"EU vows to pursue Lisbon treaty...
EU vows to pursue Lisbon treaty
EU foreign ministers agree to keep the Lisbon reform treaty alive despite its rejection by voters in Ireland.
June 17, 2008
June 02, 2008
"You have to hand it to the Turks
You have to hand it to the Turks
By Patricia H. Kushlis
At least the Turkish Government is trying to bring about a negotiated settlement between Israelis and Syrians – or at least prevent another hot war from breaking out to its south on some not-to-distant broiling summer’s day.
Sure, it’s in the Turkish interest to see that neighborhood quarrels are patched up – or the protagonists, at minimum, kept under wraps. The Ottomans, the ancestors of today’s Turks, controlled this region until less than a century ago and understood its fractious peoples and their needs all too well.
In the case of the Israelis and the Syrians, the Turks retain good enough relationships and leverage with both to bring them to the negotiating table – or more accurately to mediate between them indirectly after eight years of a void. And to do so secretly out of the media’s glaring eye. This is all to the good.
May 30, 2008
"Turkey, US won't join cluster bomb ban
111 Nations, Minus the U.S., Agree to Cluster-Bomb Ban
LONDON, May 28 -- More than 100 countries reached agreement Wednesday to ban cluster bombs, controversial weapons that human rights groups deplore but that the United States, which did not join the ban, calls an integral, legitimate part of its arsenal.Turkey, US won't join cluster bomb ban
More than 100 countries, led by European Union nations, agreed Wednesday on the draft of a treaty to ban cluster munitions, but the United States, Turkey and a number of other major militaryContinue reading ""Turkey, US won't join cluster bomb ban" »
May 28, 2008
"AK Party and YouTube share the same fate
AK Party and YouTube share the same fate
How interesting it is that this wave of bans on the Internet emerging from the Turkish courts comes at the same time that the court case aimed at seeing the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) shut down is on the agenda. It appears that it is the same mindset involved in both of these arenas!What is happening in Turkey?
Turkish politics is on the brink of a new era as whatever the outcome of the Constitutional Court's ruling on the Justice and Development Party (AKP), a new political landscape will emerge after the changes enforced, argues Senem Aydin Düzgit in a 22 May commentary for the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS).Conceptualizing Turkey right: Post-Islamism vs. neo-secularism
Pinar K. TREMBLAYDoes the West care?
Does the West care about democracy in Turkey? The answer is, surely, yes. Both the EU and the US would certainly like to see democracy consolidated in Turkey.The new ‘reactionaries’ of modern Turkey
It has become clear that some representatives of state institutions are the new reactionaries of modern Turkey. They resist change at the expense of not only democracy and rule of law but also of their own legitimacy. A judiciary that loses its impartiality is suicidal.Continue reading ""AK Party and YouTube share the same fate" »
May 24, 2008
"Judiciary’s political war
Judiciary’s political war by MÜMTAZ’ER TÜRKÖNE
Professor Sami Selçuk is a former chairman the Supreme Court of Appeals, which has become a party to current discussions.Did top court’s statement aim to influence closure case?
Reactions are mounting in opposition to a statement released by the Supreme Court of Appeals Board of Chairmen. The statement, released on Wednesday, contained severe criticism of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government, including accusations of bringing the judiciary under its control.May 15, 2008
"Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case
Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case
Ruşen ÇAKIR
Turkish businessmen urge gov't to focus on economy
Mehmet Yilmaz: Research on the "Average Turk"
I received the results of research conducted by Associate Professor Dr Hakan Yilmaz from Bosporus University from the editor-in-chief of Capital magazine, Sedef Seckin Buyuk."
Britain's Queen Elizabeth (front 2nd L) and Turkey's First Lady Hayrunnisa Gul (front L) listen to a verse of the Koran at the Green Mosque in Bursa May 14, 2008.
REUTERS/Riza Ozel/Pool (TURKEY)
Continue reading ""Five scenarios over the AKP's closure case" »
May 03, 2008
"Why the Extreme Show of Force on May Day?
AKP Submits Its Defense in Closure Case
AKP’s Dengir Firat presenting the party’s defense to the Constitutional Court (photo from Today’s Zaman)
The ruling AK Party has submitted its defense to the Constitutional Court in answer to a case brought against it that seeks to close the party on grounds of antisecular activities, and to ban from politics 70 party members, including the prime minister, and the president (who is officially no longer an AKP member).
AK Party’s response by MÜMTAZ’ER TÜRKÖNE
The case brought by the chief prosecutor of the Supreme Court of Appeals requesting closure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) has entered a new phase.
Continue reading ""Why the Extreme Show of Force on May Day?" »
February 22, 2008
Serbs as usual...
Map locates Belgrade, Serbia, where protesters attacked the U.S. Embassy
The interesting smell of burning embassies
So a mob attacked the US, Croatian, Turkish and Bosnian embassies in Belgrade today. The US embassy — evacuated in advance — was looted and partially burned. The other embassies also suffered varying degrees of damage.
This came at the same time as a government-sponsored mass demonstration against Kosovo’s declaration of independence. (Yes, Serbia still does government sponsored mass demonstrations. It’s a bad old habit that they still haven’t shaken.) The official line is that the two events were completely unrelated, and indeed the US and Croatian embassies were a couple of kilometers away from the center of the demonstration.Protect embassies, EU tells Serbs
The European Union calls on Serbia to do all it can to protect foreign missions after a day of violence in Belgrade.Body found as riot hits US embassy
The US branded Serbia's behaviour yesterday as "unacceptable" and condemned the country's government for what it said was the incitement of violence after scores of...Interview: EU must pay the price of Kosovo failure
Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence has opened a "Pandora's box" which will have consequences for the conditions of minorities in countries such as Spain or Georgia, Thierry de Montbrial, director of the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI), told EurActiv France in an interview.Serbian Protesters Storm U.S. Embassy Compound in Belgrade
Serbs protesting the independence of Kosovo broke away from a government-sponsored rally in Belgrade today and attacked the U.S. Embassy in the city, setting a consular office on fire and burning an American flag before being chased away by riot police.Kosovo protests turn violent as EU promises support
Serbia will continue to oppose Kosovo's independence using all diplomatic, political and economic means, the country's foreign minister Vuk Jeremic told MEPs yesterday as the climate in Kosovo becomes increasingly explosive.Serbia embassy attacks condemned
The UN Security Council decries attacks against embassies by protesters in the Serbian capital, Belgrade.Kosovo 'tool kit for separatists'
Kosovo independence sets a dangerous precedent for other states with separatist movements, says Serbia.And more in Europe:
February 20, 2008
"California Court Shuts Down Wikileaks Website
California Court Shuts Down Wikileaks Website
A wiki website called Wikileaks that let whistle-blowers post documents anonymously has been shut down by a California court the BBC reports. Wikileaks.org, as it is known, was cut off from the internet following a California court ruling, the site says. The case was brought by a Swiss bank after "several hundred" documents were posted about its offshore activities.
Wikileaks and Points of Control
From Berkman co-founder Jonathan Zittrain...Wikileaks is a set of strategically placed wikis around the world. Its designed to accept leaked documents, generally from anonymous dissidents around the world, and to get them into circulation.
Blu-ray wins the high definition DVD war
Many consumers stayed on the sideline when it comes to purchasing a high definition DVD player. The battle between Toshiba and Sony, HD DVD vs. Blu-ray, is coming to an end.
Unscrew America is a new campaign designed to persuade U.S. households to adopt greener practices on a day-to-day basis, starting with more energy-efficient lightbulbs. A bells-and-whistles interactive website showcases innovative Flash programming and a sensory overload approach. found in: Unscrew America
Continue reading ""California Court Shuts Down Wikileaks Website" »
January 22, 2008
Turkish judiciary at its best
The top justice officials are crying out loud because of the last headscarf frenzy. Perfectly understood. However, the same judiciary did not have much progress on Dink and other murder cases, local courts continue to ban world's biggest websites etc. I wish they could be sensitive also at these issues...
here is a roundup on the newest headscarf tension, Kurdish issue, Alevites...
January 17, 2008
Gov't's Alevi initiative; never ending turban controversy; TR-US relations and more...
Turkey Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan (4th L sitting) attends a fast-breaking dinner in Ankara January 11, 2008. Erdogan tried on Friday to reassure Turkey's Alevi Muslim minority, who often complain of official discrimination, that their rights are fully respected and that they are a valued part of the nation.
REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Erkan's note: One angle I might be interested in Alevi initiative is that the State might start codification of Alevism. Even if the government wants to do something positive for Alevi constituencies, the problem is to find out what to do. Unlike Sunnism, Alevism is unorthodox, more based on oral traditions and too difficult to homogenize at this state. In the coming days, there might be some moves towards making Alevism a codified religious practice. Just an idea...
Alevis’ dilemma
As part of efforts to eliminate distrust of the state among the country’s Alevi community, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended an Alevi fast-breaking dinner last week where he sought to reassure the Alevis that their rights are fully respected and that they are a valued part of the nation.January 12, 2008
"Gül’s visit heralds a new phase in US-Turkish relations
Gül’s visit heralds a new phase in US-Turkish relations
Turkish President Abdullah Gül’s visit to the White House, his first such visit to the US as president and the first visit by a Turkish president in 11 years, comes at a time when US-Turkish relations have taken a new turn.Continue reading ""Gül’s visit heralds a new phase in US-Turkish relations" »
December 29, 2007
"Who won 2007?
Who won 2007? by MÜMTAZ’ER TÜRKÖNE
I titled my article as such in order to make a brief assessment of 2007, considering how we are about to enter 2008.
Imam: "C'mon, come join us too..."
"The [Turkish] Government plans for imams to convince [PKK] terrorists to come down from the mountains"
Source: Milliyet, Turkey, December 26, 2007 VIA
Democratic civilian operation
It is now time for a “democratic civil operation” because no military operation alone is sufficient to bring anything to a conclusion, regardless of its success.It would be a waste to miss this opportunity
Since the very beginning there were signs that the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) government wanted to handle the Kurdish problem at hand in a more comprehensive and solid manner.December 25, 2007
"Chatham House: The Kurdish Policy Imperative
Turkish soldiers patrol on a road near Yuksekova in southeastern Turkey, bordering Iraq, December 22, 2007.
REUTERS/Osman OrsalContinue reading ""Chatham House: The Kurdish Policy Imperative" »
December 20, 2007
"Extending the Schengen area...
Sarkozy's new love:)
The Story of Lisbon and Treaty Consolidation
Last Monday I went to a talk by Jo Leinen in the Humboldt University. Leinen is chairman of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs of the European Parliament. The topic was the Reform Treaty and the future of Europe. In due time, you should be able to find his speech here (it will be in German).Peripheries and borders in a post-western Europe
Europe is taking not just a post-national but also a post-western shape. The relation between the inside and the outside is complex and ambivalent; while often exclusionary, the periphery can also be viewed as the site of cosmopolitan forms of negotiation.
A man walks his dog alongside the river Nisse next to the Poland, Czech Republic and Germany countries' bordering triangle near the Czech town of Hradek Nad Nisou, December 20, 2007. The European Union's border-free zone will be extended to Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia on December 21. People from these nations can travel to the existing 15 states of the "Schengen" border-free zone without having to show their passports.
REUTERS/Petr Josek (CZECH REPUBLIC)
Security fear as EU drops borders
Celebrations are beginning to herald the enlargement of the Schengen zone to include nine more EU countries.DOSSIER: Extending the Schengen area | 20/12/2007
This Friday, border controls will be dropped for the new EU countries that have signed on to the Schengen Agreement. While most eastern Europeans are happy about the new freedom of movement, some Western European countries are filled with misgivings.
Village of Schengen symbolic of union
The village in Luxembourg is a slip of a place, with 560 people and a row of petrol stations selling cheap fuel. But Schengen, a few hundred metres from Germany and France, is a badge of pride to supporters of ever closer union.Germans warn of illegal migration
Unresolved security problems could mean increased crime and illegal immigration following the enlargement of the European Union's Schengen border-free zone, say police and senior politiciansDecember 13, 2007
"EU leaders sign landmark treaty
Leaders of the European Union countries pose for a group photo outside Lisbon's 16th century Jeronimos Monastery after signing the EU's Treaty of Lisbon Thursday, Dec. 13 2007.
(AP Photo/Armando Franca)EU leaders sign landmark treaty
European Union leaders sign a reform treaty in Lisbon designed to replace the ill-fated EU constitution.
DOSSIER: The 27 signed the Treaty of Lisbon | 13/12/2007
European heads of state signed on Thursday, December 13rd, a new Treaty, replacing the Constitution, in Lisbon. Once it is ratified, this text should facilitate decisions in an expanded EU of 27. Its content has elicited several reservations in the European press.
Fundamental Rights Charter proclaimed in Parliament amid protest
The Commission, Parliament and Council presidents on Wednesday (12 December) solemnly proclaimed The Charter of Fundamental Rights in the European assembly in Strasbourg, amid shouts from Eurosceptic MEPs.
Spoof road signs are erected in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels December 13, 2007. British campaigners for a referendum on the European Union's reform treaty were left deflated on Thursday when a protest stunt came to grief outside an EU summit.
REUTERS/Thierry Roge (BELGIUM)To believe in a European utopia before Muslims arrived is delusional
Gary Younge: It is pernicious to regard prejudiced views within migrant communities as exclusive to either them or their cultures
Commission hails EU reform progress, calls for more
Despite much-improved results over the past two years, EU governments will have to focus more on "investing in people" and "unlocking SMEs' business potential" in the next three years if they are to cope with the competitive challenge of globalisation, the Commission has said.
DOSSIER: Gaddafi, France's cumbersome guest | 11/12/2007
On December 10th, the Libyan president Muammar Gaddafi arrived in France for a five-day official visit during which he is due to meet politicians, business executives and intellectuals. His presence is causing great controversy, President Nicolas Sarkozy being accused of giving precedence to lucrative commercial contracts at the expense of human rights.
France's President Nicolas Sarkozy (R) and Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi attend a ceremony for the signature of 10 billion euros of trade contracts between the two countries at the Elysee Palace in Paris, December 10, 2007. (Patrick Hertzog/Pool/Reuters)
Gaddafi in Paris
by Kiki
Charles Bremmer writes on Gaddafi's visit in Paris and the controversy surrounding it. Sarkozy is defending the visit by arguing that it is important to encourage Libya, which has changed its ways and forsaken Terrorism.
Who's financing companies that abuse human rights?
by Adam Lewis
Apparently everybody. A report released today by the Belgian group Netwerk Vlaanderen takes a look at international banks that provide loans and investment services to companies with less-than-stellar human rights records. The companies receiving this capital are in industries such as mining, defense contracting and oil and gas—no surprises there.
Sarajevo siege commander sentenced
The UN tribunal sentenced a former Bosnian Serb general to 33 years imprisonment for ordering the deadly shelling of Sarajevo and terrorising its civilians during the 1992-1995 Bosnia war
Enlarged EU is coping without treaty, says study
European Union leaders fly to Lisbon on Thursday to sign a treaty that most describe as essential to modernise the bloc's institutions after its enlargement in May...
French seek pragmatic EU
Nicolas Sarkozy's chief political aide stressed in an interview with the FT the French president's determination that the EU should not be a 'machine that just advances on its own' and must allow elected national politicians to exercise more influence over competition, monetary and trade policiesEkrem Dumanlı Greece, EU member or not?
After Struggle, a New French Mosque Is Born European Muslims, many of whom have spent decades praying in basements and abandoned buildings, find acceptance in new mosques.
New Dreams for Europe's Future
Jan Techau , head of the Alfred von Oppenheim Centre for European Studies at the DGAP, says that Europe's role is changing. The dream of a European superstate is redundant. Instead, Europe should be looking beyond its borders.December 09, 2007
Spoilt Serbians now threatens to go to war....-again
Serbians, who never really paid for what they did in Bosnia, now threatens the world again. A round up with special thanks to Turcopundit.
Serbian official threatens to go to war over Kosovo · Simic claims country has a right to defend its territory
· Government must retract statement, says EU envoy
Independent Kosovo: A declaration of independence - or war? A new state is about to be born on Europe's borders Serbs: 'We are defending Europe against Muslim aggression'
Serbia warns of a new Balkan war over Kosovo Belgrade threatens to use 'all means' to keep breakaway province as independence bid gathers support in the West
Poll indicates how Europeans see U.S. election, and how some Americans see it Europeans seem more comfortable than Americans with the prospect of a woman or a black man becoming president of the United States, according to an online survey conducted by Harris Interactive in six countries. Poll results: Harris Interactive Survey - Dec. 6 &7
Der Spiegel Berlin Rejects EU 'Corrosion': Merkel Slams Sarkozy's 'Club Med' Plans
Heritage Europe: No Economic Juggernaut By Daniella Markheim and Sally McNamara Europe must suppress its socialist inclinations and embrace open markets if it hopes to be competitive with the United States
Why We Should Oppose Independent Kosovo
Global Politician,
Romania plans to revise Paris Peace Treaty?
EU 'blue card' plans criticised
Germany questions the European Commission's "blue card" proposal to attract skilled non-EU workers.
Europe internalizes the immigration debate
by David Francis
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images
European attitudes toward immigrants from outside of the continent are well known — they're generally not liked. But in recent months, a new hostile sentiment has been growing toward Europe's internal immigrants. Under the EU's free movement policy, any citizen of an EU member state can pick up and move to any other member state. National borders don't matter. Anyone who lives in an EU country is a citizen of Europe. So as the EU has grown, older member states like England and Italy have seen a large influx of people from former Soviet bloc countries. These immigrants generally only speak their native language, so assimilation has been difficult.
EU plans new ties with Africa
Europe and Africa will proclaim a new "strategic partnership" of equals at an unprecedented gathering of leaders in Lisbon this weekend, aiming to draw a line under 50...
EU host hails 'summit of equals'
The host of the first meeting of EU and African leaders for seven years hails it as a "summit of equals".
Continue reading "Spoilt Serbians now threatens to go to war....-again" »
December 07, 2007
"EU 'wasting' cash on lobby groups
From Newsweek, at last, intel agencies seem to be on the right track about Iran's nuke program — Christopher Dickey goes inside the latest assessment; and a look at the winners and losers after the report.
EU 'wasting' cash on lobby groups
MEPs criticise the "incredible" way the EU pays campaigners to lobby its own institutions.
'Communication dimension' needed for European research
The Commission wants to strengthen the culture of science communication in Europe in order to avoid misperceptions that could lead to public opposition to scientific advances and thus lost innovation opportunities.
The Blonde Map of Europe by strangemaps
Iran a threat, say Europe allies
The German and French leaders say Iran continues to pose a threat as the US urges further pressure on Tehran.
Summit to launch EU group of 'wise men'
A controversial committee to reflect on the EU's future will be officially launched at the European Council next week. However, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's original proposal has been substantially watered down.Europe isn't Working Another day, another EU ambush on employment law
Political Islam and European Foreign Policy: Perspectives from Muslim Democrats of the Mediterranean
Source: The Centre for European Policy Studies
November 28, 2007
"A Chronology: Hrant Dink Murder
A Chronology: Hrant Dinks Murder
Biamag - İstanbul,Turkey
The murder of Agos newspaper's editor-in-chief Hrant Dink on 19 January 2007 in front of his newspaper's office in Sisli, central Istanbul, shocked both ...
Latif Demirci in Hürriyet. PM Erdoğan waiting in the arrivals section for the PKK leaders...
Monthly Review: Notes on the Istanbul Al-Quds Conference
by Salim Nazzal
One extremely positive aspect of the recent Istanbul Al-Quds International Forum is that it took place at all, despite Israeli pressures. It had been known from the beginning that Israel was not happy about any activity that might disrupt the music of the Annapolis orchestra.
Despite the Erdogan government's relative strength in resisting the Israeli pressure, however, it was observed that the lack of any official Turkish government representation at the opening of the conference could be interpreted as meaning that the Turkish government had taken two factors into consideration; the first of these is the fact that its popular base is supportive of Palestine, particularly over the question of Al-Quds (Jerusalem). This situation was reflected in the determination of the Turkish hosts to hold the conference “in the street if the government tries to stop it,” as a leading Turkish figure who was one of the conference organizers, told me. ............................
A timely turbulence for Kurds
Whether there is a master plan to deal with the Kurdish question in Turkey is still a matter of speculation, but one point is clear:The search for tolerance
Turkey is a mosaic. Or so the cliché runs. It is a metaphor in praise of multi-culturalism, a liberal-minded suggestion that the grand design is far more interesting than the component pieces.
Qantara.de - The Case of Hrant Dink - Incitement to Violence as Free Speech
"Middle East peace conference begins in Annapolis, Maryland
Middle East peace conference begins in Annapolis, Maryland
Most of the Turkish columnists were not very hopeful for the outcomes. Let's see what happens. A roundup begins here:
Continue reading ""Middle East peace conference begins in Annapolis, Maryland" »
November 26, 2007
Annapolis roundup
"Debates on the new Turkish draft constitution and secularism
Britain's Prince Charles and his wife Camilla watch a performance of whirling dervishes in the central Turkish city of Konya November 26, 2007. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Debates on the new Turkish draft constitution and secularism by ERGUN ÖZBUDUN
A supporter of the pro-Kurdish DTP party flashes a victory sign as he waves a flag of the illegal Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) during a rally in Diyarbakir November 25, 2007. REUTERS/Osman Orsal
The Greek Orphanage in Prinkipo: A case against Turkey in Europe
Ariana FERENTINOU
Are Turks losing against the Armenian propaganda machine?
Avni DOĞRU
Babacan leads Turkeys EU push - 23-11-2007
Will Alevis surrender to the state?
Instead of correcting a wrong, we try to put a right into the wrong. Personally I do not understand the Alevis who ask from the state not merely "recognition," but also representation and patronage.
Continue reading ""Debates on the new Turkish draft constitution and secularism" »
November 25, 2007
"Speculation surrounds plan over Kurdish issue
Turkish army chief General Yasar Buyukanit and the head of US forces in Europe, General Bantz Craddock, seen here in May 2007, discussed measures against Kurdish rebels based in northern Iraq, while Turkey's prime minister said the struggle against the separatists was at a "critical stage."(AFP/File/Saul Loeb)
EU fails to give full support to Turkey over terrorism: Yakis
Turkey - E.U. Joint Parliamentary Commission Meeting
Turkey's EU Membership Process Is Now At A Point Of No Return, Babacan
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan addresses a meeting of his ruling Justice and Development Party in Kizilcahamam near Ankara, Turkey, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007. No one should be shut out of the democratic process, Erdogan said Saturday, seeking cooperation from a pro-Kurdish party that faces a possible ban because of suspected ties to separatists.(AP Photo)
Asia Europe Affairs : 80% of Screening reports for Turkey accession already sent to Council
Turkey continues to move forward in the EU accession process. So far out of 33 chapters four have been opened and only one closed (Science and Research). The Commission states that 28 of 35 screening reports (80%) have been delivered to The Council and 6 are presently being discussed. Moreover the EU has informed Turkey of the progress required to reach a level of preparedness to start negotiations on 14 chapters."
Continue reading ""Speculation surrounds plan over Kurdish issue" »
November 24, 2007
"Sarkozy victorious as strike ends
Sarkozy victorious as strike ends
A nine-day strike by French train drivers that crippled public transport has petered out, granting an important political victory to President Nicolas Sarkozy...EU Business: A Single Market for 21st - guide
Worst EU Lobbying Award 2007:
The ‘Worst EU Lobbying’ Award is to be given to the lobbyist, company or lobby group that in 2007 has employed the most deceptive, misleading, or otherwise problematic lobbying tactics in their attempts to influence EU decision-making. The categories are:
- Worst EU Lobbying: starring BMW, Daimler and Porsche, Cabinet Stewart, Viscount Etienne Davignon, European Public Affairs Consultancies Association, Repsol.
- Worst EU Greenwash: starring Airbus, BAE Systems, ExxonMobil, German Atomic Forum, Shell.
November 21, 2007
"Democracy and juristocracy
Democracy and juristocracy
İlter TÜRKMEN
Expecting democracy from AKP
Cengiz AKTAR
Legal action to ban Kurdish party
Turkish prosecutors move to ban a pro-Kurdish political party allegedly linked to PKK rebels, say reports. 
Turkey's Foreign Minister Ali Babacan (L) and his Portuguese counterpart Luis Amado address a joint news conference after a meeting at the European Council headquarters in Brussels November 20, 2007. REUTERS/Thierry Roge (BELGIUM)
AFP: Turkish authorities seek to ban Kurdish party
FT.com / Comment & analysis / Comment - Invasion is wrong answer to Turkey’s problems
Military-civilian responsibility in Kurdish issue - Turkish Daily News Nov 14, 2007
FEATURE-Turkey's village guards face danger from all sides | Reuters
The Turkish alternative
President Shimon Peres spent three days in Turkey where he was received with all the usual pomp and circumstance due to presidents. Peres, for his part, showered his hosts with compliments. They deserve every word of praise."
Blame Ottoman Empire for genocide, not modern-day Turkey : Opinion : Ventura County Star
November 17, 2007
"141 reasons" to ban DTP!
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Hürriyet lists 141 reasons to ban pro-Kurdish party (in Turkish) and and it also states that Turkey is number one in Guinness records books as the most political party banner country.
