distributed to the guests.
The reception was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Ankara. [passage omitted on who attended the reception]
No representatives from the Foreign Ministry or the government attended the reception.
Turkish Ministry on 'Sensitivity' Caused by KDP Reception
TRT 1 Television 22 Mar 00
[Announcer-read report over video]
[FBIS Translated Text] The reception held by the IKDP [Iraqi Kurdish Democratic Party] on Nevruz night in
Ankara caused unease. Foreign Ministry deputy spokesman Sermet Atacanli declared that the reception caused
sensitivity and this will be brought to attention of the relevant persons.
Replying to reporters' questions during his weekly news conference, Atacanli pointed out that the IKDP
office in Ankara is a liaison office. Pointing out that there is no requirement to obtain a permit from
the Foreign Ministry to hold such a reception, Atacanli said that the necessary assessment is being conducted
by the Foreign Ministry.
[Begin Atacanli recording] The KDP has a liaison office in Ankara, with a liaison official heading
the office. It is understood that the KDP official extended the invitation in question in a personal
capacity. However, it is also evident that this development has caused a certain amount of sensitivity.
Our ministry is carefully assessing this sensitivity, and doing whatever is necessary. As a result
of this assessment, the sensitivity created by this situation will be brought to the attention of- the
relevant persons. [end recording]
In reaction to remarks that many European embassy diplomats also attended the reception, Atacanli
said: As far as we are concerned, this was a personal invitation. Therefore, it is up to them who should
attend the reception.
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