Press roundup

Discussing the possibility of having a cemevi -- a place of worship for Alevis -- in the parliamentary building, Çiçek told the daily that he is not opposed to cemevis, but that accepting a proposal for a cemevi in the building of Parliament does not reflect the majority view. “There is no consensus in society either,” he said, adding: “Based on what should I decide? It is too risky. Every trouble finds me.” The request for a cemevi in Parliament was made by a member of the Republican People's Party (CHP) and has been rejected.

Habertürk: “An autonomous region won't be established,” was the headline of the paper's lead story, a quote from Syrian National Council (SNC) leader Abdulbaset Sieda. In relation to Syrian Kurds seizing control of many areas near the Turkish border and flying their flag there, Sieda has said: “Do not pay attention to flags being flown there. [Those flags] are only the symbols of the Kurds' presence there; they don't have any other purpose.” He also emphasized that their aim is not to establish an autonomous region in northern Syria, a prospect that has caused concern in Turkey of late.

Taraf: “They are retired coup plotters from now on,” was the daily's banner headline, referring to the Supreme Military Council (YAŞ) forcing all 40 generals and admirals currently under arrest in ongoing investigations into coup plots to retire in its annual decisions, announced on Saturday. The daily also noted that 47 colonels have been promoted to general or admiral, dubbed “pashas” by the daily. However, it reported, Air Forces Commander Gen. Mehmet Erten, who was expected to be asked to retire early, has retained his position.