The weekend conference Present and Future focusing on Greek minority issues in Istanbul arouses optimistic feelings. Karaoglan, an organizer: Contrary to rough estimates of 1 thousand, research reveals that the Greeks in Istanbul number 5 thousand.

Spreading forest fire on Sirnaks Cudi mountain for past 20 days blamed on military troops. Bingols trees being cut for security reasons. Sirnak Bar Association lawyers file criminal complaint to protect environment.

Transvestites and transsexuals in capital Ankara found Pink Life support association in wake of growing attacks on Turkeys transgendered community. We will struggle for social, economic, cultural rights but most important of all, the right to life.

Catholic Priest Pierre Brunissen wounded in knife attack but recovering from injury. Governor Guzeloglu says suspect caught and detained, investigation continues.

The death of 37 people in Sivas arson attack 13 years ago was commemorated in meetings in several cities. Istanbul rally hears demands for truth behind massacre to be revealed while Sivas meeting delivers severe criticism to government.

Lambdaistanbul staging week-long activities to celebrate Gay Pride in Turkey. July 1st Pride March in Istanbuls Istiklal Boulevard to be followed by handing out 2nd Hormone Tomato Homophobe Awards.

34 children were missing from Childrens Homes in Diyarbakir. Lawyer Analay of Bar Association says Unless policies are developed for children in need of protection, incidents like this will continue. Reports say 15 more children now missing in Sakarya

Lawyer Analay says Diyarbakir incidents show officials are not sincere in zero-tolerance policy for torture. Calls for 34 investigations launched into police torture allegations to be followed up and not be inconclusive like others.

The number of children released in Diyarbakir since May 8 reached 40 this week with 15 more minors set free and no child prisoners left for alleged involvement in Diyarbakir incidents. Lawyer Analay says Solution is acquitting the children.

Bursa Governors Office filed complaint with prosecution to close down month-old Rainbow Association on grounds of being against the law and public moral. Reason cited is same as Ankaras earlier unsuccessful bid to lock down KAOS-GL.

Over 20,000 jurists and supporters in capital Ankara march to modern Turkeys founder Ataturks mausoleum vouching Turkey will remain secularist. Crowds cheer and applaud force commanders arriving at Council of State. Protestors shout Government Resign.

KOS GLs International Gathering Against Homophobia starts in Ankara on May 17. Seminars, workshops and film shows to raise awareness against homophobia in all walks of life. Event continues until May 21.

Diyarbakirs 6th festival dedicated to Enis Ata and Abdullah Duran who lost their lives when police opened fire during March incidents. Let my dreams remain childish theme to mark festival that will end on May 18.

With the release of four more children from prison in Diyarbakir. the number of minors still under arrest for alleged involvement in the March protests is 19. Cases against 70 minors are to be heard by May 18. Lawyer Analay wants all children released.

National Disabled Week focuses on deficiency of Disabled Law as one out of eight in population struggles to prove their equal status. Chair Boyraz challenges lack of budget arguments saying Istanbul has money to cover the whole city with tulips.

23 children are still in prison in relation to the Diyarbakir incidents. 36 children on trial facing up to 24 years imprisonment each. Lawyer Analay says minors held in prison despite lack of evidence in files, demands an urgent release

Two employees of the Unifar company that claimed it had nothing to do with the barrels of toxic wasted discovered in Tuzla have confessed that factory waste was given to a single person to bury until Turkeys new Environment Law went into force last year.

Prosecution demands 9 to 24 years imprisonment for 80 minors alleged to have been involved in the Diyarbakir incidents. Another case opened for 36 children.The Bar Association Childrens Rights Center will carry the case if its appeal rejected at home.

Four suspects allegedly involved in burying hundreds of barrels of dangerous solid waste are released due to lack of law. Attorney Ozkan calls for control mechanisms. Greenpeaces Dokmecibasi says there should be special commissions.

A man found guilty for throwing an egg at Prime Minister Erdogan was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment while his alleged accomplice was acquitted. Prosecution demands 2 years for retired worker in Bursa and over 13 years each for 9 people in Mersin.