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

Revue de Presse-Press Review-Berhevoka Çapê-Rivista Stampa-Dentro de la Prensa-Basm Ozeti
(from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Daily Press Review, Mach 22, 2000)
IS ANKARA ASLEEP? BY DOGAN HEPER (MILLlYET)
summary of column follows
As Turkey has turned her eyes to the West, she has forgotten the East. In the meantime, a Kurdish state has
been established in Northern Iraq in a way where there is no return. Only an official declaration is needed.
Ankara is not aware that she is faced with an accomplished fact with the reception given by Northern
Iraq in Nevruz.
For a long time, Turkish experts have stated that it was impossible to establish a Kurdish State in Northern
Iraq and this probably influenced Ankara. Today the army parades and security forces in Northern Iraq are
aired on TV stations. Only a State can have such an army or a security force, not counting the Government,
customs and tax collection organizations and courts.
Notwithstanding these developments Ankara carried on saying that she was in favour of the territorial integrity
of Iraq. As Baghdad refrained from extending a helping hand to Northern Iraq, a state was formed in
the power vacuum. This opportunity was provided by the United States.
Does not the arrogant acts of the Westerners coming to Turkey coincide with this formation? We have to be
vigilant instead of viewing these statements as being overly suspicious. As Turkey has turned her eyes to
the West, ignoring the question, the West is ready to snatch away the Southeastern problem from Turkey' s
hands. In order to view the question correctly, you just have to think who did the European Ministers visiting
Ankara want to meet and whom did they defend. Their actions make it clear that Europe wants to impose
a solution on Southeastern Anatolia. How close are the ties between these wishes and the formation in
Northern Iraq? Are they the pieces of a puzzle? If the European Ministers coming to Ankara want to visit
the People's Democracy Party and do not meet with the Virtue Party which is on the verge of being closed,
or ask for an appointment to see Leyla Zana in prison, but do not remember Hasan CelaI Guzel who is also
in prison, this could only be defined as applying double standards.
The [Nevruz] reception in Ankara given by [KDP] Northern Iraq has aggravated the situation. This aggravation
concerns the unawareness of Ankara. Is there a recognized State in Iraq, that they may hold a reception?
The developments in Turkey should not reach standards where they could disrupt the unity and brotherhood
among citizens. Ankara still holds the key to the situation. The Southeast development plan should be
implemented immediately and effectively. The military victory won against terrorism should be used to enhance
brothethood among the people. The people in the Southeast should live in prosperity with what they earn.
In the meantime, Ankara should be able to keep the situation in Northern Iraq under control.
Anatolia Agency 24 Mar 00
PKK Has Serious Communication
Problems
[FBIS Transcribed Text]
KULP, March 24 (A.A) - General Yasar Cihansiz, a high ranking officer in Lice, said on Friday that terror
organization PKK is suffering serious problems in communication and that there are many terrorists unaware
of the latest developments.
General Cihansiz, who spoke to reporters during a health check in Ozbek village of Diyarbakir's Kulp township
said that operations against the outlawed organization were continuing unabated despite bad weather
conditions.
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