Turkey Live Coverage (14 May): A "Happy Ending" for 2 Journalists, But Kurdish Problem Remains
Monday, May 14, 2012 at 10:15Syria (and Beyond) Live Coverage: 30 Die as Protests Continue
1645 GMT: The establishment of an “International South Azerbaijani Turks' National Council” has been announced in Ankara.
Cemal Mehmethanoğlu, the spokesperson of the council, declared:
Our ultimate aim is the independence of Turks living in ‘Southern Azerbaijan.' But we seek independence by democratic, peaceful means, not through the use of weapons.
1430 GMT: There has been a clash between Turkish soldiers and PKK members in the province of Diyarbakir. Last week, Veysel Celik. Justice and Development Party (AKP)'s chairman of the Kulp district of Diyarbakir had been kidnapped by PKK members. Two village guards are reportedly wounded.
1200 GMT: In response to the demands of public servants for a 16 percent increase in monthly wages, Minister of Labour and Social Security Faruk Celik had stated on May 1 that the proposals were on the table and had continued:
You will demand, as a necessity of democracy, and we will try to give you what you want. We will give less or more than you want, but we will solve this.
However, the government offered much less than what was expected. According to this offer, 3+3 percent increase in the first year and 2+3 percent increase in the second year are offered.