Kurdish politicians ask for western poll observers

Concerned over possible irregularities in next month's elections, Kurdish politicians have requested that international observers be sent to monitor the polls, according to diplomatic sources. "The irregularities have started already," claimed Filiz Kocali, co-chair of the pro-Kurdish Peace and Democracy Party (BDP), at a meeting with Western diplomats in Ankara yesterday. "Ballots from regions which plan on voting for independent deputies have been moved to other locations." She said the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Kurdish initiative had not gone beyond political and military operations, adding that 43 people had recently died in operations against the terrorist PKK. Representatives of the Democratic Society Congress (DTK), an umbrella of pro-Kurdish groups, were also present at the meeting. General elections are scheduled for June 12