Turkey moves to ban pro-Kurdish political partyNovember 16, 2007 - 19:55 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Turkish prosecutors have reportedly moved to ban a pro-Kurdish political party in Turkey that has been accused of colluding with Kurdish rebels. Supreme Court prosecutors asked the Constitutional Court to bar the Democratic Society Party (DTP), the state-run Anatolian news agency said. They allege the DTP is linked to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The legal action comes amid tensions with Iraq over Turkey's threat to make cross-border attacks on PKK bases. The DTP, which is represented in parliament, has called on Ankara to grant autonomy to Turkey's mainly Kurdish south-east. Founded in 2005, the DTP denies any links to the PKK, which is designated a terrorist group by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU. DTP deputy Sirri Sakik said the legal action was a step backwards for Turkey in terms of democracy. "Turkey is becoming a cemetery of banned political parties," he said. The PKK has waged a violent campaign for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, resulting in more than 30,000 deaths. Turkey has recently massed about 100,000 troops on the Iraqi border after its parliament approved calls for a military incursion to deal with the insurgents, BBC reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Macron says France commemorates 109th anniv. of Armenian genocide Today France commemorates the 109th anniversary of the Armenian genocide of 1915, Macron says. |