Jepalert - news from Turkey

US Secretary of State Rice arrives in Ankara to offer Turkish leaders an “effective strategy” against the PKK in exchange for holding off on cross-border military action.

link

The PKK attacked a convoy Sunday killing 12 Turkish soldiers. The Turkish military responded by shelling the border region, and killed over 30 members of the PKK.

link

The Turkish parliament overwhelmingly approves the resolution allowing a cross-border incursion into northern Iraq. The vote was 507-19 for the resolution.

link

link

Turkish parliament is set to vote on allowing a military incursion into Iraq Wednesday. The US and Iraq have strongly urged Turkey against taking military action.

Link

Link

PM Erdogan confirms Wednesday that the Turkish parliament is drawing up plans to allow a military incursion into northern Iraq to fight the PKK.

link

Parts of Istanbul will be without water until 16:00 Thursday. The following districts will be effected: Bakirkoy, Besiktas, Eminonu, Fatih, Kadikoy, Sariyer and Uskudar.

Turkish link 

The Bosporus Bridge may open to pedestrians again after 20 years. The Ministry of Public Works plans to open the bridge’s walkway as a tourist attraction.

link

Two separate explosions hit Izmir’s Sirinyer district Tuesday. Police said a bomb caused the second explosion. The bombing killed one person and injured two.

link

Turkish link 

The Hrant Dink murder trial resumes Monday amid controversy. On Saturday a telephone recording was released, which suggested police knew about plots to kill Dink.

link

link

Turkish parliament starts a new legislative year Monday. Despite opposition from CHP members after the election, all parties are expected to attend Gul’s speech.

link