16 January 2002

1. "PKK adopts non-violent path", the Kurdistan Workers Party will soon hold a congress in which it will renounce violence as a means to achieve Kurdish aspirations in Turkey. The party, also known as PKK, will seek a new name to reflect a determination for a peaceful solution of the Kurdish issue in Turkey, PKK sources told Iraq Press.

2. "Kurdish groups deny planning push for state in Iraq if US strikes", the two main Kurdish factions controlling northern Iraq since the Gulf War said Wednesday they would not push for an independent Kurdish state in the region if the United States struck Baghdad.

3. "No chance to turn down USA", PKK Council of Leaders member Duran Kalkan, drawing attention that Turkey had no chance to turn down the demands of USA because of regional developments and its own problems, said, "USA will ask for Turkey to solve some of its main problems. But we do not know yet in which manner it asks for."

4. "Terrorist of someone else", absence of the terror organizations Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Revolutionary People's Liberation Party /Front (DHKP-C) on the European Union's list of terror organizations, published in line with a U.N. Security Council resolution taken after September 11, prompted reactions in Turkey. It may be useful to make a general assessment on the EU's activities regarding the anti-terrorism fight.

5. "Turkey And The Us", Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to Washington and its significance regarding Turkish-US relations.

6. "Cypriots Press for Peaceful Settlement", Cypriots on both sides of the divided Mediterranean island are pressing for a peaceful settlement as Turkish and Greek leaders prepare for talks that could end the 27-year split.

1. - Reuters - "PKK adopts non-violent path":

DAHOUK / Iraq Press

The Kurdistan Workers Party will soon hold a congress in which it will renounce violence as a means to achieve Kurdish aspirations in Turkey. The party, also known as PKK, will seek a new name to reflect a determination for a peaceful solution of the Kurdish issue in Turkey, PKK sources told Iraq Press.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, the sources said party leaders were set to lay down a new constitution in the light of the current events in both Turkey and the world. ''A revision of PKK tenets is necessary due to the far-reaching changes that have occurred in the world,'' one source said.

He said the party was aware of ''major constitutional transformations'' taking place in Turkey that are bound to lead to the recognition of Kurdish rights there. ''More focus will be placed on political action inside and outside Turkey,'' the sources added. Founded in 1974, PKK's goal was initially to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeasternTurkey where the population is predominantly Kurdish.

From 1984 it waged an armed battle, which up to 37,000 people were killed, most of them Kurdish civilians or guerrillas. Turkish authorities captured PKK's chairman, Abdullah Ocalan, in Kenya in early 1999. The Turkish State Security Court subsequently sentenced him to death. But Ocalan changed approach shortly after his capture. He launched a peace initiative, ordering members to refrain from violence and overthrow of Turkey and requesting dialogue with Ankara.

A PKK Congress in January 2000 endorsed Ocalan's initiatives, vowing to pursue only political means to achieve its goals. Peace has returned to Southeast Turkey and parts of northern Iraq, which PKK guerrillas used as a launching pad for attacks on Turkish targets. The new congress is expected to renew allegiance to its jailed leader, Ocalan. The sources said Ocalan ''is the chairman'' and PKK will never abandon him and will do everything it can to defend him.

They said their leader was target of a smear campaign and doubted that certain statements carried by the Turkish and other media could be attributed to him. They said PKK was now freer than any time before as it had rid itself of the hegemony regional powers tried to impose on it. The party, they added, was trying to rebuild itself away from the influence of these countries - a reference to Syria, Iraq and Iran where formerly PKK had military training camps.

2. - AFP - "Kurdish groups deny planning push for state in Iraq if US strikes":

ANKARA

The two main Kurdish factions controlling northern Iraq since the Gulf War said Wednesday they would not push for an independent Kurdish state in the region if the United States struck Baghdad.

In a joint statement, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), "vehemently" denied as "unfounded and provocative accusations" suggestions that a possible US strike on Iraq could result in the emergence of a Kurdish state in the north.

"We are advocating the territorial integrity and unity of Iraq with a democratic and a federal solution to the Kurdish question," they said. The statement also said the two groups were aware of the "legitimate concerns of the neighboring countries and those of Turkey in particular." The statement coincided with Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit's visit to Washington, where Iraq issue was expected to be high on the agenda of his talks with President George W. Bush later Wednesday. Turkey, a key Muslim ally of the United States in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, is opposed to a strike against Iraq, fearing that regional turmoil could result in the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq, which has been outside Baghdad's control since the 1991 Gulf War. Such a state could fan separatist sentiment in neighboring southeast Turkey, where a 15-year Kurdish rebellion has just recently subdued.

Amid intense speculation that Iraq will be the next US target, Washington began mediating last month long-running disputes between the PUK and the KDP, led respectively by Jalal Talabani and Massoud Barzani. The United States has long sought to unite the Iraqi opposition -- including the PUK and KDP -- in order to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, but has had little success so far. Iraqi Kurds rose up against Baghdad after the Gulf War, leaving the three provinces of Arbil, Suleimaniyeh and Dahuk outside Baghdad's control. US and British planes, based in southern Turkey, have since enforced a no-fly zone over northern Iraq with the stated aim of protecting the Kurds.

3. - Kurdish Observer - "No chance to turn down USA":

PKK Council of Leaders member Duran Kalkan, drawing attention that Turkey had no chance to turn down the demands of USA because of regional developments and its own problems, said, "USA will ask for Turkey to solve some of its main problems. But we do not know yet in which manner it asks for."

MHA / FRANKFURT

Duran Kalkan, PKK Council of Leaders member, reminded that the Kurdish question would be brought into agenda during the visit of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to USA, saying the following: "Now Kurds a regionally and internationally organized force. Nobody can make negotiations over Kurds like in the past."

Participated by telephone in the Cozum program on Medya TV with HADEP Deputy Chairman Kemal Pekoz and journalist Mehmet Ozgul as studio guests on the program, Kalkan talked about the latest developments. The Kurdish leader said the following: "Throughout the year 2001, there were grave contradictions between Turkey and USA policies in the region and in Iraq in particular. Turkey obstructed US policies in Iraq together with Russia and the other regional forces. After the September 11 attack, this situation continued." Kalkan added that Turkey had attempted to deploy soldiers in Afghanistan in order to camouflage the situation but US had turned it down.

"Turkey was left alone"

Emphasizing that USA adopted a negative stance to Turkey about Afghanistan, Kalkan continued with words to the effect: "Whenever Turkey asked for to deploy soldiers on Afghanistan USA showed it the road to Iraq. US wanted for Turkey to find solutions in the interests of itself. This contradiction left Turkey all alone." Duran Kalkan stressed that in order to slip out of the alienation, Turkey gave concessions on Cyprus and considered to participate in the European army but US administration would ask for Ecevit to change this policy. Kalkan drew attention that Turkey had no change to turn down the demands of America because of the regional developments and its own problems, adding the following: "They have repeated before the visit that we are against an operation on Iraq. The Prime Minister has also stated it as well as the Secretary of the State. They have said that US could intervene on Iraq without Turkey. In this respect USA will ask for Turkey to solve some of its main problems. But we do not know yet in which manner it asks for."

"Demands will be accepted"

The Kurdish leader stated that all of the demands of the US administration would be accepted at a point in time at which the economic crisis was too deep. He had to say the following: "One of them is Cyprus. In response to economic credit Turkey will be asked for to support US policy on Iraq. Preparations for it were done in advance. Delegations came to Turkey. It is the most important matter to be discussed. In fact there is a military presence. A military dispatch having infantry and tanks has entered into South Kurdistan. It is an important step. The policy of Turkey is as such: If US will intervene on Iraq, Turkey will enter to South up to Musul and Kerkuk."

"A historical mistake"

Kalkan continued to say that the Turkish side would bring the Kurdish question as a subject of negotiation and had to emphasize the following: Turkey says 'I'm not against an operation in Iraq but it will separate Turkey and it should give advantage to Kurds.' Now, why would an operation on Iraq separate Turkey? The Turkish government consider the existence of Kurds as a separation. And it will take the matter to the negotiations. It is too difficult to foresee."

Saying that in case that Turkey has no strength to oppose to the operation, it will focus on military operations in Kurdistan, Kalkan added "It would be Turkey's most biggest mistake." The Kurdish leader stressed that Kurds were an organised force and those states which wanted to make their policies in the Middle East dominant took Kurds into consideration, and an anti-Kurd stance would weaken Turkey from within.

2002, a year of fate

Duran Kalkan pointed out that 2002 was the year of fate, and their party offered important opportunities for democratisation. The Council member continued with words to the effect: "It should be get hold of. The opportunity is not endless. It should be well-known. 2002 will a turning-point for Turkey. Everybody will reconsider the situation. So will Kurds. They will discuss all alternatives. It is clear that the Turkish state have a heavy burden on its shoulders. It should make a serious transformation for democratisation. But the real solution is here. It needs to make peace with the people, to make the country liveable for everybody."

4. - Turkish Daily News - "Terrorist of someone else":

by Gunduz Aktan

Absence of the terror organizations Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Revolutionary People's Liberation Party /Front (DHKP-C) on the European Union's list of terror organizations, published in line with a U.N. Security Council resolution taken after September 11, prompted reactions in Turkey. It may be useful to make a general assessment on the EU's activities regarding the anti-terrorism fight.

The EU announced the terrorists and terror organizations that must be pursued in an annex of its resolution dated Dec. 28, 2001. But in a statement that came out with the resolution, it was announced that these lists were the first stage to be followed by new lists.

ETA, Catholic and Protestant organizations trying to sabotage the peace process in Northern Ireland, three Greek organizations including November 17, Hamas's terrorist wing and Islamic Cihad are included on the list of terror organizations. The list of terrorist persons mostly consists of ETA and Arabian organizations' members. Of course, the members of Greek terror organizations are not stated on this list since their identities are officially unknown (?). However, in light of the 124-person list, said to be prepared by a security expert of the former prime minister Mitsotakis, that included father Papandreou, former minister Haralambopulos and current minister Tchohachopulos, it is not difficult to understand why no names were given for EU's list of terrorists.

The content of the resolutions called "common position" on terrorism is serious. On the other hand, the lists of terrorists and terror organizations, for which these agreements will be implemented, are very short. That is to say that on one hand the EU declares how determined it is to fight terrorism, while on the other hand it admits that it will not fight that much by keeping the number of terrorists and organizations very limited. In order to prevent the possible objections to this flawed approach right from the beginning, it tries to give an impression that these activities wil continue as a process.

In fact, when the EU's work is closely examined, it becomes obvious that the EU put itself in a tough situation. Naturally, very tight measures need to be taken in terms of cooperation with terror-hit member countries. As a matter of fact, the definition of terrorism in a EU "common position" is almost perfect and sufficiently broad. Accordingly, in order to give great damage to a country (and international corporation) and force it to do or not to do something, the actions made with the aim of leading a terror group or participating to terrorist activities such as, murdering, injuring people and taking hostages, attacking public services including infrastructure, seizing ship, aircraft and other vehicles, producing and holding all kinds of weapons, arson, bombing, cutting electricity and water in the scope of horrifying the public, damaging the constitutional, economic and social structures, and the threat to realize these actions are named as "terrorist actions."

In another decision, the measures to be taken against terrorist actions are counted. In this framework, collecting money by force, finding terrorist nominees and providing weapons, establishing funds, giving the rights of asylum to those supporting terrorists and planning terrorist activities, using the land of the member states against the third countries, giving the opportunity to terrorists to exploit the refugee and immigrant status are foreseen to be prevented. The same decision also foresees a wide judicial cooperation including trials.

In the framework of such a wide-scope definition, it is possible to implement such measures between the member countries. It is understood that similar cooperation will be made with special efforts on the issue of al-Queda and the people and organizations that act violently against Israel. But there is no doubt that the EU is reluctant to cooperate on the organizations and terrorists of other countries including those that are active in Turkey. Although it is not said openly, the terrorist actions in this last group of countries, are accepted as political resistance, which is applied by those that could not find the opportunity to seek their rights in democratic processes, according to the European Parliament's decision in 1996.

This issue seems to shake our relations with EU more than European Security and Defense Identity (ESDP).

5. - Hurriyet - "Turkey And The Us":

Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to Washington and its significance regarding Turkish-US relations.

By Oktay Eksi

Prime Minister Ecevit's visit to the US began yesterday. There are many reasons why this visit bears significance both for the US and us. It is important for Turkey as it does not have the ability to repay the heavy bills which have piled up, as a result of years-long mistaken economic and fiscal policies b itself; it needs US support.

Furthermore, it is certain that if these bills are not paid chaos in the streets, just as in Argentina, or military coups may be in the offing. Therefore, Turkey is sending its most unyielding prime minister to the US to acquiesce to most of its demands. In return, the US knows that it needs Turkey as a reliable ally in the region to help protect its strategic interests. However, there are other issues, which make this visit more interesting.

During the late 1970s and during the '80s the US wanted 'moderate Islam' to be in power. A state which had abandoned Ataurk's reforms or the nation-state model was more in line with its aspirations...It would be easy to mold Turkey into a model of its choice if these two pillars were destroyed. Many supported this idea both within Turkey and abroad. However, it seems that Turkey's base was well built and strong. The actions of the Taliban in Afghanistan and the Sept. 11 Twin Towers tragedy brought everyone to their senses. It was understood that Turkey as a nation-state and based on secular and democratic principles was important both for peace in the world and the Middle East, and to the advantage of the West's interests. Now, it is time to help Turkey.

This is an important opportunity for Turkey. Now, Turkey has the image of a country which must not be shoved around and whose significance is well understood. Turkey must use this opportunity well and for example, take steps facilitating its membership to the EU. Therefore, the Bush administration must avoid overtures saying that they would expect Turkish military support when they attack Iraq.

It should not give support to projects which would lead to the establishment of a Kurdish state in northern Iraq. Otherwise, the US will draw harsh reactions from the Turkish public. If the US wants to take Turkey by its side, it must warn Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration and call on them to accept the legal rights of the Turkish Cypriots on the island.

6. - AP - "Cypriots Press for Peaceful Settlement":

NICOSIA / By BEN HOLLAND

Cypriots on both sides of the divided Mediterranean island are pressing for a peaceful settlement as Turkish and Greek leaders prepare for talks that could end the 27-year split.

Greek Cypriots want the island reunified as a single state, in line with U.N. resolutions, while Turkish Cypriot leader Rauf Denktash seeks a looser arrangement linking two independent states.

Denktash was to meet Wednesday with Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides at talks hosted by U.N. envoy Alvaro de Soto. The sides returned to negotiations last month, when the two leaders met for the first time in four years.

Cypriots on both sides of the Green Line that divides the island staged demonstrations Tuesday, urging the leaders to end the standoff.

Holding candles and singing folk songs popular on both sides of the island, about 500 Turkish Cypriots marched on the Turkish side of the capital Nicosia.

``Peace in Cyprus is unstoppable,'' protesters chanted. Near the Green Line they released five white doves into the air.

On the other side of the line, about 300 Greek Cypriot marchers sang the same songs. Some carried banners in both Greek and Turkish, declaring, ``Cyprus, one country, one people,'' and ``Forward to a united country.''

Turkey, which maintains about 35,000 troops on Cyprus, invaded and occupied the northern third of the island in 1974 after an abortive coup by Greek Cypriot supporters of union with Greece. In 1975, Turkish Cypriots established a federal republic considered still part of Cyprus. An independent state was declared in 1983.

The division has remained a long-standing source of tension between NATO allies Turkey and Greece.

The need to end the dispute may come up when Turkey's prime minister, Bulent Ecevit, meets President Bush on Wednesday.

Ecevit, on a four-day trip to Washington, told Vice President Dick Cheney on Tuesday that he hoped the talks would bring a settlement, but added that any deal would have to accept the principle of two states on the island, Turkish officials said on condition of anonymity.

The key external influence, though, will likely be the European Union, which has stated it will accept Cyprus as a member by 2003 even if there has been no settlement by then.

Turkey has warned that it will prevent accession at all costs and annex the occupied north if it takes place. The EU has said such a move would block Turkey's own hopes of entry. Greece is already a member of the bloc.

Analysts say external pressure could spur a solution, provided it is applied equally to both sides.

If the talks gain momentum, then ``both Cypriot leaderships will probably be under unprecedented international pressure to compromise,'' especially the Greek Cypriot side which ``may well have to make the hardest compromises on the substance,'' said Natalie Tocci, a Turkey and Cyprus analyst at the Brussels-based Center for European Policy Studies.

Denktash pledged Tuesday to do ``everything necessary for peace'' in a ``framework of two nations, two states internally'' but with a single authority representing Cyprus to the outside world.

U.N. resolutions, rejected by Turkey, call for the withdrawal of Turkish troops and settlers from northern Cyprus and the return of 200,000 Greek Cypriot refugees.

``Something might come out - things look better than they have for years,'' said Arif Basar, who runs a cafe in Nicosia. ``But it will be softly, softly, step by step.''