Mavi Zambak

Turkish public opinion is divided between those who are happy and those who are disappointed by the outcome. Some people fear the election might lead to confrontation between secularists and the religiously-inclined. Others see the new president as someone who can reconcile the parties. Some doubts persist.

After two failed votes, tomorrow he will be elected without doubt. He has succeeded in gathering Kurds and liberals to his candidacy. Fears surround his Islamic past and the virtual state monopoly that Erdogan’s party will have, but the industrialist support him. Gossip on the First Lady’s veil.

A new move may open the path for overcoming the constitutional barrier of 10%. Christians and Kurds are now regarded as the “enemy” by nationalists and Islamisits. The murder of Tuncay Seyranlioglu, a well known business man running for election.

A Four-day discussion to formulate guidelines for cooperation between the ‘Pontificia università Gregoriana’ and Samsun’s ‘Ondokuz Mayis University’ ended today. An agreement to that effect was signed on Monday.

The government, army and population are ever more united in their fight against Kurdish terrorism, but also in their efforts to impede the autonomous region gaining control of Kirkuk’s oil.

Accusations against the PKK followed a little too quickly and the terrorist group vehemently denies involvement. The attack comes after a spate of violence which seems bent on derailing the reform process which the country is struggling to implement.

A centre dedicated to the slain priest was inaugurated yesterday in the presence of Muslim and Christian personalities. Maddalena Santoro: “This is the legacy and the most beautiful and precious fruit left by my brother.”

The AKP appears to be boosted by the good health of the economy and full of self-confidence, will try to field its only candidate again. Opposition parties are scrambling to join forces to overcome the 10% minimum threshold.

Faced by the presidential election impasse, the party in power launches its electoral campaign. According to some polls the Akp can count on 65% of voters.

Yesterday’s demonstration, with over 1 million participants is a strong sign of Turkish dissent towards the Islamification of the country and government inertia in the face of rising violence targeting ethnic and religious minorities. The army threatens to intervene. Opposition parties seek to invalidate Gul’s election.

Vivid descriptions of the macabre details, minimal analysis of what or who motivated the young assassins, no mention of the witch-hunt against Christians.

Zirve, a publishing house in Malatya, is attacked. It had received threats for some time. Ultra-nationalist groups are suspected.