17 June 2005

1. "Turkey's Kurd rebels reject appeal to lay down arms", a leading member of Turkey's banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was quoted on Thursday as rejecting an appeal from leading Turkish intellectuals for the rebel organisation to lay down its arms.

2. "Turkish Military Operations In Northern Kurdistan", the People's Defence Forces Press and Liaison Centre (HPG BIM), in a statement regarding operations conducted in Genc, Kulp, and Lice, has denied the exaggerated reports that have appeared in the press. The statement indicated that the HPG forces have to date suffered no losses, and that the Turkish military has been seeking to camouflage its lack of success through false reports.

3. "Head of the European Human Right Council called for dialogue", the head of the European Human Rights Council Alvaro Gil Robles called for dialogue after intensified clashes in Kurdistan. Robles said, to increase the chances of peace both factions need to give up their street and slang language and talk frankly with each other.

4. "Human Right Federation: A country which practices torture can not be a member of the EU", President of the Human Right Federation (FIDH) Sidiki Kaba said abusive procedures and torture perpetrated in Turkey worried some in recent days. He said, Turkey does not show the same performance as before 17 December and a country that practice torture can not be a member of the EU.

5. "EU: Ankara losing its enthusiasm for reform", with recent development in the southeast of Turkey, and the heavy deployment of military personal and armaments, most Europeans are beginning to ask the question of whether the civil war has restarted after a couple of years of peace in the region.

6. "Turkey angered by German resolution on Armenian massacres", Turkey on Thursday strongly condemned a German parliament resolution marking the killings of Armenians during World War I and warned that the move would have consequences for bilateral ties between the two allies.

7. "Basic Education Up to the Charitable", the government, via tax allowances, leaves it up to the charitable to provide basic education needs. Milliyet newspaper is organizing the charitable. As major issues are shelved, 1 million children will spend summer in Qoranic courses.

8. "Iranian Kurds clash with police in hotbed of Kurdish nationalism", hundreds of Iranian Kurds have clashed violently with police in the northwestern Iranian town of Mahabad, an historical centre of Kurdish nationalism, the official news agency IRNA said Wednesday.

1. - Reuters - "Turkey's Kurd rebels reject appeal to lay down arms":

DIYARBAKIR / 16 June 2005

A leading member of Turkey's banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) was quoted on Thursday as rejecting an appeal from leading Turkish intellectuals for the rebel organisation to lay down its arms.

A group of 100 intellectuals including best-selling novelist Orhan Pamuk issued a statement on Wednesday demanding the PKK halt all violence "without preconditions" and urging Ankara to seek a lasting peace in mainly Kurdish southeast Turkey.

"You cannot ask just one side to disarm ... You have to ask it of both sides. Only then would it make sense," the Europe-based Mezopotamya news agency, which is close to the rebels, quoted senior PKK member Murat Karayilan as saying.

He said the government bore responsibility for the continued violence because it had showed no interest in a dialogue.

Dozens of people have died in the past few months in clashes between the guerrillas and Turkish security forces, stirring fears of a return to the kind of large-scale violence which plagued southeast Turkey in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ankara blames the PKK for the death of more than 30,000 people since the organisation began its violent campaign for an independent Kurdish state in 1984.

The violence largely subsided after the 1999 capture of rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan, who is now serving a life prison sentence. But clashes sharply increased again after the PKK called off a unilateral five-year ceasefire in 2004.

Turkish newspapers on Thursday quoted EU ambassadors based in Ankara as expressing concern over the increased violence in southeast Turkey.

The papers said the envoys had urged Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan during a dinner earlier this week not to rely only on military means to tackle the problems of the southeast but to devise economic policies to cut poverty and unemployment.

In response to the envoys' criticism, the deputy head of Turkey's powerful General Staff, General Ilker Basbug, said the prime responsibility of the security services was to fight "terrorists" and he vowed that they would continue to do so.

2. - Ozgur Politika - "Turkish Military Operations In Northern Kurdistan":

15 June 2005

The People's Defence Forces Press and Liaison Centre (HPG BIM), in a statement regarding operations conducted in Genc, Kulp, and Lice, has denied the exaggerated reports that have appeared in the press. The statement indicated that the HPG forces have to date suffered no losses, and that the Turkish military has been seeking to camouflage its lack of success through false reports.

The HPG BIM statement contained the following information regarding the reports on the operation that have appeared in the Turkish media: "The TSK [Turkish Armed Forces], regarding the operation being conducted in the area encompassing the Hendik, Hegadere, Caytepe, Keltepe, Koztepe, Seytan Cliffs and Hidif areas of the Sehit Remzi region with participation by TSK forces from the Genc, Kulp and Lice districts, as well as Village Guards, has provided reports to the media to the effect that 'We destroyed three of the guerrillas' camps, and finished them off.' There is no factual basis to these reports. The TSK are trying to camouflage, with false reports, their own lack of success. The TSK forces, which have mobilized all their forces both from the air and on land, have not been able to inflict any casualties or losses against our guerrillas in the area."

Clash in Lice: One repentant and two soldiers wounded

In a clash that broke out in the rural area of the Lice district of Amed [Kurdish name for Diyarbakir] province, one 'repentant' and two soldiers were wounded, according to initial determinations.

It has been learned that, in the Sehit Remzi area in the rural area of Lice district, clashes have taken place in some places in an operation launched a while ago against HPG forces.

It has been learned that soldiers named Mehmet Duman, born in Maras, and Dursun Ali Yilmaz, born in Istanbul, as well as an individual in civilian clothes said to be a "repentant", were wounded in the clashes.

It is reported that the condition of the three individuals in question, who were taken by helicopter to the Diyarbakir Military Hospital the night before last, is serious. It has been learned that the region in the vicinity of the operation has been bombed by helicopters.

Buildup on border of south Kurdistan [north Iraq]

Meanwhile, it has been learned that a military buildup is taking place in the border area between the Silopi district of Sirnak and the Cukurca district of Hakkari, and that work to set up a mobile bridge over the Hezil river has been initiated by the troops.

It is reported that large numbers of troops have been deployed in the area near the Hezil river, on the border between Turkey and south Kurdistan. It is stated that in the region, in which approximately 2,000 troops from commando units from Bolu and Kayseri have been deployed, efforts to erect a mobile bridge over the Hezil river have been initiated.

Meanwhile, it is reported that a military convoy of 30 vehicles, reported to have come from the Kayseri Commando Brigade Command, moved to the area in question in the evening hours of the day before yesterday. In addition, it is also reported that the operation begun on 13 June by Turkish military units against HPG guerrillas in the Arnet are of Yedisu, in Bingol, is still underway.

3. - MHA - "Head of the European Human Right Council called for dialogue":

STRASBOURG / 16 June 2005 /
by Huseyin Elmali / translated by DozaMe.org

Head of the European Human Rights Council Alvaro Gil Robles called for dialogue after intensified clashes in Kurdistan. Robles said, to increase the chances of peace both factions need to give up their street and slang language and talk frankly with each other.

-You went to Turkey two years ago to prepare a report. What do you think has changed in Turkey?

What I am going to tell you about Turkey it is the same as what I told you previously. Turkey is a big country and they have started conducting democratic procedures. So far, what they have done was regarding the changes in the law. These changes have to be more clear and sharp. I have pointed out these in my report. Again, granting freedoms in law and more importantly they have to prove these with practical steps. What is important is that the changes in the mentality of the people that are going to practise these changed laws, otherwise changing the laws mean nothing. There are examples! You can have a country that have a perfect justice system but if your police continue to act as they prefer, lawmakers ignore the changes in the law and if they are not putting the content of the changes in their mentality then we will see the changes are not practised the way they should be.

-What should Turkey do on this point?

Least effort is needed from Turkey. Changing in mentality, changing in the acts, punishing those who follow the old ways and concentrating on the democratisation of the country. Democracy is a standard that we have to live with and respect in our everyday life. It is not something that is just written down in law but has to be practiced.

-Is it enough to say that politician’s effort to practice these laws in the reality? How can you change the mentality in a country where violations and the problems continue?

I think, the first thing that they should do is the stop using street language and slang words instead, they should point out that the heart of the problem is with being truthful and honest. The politicians that have any regard for their people should refer to the real problems not the problems they think are important. You can list the problems, difficulties can be raised, and you can determine a target and mission to solve all the problems one at a time. However, if you isolate the civil servants, chiefs and the related institutions that will be the practising the law then you are doomed to fail. You can fail if you don’t straighten the people whom oppose the changes. For this reason, you need to be politically determined and focused. This is the only way, there isn’t any other way.

-How many the things that you told us are being carried out by Turkey?

The things that I said are everyday life in Europe; people in Europe found these natural and normal. If we want to live with European dreams and adventures that we have to consider the things that I have told you. We have to live and understand these things. This is not to disrespect any countries reality or culture. You can’t have a democracy if you don’t have respect the minorities, and if you don’t free the cultures of those living in your boundaries. To make them harmonise in the culture is the name of the richness that we have. Again, the security forces have to act within the boundaries of the law, politics and justice system. We have to live these day by day in our life. The council prepared a report about Turkey in year 2003 and now we are in 2005. It has been two years since the last report, it is time to conduct another one, and I will do that.

-Do you have a definite date for your departure?

No, there isn’t a prepared time yet but I will go back to Turkey before I leave the job. If you want, I would like to speak to you again, if you don’t mind. Of course…

-In your visit to Turkey, you went to Diyarbakir too. What kind of impression did you get?

It was interesting for me. If I put this in diplomatic words, it was an interesting experience. First, I met with people whom have different views and opinions and are representing different people. We had an interesting encounter with a mayor of the city. We discussed things like cultural rights, minorities rights, and education in mother languages, schools and many other issues. I met with officials and visited the prison. I don’t know why but –I pointed this in my report- the prison was empty I went the police stations and they were empty too. As a human right commissioner, I thought to myself that I should be happy because no one was arrested that day. Even I thought it was a positive development for the public. However, I wished to see a few prisoners so that I could have asked them about their treatment. The prisons and military police stations were not too bad at all. They looked exactly the same buildings that I saw elsewhere. I put those in my report as well.

-Over there is an original place, how do you define the problems?

Every single problem based on recognition of cultural rights. To see this richness in our society is a usual thing in Europe. The important thing is that how this culture will define them. I would like to point out that the new Kurdish TV and Radio programs are good developments and these made me happy. Another important thing is that to solve the problem of people whom emigrated to different areas from the Kurdish regions. The problem of people whom wants to get back to their own villages has to be solved immediately. These are very important issues for a country that wants to be stable and healthy.

-Clashes in the region are increasing. As a human rights commissioner, what would you recommend to stop the guns?

First, I am calling for peace. I expect responsible approach from both parties. Clashes mean oppression and tyranny. This will not take you to any positive developments. Contrary to this will take you to more sadness, deepening the wounds and it will widen the abyss between the people. Both of the parties have to solve their problems with dialouge and come together on the points that they agree with. The things that I said here are generally right and it is right for Turkey as well. These have been proven in Russia, Spain and other countries where conflicts are going on. I call on both parties to have some common sense. A person can not protect their people’s rights, with more oppression, cruelty and trauma. Instead of this, you must talk and again talk! This is not enough you have to listen too and this is the most important thing.

4. - MHA / DozaMe - "Human Right Federation: A country which practices torture can not be a member of the EU":

PARIS / 16 June 2005

President of the Human Right Federation (FIDH) Sidiki Kaba said abusive procedures and torture perpetrated in Turkey worried some in recent days. He said, Turkey does not show the same performance as before 17 December and a country that practice torture can not be a member of the EU.

Sidiki Kaba made a statement to MHA, he said high climate of clashes and Turkish military operation after a long time are a dangerous development. “Frankly, we are not getting good news from Turkey. We are hearing serious human right abuses, repeated torture cases. Conflict has returned back and this is worrying us”. He called on the Turkish government to step in the right direction to end the clashes and the conflict.

President of the FIDH said any country, which uses torture, can not be a member of the EU and repeated policies of oppression against the Kurds are unacceptable. He pointed out repeat incidents of disrespect, abusive procedures and the Federation of Human Rights will condemn torture.

He said, future of the Turkey relies on democratisation and peace with the Kurdish people and he carried on by saying; “The message that I would give to the people in conflict is peace, Peace that relies on justice. Because peace and justice are connected. Peace is not an obstacle to justice, but it is part of it. Justice must be observed, Kurdish and other unjustly treated people should be given their rights. Because, this kind of approach can open the way to dialogue and long lived peace”

President of FIDH pointed out that the Kurdish problem can only be solved by a genuine approach to the issue and said, “There is a high risk of continuing conflicts if they don’t approach the issue genuinely, if they continue to abuse rights and unjustly treat people. Moreover, this means the abuse of every body’s human rights. Because human rights can only be respected and developed in a peaceful environment. Because of all these reasons, we are calling for peace, but peace relies on justice.

To define terrorism by political means introduces dangers, Similar to what is happening in America, Turkey is defining terrorism in a one sided way. Kaba said, “We want an open definition. We are approaching a new definition of terrorism by the UN. Terrorism should be defined as intimidating acts. These kinds of acts should not be defined as ideologies but it should refer to sufferings and people that effected.

5. - The New Anatolian - "EU: Ankara losing its enthusiasm for reform":

Four warnings from the EU to Erdogan

ANKARA / 16 June 2005 / by Zeynep Gurcanli

In Washington , Prime Minister Erdogan was criticized for disregarding rising anti-US feeling in the Turkish public. Europeans are criticizing him from a very different perspective: For neglecting the prerequisites for the EU accession process after securing a date for the start of accession talks at last December's EU summit

EU ambassadors warn Erdogan about four different issues during dinner with him on Tuesday. The first warning was about the govt's 'negligence' of southeastern Anatolia . The message was clear, 'The Turkish govt seems to be leaving everything in the region in the hands of the military. Civil authorities have a very low profile there'

The ambassadors also suggest that the Turkish PM boost govt 'public visibility' in the area and proposed:

- More frequent visits from Cabinet members, especially the PM, to the region

- Accelerated de-mining operations in the region

- Encouraging the return of villagers, who fled due to terrorism, by creating jobs in the region

- Creation of new job opportunities to bring down high unemployment

The second warning from the Europeans was about the freedom of religion. When EU ambassadors raised the issue of the 'ecumenical' status of the Fener Orthodox patriarch and the long-awaited Foundations Law, Erdogan told them about the recent headscarf debate in Turkey as a pretext for not taking steps on the issues now

The third warning came on the apparent loss of enthusiasm about enacting and implementing the reforms on democratization and human rights. 'If the EU Commission were to write a progress report on Turkey today, it would definitely be more critical than last year's,' said one of the ambassadors, describing the current state of Turkey 's reform program. The EU ambassadors also complained about the Turkish judiciary's 'conservative attitude' and 'backwards interpretation' of newly enacted reforms.

The need to bring Turkey 's civilian-military relationship in line with European norms was the fourth issue that Europeans warned the Turkish PM about

During his recent U.S. visit, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan faced criticism from Washington officials about Turkish Cabinet members' negligence of rising anti-U.S. feeling in the Turkish public. Just three days after his return to the country, the Turkish prime minister has also encountered criticisms from the Europeans. Turkey stands accused of losing enthusiasm for its EU membership and of going backwards on the implementation of reforms to democratization and human rights.

EU ambassadors in Ankara warned Erdogan about four different issues during a dinner with him on Tuesday.

'Turkish govt not visible in the southeast'

The first warning was about the government's "negligence" of southeastern Anatolia . The message was clear: "The Turkish government seems to be leaving everything in the region in the hands of the military. Civil authorities have a very low profile there."

“We know that it's very hard to improve the economic conditions of the region,” said a European diplomat. “But it's not only related to money. The attitude of the government is also very important.”

Within this context, the ambassadors also made suggestions to the Turkish prime minister towards boosting the government's public visibility in the area:

- More frequent visits from Cabinet members, especially the prime minister, to the region

- Accelerated de-mining operations in the region.

- Encouraging the return of villagers, who fled due to terrorism, by creating jobs in the region.

- Creation of new job opportunities to curb the huge unemployment rate in the region.

“You have to create an atmosphere of normality in the region,” said a European source who spoke on condition of anonymity. “In the long term, this issue will become extremely important for Turkish accession to the European Union. With recent development in the southeast of Turkey, and the heavy deployment of military personal and armaments, most Europeans are beginning to ask the question of whether the civil war has restarted after a couple of years of peace in the region.”

'Govt seems to be reluctant on religious freedoms'

The second warning from the Europeans was about the freedom of religion. EU ambassadors raised the issue of the "ecumenical" status of the Fener Orthodox patriarch and the long-awaited Foundations Law, and asked the prime minister to take steps on these issues.

They also brought up a speech by State Minister Mehmet Aydin in Parliament on missionary activities in Turkey . “If you have a real freedom of religion, why are there these kinds of discussions being held in your Parliament?” asked one European diplomat.

Erdogan's response was very interesting. He told them about the recent “headscarf debate” among the Turkish public and gave the message that Turkey “has difficulty managing its own problems.”

But, according to European sources, Erdogan's response was “nonsense.” “The headscarf is a fabricated issue and it's not European business. The Turks should solve their problems themselves on this issue,” said a European source to The New Anatolian. “We have no acquis communautaire on the headscarf issue. Every country is free to deal with this issue as it sees fit.”

'Reform process going backwards'

The third warning came on the apparent loss of enthusiasm about enacting and implementing reforms for democratization and human rights. “If the EU Commission were to write a progress report on Turkey today, it would definitely be a more critical one than last year's,” said one of the ambassadors, describing the current state of Turkey 's reform program.

The EU ambassadors also complained about the Turkish judiciary's “conservative attitude” and “backwards interpretation” of newly enacted reforms. As an example they cited the case of the Turkish Teacher's Trade Union (Egitim-Sen). A Turkish court of appeals ordered its closure. “From the outset of the case, the court appeared to be aiming at punishing Egitim-Sen,” said one European diplomat.

The EU ambassadors also raised the issue of the beating of Women's Day demonstrators by Turkish police in March this year and complained about Turkish government's attitude, as it has yet to complete its report on the policemen involved in the incident.

'Civilian-military relations not at the European level'

The Europeans' fourth warning was about civilian-military relations in Turkey . “It's not a prerequisite for the start of EU negotiations,” said a European diplomat. “But bringing civilian-military relations in line with European norms is surely a part of the Copenhagen criteria. The Turkish defense minister said recently said that there's no such chapter in the accession negotiations. But this is a part of ‘chapter zero,' the Copenhagen political criteria.”

Cyprus message from Erdogan

During the dinner, the Turkish prime minister touched on the Cyprus problem and underlined the need to ease the embargo against the Turkish Cypriots. “We expect concrete and visible steps from the international community to lift the embargo,” he said during his opening speech at Tuesday's dinner with the EU ambassadors.

Erdogan also said that Turkey can't accept any formula besides full EU membership.

6. - AFP - "Turkey angered by German resolution on Armenian massacres":

ANKARA / 16 June 2005

Turkey on Thursday strongly condemned a German parliament resolution marking the killings of Armenians during World War I and warned that the move would have consequences for bilateral ties between the two allies.

"We regret and strongly condemn the resolution," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We are saddened to see the German parliament fail to listen to Turkey's warnings that the resolution would deeply hurt the Turkish people and have a negative impact on bilateral ties," it added.

The resolution passed by the Bundestag lower house earlier Thursday marked the massacres of Armenians by Turks in the early 20th century but stopped short of condemning it as genocide.

It calls on the German government "to help Turks and Armenians resolve differences between them by reviewing, reconciling and forgiving historical guilt".

The Turkish statement argued domestic political concerns played a part in the resolution and charged that it was "irresponsible and narrow-minded to use such a sensitive subject for petty political calculations".

Earlier Thursday, a diplomat from the German embassy in Ankara was summoned to the foreign ministry.

The Armenian massacres of World War I are one of the most controversial episodes in Turkish history.

Armenians say up to 1.5 million of their kinsmen died in orchestrated killings during the final years of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey argues that 300,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks were killed in what was civil strife during World War I when the Armenians, backed by Russia, rose against their Ottoman rulers.

The issue has taken on increased importance as some European politicans have pressed Turkey to address the genocide claims in what Ankara sees a politically-motivated campaign to impede its bid to become a mamber of the European Union.

7. - Bianet - "Basic Education Up to the Charitable":

The government, via tax allowances, leaves it up to the charitable to provide basic education needs. Milliyet newspaper is organizing the charitable. As major issues are shelved, 1 million children will spend summer in Qoranic courses.

ISTANBUL / 16 June 2005 / by Erhan Ustundag

The 2004-2005 school semester has ended. According to the Education Workers Union (Egitim-Sen) and the National Education Ministry (MEB) figures, the government's allocated budget isn't enough to overcome the insufficiency of classrooms, teachers and other workers in the education sector. It is up to the charitable and the parents to provide students with the "compulsory and free education, which is based on equal opportunity."

As 10,565,000 elementary-school students and 3,039,000 middle-school students begin their three-month summer break, the chronic problems of the education system are put on hold until the next school semester.

The new elementary school syllabus to go into effect next semester, extending high-school education to four years, the reduction which the new Turkish Penal Code brings to the penalty for opening up illegal training institutions, schoolbooks, and the court decision to shut down Egitim-Sen were among major issues discussed during the past semester.

1 million children will spend the summer at Qoran classes

Egitim-Sen criticized the new elementary-school syllabus, which will go into effect next semester, saying it does not reflect Turkey's diversity.

The syllabus was criticized because of the "applied religion classes"

According to the Religious Affairs Presidency figures some 1,100,000 students attend Qoran classes during the summer. There was a 10 percent increase in the number of official Qoran courses opened under the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government. The number of illegal courses is unknown.

"National Security and compulsory religion classes should be abolished"

The "Human Rights in Schoolbooks Project," by the History Foundation, Turkish Sciences Academy (TUBA) and Turkish Human Rights Foundation (TIHV) has been finalized.

As a result of the project, the three institutions made 22 proposals on the content of schoolbooks, syllabus and the schooling environment to the National Education Ministry. Among proposals were to abolish National Security courses, to change the negative sexual role imposed upon women, and to include human rights in the syllabus.

Abolishing the compulsory religion classes was also among their proposals.

Those who finance the building of a school get tax allowances

The government, which should be building schools with the taxes it collects, grants tax allowances to the charitably who finance the building of schools. The Elementary School and Education Law and the National Education Basic Law say that education is a basic right, and oversee that state schools offer free and compulsory based on equal-opportunity.

But it is up to the charitable to overcome the deficiencies of the education system.

The Justice and Development Party government launched the "100 Percent Support to Education" campaign on September 11, 2003.

With law No: 4842, the charitable were granted tax allowances for making contributions to education.

The newspaper's job: "Organizing the charitable activities"

Milliyet newspaper has recently launched an aid campaign called "Dad Send me to School."

The money that is being collected is mainly being used for the construction of schools, dormitories and classrooms and for granting scholarships to some 6,750 girls in 15 provinces in Southeastern Turkey.

Education is the state's main responsibility

The government allocates only 9.57 percent of its budget for education. "This amount is not enough to even meet the most basic needs of the education system," said Egitim-Sen head Alaaddin Dincer. "The basic needs of most schools are met through the money collected from parents for various reasons especially during registration."

Professor Ayse Bugra, one of the founders of the “Social Policy Forum” at Bogazici University, said the charitable can't solve the problem of poverty and overcome the lack of basic education services.

"Charitable activities create an unequal relationship and don't prevent the social exclusion of the poor," said Bugra. "To solve the problem, the state has to form social policies, and guarantee accessible and universal social services, the social security and social aid right of the children and their parents, and the education and health rights."

"Come on Girls, to School" is now countrywide campaign

The "Come on Girls, to School” campaign by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the National Education Ministry is being implemented in 53 provinces in 2005. The campaign aims at increasing the number of girls going to school and provide equality between boys and girls in education.

The campaign was initially launched in 10 provinces in southeastern Turkey in 2003. 113,000 girls began going to school through the campaign in two years.

There was a 5.8 percent increase in the number of girls who enrolled for school. A total of 40,000 children in 10 provinces enrolled. The highest number of enrollment was in the provinces of Siirt and Van. Twenty-three more provinces including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Adana were included in the campaign in the second year. A total of 73,211 students from these provinces enrolled for 8-year elementary school.

Omer Balibey, the director of Istanbul Provincial National Education, said they aim to increase the number to 250,000 next year.

There still are hundreds of thousands of girls who don't go to school

According to National Education Ministry figures, there still are 566,789 girls at elementary-school age, who don't attend school. According to UNICEF, Turkey is one of the 12 countries that has not yet achieved equality between boys and girls when education is concerned. It is not likely to achieve this by 2015 either, according to UNICEF.

Ethiopia, India, Mongolia and Iraq are also among the 12 countries.

Some 1.4 million children, who are elementary-school age, don't go to school. 874,000 of them are girls.

Solution of the problems is postponed until next semester

Allaaddin Dincer said that the chronic problems in the education sector continued during the last semester.

Following are some figures by Dincer:

* Students are educated in double classrooms in 8,325 schools and in joint classrooms in 17,636 schools in Turkey. A total of 7 million students go to such schools.

* There are more than 4 million children at the age of receiving pre-school training of whom only 435,000 receive pre-school training.

* There are an average 50-60 students per classroom in big cities. There is need for 3,200 schools, 96,000 classrooms and 120,000 teachers to offer standard education in 30-student classrooms.

* Last year, 64,000 students got a "zero" in the University and High School exams. A total of 2,500,000 students will take those examinations this year.

The new semester will begin on September 12.

8. - AFP - "Iranian Kurds clash with police in hotbed of Kurdish nationalism":

TEHRAN / 15 June 2005

Hundreds of Iranian Kurds have clashed violently with police in the northwestern Iranian town of Mahabad, an historical centre of Kurdish nationalism, the official news agency IRNA said Wednesday.

The rioting, which came just days before Iran is due to elect a new president, was sparked by news from across the border in Iraq that former rebel leader Massoud Barzani was sworn in as the first president of Iraqi Kurdistan.

IRNA said a number of vehicles and shopfronts were damaged "when a group of excited people" -- numbering around 300 -- took to the streets of the town "on the pretext of joy because Massoud Barzani got elected".

"In response to a police request to disperse, the crowd burned tyres and inflicted damage to election campaign posters and threw stones and bricks at police," IRNA said.

IRNA said the unrest died down shortly before midnight, but said Mahabad’s main street was littered with stones, bricks, shattered mosaics and destroyed election campaign posters.

Iran’s presidential election takes place on Friday.

Barzani’s father was nationalist hero Mullah Mustafa Barzani, who fought for Kurdish self-determination.

He is best remembered for leading an uprising and emerging as president of the short-lived Kurdish Mahabad Republic in 1946. The small republic, the first ever Kurdish state, collapsed after an Iranian army attack in 1947.

Mahabad, still a Kurdish-majority town, is situated just south of Lake Urumiyeh, near Iran’s border with Turkey, and around 55 kilometres (35 miles) from the frontier with Kurdish-run Iraq.