1. Police Rounds Up Workers Union Members
20 February 2013 / Bianet
Turkish police have carried out an operation across 28 cities yesterday morning, detaining 167 individuals suspected for being a leftist DHKP-C organization member.
Police operations also targeted the headquarters of a major workers union, KESK, located in Ankara. "I'm calling to police forces here. We know that you have been unlawfully monitoring our activities for several years. You don't need to do that. We can provide anything if asked. We think you are launching this operation to denigrate and criminalize our struggle," Lami Özgen, KESK chairperson, said in a statement.
Özgen reminded that 59 active members of KESK have recently been jailed for being a KCK organization member. "They were only involved in workers union related activities," Özgen said.
http://www.bianet.org/english/human-rights/144515-police-rounds-up-workers-union-members
2. Turkish jets strike Kurd rebels in Iraq: military source
21 February 2013 / The Daily Star
Turkey sent jets across its border with Iraq to strike separatists from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a local military source said Thursday.
The jets bombed 12 targets in the Kandil Mountains in the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq on Wednesday, the source told AFP without providing any casualty figures.
Pro-Kurdish Firat News Agency confirmed the raid, saying it targeted two villages and destroyed many farms and orchards.
The raid comes amid nascent peace talks between Ankara and PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is serving a life sentence in prison.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Feb-21/207375-turkish-jets-strike-kurd-rebels-in-iraq-military-source.ashx#axzz2LYWWRfu8
3. Turkey agrees Kurdish delegation to meet jailed militant leader
21 February 2013 / Reuters
The Turkish government approved on Thursday a list of pro-Kurdish politicians to visit jailed militant leader Abdullah Ocalan, a justice ministry official said, a long-awaited step to advance peace talks on ending a 28-year-old insurgency. Turkey launched tentative negotiations with Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Ocalan in his jail on Imrali island near Istanbul in October, drawing up a framework to end a conflict which has killed more than 40,000 people. But there has been little sign of progress since two Kurdish politicians met Ocalan on January 3 to discuss ways to end violence which has destabilised Turkey and stunted development of the mainly Kurdish southeast since the PKK took up arms in 1984. Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has made clear that prominent Kurdish deputies who were filmed embracing militants would be barred from meeting the head of the PKK, deemed a terrorist group by Turkey, the European Union and the United States. Bowing to that pressure, parliament's pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) said it proposed three MPs, rather than the party leaders they had initially intended, "so that the process does not become deadlocked".
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/02/21/uk-turkey-kurds-idUKBRE91K0JC20130221
4. Öcalan: Our proposal for a solution conveyed to the government
19 February 2013 / ANF
Mehmet Öcalan, brother of Abdullah Öcalan, jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), spoke to Dicle News Agency (DİHA) about the details of the meeting he had with his brother on Imralı Island on Monday. Öcalan said that the Kurdish leader had asked him about the feelings in the country and what the public opinion thought of the process of talks. "I told him that 70 percent of the public opinion sided with a genuine and real process of negotiations”, he said. Mehmet Öcalan quoted the Kurdish leader as saying the followings; “I am a prisoner and I therefore don't have the opportunity to deal and come up with a solution. Here I have had talks with intelligence officers (referring to National Intelligence Organization, MIT officers) who treat me with honesty but the truth is there are some other people and powers involved in this issue. I do not know to what extent those powers will support the process.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/ocalan-our-proposal-for-a-solution-conveyed-to-the-government.htm
5. Turkey's Kurds Protest Öcalan Arrest Anniversary
15 February 2013 / Bianet
Kurdish demonstrators rallied in almost every major city in Turkey, protesting the 14th anniversary of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's arrival to Turkey in 1999 after a military operation led by the U.S. Local businesses except pharmacies and bakeries were reportedly kept shut in Diyarbakır, Mardin, Urfa, Batman, Şırnak, Van, Hakkari, Ağrı, Muş, Kars, Iğdır, Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay provinces. In Istanbul, a masked group attacked a commuter bus with molotov cocktails, police reported. In Diyarbakır province, thousands of demonstrators launched a protest walk, which was intervened by the police.
http://www.bianet.org/english/crisis/144428-turkeys-kurds-protest-ocalan-arrest-anniversary
6. Kurdish protesters clash with Turkish police
16 February 2013 / Press TV
Kurdish protesters have clashed with police in Turkey during demonstrations marking the 14th anniversary of the arrest of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan. The clashes broke out in several southeastern provinces and in the city of Istanbul on Friday. Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in two towns in Hakkari province, while in Mardin three demonstrators and a police officer were injured in clashes. Security forces also arrested dozens of protesters in Sirnak and Sanilufra. Demonstrations were also held in Istanbul, in which protesters set two buses on fire.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/16/289161/propkk-kurds-clash-with-turkish-police/
7. Erdogan Seeks Kurdish Allies For New Turkish Constitution
13 February 2013 / Al Monitor
All four political parties represented in the Turkish parliament want a new “civilian” constitution to replace the one imposed by a putchist military 31 years ago. The problem is that the same four parties that agree to "no’’ on the September 12 military constitution cannot agree to "yes" on a new draft constitution. There are two main reasons for the discord. The first is Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s desire to replace the Turkish parliamentary regime with an executive presidential regime on his own terms. A proposal for Erdogan’s “à la carte” authoritarian presidential system has been submitted to the parliamentary Constitutional Reconciliation Commission.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/kurds-turkish-constitution-akp-chp-mhp-factions.html
8. Turkey frees Kurdish ex-mayors, Ocalan warns on peace process
19 February 2013 / Yahoo News
Turkey freed a group of Kurdish former mayors accused of links to militants on Tuesday in a further small step towards halting a Kurdish insurgency, but the rebels' jailed leader was reported as saying he could not stem the violence single-handedly. After more than three years in prison, 10 Kurdish defendants including six former mayors hugged family members as they emerged from jail at dawn in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and were greeted by the city's mayor. Their release coincided with fledgling peace talks between Turkey and the jailed leader of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, aimed at ending a 28-year-old conflict which has killed more than 40,000 people.
http://news.yahoo.com/turkey-frees-kurdish-ex-mayors-ocalan-warns-peace-144354858.html
9. Turkey frees Kurdish ex-mayors, peace process edges forward
19 February 2013 / Reuters
Ten Kurdish defendants, including six former mayors, were released from jail on Tuesday in a trial of 175 people accused of links to militants, a further small step in Turkey's efforts to end a Kurdish insurgency. After more than three years in prison the defendants hugged family members as they emerged from the prison gates at dawn in Diyarbakir, the largest city in the mainly Kurdish southeast, and were greeted by the city's mayor. Their release coincided with fledgling peace talks between Turkey and the jailed leader of the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Abdullah Ocalan, aimed at ending a 28-year-old conflict which has killed more than 40,000 people. "We will move hand-in-hand and shoulder-to-shoulder to advance this developing process and, with this responsibility, get on with our lives," Firat Anli, former mayor of the Diyarbakir district of Yenisehir, told reporters after his release.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/19/us-turkey-kurds-idUSBRE91I0GV20130219
10. Turkey frees 10 pro-Kurdish politicians in mass trial
19 February 2013 / The Daily Star
A Turkish court released on Tuesday 10 pro-Kurdish politicians who were among hundreds, possibly thousands of people on trial accused of ties to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The court in the southeastern city of Diyarbakir freed the politicians on the grounds that the time they spent in custody had now exceeded any prison term they would serve if convicted, court sources told AFP. Turkish authorities first launched a major campaign of arrests in 2009 against the Union of Kurdistan Communities (KCK) which is considered a terrorist organisation and an urban wing of the PKK. Critics of the crackdown say the number of people arrested pending trial in the KCK case tops 3,500 while official figures from late 2011 say over 600 people had been arrested.
http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2013/Feb-19/207084-turkey-frees-10-pro-kurdish-politicians-in-mass-trial.ashx#axzz2LU5FOGMK
11. UN to debate Paris killings
21 February 2013 / ANF
The execution of three Kurdish politicians in Paris on 9 January will be debated at the United Nations Human Rights Council's twenty-second regular session at the UN Office at Geneva from 25 February to 22 March. Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris, and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement, were killed in Paris on 9 January. No light has been shed yet by French authorities on the execution of three Kurdish women, Sara, Rojbin and Ronahi. Gianfranco Fattorini, UN Representative of French NGO, Movement Against Racism and for Friendship between Peoples (MRAP) will be directing questions to the UN mechanisms on the issue.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/un-to-debate-paris-killings-1.htm
12. Turkey meddling in Syria stirs clashes with Kurds: Analyst
17 February 2013 / Press TV
Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian crisis will backfire by putting Ankara at the risk of a new series of violent confrontations with its minority Kurdish population, a political analysts tells Press TV. Since Ankara opened the lid to the conflict in Syria, the crisis has been “dragging [Turkey] in, in a very direct way,” William Jones from the Executive Intelligence Review weekly newsmagazine told Press TV in an interview. He described the prospect of new clashes with Kurds as “a definite threat to Turkey,” which Ankara can only contain through “the use of police and military force.”
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/17/289367/ankara-opened-pandoras-box-in-syria/
13. Syrian Kurds who fled to Iraq have mixed feelings about Syria, in no rush to go home
18 February 2013 / Washington Post
Syrian Kurds who fled their country’s civil war have mixed feelings about a future without Bashar Assad: They hope to win a measure of autonomy after the fall of the regime, but fear chaos and the rise of Islamists could instead make their lives worse.
More than 81,000 Syrian Kurds have found refuge in northern Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region in recent months and hundreds more arrive every day. Few seem in a rush to go home. The Kurdistan Regional Government allows fellow Kurds from Syria to work and move freely in the three provinces of northern Iraq it controls. Some 30,000 refugees still live in a camp of tents and cinderblock shacks near the Syrian border, while the rest have found jobs and homes in towns across the autonomous region, some staying with relatives.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/syrian-kurds-who-fled-to-iraq-have-mixed-feelings-about-syria-in-no-rush-to-go-home/2013/02/18/29098e1e-7a04-11e2-9c27-fdd594ea6286_story.html
14. Islamists and Kurds End Hostilities, to Fight Syria Regime
19 February 2013 / Naharnet
Islamist rebels and Kurdish militias have ceased hostilities in the northern Syrian city of Ras al-Ain after sealing an accord that will see them fight together against the regime, activists said Tuesday. Intermittent and sometimes deadly clashes have taken place between the two sides since rebels entered the majority Kurdish city, located on the border with Turkey, several months ago. A statement was issued at the weekend detailing the terms of the final accord between the rebel Free Syrian Army and the Kurdish popular committees. A Kurdish activist from Ras al-Ain confirmed to Agence France Presse over the Internet on Tuesday that "there have been no confrontations following the agreement."
http://www.naharnet.com/stories/en/72608-islamists-and-kurds-end-hostilities-to-fight-syria-regime
15. Iraqi Kurdistan: Genocide To Be Discussed In British Parliament
20 February 2013 / UNPO
Concerted efforts over the last year by Kurdish and British campaigners have scored a major result. The British Parliament will discuss the genocide against the Iraqi Kurds in a special and historic debate from about 2.15-5pm on Thursday 28 February. The title of the debate is "the 25th anniversary of the Kurdish genocide and its contemporary relevance." The motion says that Parliament "formally recognises the Genocide against the people of Iraqi Kurdistan and encourages governments, the EU and UN to do likewise. It adds that "that this will enable Kurdish people, many in the UK, to achieve justice for their considerable loss" and also enable Britain, the home of democracy and freedom, to send out a message of support for international conventions and human rights, which is made even more pressing by the slaughter in Syria and the possible use of chemical arsenals."
http://www.unpo.org/article/15532
16. Tens of thousands protest 15 February conspiracy in Strasbourg
16 February 2013 / Mesop
Tens of thousands people across Europe have gathered early Saturday in the French city of Strasbourg to mark the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), on 15 February 1999. Kurds coming from different European countries started to gather at Rue de Nancy as of early morning hours for the march which is organized by FEYKA (Federation of Kurdish Associations in France). Demonstrators will also call on the French state to shed light on the execution of three Kurdish politicians, Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris, and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement, in Paris on 9 January. French police has taken intense security measures in the area. Some buses were stopped and searched before entering the meeting area.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/ <http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/>
17. Abertzale Left condemn repression of Kurdish activists
21 February 2013 / ANF
The Abertzale Left would like to denounce the harassment of Kurdish activists by the
French and Spanish authorities. We call both states to stop any collaboration with
Turkish government´s war strategy and to put an end to all detentions and
imprisonments. While the investigation on the killing of three Kurdish relevant activists last January in Paris has no yet any clarification, the French government continues with a strategy of criminalisation of the Kurdish Diaspora. 16 Kurdish people have been arrested following the political pressure of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan last weeks.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/abertzale-left-condemn-repression-of-kurdish-activists.htm
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
18. A Woman, a Kurd, and an Optimist
19 February 2013 / New York Times
At 51, she is petite yet powerful. Arriving at a cafe in a crowded shopping mall, she sits only after her brother has checked out the locale. Generally reluctant to speak to journalists, Leyla Zana has come by caution the hard way but has lost none of her determination to fight for the rights of Kurds, and of women. Born in the province of Diyarbakir in southeast Turkey in 1961, she dropped out of elementary school because she could not understand the language of instruction — Turkish — and was forbidden to speak her own. Married at 14 to Mehdi Zana, a political Kurd some 20 years her senior who became mayor of Diyarbakir and spent 16 years in jail after the 1980 military coup, she found herself the single mother of two children. Learning Turkish with them as they were schooled, she also found her political voice — and went on to become, in 1991, the first Kurdish woman elected to the Turkish Parliament. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/world/europe/20iht-letter20.html?_r=2&
19. Ocalan goes from enemy No 1 to potential peacemaker in Turkey
19 February 2013 / The National
He is the founder and leader of the main Kurdish separatist group, the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK). He was long regarded as Turkey's public enemy number one for leading a war of independence against the Turkish state. Yet now, from his jail cell in on the prison island of Imrali near Istanbul, he is poised to become the key to ending a three-decade war between the army and the PKK that has killed more than 40,000 people. In December, the Turkish intelligence service started talks with Ocalan on the island, where he has been held since Turkish agents snatched him in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1999 and smuggled him back to Turkey.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/world/europe/ocalan-goes-from-enemy-no-1-to-potential-peacemaker-in-turkey
20. What does Öcalan want?
16 February 2013 / Hurriyet
Friday, Feb. 15th, was the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the founding leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). On that date in 1999 he was forced to leave the Greek Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in a joint operation between the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Four months earlier in October 1998, following an ultimatum by the Turkish government, endorsed by Egypt and Iran, Hafez (the father of Bashar) al-Assad had to end his long stay in Syria. After spending months on the run between European capitals such as Athens, Moscow and Rome, he was brought to and jailed in Turkey on Feb. 16, 1999. For the last 14 years he has been in a room that is slightly larger than 11 square meters.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/what-does-ocalan-want.aspx?pageID=449&nID=41243&NewsCatID=409
21. Another Kurdish Initiative in Turkey: Is Peace Finally Achievable?
15 February 2013 / Informed Comment
The last year saw a significant escalation in the armed conflict between the Turkish state and Kurdish insurgency (PKK) fighting for autonomy. 2012 was the most violent year since the capture of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. At least 541 individuals lost their lives, a significant increase from the previous years. As the meetings between the representatives of the Turkish government and the insurgents came to an end in summer 2011, the Turkish security forces and the PKK militants engaged in frequent skirmishes. The gains of the Syrian Kurds led by the PYD, an affiliate of the PKK, further aggravated the threat perception of the AK Party, which has been in power since 2002. The Turkish government responded by sponsoring Islamist Arab militants that who engaged in heavy clashes with the PYD militia for the control of Ras al-Ayn (Sêrekaniyê) since November 2012.
http://www.juancole.com/2013/02/another-initiative-achievable.html
22. The Kurds: Surprise Victors of the Iraq War (For Now)
19 February 2013 / Counterpunch
The Kurds of Iraq are the big winners in the 10 years since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. They have also been lucky. Up to a few weeks before the invasion in 2003, the US was intending to invade northern Iraq from Turkey, along with 40,000 Turkish troops. The Kurds were horrified at this, suspecting that once the Turks were in northern Iraq it would be impossible to get them out. I remember the Kurdish relief and jubilation when the Turkish parliament voted against participating in the US invasion.
http://www.counterpunch.org/2013/02/19/the-kurds-surprise-victors-of-the-iraq-war-for-now/
Friday 22 February 2013
Kurdish News Update, 18 February 2013
Turkey's Kurds Protest Öcalan Arrest Anniversary
15 February 2013 / Bianet
Kurdish demonstrators rallied in almost every major city in Turkey, protesting the 14th anniversary of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's arrival to Turkey in 1999 after a military operation led by the U.S. Local businesses except pharmacies and bakeries were reportedly kept shut in Diyarbakır, Mardin, Urfa, Batman, Şırnak, Van, Hakkari, Ağrı, Muş, Kars, Iğdır, Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay provinces. In Istanbul, a masked group attacked a commuter bus with molotov cocktails, police reported. In Diyarbakır province, thousands of demonstrators launched a protest walk, which was intervened by the police.
http://www.bianet.org/english/crisis/144428-turkeys-kurds-protest-ocalan-arrest-anniversary
Tens of thousands protest 15 February conspiracy in Strasbourg
16 February 2013 / Mesop
Tens of thousands people across Europe have gathered early Saturday in the French city of Strasbourg to mark the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), on 15 February 1999. Kurds coming from different European countries started to gather at Rue de Nancy as of early morning hours for the march which is organized by FEYKA (Federation of Kurdish Associations in France). Demonstrators will also call on the French state to shed light on the execution of three Kurdish politicians, Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris, and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement, in Paris on 9 January. French police has taken intense security measures in the area. Some buses were stopped and searched before entering the meeting area.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/ <http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/>
Kurdish protesters clash with Turkish police
16 February 2013 / Press TV
Kurdish protesters have clashed with police in Turkey during demonstrations marking the 14th anniversary of the arrest of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan. The clashes broke out in several southeastern provinces and in the city of Istanbul on Friday. Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in two towns in Hakkari province, while in Mardin three demonstrators and a police officer were injured in clashes. Security forces also arrested dozens of protesters in Sirnak and Sanilufra. Demonstrations were also held in Istanbul, in which protesters set two buses on fire.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/16/289161/propkk-kurds-clash-with-turkish-police/
Erdogan Seeks Kurdish Allies For New Turkish Constitution
13 February 2013 / Al Monitor
All four political parties represented in the Turkish parliament want a new “civilian” constitution to replace the one imposed by a putchist military 31 years ago. The problem is that the same four parties that agree to "no’’ on the September 12 military constitution cannot agree to "yes" on a new draft constitution. There are two main reasons for the discord. The first is Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s desire to replace the Turkish parliamentary regime with an executive presidential regime on his own terms. A proposal for Erdogan’s “à la carte” authoritarian presidential system has been submitted to the parliamentary Constitutional Reconciliation Commission.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/kurds-turkish-constitution-akp-chp-mhp-factions.html
Turkey meddling in Syria stirs clashes with Kurds: Analyst
17 February 2013 / Press TV
Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian crisis will backfire by putting Ankara at the risk of a new series of violent confrontations with its minority Kurdish population, a political analysts tells Press TV. Since Ankara opened the lid to the conflict in Syria, the crisis has been “dragging [Turkey] in, in a very direct way,” William Jones from the Executive Intelligence Review weekly newsmagazine told Press TV in an interview. He described the prospect of new clashes with Kurds as “a definite threat to Turkey,” which Ankara can only contain through “the use of police and military force.”
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/17/289367/ankara-opened-pandoras-box-in-syria/
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
What does Öcalan want?
16 February 2013 / Hurriyet
Friday, Feb. 15th, was the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the founding leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). On that date in 1999 he was forced to leave the Greek Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in a joint operation between the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Four months earlier in October 1998, following an ultimatum by the Turkish government, endorsed by Egypt and Iran, Hafez (the father of Bashar) al-Assad had to end his long stay in Syria. After spending months on the run between European capitals such as Athens, Moscow and Rome, he was brought to and jailed in Turkey on Feb. 16, 1999. For the last 14 years he has been in a room that is slightly larger than 11 square meters.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/what-does-ocalan-want.aspx?pageID=449&nID=41243&NewsCatID=409
Another Kurdish Initiative in Turkey: Is Peace Finally Achievable?
15 February 2013 / Informed Comment
The last year saw a significant escalation in the armed conflict between the Turkish state and Kurdish insurgency (PKK) fighting for autonomy. 2012 was the most violent year since the capture of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. At least 541 individuals lost their lives, a significant increase from the previous years. As the meetings between the representatives of the Turkish government and the insurgents came to an end in summer 2011, the Turkish security forces and the PKK militants engaged in frequent skirmishes. The gains of the Syrian Kurds led by the PYD, an affiliate of the PKK, further aggravated the threat perception of the AK Party, which has been in power since 2002. The Turkish government responded by sponsoring Islamist Arab militants that who engaged in heavy clashes with the PYD militia for the control of Ras al-Ayn (Sêrekaniyê) since November 2012.
http://www.juancole.com/2013/02/another-initiative-achievable.html
15 February 2013 / Bianet
Kurdish demonstrators rallied in almost every major city in Turkey, protesting the 14th anniversary of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan's arrival to Turkey in 1999 after a military operation led by the U.S. Local businesses except pharmacies and bakeries were reportedly kept shut in Diyarbakır, Mardin, Urfa, Batman, Şırnak, Van, Hakkari, Ağrı, Muş, Kars, Iğdır, Adana, Mersin, Osmaniye and Hatay provinces. In Istanbul, a masked group attacked a commuter bus with molotov cocktails, police reported. In Diyarbakır province, thousands of demonstrators launched a protest walk, which was intervened by the police.
http://www.bianet.org/english/crisis/144428-turkeys-kurds-protest-ocalan-arrest-anniversary
Tens of thousands protest 15 February conspiracy in Strasbourg
16 February 2013 / Mesop
Tens of thousands people across Europe have gathered early Saturday in the French city of Strasbourg to mark the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the jailed leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), on 15 February 1999. Kurds coming from different European countries started to gather at Rue de Nancy as of early morning hours for the march which is organized by FEYKA (Federation of Kurdish Associations in France). Demonstrators will also call on the French state to shed light on the execution of three Kurdish politicians, Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris, and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement, in Paris on 9 January. French police has taken intense security measures in the area. Some buses were stopped and searched before entering the meeting area.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/ <http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/16/tens-of-thousands-protest-15-february-conspiracy-in-strasbourg/>
Kurdish protesters clash with Turkish police
16 February 2013 / Press TV
Kurdish protesters have clashed with police in Turkey during demonstrations marking the 14th anniversary of the arrest of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan. The clashes broke out in several southeastern provinces and in the city of Istanbul on Friday. Police fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse protesters in two towns in Hakkari province, while in Mardin three demonstrators and a police officer were injured in clashes. Security forces also arrested dozens of protesters in Sirnak and Sanilufra. Demonstrations were also held in Istanbul, in which protesters set two buses on fire.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/16/289161/propkk-kurds-clash-with-turkish-police/
Erdogan Seeks Kurdish Allies For New Turkish Constitution
13 February 2013 / Al Monitor
All four political parties represented in the Turkish parliament want a new “civilian” constitution to replace the one imposed by a putchist military 31 years ago. The problem is that the same four parties that agree to "no’’ on the September 12 military constitution cannot agree to "yes" on a new draft constitution. There are two main reasons for the discord. The first is Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s desire to replace the Turkish parliamentary regime with an executive presidential regime on his own terms. A proposal for Erdogan’s “à la carte” authoritarian presidential system has been submitted to the parliamentary Constitutional Reconciliation Commission.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/02/kurds-turkish-constitution-akp-chp-mhp-factions.html
Turkey meddling in Syria stirs clashes with Kurds: Analyst
17 February 2013 / Press TV
Turkey’s involvement in the Syrian crisis will backfire by putting Ankara at the risk of a new series of violent confrontations with its minority Kurdish population, a political analysts tells Press TV. Since Ankara opened the lid to the conflict in Syria, the crisis has been “dragging [Turkey] in, in a very direct way,” William Jones from the Executive Intelligence Review weekly newsmagazine told Press TV in an interview. He described the prospect of new clashes with Kurds as “a definite threat to Turkey,” which Ankara can only contain through “the use of police and military force.”
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/02/17/289367/ankara-opened-pandoras-box-in-syria/
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
What does Öcalan want?
16 February 2013 / Hurriyet
Friday, Feb. 15th, was the 14th anniversary of the capture of Abdullah Öcalan, the founding leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). On that date in 1999 he was forced to leave the Greek Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya, in a joint operation between the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MİT) and the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Four months earlier in October 1998, following an ultimatum by the Turkish government, endorsed by Egypt and Iran, Hafez (the father of Bashar) al-Assad had to end his long stay in Syria. After spending months on the run between European capitals such as Athens, Moscow and Rome, he was brought to and jailed in Turkey on Feb. 16, 1999. For the last 14 years he has been in a room that is slightly larger than 11 square meters.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/what-does-ocalan-want.aspx?pageID=449&nID=41243&NewsCatID=409
Another Kurdish Initiative in Turkey: Is Peace Finally Achievable?
15 February 2013 / Informed Comment
The last year saw a significant escalation in the armed conflict between the Turkish state and Kurdish insurgency (PKK) fighting for autonomy. 2012 was the most violent year since the capture of PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan. At least 541 individuals lost their lives, a significant increase from the previous years. As the meetings between the representatives of the Turkish government and the insurgents came to an end in summer 2011, the Turkish security forces and the PKK militants engaged in frequent skirmishes. The gains of the Syrian Kurds led by the PYD, an affiliate of the PKK, further aggravated the threat perception of the AK Party, which has been in power since 2002. The Turkish government responded by sponsoring Islamist Arab militants that who engaged in heavy clashes with the PYD militia for the control of Ras al-Ayn (Sêrekaniyê) since November 2012.
http://www.juancole.com/2013/02/another-initiative-achievable.html
International Initiative Press Statement: Somersault alaturca Play it again, Sam! 15 February 2013
Peace in Kurdistan campaign is pleased to circulate this statement by the International Initiative on the eve of the anniversary of Abdullah Ocalan’s capture on 15 February 1999. With peace talks ostensibly still ongoing, the International Initiative is pushing ahead with its campaign to free Ocalan from prison so that he can freely participate in the peace process, as he should. Don’t forget to sign the petition for his release at www.freeocalan.org.
International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan – Peace in Kurdistan!”
Press statement, 15 February 2013
Somersault alaturca – Play it again, Sam!
14 years after the abduction of Abdullah Öcalan in an international operation by intelligence services, the Kurdish question in Turkey is more current than ever. Not even this act, undertaken in violation of international law, was able to change this.
At one time declared "Public enemy no 1", today leading Turkish politicians talk about "Imrali" as the authority to negotiate with if the vexed problem is to be resolved.
Imrali, the prison island in the Turkish Marmara Sea on which Abdullah Öcalan is held prisoner, on one hand represents breach of international law, isolation and torture, the arbitrariness of the state and lack of rule of law; on the other hand it is regarded widely as the "driving force" behind a lengthy and bloody process of settlement between the Turkish state and the liberated Kurdish people which does not cease to insist on its civil rights.
This process had already reached an advanced stage in 2011. By order of the Turkish government, a delegation made up of senior officials of the Turkish intelligence service negotiated with the Kurdish leader. Further talks with leading representatives of the Kurdish resistance movement took place in Europe and Northern Iraq. A joint plan, which envisaged mutually dependent steps for the resolution of the Kurdish issue, was agreed and ratified by the Kurdish representatives. The only thing that was missing to initiate the first practical steps was the approval of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish Prime Minister. But Erdoğan backed out: in an unprecedented backwards somersault he chose to ignore what had gone on before. One of the most bloody periods of the Turkish-Kurdish conflict in years followed. Erdoğan used flimsy arguments to justify the military escalation which included intensified military operations against Kurdish guerrilla forces, arrest waves against Kurdish political activists and aggravated repression against the Kurdish civil population.
In December 2012 Erdoğan stated that talks were held again with 'Imrali' to achieve a disarmament of the Kurdish resistance movement. The reaction of the Kurds was restrained. Erdogan's choice of words as well as the emphatic insistence that there was no such thing as a Kurdish question triggered doubts about the seriousness of those talks. Too little information is offered to be able to make a sound evaluation. Only one delegation of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has been able to visit Abdullah Öcalan. The lawyers of the Kurdish leader, however, have been denied a visit to their client for 15 months now. What is worse, the assassination of three Kurdish women activists in Paris, the hunting down of scattered guerrilla units in the winterly Kurdish mountains and the ongoing arrests of Kurdish politicians certainly to do not build confidence.
For weeks representatives of the government and representatives of the Kurdish movement have been engaged in an exchange of blows in the media in which they are marking the fronts. How serious the Turkish demand is for Kurdish guerrilla forces to hand over their weapons and withdraw from Turkish territory before a political process starts remains to be seen. But a peace process like this does not look very promising. Like in all other peace processes the political causes of the conflict have to be discussed and action for their resolution has to be taken before a demobilisation or similar technical details can be put in place.
However, how strongly Turkey remains committed to its anti-Kurdish doctrine can clearly be observed from its stance on the Syrian civil war where Islamist jihadists instructed by Turkey attack cities in the Kurdish areas in the North. This and the arbitrary repression of the opposition in Turkey provides but little hope that the government intends to take any positive steps. The catastrophic human rights situation and the overcrowded prisons show that Turkey still has a long way to go before it will implement and adhere to rule of law.
Nevertheless the relative importance and potential impact of the talks should not be disregarded. Only through dialogue new paths to a solution can be found. A negotiated settlement cannot be imposed in a unilateral and bureaucratic way, even though it may suit the Turkish Prime Minister to do so. If genuine negotiations are to succeed, it is critical that all relevant parties to the conflict participate equally. Öcalan has once again proven that he, one of the architects of a political solution, is a major player in this process. His proactive role is the driving force behind the process which Turkey now feels obliged to follow. For that reason he has to be fully supported in any possible way. Transferring him to house arrest could be a first step. From the vantage point of history, his release is merely a matter of time.
International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan – Peace in Kurdistan!”
PO Box 100511, D-50445 Cologne, info@freedom-for-ocalan, www.freedom-for-ocalan.com <http://www.freedom-for-ocalan.com>
www.freeocalan.org
International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan – Peace in Kurdistan!”
Press statement, 15 February 2013
Somersault alaturca – Play it again, Sam!
14 years after the abduction of Abdullah Öcalan in an international operation by intelligence services, the Kurdish question in Turkey is more current than ever. Not even this act, undertaken in violation of international law, was able to change this.
At one time declared "Public enemy no 1", today leading Turkish politicians talk about "Imrali" as the authority to negotiate with if the vexed problem is to be resolved.
Imrali, the prison island in the Turkish Marmara Sea on which Abdullah Öcalan is held prisoner, on one hand represents breach of international law, isolation and torture, the arbitrariness of the state and lack of rule of law; on the other hand it is regarded widely as the "driving force" behind a lengthy and bloody process of settlement between the Turkish state and the liberated Kurdish people which does not cease to insist on its civil rights.
This process had already reached an advanced stage in 2011. By order of the Turkish government, a delegation made up of senior officials of the Turkish intelligence service negotiated with the Kurdish leader. Further talks with leading representatives of the Kurdish resistance movement took place in Europe and Northern Iraq. A joint plan, which envisaged mutually dependent steps for the resolution of the Kurdish issue, was agreed and ratified by the Kurdish representatives. The only thing that was missing to initiate the first practical steps was the approval of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish Prime Minister. But Erdoğan backed out: in an unprecedented backwards somersault he chose to ignore what had gone on before. One of the most bloody periods of the Turkish-Kurdish conflict in years followed. Erdoğan used flimsy arguments to justify the military escalation which included intensified military operations against Kurdish guerrilla forces, arrest waves against Kurdish political activists and aggravated repression against the Kurdish civil population.
In December 2012 Erdoğan stated that talks were held again with 'Imrali' to achieve a disarmament of the Kurdish resistance movement. The reaction of the Kurds was restrained. Erdogan's choice of words as well as the emphatic insistence that there was no such thing as a Kurdish question triggered doubts about the seriousness of those talks. Too little information is offered to be able to make a sound evaluation. Only one delegation of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) has been able to visit Abdullah Öcalan. The lawyers of the Kurdish leader, however, have been denied a visit to their client for 15 months now. What is worse, the assassination of three Kurdish women activists in Paris, the hunting down of scattered guerrilla units in the winterly Kurdish mountains and the ongoing arrests of Kurdish politicians certainly to do not build confidence.
For weeks representatives of the government and representatives of the Kurdish movement have been engaged in an exchange of blows in the media in which they are marking the fronts. How serious the Turkish demand is for Kurdish guerrilla forces to hand over their weapons and withdraw from Turkish territory before a political process starts remains to be seen. But a peace process like this does not look very promising. Like in all other peace processes the political causes of the conflict have to be discussed and action for their resolution has to be taken before a demobilisation or similar technical details can be put in place.
However, how strongly Turkey remains committed to its anti-Kurdish doctrine can clearly be observed from its stance on the Syrian civil war where Islamist jihadists instructed by Turkey attack cities in the Kurdish areas in the North. This and the arbitrary repression of the opposition in Turkey provides but little hope that the government intends to take any positive steps. The catastrophic human rights situation and the overcrowded prisons show that Turkey still has a long way to go before it will implement and adhere to rule of law.
Nevertheless the relative importance and potential impact of the talks should not be disregarded. Only through dialogue new paths to a solution can be found. A negotiated settlement cannot be imposed in a unilateral and bureaucratic way, even though it may suit the Turkish Prime Minister to do so. If genuine negotiations are to succeed, it is critical that all relevant parties to the conflict participate equally. Öcalan has once again proven that he, one of the architects of a political solution, is a major player in this process. His proactive role is the driving force behind the process which Turkey now feels obliged to follow. For that reason he has to be fully supported in any possible way. Transferring him to house arrest could be a first step. From the vantage point of history, his release is merely a matter of time.
International Initiative “Freedom for Abdullah Ocalan – Peace in Kurdistan!”
PO Box 100511, D-50445 Cologne, info@freedom-for-ocalan, www.freedom-for-ocalan.com <http://www.freedom-for-ocalan.com>
www.freeocalan.org
Kurdish News Weekly Briefing, 8 - 14 February 2013
1. Turkey-Kurds talks a positive, but first, step that must remain focused
6 February 2013 / GUE/NGL Group
"We fully support the courageous move towards dialogue between the Turkish government and imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan" said German GUE/NGL MEP Jürgen Klute in today's European Parliament debate on the Kurdish issue in Turkey.
"The talks have generated high hopes for a peaceful solution but the negotiations are just a first step on road to peaceful solution" he said. "This should not be about power games, it must be about peaceful solutions, either everyone wins or everyone loses."
http://www.guengl.eu/news/article/gue-ngl-news/turkey-kurds-talks-a-positive-but-first-step-that-must-remain-focused
2. Barack Obama applauds peace talks
10 February 2013 / Mesop
US President Barack Obama said he believes Turkey’s efforts to try to resolve the three-decade conflict with Kurdish rebels will lead to “real progress,” according to remarks published in a Turkish newspaper on Sunday.
“I applaud Prime Minister (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan’s efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to a struggle that has caused so much pain and sorrow,” he told the Milliyet newspaper, referring to negotiations launched last year between Ankara and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). “I believe that the proactive measures that the Turkish government is undertaking can lead to real progress,” he said, according to a copy of Obama’s comments in English provided by the newspaper.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/02/10/barack-obama-applauds-peace-talks-milliyet/
3. They are a hundred years late in talking with the Kurds: BDP co-chair
9 February 2013 / Hurriyet
The Peace and Democracy Party co-chair vowed his support once again to the peace process engaged between the government and the Kurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK) jailed leader Abdullah Öcalan during a speech in a meeting in Ağrı on Feb. 9, adding that the talks were initiated far too late. "They are 14 years late in going to İmralı. They are one hundred years late in talking with Kurds," Selahattin Demirtaş said, referring to the island where the PKK leader has been imprisoned since 1999. Demirtaş also stressed that they will not give up pursuing rights in their mother tongue, expressing his hopes that education in Kurdish becomes a reality.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/they-are-a-hundred-years-late-in-talking-with-the-kurds-bdp-co-chair.aspx?pageID=238&nID=40789&NewsCatID=338
4. Ruling party seeks BDP’s aid for charter
10 February 2013 / Hurriyet
A rapprochement between the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP) aimed at building a new constitution together in case of disagreement within the joint charter panel has become more and more likely as the BDP has put forward four conditions as sine qua non for such an agreement. A re-definition of citizenship, the lifting of all restrictions on the usage of mother tongue in the public sphere, strengthening local administrations and securing full freedom of faith are the BDP’s four conditions to take “a joint step” with the AKP, BDP deputy Parliamentary Group Chair Pervin Buldan told the Hürriyet Daily News on Feb. 10.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ruling-party-seeks-bdps-aid-for-charter-.aspx?pageID=238&nID=40830&NewsCatID=338
5. BDP offers founding ‘regional assemblies’
8 February 2013 / Hurriyet
The Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), known to have attributed significant importance to the strengthening of local administrations as a means of resolving the Kurdish issue, has proposed the establishment of “autonomous regional assemblies.” The BDP’s proposal came Feb. 7 at a meeting of a sub-commission of Parliament’s Constitution Reconciliation Commission, during which the article covering local administrations was debated. According to the BDP’s proposal, there will be both central and local administrations in the country with 20 separate autonomous regional assemblies taking office through elections. Provided they remain within the framework of the Constitution, they will be able to impose taxes and adopting laws.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bdp-offers-founding-regional-assemblies.aspx?pageID=238&nid=40766
6. Indictment against KESK approved
13 February 2013 / ANF
Ankara 13th High Criminal Court has approved the indictment against 72 members of the Confederation of Public Laborer's Unions (KESK) and unions affiliated to it, who were arrested in a so-called KCK (Kurdish Communities Union) operation in June 2012.
The Ankara centered “KCK /Democratic Labor Platform (DEMEP)” operation on 25 June 2012 was simultaneously carried out in eight provinces, Ankara, Diyarbakır, İstanbul, Ağrı, Bitlis, Siirt, Adana and Eskişehir. The operation ended up with the detention of 72 union members, including KESK General Chairperson Lami Özgen, Tüm Bel-Sen Secretary İzzettin Alpergin, Eğitim Sen Secretary Mehmet Bozgeyik as well as many executives and members of primary unions.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/news/indictment-against-kesk-approved.htm
7. Set journalists free in Turkey: EFJ campaign update
14 January 2013 / Peace in Kurdistan Campaign
The latest news from the European Federation of Journalists’ (EFJ) international campaign to set free all journalists in Turkey.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/set-journalists-free-in-turkey-efj-campaign-update-12/
8. Fifteen Kurds arrested in Paris
12 February 2013 / ANF
Fifteen Kurds have been taken into custody in the French cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse on Tuesday, French news agency AFP has reported.
The operation was reportedly carried out in the scope of an investigation led by anti-terror prosecutor for alleged “attempt to fundraising to provide financial support to PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party)”. The investigation is said to have been launched in March 2012.
The operation against Kurds coincides with Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu's visit to France where he has met his counterpart Laurant Fabius today. Many other earlier operations against Kurds living in France had similarly come before or after talks between Turkish and French authorities.
http://en.firatajans.com/news/news/fifteen-kurds-arrested-in-paris.htm
9. Syrian Kurds-Arab Opposition Discuss Ceasefire In Serekaniye
9 February 2013 / Rudaw
The Kurdish Supreme Committee (KSC) wants a joint civil administration under its guardianship, the removal of all armed elements and free travel between Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain) as conditions for a ceasefire in the war-stricken city, Kurdish sources said.
On Tuesday, the KSC leadership held a meeting with a delegation from the Syrian opposition in thenortheastern Syrian city to end fighting between the Kurds and the larger -- mostly-Arab -- opposition to the Damascus regime. The Arab delegation, led by the prominent Syrian opposition figure Michel Kilo, arrived in Serekaniye under the name of The National Committee for Civil Peace Protection to discuss the fighting between rebels of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and forces of the Kurdish Popular Protection Committees (YPG).
http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5725.html
10. Negotiations Fail Between Kurds And Syrian Opposition
7 February 2013 / Al Monitor
Negotiations led by Syrian opposition member Michel Kilo between Kurdish fighters in Ras al-Ain, near the Turkish border, and Free Syrian Army (FSA) leadership have failed to reach a settlement, according to Kurdish parties and websites. Kilo, along with other representatives of the National Coalition to Protect the Civil Peace, is mediating between the parties in order to end the fighting. This move has been described as “a step forward towards national reconciliation” between the two parties. At the beginning of his meeting with the Kurdish Supreme Committee on Feb. 5, Kilo said “our visit is to resolve the crisis and a major problem,” a reference to the ongoing clashes that have raged for months between Kurdish fighters, FSA groups and other battalions of the Ghuraba al-Sham, who are said to be close to al-Qaeda.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2013/02/kurd-syrian-opposition-negotiations.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=6105#ixzz2KODqLvnx
11. Political operation in Europe, military operation in Turkey
13 February 2013 / ANF
At least 23 Kurds have been taken into custody in France and Spain on Tuesday. The operations which target the political activities of Kurds are being coordinated by the French state which have arrested hundreds of Kurds for political reasons in the scope of the security cooperation agreement it made with Turkey in October 2011.
According to updated reports, 17 Kurds were into custody in the French cities of Bordeaux and Toulouse yesterday. The operation, ordered by anti-terror prosecutors and carried out by police forces, was reportedly conducted in the scope of an investigation launched against Kurds in March 2012 for alleged “attempt to fundraising to provide financial support to PKK (Kurdistan Workers Party)".
http://en.firatajans.com/news/news/political-operation-in-europe-military-operation-in-turkey.htm
12. The Kurds Got Me
8 February 2013 / Huffington Post
Darfur got George Clooney. Haiti got Sean Penn. Cambodia got Angelina Jolie. The Syrian Kurds got me, Sarah Wayne Callies. That is the simplest and most direct metric I know to convey how bad it is for them right now. Other major humanitarian disasters have garnered the attention and sponsorship of Academy Award winning actors, and the Kurds, God bless them, landed themselves a television actress who won the award for drama in college. Things are not good in Domiz camp, across the border from Syria in northern Iraq. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you just went twelve rounds with Floyd Mayweather. The camp was built for the 5,000 people they expected to seek refuge in it, and that was sufficient until August of last year when hundreds of refugees started arriving every day. The most conservative estimate I heard of Domiz camp's current population is 42,000 souls.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-wayne-callies/the-kurds-got-me_b_2646656.html?view=screen
13. Winners, losers of Turkey’s bid to solve the Kurdish question
9 February 2013 / Hurriyet
While Turkey has been taking baby steps to solve its long-standing Kurdish question, the Turkish government’s still unripe move has appeared to trigger a domino effect that might have both regional actors and global heavyweights considering shifting their stance in their foreign policies. Amid the quarrel over the second visit to outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan on an Istanbul island where he has been serving a life sentence, the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) released last week a statement in which the group slammed both the Syrian government and rebels for attacks targeting Kurds in Syria, while warning of a “Turkey-engineered Arab-Kurdish Civil War” in the country. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/winners-losers-of-turkeys-bid-to-solve-the-kurdish-question.aspx?pageID=238&nID=40762&NewsCatID=470
14. Economic Genocide Against Kurds, Turkish author reveals the plan of the Kurdish economic genocide
7 February 2013 / Roj Helat
The Turkish writer and journalist, Oral Uzkuray considered the “draft law on prohibition of the terrorist financing” as an “economic genocide” against Kurds. Uzkuray noted that their goal is to break down the Kurds economically and financially in Turkey. He said “the Kurdish businessmen killed in their homes, one after the other in the 90’s. Now they have decided to solve the problem with their plan through the use of Nazi’s guidelines”.
Turkish parliament’s justice committee, approved the “draft law on prohibition of the terrorist financing” a few days ago. If the draft becomes law, without the prosecution order, and under government’s order a “special commission” of bureaucrats is formed who can seize the opposition property and wealth on the pretext of supporting terrorism. Article 2 of the law states “there is no need a court order for sentences”.
http://rojhelat.info/en/?p=5063
15. Laws are not just words on paper
14 February 2013 / Hurriyet
Justice Minister Sadullah Ergin has submitted the so called “fourth judicial package,” which aims to bring Turkey’s penal code up to European standards, for approval by the government. If the package is accepted and passed by Parliament this will be a major achievement for the government.Turkey’s human rights record and the deficiencies in its democracy remains under international and domestic scrutiny today, despite Prime Minister Erdoğan’s claim that there have been marked improvements in these areas since his Justice and Development Party (AKP) came to power in 2002.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/laws-are-not-just-words-on-paper.aspx?pageID=238&nID=41064&NewsCatID=416
16. Opposition Leader Says ‘Turkey Wants to Harm the Kurdish Cause’ in Syria
8 February 2013 / Rudaw
Abdulhakim Bashar, the first president of the Kurdish National Council (KNC) and the secretary of the Kurdish Democratic Party in Syria (Al Party), who directs his party from Erbil, accuses Turkey of supporting Arab fighters against the Kurds in Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain). He told Rudaw that by doing so Turkish intelligence wants to harm the Kurdish cause, but that by backing radical Islamists on its border Turkey is threatening its own future security.
Rudaw: Why have the Arab fighters directed their heavy weapons towards Serekaniye? Does capturing Remelan have something to do with attaching Serekaniye (Ras al-Ain)?
Abdulhakeem Bashar: Serekaniye is an alarm that shows the existence of groups that are hostile toward the Kurds and want to eliminate their cause. Some terrorist groups have come to Serekaniye after the withdrawal of the Syrian regime from that town. They are easing the pressure on the Syrian regime.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/interview/5723.html
"Lawyers on Trial in Turkey: Implications for Establishing Peace and Justice" 28 Feb. 6.30-8pm
Peace in Kurdistan Campaign supported by the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers,
European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH) and CAMPACC
Public Meeting
"Lawyers on Trial in Turkey: Implications for Establishing Peace and Justice"
Thursday, 28 February, 6.30-8pm
Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, SW1
IMPORTANT Please try and arrive at 6pm to make sure you leave enough time to get through security
Hosted by Siobhain McDonagh MP
Speakers: Michael Mansfield QC, President of the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers
Prof Bill Bowring, President of the European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH)
Melanie Gingell, barrister Tooks Chambers and member of the Bar Human Rights Committee: observed hearings in Turkey on 6 November 2012 and 3 January 2013
Margaret Owen OBE, barrister and member of the Bar Human Rights Committee: observed hearings in Turkey on 16 July 2012 and 6 November 2012
Chaired by Ali Has, Solicitor Advocate
To be a lawyer in modern Turkey is to enter an increasingly high risk profession. Many human rights lawyers in Turkey now languish in jail following repeated raids by anti-terror police and special operations squads on the offices of political activists and the arrest of lawyers for representing their clients.
Not only lawyers are now facing repression, but the whole of Kurdish civil society, including journalists, academics, artists and elected politicians of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), making normal public life impossible in Turkey today.
The continuing mass arrests and mass trials of lawyers are a stain on the entire Turkish society and undermines the credibility of the political system as a whole. They call into question Turkey’s claim to be an open democratic state governed by the rule of law and where the legal system is free of political interference.
The root of the problem lies in the country’s anti-terrorism law whose sweeping definition of what constitutes a terrorist suspect has led to lawyers being criminalised for going about what are their normal professional duties. It is a truly nightmarish situation where lawyers can face prosecution simply for representing their clients. They have been criminalised for alleged links with banned terrorist groups and have become suspect though guilt by association as they have sought to carry out their duties to their clients who are deemed to be terrorist suspects by the state.
At the present time hopes of political breakthrough in the search for a solution to the Kurdish conflict have been growing as Turkish leaders seem ready to enter into serious talks with Kurdish leaders, a development that would have been totally unthinkable only a few months ago. Nevertheless it is hard to see how these talks can ever succeed while Turkey is intent on criminalising great swathes of its population including leading members of its legal profession.
It is feared that normal democratic politics will never take lasting root in Turkey until the government reforms its draconian anti-terrorism laws which ensure that a climate of fear dominates political life and the entire culture.
European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH) and CAMPACC
Public Meeting
"Lawyers on Trial in Turkey: Implications for Establishing Peace and Justice"
Thursday, 28 February, 6.30-8pm
Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster, SW1
IMPORTANT Please try and arrive at 6pm to make sure you leave enough time to get through security
Hosted by Siobhain McDonagh MP
Speakers: Michael Mansfield QC, President of the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers
Prof Bill Bowring, President of the European Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH)
Melanie Gingell, barrister Tooks Chambers and member of the Bar Human Rights Committee: observed hearings in Turkey on 6 November 2012 and 3 January 2013
Margaret Owen OBE, barrister and member of the Bar Human Rights Committee: observed hearings in Turkey on 16 July 2012 and 6 November 2012
Chaired by Ali Has, Solicitor Advocate
To be a lawyer in modern Turkey is to enter an increasingly high risk profession. Many human rights lawyers in Turkey now languish in jail following repeated raids by anti-terror police and special operations squads on the offices of political activists and the arrest of lawyers for representing their clients.
Not only lawyers are now facing repression, but the whole of Kurdish civil society, including journalists, academics, artists and elected politicians of the Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), making normal public life impossible in Turkey today.
The continuing mass arrests and mass trials of lawyers are a stain on the entire Turkish society and undermines the credibility of the political system as a whole. They call into question Turkey’s claim to be an open democratic state governed by the rule of law and where the legal system is free of political interference.
The root of the problem lies in the country’s anti-terrorism law whose sweeping definition of what constitutes a terrorist suspect has led to lawyers being criminalised for going about what are their normal professional duties. It is a truly nightmarish situation where lawyers can face prosecution simply for representing their clients. They have been criminalised for alleged links with banned terrorist groups and have become suspect though guilt by association as they have sought to carry out their duties to their clients who are deemed to be terrorist suspects by the state.
At the present time hopes of political breakthrough in the search for a solution to the Kurdish conflict have been growing as Turkish leaders seem ready to enter into serious talks with Kurdish leaders, a development that would have been totally unthinkable only a few months ago. Nevertheless it is hard to see how these talks can ever succeed while Turkey is intent on criminalising great swathes of its population including leading members of its legal profession.
It is feared that normal democratic politics will never take lasting root in Turkey until the government reforms its draconian anti-terrorism laws which ensure that a climate of fear dominates political life and the entire culture.
Saturday 9 February 2013
Kurdish News Weekly Briefing, 25 January - 1 February 2013
1. Çetin shades some lights on Paris killings
29 January 2013 / Kurdish Institute
Journalist Ferda Çetin wrote in Yeni Özgür Politika daily about an important document which sheds some light on the Turkish government's role in the killings of three Kurdish politicians in Paris, Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement. Ferda Çetin writes about an "award regulation" the Turkish government allegedly issued last year and involving 50 leading members of the PKK, 20 of which are in Europe. “According to the regulation presented to the Prime Minister, the murderer of Sakine Cansız and two her comrades would need to be paid 4 million TL. Whom did the Turkish government give this money to? What was Ömer Güney's share in this money?”, asked Çetin.
http://kurdishinstitute.be/english/human_rights/7824-cetin-shades-some-lights-on-paris-killings.html
2. Turkey approves court reform, addressing Kurdish demand
25 January 2013 / Reuters
Turkey's parliament passed a law late on Thursday allowing defendants to speak Kurdish in court, addressing a key demand of Kurdish politicians as Ankara seeks to advance peace talks with the jailed rebel leader of a 28-year-old insurgency.
Kurdish and nationalist deputies clashed verbally and nearly came to blows during a tense debate over a reform seen aimed at breaking a deadlock in trials of hundreds of people accused of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/us-turkey-kurds-idUSBRE90O0BA20130125
3. PKK not ready to disarm, says official
25 January 2013 / Kurdistan Tribune
A PKK spokesperson today dismissed reports that the PKK is ready to lay down its weapons. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmet Deniz told Halwati newspaper that the PKK Armed Council is unhappy with Turkish media reports claiming that a four-point agreement was reached in recent talks between jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the MIT (Turkish intelligence) which included a commitment for the PKK to immediately disarm. Dinez said this was an attempt by the Turkish state to dismantle the whole PKK organisation.
http://kurdistantribune.com/2013/pkk-not-ready-disarm-says-official/
4. Kurdish militants dismiss Turkey withdrawal reports
31 January 2013 / Reuters
Kurdish militants said on Thursday media reports that its fighters had agreed to withdraw from Turkey as part of a peace pact to end their 28-year-old insurgency were lies and part of a psychological war.
The Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas had agreed to withdraw to northern Iraq, where the group is based, by March 21 as part of peace talks with the PKK's jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan which started late last year.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/31/us-turkey-kurds-idUSBRE90U10920130131
5. Turkey – Sentencing of four Human Rights Association (İHD) members
25 January 2013 / Mesop
On 24 January 2013, four human rights defenders who are lawyers and members of the Ankara Branch of İnsan Haklari Derneği (Human Rights Association – İHD) were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 to 7 years and 6 months, on charges of being a member of “an armed, illegal organisation”. İHD is a non-governmental human rights organization founded in 1986, with approximately 34 local branches around the country.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/01/26/mesop-flash-turkey-sentencing-of-four-human-rights-association-ihd-members/
6. Over twenty thousands rights violations registered
30 January 2013 / ANF
Human Rights Association (IHD) Diyarbakir Branch has presented the Kurdish region rights violations report for the year 2012. According to the report, 21,107 rights violations were registered in the region in 2012, revealing a substantial increase in right violations in prison and in the number of deaths in clashes. Speaking at the press conference on the report, IHD Diyarbakır Branch Secretary Raci Bilici said right violations in the Kurdish region were a consequence of the deadlock in the Kurdish question and called on the government to progress the dialogue process in a more effective way. Bilici pointed out that the unending military operations and security policies of the government have dragged the whole Kurdish region into a war environment. Bilici remarked that the clashes and deaths in 2012 have doubled the figures of previous years.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/human-rights/over-twenty-thousands-rights-violations-registered.htm
7. Bianet Report Reveals Judicial Reform Deficits
28 January 2013 / Bianet
68 journalists and 27* publishers entered 2013 behind bars in Turkey. Several campaigns have been held throughout the country, dozens of lawsuits have been filed in order to demand fair trials for jailed journalists.
In 2011, 104 journalists were jailed in Turkey. In July 2012, the Turkish government implemented judicial reforms - known as 3. Judicial Reform Package in Turkish - which partially reduced the number of jailed journalists.
Overall in 2012, 22 journalists and 2 publishers have been arrested for "terrorism" according to relevant articles of Turkish Penal Code. Various Turkish courts sentenced 24 individuals to a total of 214 years 11 months and 15 days of prison, while 1 journalist received life sentence.
http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/143941-bianet-report-reveals-judicial-reform-deficits
8. Turkey criticized for lack of press freedom
25 January 2013 / Hurriyet
Turkey has been criticized for its media freedom stature according to a report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). “The high number of journalists imprisoned, detained or prosecuted has a paralyzing effect on its media environment,” the report read, while the country was said to have “more journalists in detention than any other State in the world.” “In April 2012, as many as 95 journalists were in jail awaiting trial or serving sentences after being convicted,” the report read, adding that the number has increased since.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-criticized-for-lack-of-press-freedom.aspx?pageID=238&nID=39793&NewsCatID=339
9. Turkey Scrambles to Avoid International Financial Blacklist
26 January 2013 / AINA
Turkey is scrambling to push through a long-awaited anti-terrorism financing law before a deadline next month to avoid being expelled from an international watchdog and placed on its blacklist alongside Iran and North Korea.
Turkey is already on a "grey list" of countries drawn up by the 36-member Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a money-laundering watchdog, for not implementing the legislation required by its members despite pressing Ankara for years.
The FATF has warned Turkey if it does not pass the necessary legislation, which would allow alleged "terrorist" accounts to be frozen without a court order, by Feb. 22, it will be expelled as a member of the group and blacklisted.
Such a move could restrict foreign activity with Turkish banks, hamper Turkey's ability to raise funds abroad and could affect its credit rating, which received a boost last year when Fitch raised the country to investment grade.
http://www.aina.org/news/20130125195115.htm
10. BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization Congress began
26 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
The BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization 2nd Ordinary Congress began with the motto of "Let's evolve the negotiation process into solution". Speaking in the opening of the congress, which thousands of people participated into, the BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Co-chair Zübeyde Zümrüt, "If the AKP(JDP) government is sincere on the solution of Kurdish issue, then it will give up from the military and politicial operations," called on. The BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization 2nd Ordinary Congress began with the motto of "Let's evolve the negotiation process into solution" in Seyrantepe Closed Sport Center. One minute silcence has been held for people, who lost their lives in the struggle of freedom and democracy.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338429
11. MP Ucer: The terrorist is the state
27 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
A massive visit was made to the condolence tent being set for the HPG (People's Defense Forces) member Kenan Koçak (Zerdeşt Derik), who lost his life in a clash on 25 January. Speaking in the visit the BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Van Parliamentarian Ozdal Ucer, "AKP government sees Kurdish people as 'terrorist'. But we say the only terrorist is the state," said. The BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Van Provincal Organization organized a massive visit to the condolence tent being set for the HPG (People's Defense Forces) member Kenan Koçak (Zerdeşt Derik), who lost his life in a clash on 25 January.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338550
12. 'Dear Ocalan says that without Kurds' liberation, Turkey won't liberate'
27 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
Speaking in the BDP Mardin Provincal Congress the DTK Co-chair Ahmet Turk gave information about the meeting he made with PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan and said, "Dear Ocalan says these: 'I don't want our people to strangle each other. But when some deny Kurdish people, what can I do? Without Kurdish people liberate, Turkish people won't liberate. When a attitude doesn't come to Kurdish people on the base of justice and equality, what can I do? All the demands take base the justice and equality unity of Kurdish and Turkish people.' The expectation is this. And aslo we are supporting these efforts of Dear Ocalan all the way," said.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338559
13. Set journalists free in Turkey: EFJ campaign update
31 January 2013 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
The latest update from the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) international campaign to set free all journalists in Turkey.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/set-journalists-free-in-turkey-efj-campaign-update-11/
14. New edition of the Spokesman on the Kurdish Question in Turkey – out now
30 January 2012 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
See link below for full contents and how to order a copy.
In December 2012, many Kurds, some Turks and various others gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels to consider ‘The Kurdish Question in Turkey’. The conference was sponsored by the United European Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) political group, with support from Greens and Socialists. It included two prominent Kurds, Leyla Zana, now a member of the Turkish Parliament, who was previously imprisoned there, and Zübeyir Aydar of the KNK, who participated in the aborted negotiations with the Turkish intelligence services (the so-called ‘Oslo Process’) that ceased in 2011. We publish their papers here, alongside Ayse’s own statement from prison on receiving an award from Turkish PEN, part of an international organisation which supports persecuted authors. Our Dossier section includes eyewitness accounts from some of the KCK trials.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/new-edition-of-the-spokesman-on-the-kurdish-question-in-turkey-out-now/
15. News Briefing and Activities in West Kurdistan and Syria
1 February 2013 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
Latest news briefing from the Information and Relations Centre of the PYD:
Attitudes and reactions of the political parties towards the attacks on Serê Kaniyê
National Coordination Body In Syria: We strongly condemn the conduct of the armed groups in Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo – The National Coordination Assembly in Syria condemned in a statement the extremist conduct of the armed goups in Serê Kaniyê. The statement explained: “our people in Serê Kaniyê are exposed to an armed campaign coming from both outside the border as well as from the inside. These attacks have intensified since the sixteenth of this month with the goal of raising the sectarian problems between the components of the Syrian fabric, and also to stir unrest and chaos in the region.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/news-briefing-and-activities-in-west-kurdistan-and-syria/
16. Militants in Syria intensify attacks on Kurds
26 January 2013 / Press TV
Foreign-backed militants in Syria have stepped up their deadly attacks on Syrian Kurds in northeastern Syria near the Turkish border, Press TV reports. On Tuesday, at least 56 people were reported to have been killed in a week of fighting between the militants, using tanks and mortars, and the Kurds, who make up almost ten percent of Syria’s population. The militants also clashed with the Kurds near the southeastern Turkish town of Ceylanpinar which borders the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain in the Hasaka province.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/01/26/285546/militants-in-syria-target-kurds/
17. Video: Kurds increasingly entangled in Syrian war
24 January 2013 / Al Jazeera
Fighters belonging to the Kurdish minority in Syria are increasingly becoming caught up in the conflict.
One group, The Kurdish Popular Protection Force, is battling the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the town of Ras al-Ain in the north.
The FSA is accusing the Kurds of being Assad's mercenaries.
But the Kurds say they are only protecting their own people.
Al Jazeera's Sue Turton reports from the border between Turkey and Syria.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/01/2013124204226512276.html
18. Syrian Kurds and rebels battle over town
19 January 2013 / LA Times
Syrian rebel and Kurdish militiamen were battling Saturday for control of a northeastern Syrian town in a dramatic illustration of the deep fissures within Syria’s armed opposition. A Kurdish umbrella group, the Kurdish National Council, called Saturday on the rebel leadership to exert influence with its fighters to cease their attack on Ras Ayn, along Syria’s remote northeast border with Turkey.
The Kurdish group demanded that the opposition leadership “put pressure on these armed groups to stop this criminal war, which is detrimental to the principles and objectives of the Syrian revolution.” Whether the request will make any difference remains to be seen. Rebel combatants in Syria are heavily decentralized and generally follow no central command.
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syrian-kurds-and-rebels-battle-over-town-20130119,0,345466.story
19. Opposition Clashes with Kurds Raise Fears of Arab-Kurdish Civil War in Syria
27 January 2013 / Rudaw
Thirty-three fighters have been killed in Syria in fighting between the main opposition and the country’s Kurdish minority in the city of Ras al-Ain (Serekaniye) on the Turkish border, raising warnings of an Arab-Kurdish civil war.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reported the deaths, said that 28 rebels of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the main opposition fighting to topple the regime of President Hafez Assad, and five from the Kurdish Popular Protection Committee (YPG), were killed in last week’s encounter.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5692.html
Geneva Declaration 29 January 2013
30 January 2013 / Support Kurds in Syria
The Syrian International Conference took place in Geneva 28-29 January 2013. The Conference aimed to promote and encourage a real dialogue between the Syrian democratic opposition structures in an open dialogue about the consequences of using violence, the sectarian risks and the future of the democratic project. It would encourage cooperation, coordination and synergies between political parties, civil society and social movement inside Syria, and advance work towards a realistic transitional program, for a civil and democratic State in Syria.
http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013/
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
20. Turkey Cannot Solve PKK Terror Without Solving Kurdish Issue
5 January 2013 / Al Monitor
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has been negotiating with Abdullah Ocalan, the founding head of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) who is serving a life sentence in prison. Turkey's mainstream media has labeled these negotiations “the Imrali process.” This so-called "process" has yet to pave the way for peace negotiations with the PKK. Of course, it is impossible to solve the issue by speaking only with an isolated Ocalan. It is indisputable that there will be no progress unless the negotiation process includes — directly or indirectly — the political and military wings of the Kurdish movement.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/ocalan-erdogan-pkk-terrorism.html <http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/ocalan-erdogan-pkk-terrorism.html>
21. The News They Carried
23 January 2013 / IHT Global Opinion
Last Thursday was a major news day in Turkey, and part of the story was that the Turkish media failed to report a major event in the Kurdish southeast of the country. The day before, the bodies of three women activists, members of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party, or P.K.K., were flown from Paris back to Diyarbakir, the unofficial Kurdish capital of eastern Turkey. The women were murdered in their Paris office earlier this month, presumably to scuttle extraordinary negotiations between the Turkish government and the P.K.K. The head of Turkey's national intelligence service has been discussing with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned former leader of the P.K.K., how to get the group to lay down arms in exchange for better protecting Kurds' rights.
http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/23/turkish-media-wont-report-good-news-about-the-kurds/
22. Erdogan's Kurdish Issues
28 January 2013 / The National Interest
Turkey’s political discussion changes quickly. Yesterday it was mostly Syria. Today it is making peace with Kurds. That has been a boon to prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political standing—at least for the moment.
2012 marked the AKP’s ten-year anniversary as the ruling party, a rare feat in Turkish politics. The party has been one of the few constants in a new, more vital Turkey. But it was a difficult year for Erdogan because of Syria’s unending civil war. After a year of intense criticism over his handling of Syria, including from members of his own party, Erdogan’s political fortunes seemed to be suffering.
http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/erdogans-kurdish-issues-8024#
23. Turkey Seeks 'Interdependence' With Iraqi Kurdistan
23 January 2013 / Al Monitor
As Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to bring a closure to Turkey’s Kurdish issue once and for all, his policy also comes under the scrutiny of the neighboring countries. Turkey has long been vexed by the aspirations for self-determination of the Kurdish people both inside its borders and in neighboring countries. How strange then that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki would complain, as he did on Dec. 31 in an interview with the Someria TV channel, about Turkey's efforts to "divide Iraq" into Arab and Kurdish entities, while pronouncing them a failure.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/turkey-iraq-kurdistan.html
24. Syria’s female revolution
24 January 2013 / Now Media
This article is one of a six-part series on the countries affected by the Arab Spring, two years after the uprisings that are reshaping the Middle East first began. Each piece explores a selected country’s battle for freedom from a different angle. When the Syrian uprising began almost two years ago, women took part in the peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, right alongside men. But as the conflict turned bloody – with regime forces bombarding towns, killing civilians and using rape as a weapon, and with some groups of rebels taking up arms – men came to dominate. Today, many believe that the uprising is becoming increasingly militarized and Islamisized, and that women aren't playing much of a role in the fight. However, there are arenas in which women are very active, and they play an indispensable role in keeping the rebellion strong.
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/reportsfeatures/syrias_female_revolution
PRESS RELEASES
25. Lawyers for Lawyers Press Release: Legal Profession in Turkey under attack - Four lawyers sentenced to long prison terms, 30 January 2013. http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/legal-profession-in-turkey-under-attack/
REPORTS
26. Human Rights Watch World Report 2013: Turkey, 31 January 2013. http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/01/31/turkey-terror-laws-undermine-progress-rights
EVENTS
Sunday 3 February, 2pm
Launch of urgent humanitarian appeal
The Kurdish Red Cross + Crescent will launch their campaign for humanitarian relief and aid for the Kurdish regions of Syria. All welcome.
Venue: Fairfax Hall, KCC, 11 Portland Gardens London N4 1HU
Tuesday 5 February, 7pm-9pm
The crisis of democracy, rights and the state
Socialist Policy Network’s first public event at Westminster, hosted by John McDonnell MP. After the discussion the plan is to create a series of policy working groups with your involvement that will function through the SPN’s network platform. Bill Bowring has posted the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers’ submission to the Commission on a Bill of Rights as part of this plan. You can read it here.
Venue: Harold Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster
Tuesday 5 February, 6.30pm
Meeting with Turkish Cypriot Trade Union, Friends of Cyprus and Association of Cypriot Greek and Turkish Affairs
Hosted by Andy Love MP. The Turkish Cypriot Trade Union delegation are in London to discuss what is happening in northern Cyprus and will be willing to present their views about decisions which are being taken on Cyprus, internationally and in Cyprus itself, the case for the survival of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Venue: Committee Room 6, House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. For further info, contact marysouthcott@hotmail.com <marysouthcott@hotmail.com> , 0117 924 5139 or 077125 11931
Saturday 9 February, 10-5pm
Stop the War International Conference
Confronting war ten years on from the invasion of Iraq. Speakers at this all-day event include: Tariq Ali; Tony Benn; Jeremy Corbyn MP; Brian Eno; Owen Jones; Salma Yaqoob; Mitra Qayoom; and many more.
Venue: Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. For more information on sessions, speakers and how to book, go to www.tenyearson.org.uk <http://www.tenyearson.org.uk> or phone 020 7561 9311. Ticket price £15/£8 Concs.
Wednesday 20 February, 17.30-8pm
The Kurdish population in Turkey. Time for Justice and a roadmap towards reconciliation.
A seminar of the Law Society, arranged in conjunction with Human Rights Watch, will bring together international and Turkish lawyers. Speakers include Emma Sinclair Webb, author of the Human Rights Watch report, Professor Francoise Hampson of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex (who together with her colleague Professor Kevin Boyle received the Liberty “Human Rights Lawyer of the Year” award for her work on the Kurdish cases), and Tahir Elci, President of the Diyarbakir Bar, who was himself involved in many of the ECHR cases, including Ozkan v Turkey, the largest of the village destruction cases to come before the ECHR. 20th February 2013 is in fact the 20th anniversary of the attack on the village of Ormanici which formed the basis of this case.
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Link to the web page on which delegates can register to attend:
https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=37&id=152&orgId=1&&guid=39c1d80e-d801-4cdf-9637-662e206c42ba <https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=37&id=152&orgId=1&&guid=39c1d80e-d801-4cdf-9637-662e206c42ba>
MARCH
Friday 1 – Saturday 2 March
Plaid Cymru Spring Conference
Venue: Beaumaris Leisure Centre, Anglesey.
Tuesday 5 March, 6pm
SEMINAR: Women & the Transformation of Venezuela
A reception followed by a seminar to celebate the advances made by women in Venezuela to mark International Women's Day 2013. Doors will open at 6.00pm for a solidarity reception, when light refreshments & Venezuelan rum tasters will be served, with speakers commencing at 6.30pm, with plenty of time for Q&A plus discussion &bull Emilia Chourio, Special guest from Venezuela on how women are leading the Bolivarian Revolution &bull Professor Doreen Massey, writer, geographer & co-editor, Soundings &bull Sian Errington, researcher, VSC/Women for Venezuela &bull Siobhan Endean, National Officer for Equalities, Unite the Union &bull
It is possible to register on the door but if you wish to reserve your place in advance email vscwomenforvenezuela@yahoo.co.uk <vscwomenforvenezuela@yahoo.co.uk>
Venue: The Discus (Unite House), 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN
Wednesday 6 March,
Plaid Cymru Meeting with leader, Leanne Wood
Plaid Cymru London Branch will be hosting an evening with Leanne Wood AM, where members of the party are invited to come and ask questions.
Venue: London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Grays Inn Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8UE
APRIL
Saturday 20 April, 10.30am-4.30pm
Linking 2Ds: Democracy and Development for Global Peace
Uniting for Peace Spring Conference and AGM 2013. Speakers will explore the relationship between Democracy and Development, and the need for democratic accountability. They will also examine how the development agenda can be given fresh urgency - and how all these can advance just and sustainable global peace.
Speakers: Tony Simpson, Director, Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation; Dr. Thomas Davies, Lecturer, International Politics, City University London; Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats [TBC]; Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace.
Venue: Wesley's Chapel, 49 City Road, London EC1Y 1AU. For more info contact Vijay Mehta: vijay@vmpeace.org <vijay@vmpeace.org> ; Brian Cooper: 0131 446 9545
29 January 2013 / Kurdish Institute
Journalist Ferda Çetin wrote in Yeni Özgür Politika daily about an important document which sheds some light on the Turkish government's role in the killings of three Kurdish politicians in Paris, Sakine Cansız, a co-founder of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), Fidan Doğan, representative of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) in Paris and Leyla Şaylemez, member of the Kurdish youth movement. Ferda Çetin writes about an "award regulation" the Turkish government allegedly issued last year and involving 50 leading members of the PKK, 20 of which are in Europe. “According to the regulation presented to the Prime Minister, the murderer of Sakine Cansız and two her comrades would need to be paid 4 million TL. Whom did the Turkish government give this money to? What was Ömer Güney's share in this money?”, asked Çetin.
http://kurdishinstitute.be/english/human_rights/7824-cetin-shades-some-lights-on-paris-killings.html
2. Turkey approves court reform, addressing Kurdish demand
25 January 2013 / Reuters
Turkey's parliament passed a law late on Thursday allowing defendants to speak Kurdish in court, addressing a key demand of Kurdish politicians as Ankara seeks to advance peace talks with the jailed rebel leader of a 28-year-old insurgency.
Kurdish and nationalist deputies clashed verbally and nearly came to blows during a tense debate over a reform seen aimed at breaking a deadlock in trials of hundreds of people accused of links to the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/25/us-turkey-kurds-idUSBRE90O0BA20130125
3. PKK not ready to disarm, says official
25 January 2013 / Kurdistan Tribune
A PKK spokesperson today dismissed reports that the PKK is ready to lay down its weapons. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ahmet Deniz told Halwati newspaper that the PKK Armed Council is unhappy with Turkish media reports claiming that a four-point agreement was reached in recent talks between jailed PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan and the MIT (Turkish intelligence) which included a commitment for the PKK to immediately disarm. Dinez said this was an attempt by the Turkish state to dismantle the whole PKK organisation.
http://kurdistantribune.com/2013/pkk-not-ready-disarm-says-official/
4. Kurdish militants dismiss Turkey withdrawal reports
31 January 2013 / Reuters
Kurdish militants said on Thursday media reports that its fighters had agreed to withdraw from Turkey as part of a peace pact to end their 28-year-old insurgency were lies and part of a psychological war.
The Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) guerrillas had agreed to withdraw to northern Iraq, where the group is based, by March 21 as part of peace talks with the PKK's jailed leader Abdullah Ocalan which started late last year.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/31/us-turkey-kurds-idUSBRE90U10920130131
5. Turkey – Sentencing of four Human Rights Association (İHD) members
25 January 2013 / Mesop
On 24 January 2013, four human rights defenders who are lawyers and members of the Ankara Branch of İnsan Haklari Derneği (Human Rights Association – İHD) were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 6 to 7 years and 6 months, on charges of being a member of “an armed, illegal organisation”. İHD is a non-governmental human rights organization founded in 1986, with approximately 34 local branches around the country.
http://www.mesop.de/2013/01/26/mesop-flash-turkey-sentencing-of-four-human-rights-association-ihd-members/
6. Over twenty thousands rights violations registered
30 January 2013 / ANF
Human Rights Association (IHD) Diyarbakir Branch has presented the Kurdish region rights violations report for the year 2012. According to the report, 21,107 rights violations were registered in the region in 2012, revealing a substantial increase in right violations in prison and in the number of deaths in clashes. Speaking at the press conference on the report, IHD Diyarbakır Branch Secretary Raci Bilici said right violations in the Kurdish region were a consequence of the deadlock in the Kurdish question and called on the government to progress the dialogue process in a more effective way. Bilici pointed out that the unending military operations and security policies of the government have dragged the whole Kurdish region into a war environment. Bilici remarked that the clashes and deaths in 2012 have doubled the figures of previous years.
http://en.firatnews.com/news/human-rights/over-twenty-thousands-rights-violations-registered.htm
7. Bianet Report Reveals Judicial Reform Deficits
28 January 2013 / Bianet
68 journalists and 27* publishers entered 2013 behind bars in Turkey. Several campaigns have been held throughout the country, dozens of lawsuits have been filed in order to demand fair trials for jailed journalists.
In 2011, 104 journalists were jailed in Turkey. In July 2012, the Turkish government implemented judicial reforms - known as 3. Judicial Reform Package in Turkish - which partially reduced the number of jailed journalists.
Overall in 2012, 22 journalists and 2 publishers have been arrested for "terrorism" according to relevant articles of Turkish Penal Code. Various Turkish courts sentenced 24 individuals to a total of 214 years 11 months and 15 days of prison, while 1 journalist received life sentence.
http://www.bianet.org/english/freedom-of-expression/143941-bianet-report-reveals-judicial-reform-deficits
8. Turkey criticized for lack of press freedom
25 January 2013 / Hurriyet
Turkey has been criticized for its media freedom stature according to a report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). “The high number of journalists imprisoned, detained or prosecuted has a paralyzing effect on its media environment,” the report read, while the country was said to have “more journalists in detention than any other State in the world.” “In April 2012, as many as 95 journalists were in jail awaiting trial or serving sentences after being convicted,” the report read, adding that the number has increased since.
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-criticized-for-lack-of-press-freedom.aspx?pageID=238&nID=39793&NewsCatID=339
9. Turkey Scrambles to Avoid International Financial Blacklist
26 January 2013 / AINA
Turkey is scrambling to push through a long-awaited anti-terrorism financing law before a deadline next month to avoid being expelled from an international watchdog and placed on its blacklist alongside Iran and North Korea.
Turkey is already on a "grey list" of countries drawn up by the 36-member Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a money-laundering watchdog, for not implementing the legislation required by its members despite pressing Ankara for years.
The FATF has warned Turkey if it does not pass the necessary legislation, which would allow alleged "terrorist" accounts to be frozen without a court order, by Feb. 22, it will be expelled as a member of the group and blacklisted.
Such a move could restrict foreign activity with Turkish banks, hamper Turkey's ability to raise funds abroad and could affect its credit rating, which received a boost last year when Fitch raised the country to investment grade.
http://www.aina.org/news/20130125195115.htm
10. BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization Congress began
26 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
The BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization 2nd Ordinary Congress began with the motto of "Let's evolve the negotiation process into solution". Speaking in the opening of the congress, which thousands of people participated into, the BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Co-chair Zübeyde Zümrüt, "If the AKP(JDP) government is sincere on the solution of Kurdish issue, then it will give up from the military and politicial operations," called on. The BDP Diyarbakir Provincal Organization 2nd Ordinary Congress began with the motto of "Let's evolve the negotiation process into solution" in Seyrantepe Closed Sport Center. One minute silcence has been held for people, who lost their lives in the struggle of freedom and democracy.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338429
11. MP Ucer: The terrorist is the state
27 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
A massive visit was made to the condolence tent being set for the HPG (People's Defense Forces) member Kenan Koçak (Zerdeşt Derik), who lost his life in a clash on 25 January. Speaking in the visit the BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Van Parliamentarian Ozdal Ucer, "AKP government sees Kurdish people as 'terrorist'. But we say the only terrorist is the state," said. The BDP (Peace and Democracy Party) Van Provincal Organization organized a massive visit to the condolence tent being set for the HPG (People's Defense Forces) member Kenan Koçak (Zerdeşt Derik), who lost his life in a clash on 25 January.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338550
12. 'Dear Ocalan says that without Kurds' liberation, Turkey won't liberate'
27 January 2013 / Dicle News Agency
Speaking in the BDP Mardin Provincal Congress the DTK Co-chair Ahmet Turk gave information about the meeting he made with PKK Leader Abdullah Ocalan and said, "Dear Ocalan says these: 'I don't want our people to strangle each other. But when some deny Kurdish people, what can I do? Without Kurdish people liberate, Turkish people won't liberate. When a attitude doesn't come to Kurdish people on the base of justice and equality, what can I do? All the demands take base the justice and equality unity of Kurdish and Turkish people.' The expectation is this. And aslo we are supporting these efforts of Dear Ocalan all the way," said.
http://www.diclehaber.com.tr/2/4/1/viewNews/338559
13. Set journalists free in Turkey: EFJ campaign update
31 January 2013 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
The latest update from the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) international campaign to set free all journalists in Turkey.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/set-journalists-free-in-turkey-efj-campaign-update-11/
14. New edition of the Spokesman on the Kurdish Question in Turkey – out now
30 January 2012 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
See link below for full contents and how to order a copy.
In December 2012, many Kurds, some Turks and various others gathered at the European Parliament in Brussels to consider ‘The Kurdish Question in Turkey’. The conference was sponsored by the United European Left/Nordic Green Left (GUE/NGL) political group, with support from Greens and Socialists. It included two prominent Kurds, Leyla Zana, now a member of the Turkish Parliament, who was previously imprisoned there, and Zübeyir Aydar of the KNK, who participated in the aborted negotiations with the Turkish intelligence services (the so-called ‘Oslo Process’) that ceased in 2011. We publish their papers here, alongside Ayse’s own statement from prison on receiving an award from Turkish PEN, part of an international organisation which supports persecuted authors. Our Dossier section includes eyewitness accounts from some of the KCK trials.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/new-edition-of-the-spokesman-on-the-kurdish-question-in-turkey-out-now/
15. News Briefing and Activities in West Kurdistan and Syria
1 February 2013 / Peace in Kurdistan campaign
Latest news briefing from the Information and Relations Centre of the PYD:
Attitudes and reactions of the political parties towards the attacks on Serê Kaniyê
National Coordination Body In Syria: We strongly condemn the conduct of the armed groups in Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo – The National Coordination Assembly in Syria condemned in a statement the extremist conduct of the armed goups in Serê Kaniyê. The statement explained: “our people in Serê Kaniyê are exposed to an armed campaign coming from both outside the border as well as from the inside. These attacks have intensified since the sixteenth of this month with the goal of raising the sectarian problems between the components of the Syrian fabric, and also to stir unrest and chaos in the region.
http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/news-briefing-and-activities-in-west-kurdistan-and-syria/
16. Militants in Syria intensify attacks on Kurds
26 January 2013 / Press TV
Foreign-backed militants in Syria have stepped up their deadly attacks on Syrian Kurds in northeastern Syria near the Turkish border, Press TV reports. On Tuesday, at least 56 people were reported to have been killed in a week of fighting between the militants, using tanks and mortars, and the Kurds, who make up almost ten percent of Syria’s population. The militants also clashed with the Kurds near the southeastern Turkish town of Ceylanpinar which borders the Syrian town of Ras al-Ain in the Hasaka province.
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/2013/01/26/285546/militants-in-syria-target-kurds/
17. Video: Kurds increasingly entangled in Syrian war
24 January 2013 / Al Jazeera
Fighters belonging to the Kurdish minority in Syria are increasingly becoming caught up in the conflict.
One group, The Kurdish Popular Protection Force, is battling the Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the town of Ras al-Ain in the north.
The FSA is accusing the Kurds of being Assad's mercenaries.
But the Kurds say they are only protecting their own people.
Al Jazeera's Sue Turton reports from the border between Turkey and Syria.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/middleeast/2013/01/2013124204226512276.html
18. Syrian Kurds and rebels battle over town
19 January 2013 / LA Times
Syrian rebel and Kurdish militiamen were battling Saturday for control of a northeastern Syrian town in a dramatic illustration of the deep fissures within Syria’s armed opposition. A Kurdish umbrella group, the Kurdish National Council, called Saturday on the rebel leadership to exert influence with its fighters to cease their attack on Ras Ayn, along Syria’s remote northeast border with Turkey.
The Kurdish group demanded that the opposition leadership “put pressure on these armed groups to stop this criminal war, which is detrimental to the principles and objectives of the Syrian revolution.” Whether the request will make any difference remains to be seen. Rebel combatants in Syria are heavily decentralized and generally follow no central command.
http://www.latimes.com/news/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-syrian-kurds-and-rebels-battle-over-town-20130119,0,345466.story
19. Opposition Clashes with Kurds Raise Fears of Arab-Kurdish Civil War in Syria
27 January 2013 / Rudaw
Thirty-three fighters have been killed in Syria in fighting between the main opposition and the country’s Kurdish minority in the city of Ras al-Ain (Serekaniye) on the Turkish border, raising warnings of an Arab-Kurdish civil war.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which reported the deaths, said that 28 rebels of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), the main opposition fighting to topple the regime of President Hafez Assad, and five from the Kurdish Popular Protection Committee (YPG), were killed in last week’s encounter.
http://www.rudaw.net/english/news/syria/5692.html
Geneva Declaration 29 January 2013
30 January 2013 / Support Kurds in Syria
The Syrian International Conference took place in Geneva 28-29 January 2013. The Conference aimed to promote and encourage a real dialogue between the Syrian democratic opposition structures in an open dialogue about the consequences of using violence, the sectarian risks and the future of the democratic project. It would encourage cooperation, coordination and synergies between political parties, civil society and social movement inside Syria, and advance work towards a realistic transitional program, for a civil and democratic State in Syria.
http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013/
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
20. Turkey Cannot Solve PKK Terror Without Solving Kurdish Issue
5 January 2013 / Al Monitor
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s government has been negotiating with Abdullah Ocalan, the founding head of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) who is serving a life sentence in prison. Turkey's mainstream media has labeled these negotiations “the Imrali process.” This so-called "process" has yet to pave the way for peace negotiations with the PKK. Of course, it is impossible to solve the issue by speaking only with an isolated Ocalan. It is indisputable that there will be no progress unless the negotiation process includes — directly or indirectly — the political and military wings of the Kurdish movement.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/ocalan-erdogan-pkk-terrorism.html <http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/ocalan-erdogan-pkk-terrorism.html>
21. The News They Carried
23 January 2013 / IHT Global Opinion
Last Thursday was a major news day in Turkey, and part of the story was that the Turkish media failed to report a major event in the Kurdish southeast of the country. The day before, the bodies of three women activists, members of the militant Kurdistan Workers' Party, or P.K.K., were flown from Paris back to Diyarbakir, the unofficial Kurdish capital of eastern Turkey. The women were murdered in their Paris office earlier this month, presumably to scuttle extraordinary negotiations between the Turkish government and the P.K.K. The head of Turkey's national intelligence service has been discussing with Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned former leader of the P.K.K., how to get the group to lay down arms in exchange for better protecting Kurds' rights.
http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/01/23/turkish-media-wont-report-good-news-about-the-kurds/
22. Erdogan's Kurdish Issues
28 January 2013 / The National Interest
Turkey’s political discussion changes quickly. Yesterday it was mostly Syria. Today it is making peace with Kurds. That has been a boon to prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s political standing—at least for the moment.
2012 marked the AKP’s ten-year anniversary as the ruling party, a rare feat in Turkish politics. The party has been one of the few constants in a new, more vital Turkey. But it was a difficult year for Erdogan because of Syria’s unending civil war. After a year of intense criticism over his handling of Syria, including from members of his own party, Erdogan’s political fortunes seemed to be suffering.
http://nationalinterest.org/commentary/erdogans-kurdish-issues-8024#
23. Turkey Seeks 'Interdependence' With Iraqi Kurdistan
23 January 2013 / Al Monitor
As Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is trying to bring a closure to Turkey’s Kurdish issue once and for all, his policy also comes under the scrutiny of the neighboring countries. Turkey has long been vexed by the aspirations for self-determination of the Kurdish people both inside its borders and in neighboring countries. How strange then that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki would complain, as he did on Dec. 31 in an interview with the Someria TV channel, about Turkey's efforts to "divide Iraq" into Arab and Kurdish entities, while pronouncing them a failure.
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/01/turkey-iraq-kurdistan.html
24. Syria’s female revolution
24 January 2013 / Now Media
This article is one of a six-part series on the countries affected by the Arab Spring, two years after the uprisings that are reshaping the Middle East first began. Each piece explores a selected country’s battle for freedom from a different angle. When the Syrian uprising began almost two years ago, women took part in the peaceful protests against President Bashar al-Assad's regime, right alongside men. But as the conflict turned bloody – with regime forces bombarding towns, killing civilians and using rape as a weapon, and with some groups of rebels taking up arms – men came to dominate. Today, many believe that the uprising is becoming increasingly militarized and Islamisized, and that women aren't playing much of a role in the fight. However, there are arenas in which women are very active, and they play an indispensable role in keeping the rebellion strong.
https://now.mmedia.me/lb/en/reportsfeatures/syrias_female_revolution
PRESS RELEASES
25. Lawyers for Lawyers Press Release: Legal Profession in Turkey under attack - Four lawyers sentenced to long prison terms, 30 January 2013. http://peaceinkurdistancampaign.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/legal-profession-in-turkey-under-attack/
REPORTS
26. Human Rights Watch World Report 2013: Turkey, 31 January 2013. http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/01/31/turkey-terror-laws-undermine-progress-rights
EVENTS
Sunday 3 February, 2pm
Launch of urgent humanitarian appeal
The Kurdish Red Cross + Crescent will launch their campaign for humanitarian relief and aid for the Kurdish regions of Syria. All welcome.
Venue: Fairfax Hall, KCC, 11 Portland Gardens London N4 1HU
Tuesday 5 February, 7pm-9pm
The crisis of democracy, rights and the state
Socialist Policy Network’s first public event at Westminster, hosted by John McDonnell MP. After the discussion the plan is to create a series of policy working groups with your involvement that will function through the SPN’s network platform. Bill Bowring has posted the Haldane Society of Socialist Lawyers’ submission to the Commission on a Bill of Rights as part of this plan. You can read it here.
Venue: Harold Wilson Room, Portcullis House, Westminster
Tuesday 5 February, 6.30pm
Meeting with Turkish Cypriot Trade Union, Friends of Cyprus and Association of Cypriot Greek and Turkish Affairs
Hosted by Andy Love MP. The Turkish Cypriot Trade Union delegation are in London to discuss what is happening in northern Cyprus and will be willing to present their views about decisions which are being taken on Cyprus, internationally and in Cyprus itself, the case for the survival of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Venue: Committee Room 6, House of Commons, Westminster, SW1A 0AA. For further info, contact marysouthcott@hotmail.com <marysouthcott@hotmail.com> , 0117 924 5139 or 077125 11931
Saturday 9 February, 10-5pm
Stop the War International Conference
Confronting war ten years on from the invasion of Iraq. Speakers at this all-day event include: Tariq Ali; Tony Benn; Jeremy Corbyn MP; Brian Eno; Owen Jones; Salma Yaqoob; Mitra Qayoom; and many more.
Venue: Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. For more information on sessions, speakers and how to book, go to www.tenyearson.org.uk <http://www.tenyearson.org.uk> or phone 020 7561 9311. Ticket price £15/£8 Concs.
Wednesday 20 February, 17.30-8pm
The Kurdish population in Turkey. Time for Justice and a roadmap towards reconciliation.
A seminar of the Law Society, arranged in conjunction with Human Rights Watch, will bring together international and Turkish lawyers. Speakers include Emma Sinclair Webb, author of the Human Rights Watch report, Professor Francoise Hampson of the Human Rights Centre at the University of Essex (who together with her colleague Professor Kevin Boyle received the Liberty “Human Rights Lawyer of the Year” award for her work on the Kurdish cases), and Tahir Elci, President of the Diyarbakir Bar, who was himself involved in many of the ECHR cases, including Ozkan v Turkey, the largest of the village destruction cases to come before the ECHR. 20th February 2013 is in fact the 20th anniversary of the attack on the village of Ormanici which formed the basis of this case.
Venue: The Law Society, 113 Chancery Lane, London WC2A 1PL
Link to the web page on which delegates can register to attend:
https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=37&id=152&orgId=1&&guid=39c1d80e-d801-4cdf-9637-662e206c42ba <https://events.lawsociety.org.uk/ClientApps/Silverbear.Web.EDMS/public/default.aspx?tabid=37&id=152&orgId=1&&guid=39c1d80e-d801-4cdf-9637-662e206c42ba>
MARCH
Friday 1 – Saturday 2 March
Plaid Cymru Spring Conference
Venue: Beaumaris Leisure Centre, Anglesey.
Tuesday 5 March, 6pm
SEMINAR: Women & the Transformation of Venezuela
A reception followed by a seminar to celebate the advances made by women in Venezuela to mark International Women's Day 2013. Doors will open at 6.00pm for a solidarity reception, when light refreshments & Venezuelan rum tasters will be served, with speakers commencing at 6.30pm, with plenty of time for Q&A plus discussion &bull Emilia Chourio, Special guest from Venezuela on how women are leading the Bolivarian Revolution &bull Professor Doreen Massey, writer, geographer & co-editor, Soundings &bull Sian Errington, researcher, VSC/Women for Venezuela &bull Siobhan Endean, National Officer for Equalities, Unite the Union &bull
It is possible to register on the door but if you wish to reserve your place in advance email vscwomenforvenezuela@yahoo.co.uk <vscwomenforvenezuela@yahoo.co.uk>
Venue: The Discus (Unite House), 128 Theobalds Road, London, WC1X 8TN
Wednesday 6 March,
Plaid Cymru Meeting with leader, Leanne Wood
Plaid Cymru London Branch will be hosting an evening with Leanne Wood AM, where members of the party are invited to come and ask questions.
Venue: London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Grays Inn Rd, Holborn, London WC1X 8UE
APRIL
Saturday 20 April, 10.30am-4.30pm
Linking 2Ds: Democracy and Development for Global Peace
Uniting for Peace Spring Conference and AGM 2013. Speakers will explore the relationship between Democracy and Development, and the need for democratic accountability. They will also examine how the development agenda can be given fresh urgency - and how all these can advance just and sustainable global peace.
Speakers: Tony Simpson, Director, Bertrand Russell Peace Foundation; Dr. Thomas Davies, Lecturer, International Politics, City University London; Simon Hughes, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats [TBC]; Vijay Mehta, Chair, Uniting for Peace.
Venue: Wesley's Chapel, 49 City Road, London EC1Y 1AU. For more info contact Vijay Mehta: vijay@vmpeace.org <vijay@vmpeace.org> ; Brian Cooper: 0131 446 9545
Briefing News and Activities in West Kurdistan and Syria
Info. and Relations Centre Of Democratic Union Party
info@pydrojava.com <mailto:info@pydrojava.com> www.pydrojava.com <http://www.pydrojava.com/>
Please find the Briefing News and Activities in West Kurdistan and Syria
Attitudes and reactions of the political parties towards the attacks on Serê Kaniyê
National Coordination Body for democratic change In Syria: We strongly condemn the conduct of the armed groups in Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo – The National Coordination Assembly in Syria condemned in a statement the extremist conduct of the armed goups in Serê Kaniyê. The statement explained: "our people in Serê Kaniyê are exposed to an armed campaign coming from both outside the border as well as from the inside. These attacks have intensified since the sixteenth of this month with the goal of raising the sectarian problems between the components of the Syrian fabric, and also to stir unrest and chaos in the region.
The statement called on the Syrian people to reject these terrorist groups and called on the international community, which have turned a blind eye to evidence of direct Turkish backing and involvement, to put pressure on the Turkish government to stop its support for the extremist groups.
Kurdish Left Party: Armed group "Ankara' allies" launch new attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo - The Kurdish Left Party in Syria assumed that the new attacks on Serê Kaniyê reflects the insistence of the Turkish state to implement its repressive on the Kurdish areas. The party called upon the Kurdish people to be vigilant and to prepare for the risks.
A statement issued recently by the party said: "once again the invaders renew their hideous attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê, moreover they are using heavy weapons such as tanks, T 72 model, in a desperate attempt to control the city, and expand their dominance over the rest of the Kurdish areas.
The statement continued "the invaders claim to be targeting only the PYD, however they are targeting all the Kurdish people, and all the Kurdish areas. Serê Kaniyê is not their ultimate goal; they are planning to reach Derbassiyeh ,Amuda, Qamishli, Rimelan and Derik down to Dijle River, and by achieving this they will occupy entire western Kurdistan completing the scheme drawn to them by their masters in Ankara.”
Kurdish Democratic Left Party in Syria condemns the aggression against the city of Serê Kaniyê and appreciates the Kurdish resistance
Qamishlo - In a his speech to Firat news agency, Saleh Geddo the secretary of the Kurdish left Party in Syria condemned what he called the "aggressive attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê in Syria” and he appreciated highly the resistance of the Kurdish protection units against the armed groups.
Kurdish Democratic Left Party announce the ability of its armed group to join the peoples protection units - YPG
Serê Kaniyê: A delegation of the Left Kurdish Party, wing of "Mohamed Moussa" visited the center of the peoples protection units in the city of Serê Kaniyê. The delegation informed the responsible persons in the protection units that their armed young fighters are ready to join the YPG and fight side by side with them against the armed groups who are more frequently attacking civilians and vandalizing the city.
It is worth to mention that a number of the armed men and young men from the Kurdish left party and other Arabs, Chichanians and Kurds have effectively joined the protection units.
Yekiti Kurdistan Party: the role of the Peoples Protection Units is revolutionary and we appreciate it.
The press office of Yekiti Kurdistan Party issued a statement and addressed the public opinion and asserted that the ultimate goal of the armed groups who entered Serê Kaniyê is to evacuate the city and displace its people in the aim of distorting the image of the free Army and the Syrian Revolution.
The statement said that the resistance of the People Protection Units and the other revolutionary battalions is highly valued and they should be supported and be cooperated with as they are playing a national and patriotic role .
12 March movement: we stand in the same row along with the Peoples Protection Units
Amouda - The Movement of 12th March announced in a statement issued recently their supporting and backing of the Peoples Protection Units. The movement called all peoples and parties to stand together along with the Peoples Protection Units, and to support them materially and morally to build a good future for the Kurdish nation.
Rasti movement : Our people has no choice, but to fight for their honor and existence.
Qamishlo – The Rasti Democratic movement issued a statement, calling on all armed Kurdish factions as well as political parties and groups to unite, and stand together in the same trench in order to defend the Kurdish presence and Kurdish areas.
The statement said, "the repeated attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê are clear evidences of blind deep hatred towards our Kurdish people."
Events and results of battles in SereKanye for four days:
Peoples Protection Units blew up of a tank of the armed groups in Abra neighborhood in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê – local sources said fighters of Peoples Protection Units blew up a tank belonging to Armed Groups claiming to be allies of the Free Syrian Army. According to the sources, the armed groups bombed houses and other buildings for two consecutive days using the tank.
Moreover, sources inside the Peoples Protection Units declared that they have previously blown up two other tanks; one of which was stationed near the graveyard in Serê Kaniyê.
Disguised as women, armed groups members flee Serê Kaniyê via Alhasake road
Serê Kaniyê - Firat news agency reporter said that a big number of militants are fleeing the city of Serê Kaniyê wearing women clothes. The reporter said after being targeted and defeated by the protection units they fled on motorcycles and left through the Hasaka road nearby the water purification station.
Peoples Protection Units hit the attacking groups in Kisra village and force them to leave the village
Serê Kaniyê – Peoples Protection Units responded to the attacks of the armed groups on Serê Kaniyê located on the main road Serê Kaniyê-Derbasiyeh. The Kurdish units forced the armed groups to go back after fierce battles ended with many wounded and killed members of the Armed groups.
The Kurdish units discovered explosive barrels set by the armed groups under the bridge of Kisra village in an attempt to destroy it.
A Helicopter bomb Gir Zîro village in Girkê Legê city
Girke Lege – A Syrian helicopter shelled Gir Zîro village with eight shells a week ago. According to sources two of them fell inside the mure of the village school while the other six shells fell outside the village without causing any injuries to the citizens. The source reported that the Protection units responded to the bombing of the helicopter and forced it to withdraw after hitting it.
Clashes continue in Al abra district, the national hospital is still under fire and armed battalions burn the bodies of their dead
Serê Kaniyê - the violent clashes stopped last night between the Peoples Protection Units and the armed groups in the area of Abra. The Peoples protection units intensified their attacks on several points where those groups are stationed, and tightened their grip on the national hospital where some of the leaders of the Armed groups are hiding and where a number of their snipers are statoned.
Two days before, the al abra district had witnessed violent clashes which ended with the killing of the Armed militias. Armed Groups leaders have been burning their killed members, and killed other members who intentionally injured their self to be moved to the Turkish hospitals to flee the fighting.
Turkey in its turn, have sent its allies armed groups huge military reinforcements including tanks and several vehicles like Dushka, and numbers of insurgents.
Alashqar: "leader of an armed group is in a critical condition, and five extremists died when withdrawing from the area of the clashes
Serê Kaniyê –The Peoples Protection Units targeted an armed group stationed in Alabra district. A big number of the militants were killed, among them Alashqar, a leader and very close fellow of Nawaf Albasheer who is the relations coordinator between the Armed groups.According to sources close to the Turkish authorities Alashqar is supposed to be in a critical condition and is being treated in one of the Turkish Hospital. Five other militants were killed when trying to transfer Alashqer to turkey.
Armed groups kill an Arab citizen in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê– Armed groups snipers killed on Sunday evening 13/01/2013 a friend of the Kurdish people, Ahmed Khalifa, as he was on his way from his home in the neighborhood of the station to the roundabout of Hasaka. Khalifa was on his way to visit his children who have been displaced from the region by the armed group since they entered the city.
Kobani - The families of kidnapped victims are demanding the release of their family members.
Kobani – In the seventeenth of January, an armed group kidnapped three buses carrying 45 passengers heading to south Kurdistan.As the buses arrived the outskirts of Serê Kaniyê city, the militants kidnapped them and dragged them to an unknown place.
People of Cinderes denounce the attack of Armed Groups on Serê Kaniyê
Afrin – Kurdish Citizens in Cinderes denounce the attacks on Serê Kaniyê, assuming that attackers intend to target the Kurdish will and existence as most of the Kurdish areas are liberated and evacuated from the Syrian regimes symbols and soldiers.
People in Cinders say that both Syrian And Turkish governments aim to set the components of west Kurdistan against each.
Supreme Kurdish Council held a meeting for traders in the region of Derek
Derik- The Supreme Kurdish Council held a meeting in Dijla center for arts and culture, for the traders and shopkeepers in the Derik area. A big participation of Arabs, Kurds and Assyrians was noticed.
Three Martyrs in Serê Kaniyê, two of them are children from the same family.
Serê Kaniyê - Firat news agency reporter said that three civilians, two children and one adult from one family were killed .
According to an ANF reporter, the armed groups has shelled the district of Ahmed Khan, one shell fell on a house of the Habbash family, which led to the killing of the two children Shehed Hani Abbas 3 years old and her borother 9 years old. Moreover both parents were severely injured. The mother Samah Omer 20 years old and the father Hani Habbash was 65 years old.
The Peoples Protection Units reveal the outcome of the clashes in the Gir Zîro
Qamishlo – People Protection Units has recently revealed the outcome of the clashes occurred in Girrzero village . The statement issued by the Units confirmed the killing of Mohammed Saqer , the commander of the besieged millitary battalion in addition to gaining a lot of equipment belonged to the militias.
The statement said that "as a result of clashes in Gir zîr, our fighters seized a lot of military equipment including:
Tank
Kalashnikov-type weapons - Dushka – P K S - and ammunition
2 mortar 120
1 mortar 82
A number of wireless devices
The statement said :"since the start of the military siege on the battalion, ending with control over the area, fighters of the Democratic Progressive Party played an important part in those gains alongside the People Protection Units"
Battalions of Armed Groups Kill Young mentally disabled man Orhan Heme Mukhtar
Serê Kaniyê – Armed groups belonging to the free syrian Army killed a young mentally disabled man called "Orhan Hame Mukhtyar" in the Kheraba neighborhood in Serê Kaniyê.
The young man was 20 years old. Two of his brothers were fighters in the Popular Defense Forces of Kurdistan and lost their lives in the liberation struggle of Kurdistan.
27 millitants Killed during Clashes in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê - A source close to the People Protection Units confirmed to Firat news agency that 27 members of the Armed groups were killed and dozens of them were injured. The source said that one of the Armed groups commander, close to Nawaf Ragheb al-Bashir Ashqar, deceased in one of the Turkish hospitals in Urfa city , from wounds received fighting in Serê Kaniyê.
Violent Clashes break out in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê - violent clashes broke out at four o'clock in the morning between Protection units and armed groups in Serê Kaniyê.
According to reporters, the clashes took place in the neighborhoods of the National Hospital and the city center around the corner close to the central oven. Grendades were used during the clashes.
Turkmani " Leader of an Armed Group" is in Critical Condition and transferred to Urfa hospital
Serê Kaniyê - Turkish ambulances have relocated Alturkmani to a Turkish hospital in Orfa. Medical sources from the hospital of Urfa reported that Alturkmani suffers from serious injuries and lies in the intensive care unit in the hospital.
Dead and wounded between armed groups in military operations
Serê Kaniyê – several militants were killed and others were wounded during simultaneous and sudden unannounced operations launched by the People protection units which targeted several points where the extremist militias were stationed, mostly from snipers in Abre neighborhood. On the other hand, reliable sources confirmed that the millitias burned the body of their killed members, which are probably Turks commanders and fighters.
Turkish Government Expel Immigrants Coming from Serê Kaniyê
Derbassiyeh - The Turkish government arrested yesterday a large number of Kurdish citizens who had fled from the city of Serê Kaniyê, who were evacuated and displaced by the armed groups. The Kurdish citizens were forced to choose either to stay in very vulnerable camps or to be deported to Serekanye.
Youths and Men of Tel Helef Express their Readiness to Fight Armed Groups
Serê Kaniyê – Local sources from Tel Helef village, lies 2 km far from the city of Serê Kaniyê, said that youths and men of the village are preparing for fighting against the armed groups who attempt to attack their village. The citizens receive military training and some weapons to defend themselves and their village against the Armed groups.
A Kurdish Citizen Killed by Militants of the Free Army in Sherawa Area:
Afrin - Kurdish citizen, Adnan Jammu Nabo, 60 years old was killed as he received a bullet, fired by a sniper of Armed group , while walking around with his cousin in the mountains of the area.
Residents of Sherawa expressed their dissatisfaction with the behaviors of the free Army groups, and their targeting of unarmed citizens without any logical reason.
Two Intelligence Officers Injured while Trying to Forcibly Enter the Neighborhood of Sheikh Maksoud in Aleppo
Aleppo – Kurdish Security men Asayish have responded to the attempt of the intelligence members " Shabiha" who tried to enter forcibly to the area of Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood, as a result the two members were injured.
Services in Western Kurdistan
Serving commissions in the Supreme Kurdish Council begins distributing aids in Qamishlo.
Qamishlo – Commission of services started distributing aids to families in Qamisho city. The distribution included flour and also fuel arrived a few days ago as a campaign aid sent it from southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
According to the Service Commission in the Supreme Kurdish Council, the amount of material that reached the city of Qamishli is 125 thousand tons of flour. The amount of diesel fuel that reached the city is 250 thousand liters. The Commission added that the amount that reached Qamishlo can cover the need of five thousand families ;while the estimated number of families in the city of Qamishlo is about fifty thousand families.
Service Committees in Raju Area Distributes Gas Cylinders to Citizens
Afrin - in a series of events and activities carried out by the service commissions of the Council in Raju, the fuel committee distributed gas cylinders on citizens according to tables by the family card.
The service committee distributed thousands of Gas cylinder to the nominal sequential scheduled by the family card, which was established by the Commission. This distribution campaign covered all villages in the area in a balanced and fair manner.
Physicians of Girke Lege City Organizes Daily Tours to check the Civilians Barriers:
Girkê Legê - a group of doctors in the city of Girke Lege organize daily visits to inspect the barriers of civilians, in a respond to the recent situation in the region, especially after system attacks on the People Protection Units while sieging Gir Zîro.
A group of medical staff provided the barriers guards with initial preparations for treating wounds and injuries in case any clashes occurred .
Kurdish Women in Amude and Derbassiyeh Denounce the Attacks of Millitias at the Kurdish City:
Kurdish women in Derbassiyeh and Amouda expressed their opinions about the attacks on western Kurdistan. Faiza Younis a representative of the Peace Mother Organization, said: "Invading Serê Kaniyê has a special significance. The city has been targeted by the Turkish government”. Younis called the Kurdish people not to leave Serê Kaniyê city and expressed appreciation of the resistance of the People Protection Units who act heroically in defense of their areas. Tens of women expressed their support for the People Protection Units during demonstrations in both cities.
info@pydrojava.com <mailto:info@pydrojava.com> www.pydrojava.com <http://www.pydrojava.com/>
Please find the Briefing News and Activities in West Kurdistan and Syria
Attitudes and reactions of the political parties towards the attacks on Serê Kaniyê
National Coordination Body for democratic change In Syria: We strongly condemn the conduct of the armed groups in Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo – The National Coordination Assembly in Syria condemned in a statement the extremist conduct of the armed goups in Serê Kaniyê. The statement explained: "our people in Serê Kaniyê are exposed to an armed campaign coming from both outside the border as well as from the inside. These attacks have intensified since the sixteenth of this month with the goal of raising the sectarian problems between the components of the Syrian fabric, and also to stir unrest and chaos in the region.
The statement called on the Syrian people to reject these terrorist groups and called on the international community, which have turned a blind eye to evidence of direct Turkish backing and involvement, to put pressure on the Turkish government to stop its support for the extremist groups.
Kurdish Left Party: Armed group "Ankara' allies" launch new attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê
Qamishlo - The Kurdish Left Party in Syria assumed that the new attacks on Serê Kaniyê reflects the insistence of the Turkish state to implement its repressive on the Kurdish areas. The party called upon the Kurdish people to be vigilant and to prepare for the risks.
A statement issued recently by the party said: "once again the invaders renew their hideous attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê, moreover they are using heavy weapons such as tanks, T 72 model, in a desperate attempt to control the city, and expand their dominance over the rest of the Kurdish areas.
The statement continued "the invaders claim to be targeting only the PYD, however they are targeting all the Kurdish people, and all the Kurdish areas. Serê Kaniyê is not their ultimate goal; they are planning to reach Derbassiyeh ,Amuda, Qamishli, Rimelan and Derik down to Dijle River, and by achieving this they will occupy entire western Kurdistan completing the scheme drawn to them by their masters in Ankara.”
Kurdish Democratic Left Party in Syria condemns the aggression against the city of Serê Kaniyê and appreciates the Kurdish resistance
Qamishlo - In a his speech to Firat news agency, Saleh Geddo the secretary of the Kurdish left Party in Syria condemned what he called the "aggressive attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê in Syria” and he appreciated highly the resistance of the Kurdish protection units against the armed groups.
Kurdish Democratic Left Party announce the ability of its armed group to join the peoples protection units - YPG
Serê Kaniyê: A delegation of the Left Kurdish Party, wing of "Mohamed Moussa" visited the center of the peoples protection units in the city of Serê Kaniyê. The delegation informed the responsible persons in the protection units that their armed young fighters are ready to join the YPG and fight side by side with them against the armed groups who are more frequently attacking civilians and vandalizing the city.
It is worth to mention that a number of the armed men and young men from the Kurdish left party and other Arabs, Chichanians and Kurds have effectively joined the protection units.
Yekiti Kurdistan Party: the role of the Peoples Protection Units is revolutionary and we appreciate it.
The press office of Yekiti Kurdistan Party issued a statement and addressed the public opinion and asserted that the ultimate goal of the armed groups who entered Serê Kaniyê is to evacuate the city and displace its people in the aim of distorting the image of the free Army and the Syrian Revolution.
The statement said that the resistance of the People Protection Units and the other revolutionary battalions is highly valued and they should be supported and be cooperated with as they are playing a national and patriotic role .
12 March movement: we stand in the same row along with the Peoples Protection Units
Amouda - The Movement of 12th March announced in a statement issued recently their supporting and backing of the Peoples Protection Units. The movement called all peoples and parties to stand together along with the Peoples Protection Units, and to support them materially and morally to build a good future for the Kurdish nation.
Rasti movement : Our people has no choice, but to fight for their honor and existence.
Qamishlo – The Rasti Democratic movement issued a statement, calling on all armed Kurdish factions as well as political parties and groups to unite, and stand together in the same trench in order to defend the Kurdish presence and Kurdish areas.
The statement said, "the repeated attacks on the city of Serê Kaniyê are clear evidences of blind deep hatred towards our Kurdish people."
Events and results of battles in SereKanye for four days:
Peoples Protection Units blew up of a tank of the armed groups in Abra neighborhood in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê – local sources said fighters of Peoples Protection Units blew up a tank belonging to Armed Groups claiming to be allies of the Free Syrian Army. According to the sources, the armed groups bombed houses and other buildings for two consecutive days using the tank.
Moreover, sources inside the Peoples Protection Units declared that they have previously blown up two other tanks; one of which was stationed near the graveyard in Serê Kaniyê.
Disguised as women, armed groups members flee Serê Kaniyê via Alhasake road
Serê Kaniyê - Firat news agency reporter said that a big number of militants are fleeing the city of Serê Kaniyê wearing women clothes. The reporter said after being targeted and defeated by the protection units they fled on motorcycles and left through the Hasaka road nearby the water purification station.
Peoples Protection Units hit the attacking groups in Kisra village and force them to leave the village
Serê Kaniyê – Peoples Protection Units responded to the attacks of the armed groups on Serê Kaniyê located on the main road Serê Kaniyê-Derbasiyeh. The Kurdish units forced the armed groups to go back after fierce battles ended with many wounded and killed members of the Armed groups.
The Kurdish units discovered explosive barrels set by the armed groups under the bridge of Kisra village in an attempt to destroy it.
A Helicopter bomb Gir Zîro village in Girkê Legê city
Girke Lege – A Syrian helicopter shelled Gir Zîro village with eight shells a week ago. According to sources two of them fell inside the mure of the village school while the other six shells fell outside the village without causing any injuries to the citizens. The source reported that the Protection units responded to the bombing of the helicopter and forced it to withdraw after hitting it.
Clashes continue in Al abra district, the national hospital is still under fire and armed battalions burn the bodies of their dead
Serê Kaniyê - the violent clashes stopped last night between the Peoples Protection Units and the armed groups in the area of Abra. The Peoples protection units intensified their attacks on several points where those groups are stationed, and tightened their grip on the national hospital where some of the leaders of the Armed groups are hiding and where a number of their snipers are statoned.
Two days before, the al abra district had witnessed violent clashes which ended with the killing of the Armed militias. Armed Groups leaders have been burning their killed members, and killed other members who intentionally injured their self to be moved to the Turkish hospitals to flee the fighting.
Turkey in its turn, have sent its allies armed groups huge military reinforcements including tanks and several vehicles like Dushka, and numbers of insurgents.
Alashqar: "leader of an armed group is in a critical condition, and five extremists died when withdrawing from the area of the clashes
Serê Kaniyê –The Peoples Protection Units targeted an armed group stationed in Alabra district. A big number of the militants were killed, among them Alashqar, a leader and very close fellow of Nawaf Albasheer who is the relations coordinator between the Armed groups.According to sources close to the Turkish authorities Alashqar is supposed to be in a critical condition and is being treated in one of the Turkish Hospital. Five other militants were killed when trying to transfer Alashqer to turkey.
Armed groups kill an Arab citizen in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê– Armed groups snipers killed on Sunday evening 13/01/2013 a friend of the Kurdish people, Ahmed Khalifa, as he was on his way from his home in the neighborhood of the station to the roundabout of Hasaka. Khalifa was on his way to visit his children who have been displaced from the region by the armed group since they entered the city.
Kobani - The families of kidnapped victims are demanding the release of their family members.
Kobani – In the seventeenth of January, an armed group kidnapped three buses carrying 45 passengers heading to south Kurdistan.As the buses arrived the outskirts of Serê Kaniyê city, the militants kidnapped them and dragged them to an unknown place.
People of Cinderes denounce the attack of Armed Groups on Serê Kaniyê
Afrin – Kurdish Citizens in Cinderes denounce the attacks on Serê Kaniyê, assuming that attackers intend to target the Kurdish will and existence as most of the Kurdish areas are liberated and evacuated from the Syrian regimes symbols and soldiers.
People in Cinders say that both Syrian And Turkish governments aim to set the components of west Kurdistan against each.
Supreme Kurdish Council held a meeting for traders in the region of Derek
Derik- The Supreme Kurdish Council held a meeting in Dijla center for arts and culture, for the traders and shopkeepers in the Derik area. A big participation of Arabs, Kurds and Assyrians was noticed.
Three Martyrs in Serê Kaniyê, two of them are children from the same family.
Serê Kaniyê - Firat news agency reporter said that three civilians, two children and one adult from one family were killed .
According to an ANF reporter, the armed groups has shelled the district of Ahmed Khan, one shell fell on a house of the Habbash family, which led to the killing of the two children Shehed Hani Abbas 3 years old and her borother 9 years old. Moreover both parents were severely injured. The mother Samah Omer 20 years old and the father Hani Habbash was 65 years old.
The Peoples Protection Units reveal the outcome of the clashes in the Gir Zîro
Qamishlo – People Protection Units has recently revealed the outcome of the clashes occurred in Girrzero village . The statement issued by the Units confirmed the killing of Mohammed Saqer , the commander of the besieged millitary battalion in addition to gaining a lot of equipment belonged to the militias.
The statement said that "as a result of clashes in Gir zîr, our fighters seized a lot of military equipment including:
Tank
Kalashnikov-type weapons - Dushka – P K S - and ammunition
2 mortar 120
1 mortar 82
A number of wireless devices
The statement said :"since the start of the military siege on the battalion, ending with control over the area, fighters of the Democratic Progressive Party played an important part in those gains alongside the People Protection Units"
Battalions of Armed Groups Kill Young mentally disabled man Orhan Heme Mukhtar
Serê Kaniyê – Armed groups belonging to the free syrian Army killed a young mentally disabled man called "Orhan Hame Mukhtyar" in the Kheraba neighborhood in Serê Kaniyê.
The young man was 20 years old. Two of his brothers were fighters in the Popular Defense Forces of Kurdistan and lost their lives in the liberation struggle of Kurdistan.
27 millitants Killed during Clashes in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê - A source close to the People Protection Units confirmed to Firat news agency that 27 members of the Armed groups were killed and dozens of them were injured. The source said that one of the Armed groups commander, close to Nawaf Ragheb al-Bashir Ashqar, deceased in one of the Turkish hospitals in Urfa city , from wounds received fighting in Serê Kaniyê.
Violent Clashes break out in Serê Kaniyê
Serê Kaniyê - violent clashes broke out at four o'clock in the morning between Protection units and armed groups in Serê Kaniyê.
According to reporters, the clashes took place in the neighborhoods of the National Hospital and the city center around the corner close to the central oven. Grendades were used during the clashes.
Turkmani " Leader of an Armed Group" is in Critical Condition and transferred to Urfa hospital
Serê Kaniyê - Turkish ambulances have relocated Alturkmani to a Turkish hospital in Orfa. Medical sources from the hospital of Urfa reported that Alturkmani suffers from serious injuries and lies in the intensive care unit in the hospital.
Dead and wounded between armed groups in military operations
Serê Kaniyê – several militants were killed and others were wounded during simultaneous and sudden unannounced operations launched by the People protection units which targeted several points where the extremist militias were stationed, mostly from snipers in Abre neighborhood. On the other hand, reliable sources confirmed that the millitias burned the body of their killed members, which are probably Turks commanders and fighters.
Turkish Government Expel Immigrants Coming from Serê Kaniyê
Derbassiyeh - The Turkish government arrested yesterday a large number of Kurdish citizens who had fled from the city of Serê Kaniyê, who were evacuated and displaced by the armed groups. The Kurdish citizens were forced to choose either to stay in very vulnerable camps or to be deported to Serekanye.
Youths and Men of Tel Helef Express their Readiness to Fight Armed Groups
Serê Kaniyê – Local sources from Tel Helef village, lies 2 km far from the city of Serê Kaniyê, said that youths and men of the village are preparing for fighting against the armed groups who attempt to attack their village. The citizens receive military training and some weapons to defend themselves and their village against the Armed groups.
A Kurdish Citizen Killed by Militants of the Free Army in Sherawa Area:
Afrin - Kurdish citizen, Adnan Jammu Nabo, 60 years old was killed as he received a bullet, fired by a sniper of Armed group , while walking around with his cousin in the mountains of the area.
Residents of Sherawa expressed their dissatisfaction with the behaviors of the free Army groups, and their targeting of unarmed citizens without any logical reason.
Two Intelligence Officers Injured while Trying to Forcibly Enter the Neighborhood of Sheikh Maksoud in Aleppo
Aleppo – Kurdish Security men Asayish have responded to the attempt of the intelligence members " Shabiha" who tried to enter forcibly to the area of Sheikh Maqsud neighborhood, as a result the two members were injured.
Services in Western Kurdistan
Serving commissions in the Supreme Kurdish Council begins distributing aids in Qamishlo.
Qamishlo – Commission of services started distributing aids to families in Qamisho city. The distribution included flour and also fuel arrived a few days ago as a campaign aid sent it from southern Kurdistan (northern Iraq).
According to the Service Commission in the Supreme Kurdish Council, the amount of material that reached the city of Qamishli is 125 thousand tons of flour. The amount of diesel fuel that reached the city is 250 thousand liters. The Commission added that the amount that reached Qamishlo can cover the need of five thousand families ;while the estimated number of families in the city of Qamishlo is about fifty thousand families.
Service Committees in Raju Area Distributes Gas Cylinders to Citizens
Afrin - in a series of events and activities carried out by the service commissions of the Council in Raju, the fuel committee distributed gas cylinders on citizens according to tables by the family card.
The service committee distributed thousands of Gas cylinder to the nominal sequential scheduled by the family card, which was established by the Commission. This distribution campaign covered all villages in the area in a balanced and fair manner.
Physicians of Girke Lege City Organizes Daily Tours to check the Civilians Barriers:
Girkê Legê - a group of doctors in the city of Girke Lege organize daily visits to inspect the barriers of civilians, in a respond to the recent situation in the region, especially after system attacks on the People Protection Units while sieging Gir Zîro.
A group of medical staff provided the barriers guards with initial preparations for treating wounds and injuries in case any clashes occurred .
Kurdish Women in Amude and Derbassiyeh Denounce the Attacks of Millitias at the Kurdish City:
Kurdish women in Derbassiyeh and Amouda expressed their opinions about the attacks on western Kurdistan. Faiza Younis a representative of the Peace Mother Organization, said: "Invading Serê Kaniyê has a special significance. The city has been targeted by the Turkish government”. Younis called the Kurdish people not to leave Serê Kaniyê city and expressed appreciation of the resistance of the People Protection Units who act heroically in defense of their areas. Tens of women expressed their support for the People Protection Units during demonstrations in both cities.
Declaration of the Syrian International Conference in Geneva
The Syrian International Conference took place in Geneva 28-29 January 2013. The Conference aimed to promote and encourage a real dialogue between the Syrian democratic opposition structures in an open dialogue about the consequences of using violence, the sectarian risks and the future of the democratic project. It would encourage cooperation, coordination and synergies between political parties, civil society and social movement inside Syria, and advance work towards a realistic transitional program, for a civil and democratic State in Syria. See: SYRIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE <http://syic.wordpress.com/>
The Geneva Conference concluded with a Declaration which was agreed with the delegates, as follows:
Geneva Declaration
Proceeding from a deep belief in the necessity to protect Syria’s land and people, and in the face of the risk of the destruction of national unity resulting from a corrupt dictatorial regime over sequential decades, the democratic national figures and organisations at this meeting commit to rescue Syria from a catastrophic situation, and put it on a safe path through the unification of societal forces based on democracy, pluralism and equality, gaining the support of all international and Arab external forces for the righteous demand of the Syrian people in toppling the dictatorial regime, and the establishment of a civil democratic State proceeding from the following tasks:
1. Consider the International Geneva Agreement as a valid basis for implementation, and first and foremost to simultaneously stop the violence.
2. To work on the establishment of a political process though negotiations between the opposition and the regime to implement the International Geneva Agreement, for issuing a constitutional declaration to create on this basis a Government with full power to administrate this stage, and work to bring about fair legislature and Presidential elections, under international supervision.
3. To convene the International Geneva Conference 2, which takes into consideration developments on the ground and requirements on the one hand, with the presence of a binding mechanism on the result of negotiation, from the Security Council under Chapter VI on the other hand.
4. To carry out immediate humanitarian relief, to work towards the return to normal life for all Syrian refugees and displaced people and to return them to secure proper accommodation in the country, to treat the injured and compensate those affected, to re-build educational and health institutions, and to begin reconstruction.
5. Commitment to the unity of the Syrian people and land, the full equality of all Syrians, establishing a political system with respect for human rights and peoples and public freedoms on the basis of international Conventions, and access to a modern and contemporary society, a society of equal citizenship.
6. In order to activate the agreement, those gathered agreed on the formation of two committees:
A – a Committee tasked with the creation of the Civil Democratic Pole in Syria to communicate with Syrian opposition forces in all its spectra;
B – a Committee tasked with communication and coordination with the international community and global civil society, in helping to achieve the objectives of the Syrian revolution in freedom, dignity and full sovereignty.
End
Geneva
29 January 2013
In Arabic: Syria Politic <http://www.syria-politic.com/ar/Default.aspx?subject=1284#.UQmUXx1g-So>
…
Most of the Conference delegates were Syrians, including some who traveled from Syria on pre-existing visas. 66 people had unexpectedly been refused visas to travel to Switzerland on the basis that they may not return home. This was not the experience of those who had traveled for previous conferences in Europe … The Geneva Conference coincided with a conference that was arranged very recently to be held in France, bringing together the Syrian Coalition which has the West’s backing.
Was this visa refusal a coincidence? We think it was a deliberate action to undermine the Geneva Conference whose roots are in Syria.
We were able to hear from some of those who were prevented from attending, as they joined us by Skype and made their contributions on the big screen.
http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013 <http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013/>
.........................................
Co-Chair: International Support Kurds in Syria Association [SKS]
Web:http://supportkurds.org <http://www.supportkurds.org/>
Email: info@supportkurds.org
see also: Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network - QARN: http://qarn.org.uk
Quaker Concern for Syria: http://quakerconcernforsyria.org.uk <http://quakerconcernforsyria.org.uk/>
The Geneva Conference concluded with a Declaration which was agreed with the delegates, as follows:
Geneva Declaration
Proceeding from a deep belief in the necessity to protect Syria’s land and people, and in the face of the risk of the destruction of national unity resulting from a corrupt dictatorial regime over sequential decades, the democratic national figures and organisations at this meeting commit to rescue Syria from a catastrophic situation, and put it on a safe path through the unification of societal forces based on democracy, pluralism and equality, gaining the support of all international and Arab external forces for the righteous demand of the Syrian people in toppling the dictatorial regime, and the establishment of a civil democratic State proceeding from the following tasks:
1. Consider the International Geneva Agreement as a valid basis for implementation, and first and foremost to simultaneously stop the violence.
2. To work on the establishment of a political process though negotiations between the opposition and the regime to implement the International Geneva Agreement, for issuing a constitutional declaration to create on this basis a Government with full power to administrate this stage, and work to bring about fair legislature and Presidential elections, under international supervision.
3. To convene the International Geneva Conference 2, which takes into consideration developments on the ground and requirements on the one hand, with the presence of a binding mechanism on the result of negotiation, from the Security Council under Chapter VI on the other hand.
4. To carry out immediate humanitarian relief, to work towards the return to normal life for all Syrian refugees and displaced people and to return them to secure proper accommodation in the country, to treat the injured and compensate those affected, to re-build educational and health institutions, and to begin reconstruction.
5. Commitment to the unity of the Syrian people and land, the full equality of all Syrians, establishing a political system with respect for human rights and peoples and public freedoms on the basis of international Conventions, and access to a modern and contemporary society, a society of equal citizenship.
6. In order to activate the agreement, those gathered agreed on the formation of two committees:
A – a Committee tasked with the creation of the Civil Democratic Pole in Syria to communicate with Syrian opposition forces in all its spectra;
B – a Committee tasked with communication and coordination with the international community and global civil society, in helping to achieve the objectives of the Syrian revolution in freedom, dignity and full sovereignty.
End
Geneva
29 January 2013
In Arabic: Syria Politic <http://www.syria-politic.com/ar/Default.aspx?subject=1284#.UQmUXx1g-So>
…
Most of the Conference delegates were Syrians, including some who traveled from Syria on pre-existing visas. 66 people had unexpectedly been refused visas to travel to Switzerland on the basis that they may not return home. This was not the experience of those who had traveled for previous conferences in Europe … The Geneva Conference coincided with a conference that was arranged very recently to be held in France, bringing together the Syrian Coalition which has the West’s backing.
Was this visa refusal a coincidence? We think it was a deliberate action to undermine the Geneva Conference whose roots are in Syria.
We were able to hear from some of those who were prevented from attending, as they joined us by Skype and made their contributions on the big screen.
http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013 <http://supportkurds.org/reports/geneva-declaration-29-january-2013/>
.........................................
Co-Chair: International Support Kurds in Syria Association [SKS]
Web:http://supportkurds.org <http://www.supportkurds.org/>
Email: info@supportkurds.org
see also: Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network - QARN: http://qarn.org.uk
Quaker Concern for Syria: http://quakerconcernforsyria.org.uk <http://quakerconcernforsyria.org.uk/>
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