In order to represent the left in parliament, leftist political parties and NGOs have decided to field independent candidates. Meanwhile the order of parties on the ballot paper has been announced.

Government politicians comments on a possible military operation in Northern Iraq, and the militarys reply to these comments have created speculation in the media. America has also reacted.

Arguing that the proposed changes to the constitution in relation to presidential elections would bring about a change in system, President Sezer has vetoed the proposed amendment.

Although the government does not cease to claim that European countries have articles similar to Article 301 of the Turkish constitution, foreign freedom of speech activists rejected this claim in the 5th Istanbul Meeting for Freedom of Expression.

Turkish and foreign social scientists came together in Istanbul this weekend to discuss the concept of Europe from an anthropological perspective. Also discussed were relations between Turkey and Europe, and the state of anthropology.

The teachers trade union Egitim-Sen has voiced suspicions that the murder of one of its members, literature teacher Deprem Sarikas, last week may be political. Two days before the murder, Sarikas had been attacked by a group with knives.

Mainstream newspaper Milliyet had been accused of reporting pro-Kurdish propaganda on its website. Newspaper chief and owner were acquitted on 23 May because court acknowledged public interest in the news.

Journalist Karaca, who had received a prison sentence converted to a fine in his trial under Article 301, is being retried because there was a procedural error in the court proceedings. The first sitting is scheduled for June 20.

Changes have been made to the regulations for foreigners applying for work permits. Foreign architects and engineers are permitted to work without the approval of professional chambers. The definition of foreigner has changed.

A man has been identified through DNA and fingerprints as the suicide bomber in the Ankara bombing. As the initial shock over the attack in Ankara on 22 May dies down, there is increasing debate over the perpetrators and repercussions of the attack.

Amnesty International comments on the state of human rights in Turkey in 2006 in its world report published on its website yesterday. A lack of progress is noted in areas of freedom of speech, Kurdish rights, domestic security etc.

The new law regulating Internet content has been passed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. It aims at protecting the public and does not allow criticism of Ataturk. Critics say the law is not effective.

A bomb which exploded in a busy commercial centre of old Ankara yesterday evening has claimed six lives and injured 100 people. Experts claim it may be a suicide bomb. Politicians speak of solidarity, while Chief of General Staff warns of more attacks.

The Istanbul Chamber of Doctors has decided to give its Peace, Democracy and Human Rights Prize to the widow of Hrant Dink for her speech at her husbands funeral. Rakel Dink had emphasised peace and brotherhood.

The newest trial under the controversial article 301 is that of journalists Ahmet Sik and Lale Sariibrahimoglu for denigrating the armed forces. Journalist Ali Bayramoglu speaks of an increase in authoritarianism.

Centre-left parties have agreed to collaborate and attended the last of the Republican rallies in the Black Sea city of Samsun at the weekend. Meanwhile, the left is deciding on independent candidates for parliament.

Opposition to war and support for imprisoned conscientious objector Halil Savda was expressed in the demonstration on 20 May, organized by The Conscientious Objectors Platform in Istanbul . A speaker denounced the profits made by war.

The 20th anniversary of the first womens march against domestic violence in Turkey was marked with a new protest meeting and a concert in Istanbul. Women agree that a lot remains to be done. Female intellectuals interpret Turkeys womens movement.

In a talk in Izmir, political scientist Prof. Dr. Baskin Oran called for anewed discussion of many concepts in Turkey. He dismissed fears of non-Muslim religious activity in Turkey, as well as fear of sharia law.

An investigation of phone calls made by suspects in the Hrant Dink case has revealed hidden connections between suspects, a gendarmerie intelligence officer and a police officer. There has not been sufficient questioning.