Sabah: Nine fellows for Öcalan, read the headline of the daily's main story yesterday, which reported that the Justice Ministry had decided to send nine inmates to İmrali Island, where outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Öcalan is serving a life sentence, in line with the requests of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture. In this way, complaints about Öcalan's isolation on the island will be eliminated. Rooms have been constructed for the nine inmates who will serve on the island along with Öcalan. The inmates' names have not yet been made public. Öcalan will be able to meet with these inmates during workshops, reported the daily. Akşam: Ankara is getting ready to announce its roadmap for the solution of the Kurdish problem, said the daily in its top story yesterday referring to the Justice and Development Party's (AK Party) İhsan Arslan who spoke to the daily about his party's radical solution formula. PKK leader Öcalan is expected to make a surprising move on Aug. 15. According to the claims, Öcalan will announce his proposals for a solution to the Kurdish problem and voice his expectations from the state. Ankara has taken action before Öcalan. Talking about the government's roadmap for the Kurdish problem, Arslan said the Turkish state should talk to Öcalan. He also suggested that the state should find jobs for the PKK members who part ways with the PKK and lay down their weapons. “If Turkey solves its Kurdish problem, it will be one of the greatest countries in the world,” said Arslan.
Radikal: Turkey woke up today as a country which has realized a revolution with the smoking ban, the daily announced in its lead article yesterday referring to a smoking ban which went into effect in all closed areas as of Sunday. In Turkey, where people used to smoke even during intercity travels, people will now be able to inhale clean air in all the closed areas including cafes and bars. The “smoke like a Turk,” saying will be history, said the daily, noting that the success of the implementation of this ban was dependent on people's support.
