While PM Erdoğan refuses to meet with the pro-Kurdish MPs, DTP co-chair Türk met with us president Obama and expressed their views for a peaceful solution to the Kurdish issue. Army commanders attend General Assembly meeting after two years.

The Ministry of Health has announced that Denim Sand Blasting has been banned because it causes lung problems. The Ministry hopes to wipe out silicosis by 2030.

Erinç, president of the Journalists’ Society of Turkey (TGC) says that 62 journalists have been killed up to today. He has called on the Prime Minister to respect the press rather than call for boycotts.

Mater from the Global Peace and Justice Coalition believes that NATO should be disbanded. He adds, “Obama is sending 17,000 soldiers to Afghanistan. He is not bringing peace.”

Between 6-21 April, numerous events will be held in different cities across Turkey to discuss and celebrate different applications of the Internet. Professeur Akgül criticizes lack of coordination on governmental level to improve Internet access.

US president meets president Gül and addresses the parliament. He avoids making concrete statements on recognizing Armenian genocide claims and support on fighting Kurdish rebels; praises Turkey-US relations as a model of alliance.

The police intervened when around 5,000 people tried to visit the village of imprisoned PKK leader Öcalan’s birth on his birthday. Two people died. More than 10,000 people took part in the funeral of one of them.

Öğreten of the Initiative for a Turkey without Mines says that Turkey has violated international agreements by not destroying its stock of 2.5 million mines. Turkey also needs to clear 1 million buried mines by 2014.

There were protests against NATO in Ankara, Istanbul and Eskişehir. Around 2,500 people gathered for a protest in Kadıköy, Istanbul.

After the G20 and NATO summits, the US President is now in Turkey. We would like Obama to close down military bases, pull out of Iraq and Afghanistan, and fight against global climate change.

Professor Tonak argues that the G20 deal is prepared assuming "there's enough production and consumption" to support the sanctions. He further criticizes G20 leaders to avoid tackling the causes of the crisis.

US president Obama arrives in Turkey this afternoon. DTP MP Tuncel says they would demand improving diplomatic efforts in trying to resolve the problems in the Middle East.

Reporters without Borders is supporting the call of Hrant Dink's family and lawyers for a serious investigation into relations between the murder of the journalist and the ultranationalist Ergenekon organisation.

Radio 6 will broadcast in Kurdish 24 hours a day, while Armenian has been added to the variety of languages on “Turkey’s Voice” Radio.

The lawyer of DİHA reporter Abdurrahman Gök says that an objection to his arrest has been rejected. He says that he will file a complaint for torture and maltreatment after seeing the medical file.

The Pink Amsterdam event which was organised previously to draw attention to homophobia and transphobia in Amsterdam and Istanbul is now also coming to Istanbul. There will be a conference and a night of music with DJs and musicians at Ghetto.

CHP Istanbul party chair Tekin has demanded that the next elections, which will be the general elections in 2011, be electronic to avoid tampering and the high number of invalid votes.

Government announces that per capita income exceeds 10 thousand dollars but economist Önder is skeptical. "What's important is income distribution and there's appalling inequalities."

Mainly Kurdish inmates are protesting rights violations, such as arbitrary ban on publications in Kurdish. The hunger strike entered its 39th day. Rights defenders urge the government to act, warning that four inmates' health is deteriorating.

Parliamentary Speaker Toptan has announced that US President Obama will meet opposition leaders separately. DTP leader Türk and CHP leader Baykal had agreed to a group meeting of opposition leaders, but MHP leader Bahçeli has criticised such an arrangement as “unethical”.