NEW GOVERNOR AND POLICE CHIEF TO BE APPOINTED TO TRABZON

Today’s Zaman, Turkey
Feb 13 2007

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoðan said a new governor and a
police chief will soon be appointed to Trabzon, a city of the Black
Sea coast where the governor and the police chief were suspended as
part of an investigation into the Jan. 19 killing of ethnic Armenian
journalist Hrant Dink.

"We will present the new appointees to the President for approval. We
have about 10 cities waiting for new governors. Trabzon will be
appointed its new governor and police chief as well," Erdoðan said.

Addressing a crowd in Trabzon, Erdoðan thanked the public for remaining
calm in the face of recent developments. "You gave the most appropriate
response to those who might have malicious plans. Trabzon will be
among the best examples of cities that demonstrate common sense,
peace and unity," Erdoðan said.

Eight suspects from Trabzon, including the alleged teenage triggerman,
are under arrest in relation the killing of Dink in Istanbul. The
slaying prompted international condemnation as well as a debate
within Turkey about freedom speech, and whether state institutions
were tolerant of militant nationalists.

Erdoðan also referred to the problems facing youth saying that they
should be shielded from provocations. "The youth in Trabzon will have
the same opportunities as the youth in Ýstanbul," Erdoðan added. Like
many mid-size Turkish cities, Trabzon contains the ingredients that
cause social discontent. Unemployment is high, the quality of education
is poor, and facilities are few.

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