PressNow and IPS Communication Foundation conducted two preliminary meetings with local journalists in Tunceli and Diyarbakir. This will lead to joint training and support programmes for local media in Turkey.

Joint Platform on Human Rights gathers international and local institutions as well as academics and activists for a three-day conference titled Freedom of Expression: Principles and Turkey. All participants note that a mentality change is needed.

Two million signatures demanding a change on the law on political parties and the electoral law, collected by CETKODER are presented to the National Assembly. Both legislations are under much debate for undermining a fair representation in the assembly.

The problem of internal displacement is inextricably related to the Kurdish problem in Turkey said Ayata at TESEVs two-day international symposium. MacAllister draw evidence from the Palestinian refugees and said Solution is that they get organized

The Comission on Minimum Wage gathered to decide the amount for 2007. Current number is way below poverty line. Economist Sonmez says a strong political opposion is needed to challenge the government policies while workers unions are at disaccord.

Popes most discussed visit to Turkey ends today. Asst. Prof. Macar says the focus point was Popes meeting with the Orthodox Patriarch but the government and the opposition didnt miss the opportunity to polticize the visit to their own ends.

Expert consultant Isik says Turkey getting results after 20 years of struggle for women rights but calls for stronger stance to advance further. The definition of violence should be broadened to include all forms of obstacles placed in front of women.

Parliament Speaker Arinc stands up for Prof. Yayla who was dismissed from y for calling Ataturk this man and Kemalism corresponds more with regression than it does with development. So far 11 people tried, two imprisoned for their opinions on Ataturk.

The PKK decision offers the possibility of genuine reforms and autonomy, but this will happen only if the Turkish army agrees to retire to its barracks. Economic conditions in the Kurdish areas are now desperate.

16 NGOs say millions of children in the world and in Turkey are neglected due to poverty, exploited and forced to live on the streets. They call on the government and all adults to fulfill their responsibility to children.

Journalist Ozkoray charged with ridiculing and insulting state institutions in two articles published in the İdea Politika magazine and its online site has been sentenced to a monetary fine of 2,200 YTL under former penal code article 159.

59 years imprisonment demanded for 7 reporters covering conscientious objection and the Kurdish issue during the last three months. Number of 301 victims has reached 65. 5 people are on trailed under charges of violating the Law to Protect Ataturk.

A public debate on problems of writers in Diyarbakir on Gun TV was cancelled after police appeared at the scene with a warrant allowing them to video the panel. TV producer Dogan says enforcement was against freedom of press and broadcasting.

Ulkede Ozgur Gundem newspaper editor Nurettin Firat says last weeks court decision to suspend the daily from print for 15 days shows there is no democracy in Turkey: The Military authority is determining the countrys agenda.

Search for solution to article 301 presses PM Erdogan to conduct talks with business and unions while human rights circles are in contact with Foreign Minister Gul. Minister Babacan wants strong civil society support.

Press Council Chair Eksi says concept of Turkishness in controversial penal code article 301 should be replaced with The Turkish Nation proposing for maximum jail term to be reduced to 1 year, investigations to be authorized by Justice Ministry.

Radio and Television Supreme Board decides to caution four stations and ask written defense from three others for their coverage of the alleged sexual harassment of a 17-month-old baby.

Two NGOs issue joint statement saying amendments on articles that are obstacles in front of the freedom of expression cant be a solution. Both organizations believe government needs to abolish the contraversial article 301 of the Penal Code.

Perihan Magden is acquitted on charges of insult through written criticism and attempting to influence a fair trial. I am very very happy she said following Tuesdays hearings where she rejected the charges.

DISK-affiliated Student Union Initiative is formally becoming a union under the name GENCSEN. Initiative spokesperson Eliacik says union to work on variety of fronts from university exams to social rights and students used as cheap labor.