Mass clashes in Turkey; EU concerned over ban on pro-Kurd party

Aysor.am
12/12/09

Mass clashes erupted between police and demonstrators of the
pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party in the southeastern province of
Hakkari on Friday. Demonstrates went to streets for `Peace and
Democracy March’ after ban on Turkish pro-Kurd party. Turkey’s top
court earlier banned the main pro-Kurdish party for its connection
with the Kurdish rebels.

Around 3,000 people walked to the Hakkari Municipality building,
according to Dogan news agency. After clashes, protesters smashed shop
windows, set on fire the dumpsters. Police used tear gas; dozens of
people were arrested.

Meanwhile the European Union voiced concern over ban on Turkish
pro-Kurd party. The Swedish presidency said it is concerned over the
decision by Turkey’s Constitutional Court to close the pro-Kurdish
Democratic Society Party. This is a violation of rights of the Kurdish
minority, it said.

"While strongly denouncing violence and terrorism, the presidency
recalls that the dissolution of political parties is an exceptional
measure that should be used with utmost restraint," said in the
presidency’s message.

The U.S. State Department representative said that the decision to ban
the pro-Kurt party is a completely internal business of Turkey. But it
is necessary to be choicely in limiting the political freedoms, he
added.