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Turkish Press Review, 00-09-20
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
20.09.00
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[02] CEM MEETS HOLBROOKE
[03] DENKTAS' STATEMENT ON THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
[04] TURCO-GREEK RAPPROACHEMENT CONTINUES
[05] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ON CRIMES COMMITTED VIA MEDIA
[06] UNMIK GUARANTEE FOR KOSOVAR TURKS
[07] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL TO BE VOTED TODAY
[08] ETHIOPIAN DELEGATION IN TURKEY
[09] STATE MINISTER CAY IN TAJIKISTAN
[10] OPERATION IN SOUTHEAST
[11] NEW BASE FOR NAVY
[12] UNICEF TO DONATE $20 MILLION TO TURKEY
[13] CHIBBER: "ATATURK IS A PERFECT LEADER"
[14] ENERGY DEFICIT
[15] TURKISH-SWISS BUSINESS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
[16] START FOR THE PRIVATIZATION OF PETKIM
[17] HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR PROF. YASARGIL
[18] FILM FESTIVAL IN SAFRANBOLU
[19] BESIKTAS' VICTORY
[20] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[21] ROAD MAP FOR EU BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[02] CEM MEETS HOLBROOKE
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem met the US permanent representative
to the United Nations (UN) Richard Holbrooke yesterday in New
York. According to a statement by Deputy Spokesman of Foreign
Ministry Huseyin Dirioz, Mr. Cem and Mr. Holbrooke mainly
discussed the Cyprus issue, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's
statement emphasizing that the Turkish and Greek Cypriots were
the political equal of the other and the Turco-Greek relations.
Mr. Dirioz said that Mr. Holbrooke had conveyed his pleasure over
the latest developments on the Cyprus issue at the meeting.
Yesterday, Mr. Cem also met Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov.
Stating that they held consultations on the Iraq issue, Mr. Cem
said, "I gave information about Turkey's cooperation in the fight
against terrorism with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Mr. Ivanov
and added that Uzbekistan would also join this cooperation."
Meanwhile, Mr. Cem delivered a speech at the Foreign Ministers'
Meeting of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
Emphasizing that the real solution in Cyprus would be the
recognition of two equal nations and states, Mr. Cem said,
"Turkey supports the proximity talks held under the umbrella of
the UN. This issue should be included in the OIC final
declaration." He added that since the Turkish-Cypriots needed the
support of the Islamic countries, these countries should
cooperate with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in
the areas of economy, culture and information. Mr. Cem traveled
to Brussels after completing his contacts due to the UN's 55th
term meetings. He is expected to meet the Chairman of the
European Parliament Nicole Fontaine, Chairman of the European
Commission Romano Prodi and the EU Commissioner responsible for
the enlargement Gunther Verheugen. /Cumhuriyet/
[03] DENKTAS' STATEMENT ON THE CYPRUS PROBLEM
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf
Denktas said that the map, proposal and suggestions mentioned in
the Greek-Cypriot press had not been presented to them and that
these issues had not been discussed between the Turkish side and
the United Nations (UN). Denktas added, "The territorial issue
cannot be discussed unless our sovereignity is recognized. We
asked for information on the subject during our meeting with the
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative, Alvaro
De Soto. They expressed their unhappiness over the issue.
However, those maps, cantons and proposals were not presented to
us." /Aksam/
[04] TURCO-GREEK RAPPROACHEMENT CONTINUES
It had been decided at the meeting of the Turkish and Greek
Foreign Ministers in New York that the Aegean issue encompassing
an advance in the confidence-building measures would be discussed
during bilateral contacts between the two countries. While Greece
stated that the meetings will be held on Sept. 29, it was
reported the meeting which will be held between Foreign Minister
Ismail Cem and his Greek counterpart George Papandreou on Oct. 19
would accelerate the rapprochement period. Despite the opposition
of a group including Greek Defense Minister Akis Cohacopulos, it
was decided that the Aegean issue will be discussed during the
Papandreou-Cem meeting. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT ON CRIMES COMMITTED VIA MEDIA
The Constitutional Court partially annulled the law on the
postponement of sentences given to the crimes committed through
media and publications. The Court granted a one-year period to
the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) to carry out the
required amendments. This decision raised the hopes that a number
of people will be released and also the former leader of the
former Welfare Party Necmettin Erbakan will not be imprisoned.
The Court declared the law as invalid by stating that according
to Article 10 of the Constitution, individuals are equal before
the laws. This means that to postpone the punishments of only the
ones committed through media for the same kind of crimes is
against the principle of equality between individuals. /Milliyet/
[06] UNMIK GUARANTEE FOR KOSOVAR TURKS
It was stated that the United Nations Mission for Kosovo (UNMIK)
will realize the principle of equality of Kosovar Turks with the
Albanians and Serbians. According to a statement by the Foreign
Ministry, UN special representative to Kosovo Bernard Kouchner
sent the official document concerning UNMIK's promises to Kosovar
Turks to the Head of Turkish Democratic Union Mahir Yagcilar on
Sept. 15. "The UNMIK is trying to take further steps to guarantee
the rights of Kosovar Turks. The principle of equality will also
be valid for the languages. Kosovar Turks will have the right to
get education in Turkish and their identity cards will be written
in Turkish.", stated the document. It was reported that the
Foreign Ministry considered the document as a positive
development while the Associations of the Kosovar Turks have also
been satisfied. /Cumhuriyet/
[07] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL TO BE VOTED TODAY
The US Congress' Subcommittee on the International Operations and
Human Rights will vote the so-called Armenian genocide bill
today. If the bill is rejected, it will be removed from the
agenda, but if it passes, it will go on to the House
International Committee. Since the Armenian lobbies are trying to
get the bill passed in the House Committee, it was reported that
they will organize a conference regarding the so-called genocide
between Sept.27-28. Meanwhile, American oil, energy and defense
industry firms are also continuing their lobbying activities to
support Turkey. Head of Turkish-American Council Lincoln McCurdy
sent a letter to the Chairman of House of Representatives Dennis
Hastert saying that the recognition of the bill should be
prevented as Turkey is one of the most reliable allies of the US.
/Sabah/
[08] ETHIOPIAN DELEGATION IN TURKEY
During a four-day visit to Turkey, Ethiopian Minister responsible
for Water Resources and Meteorology, Shiferaw Jarso and an
accompanying delegation visited State Minister Ramazan Mirzaoglu.
After the meeting, Mr. Mirzaoglu said that Ethiopia is a country
convenient for the construction of a great number of dams. The
Ethiopian delegation will visit the Southeastern Anatolia Project
(GAP) region today and make various observations. /Turkiye/
[09] STATE MINISTER CAY IN TAJIKISTAN
State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay went to Tajikistan for official
meetings. According to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry,
Cay will participate in the Economic Commission Meeting between
the two countries and be welcomed by the Tajikistan President and
Prime Minister during his visit, which ends on Sept. 26. /Turkish
Daily News/
[10] OPERATION IN SOUTHEAST
A statement issued by the office of the Governor of Emergency
Rule said that two members of the PKK terrorist organization were
killed during the operations carried out between the security
forces and a group of PKK members in Hakkari, Mus and Tunceli
yesterday. Meanwhile, one PKK member was seriously wounded, and
two PKK members were captured with their weapons and other two
terrorists surrendered to security forces in Hakkari. Operations
are underway. /Cumhuriyet/
[11] NEW BASE FOR NAVY
A new base for the navy will be constructed in Izmir and Chief of
the General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu will lay the foundation
of the Command on Sept.28, on 'Navy Day'. /Milliyet/
[12] UNICEF TO DONATE $20 MILLION TO TURKEY
UNICEF has decided to donate $20,000,000 to Turkey over the next
five years. The decision was made at an UNICEF Action Committee
meeting in New York. /Turkish Daily News/
[13] CHIBBER: "ATATURK IS A PERFECT LEADER"
World Bank Turkey Director Ajay Chibber delivered a speech at the
conference on ' Effective Administration on the path to the
European Union'. Mr. Chibber said that the example for the best
leader in Turkey was Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He said that Ataturk
has founded Is Bank with the financial assistance extended by
Indian Moslems for the Turkish War of Independence. Mr. Chibber
said, " Turkey is currently in good condition and we should
congratulate the government for this. However, the war has not
yet been won. I believe the Banking Regulation and Supervision
Agency will effectively deal with the irregularities in the
banking sector." /Milliyet/
[14] ENERGY DEFICIT
The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Cumhur Ersumer will
present his proposals for energy saving and energy deficit issues
to the Council of Ministers' meeting tomorrow. Mr. Ersumer said
that a series of measures was being proposed to save energy, such
as the rearrangement of the working hours and restrictions to
decrease the electricity consumption. He pointed out that they
were holding meetings with Iranian and Russian Ambassadors
regarding the increase in the natural gas and power imported from
those countries. Mr. Ersumer also said that an increase in the
electricity prices, an interval the irrigation of the
agricultural areas and scheduled power cuts are on the agenda to
overcome the bottleneck in power supply. /Turkiye/
[15] TURKISH-SWISS BUSINESS COUNCIL ESTABLISHED
Turkish-Swiss Business Council was established under the
structure of the Foreign Economic Relations Council (DEIK).
Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Association of Industrialists and
Businessmen (TUSIAD), Mustafa Koc, said, "Turkey is among the
countries whose growth potential is the highest when compared to
China, Brazil, India, Mexico, Argentina and Singapore."
Meanwhile, Swiss Economy and Foreign Trade Undersecretary David
Syz said, "Turkey is a very important country for Switzerland,
and Switzerland ranks the fifth among the countries making
investments in this country. We closely follow the stability
program in Turkey." /Hurriyet/
[16] START FOR THE PRIVATIZATION OF PETKIM
Deputy Chairman of the Privatization Administration Board (OIB)
Haluk Buyukbas said that within the framework of the
privatization of Petro-chemical Industry Company (PETKIM) they
were having contacts with the representatives of international
banks and would authorize them on the issue in a short time. Mr.
Buyukbas said that they would take steps to sell the assets of
PETKIM Facilities in Yarimca this year. Mr. Buyukbas said that
within the context of market and sector conditions, they may
consider the implementation of both a block sale of 51 percent
and also a public offer of 15-20 percent /Milliyet/
[17] HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR PROF. YASARGIL
Hacettepe University Senate will present 'honorary doctorate' to
Prof. Gazi Yasargil, who was elected the 'surgeon of the century'
by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in the US because of his
success in the neurological surgery and his contributions to the
improvement of the surgical methods. The ceremony will be
organized at the Cultural Centre of Hacettepe University today.
/Cumhuriyet/
[18] FILM FESTIVAL IN SAFRANBOLU
'The First Golden Safranbolu Documentary Film Festival' will
begin today in Safranbolu, Kastamonu. Within the framework of the
activities of the festival, documentary, film and scenario
competitions, panels, conferences, seminars and exhibitions will
be organized and folk dances will be displayed. Meanwhile, the
meeting of the Executive Board of 'Organization of World Heritage
Cities' will be held by UNESCO today during the festival. This
meeting will be attended by the Mayors from 17 countries, which
take place in the 'World Heritage Cities Organization'.
/Cumhuriyet/
[19] BESIKTAS' VICTORY
Turkish soccer team Besiktas defeated Spanish Barcelona in the
UEFA Champions League with a score of 3-0. Ahmet Dursun (2) and
Nouma scored the goals during the match played last night at
Inonu Stadium in Istanbul. Meanwhile, Galatasaray is going to
play its second match in the Champions League tonight against
Austrian Sturm Graz at Arnold Schwarzenegger Stadium. The match
will be kicked off at 21:45. /Turkiye/
[20] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[21] ROAD MAP FOR EU BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)
Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna writes on the expected discussions
concerning the road map for the EU at the Council of Ministers. A
summary of his column is as follows:
"The Council of Ministers will convene tomorrow and will discuss
the road map for the EU. The basic reforms requested from the EU
candidate countries, including Turkey, will be among those
considered. The European Union will take the borders of Turkey
under a gurantee which has never been seen throughout its
history. Following NATO, the EU will provide the guarantee to
Turkey it has granted to all its members. Turkish passport will
not be subject to the improper behaviour it has seen until now
and there will no longer be a necessity to obtain a visa for each
and every country. Turkish citizens will be exempted from the
embarassing processes accorded to poor countries with a high rate
of population and will open up to the world. The proceedings at
the border gates which have been implemented for long seem
natural to us. However, remembering Ataturk's words that this
nation was not created to be embarassed, I am deeply troubled.
The prosperous people of the former Ottoman states have taken
their borders under guarantee with no requirement for visa to
travel. However, we still have the chance to get into the last
wagon of the train climbing to the peak with utmost speed. We
trust the Coalition Government leaders, Bulent Ecevit, Devlet
Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz and the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
They should not disappoint us. The necessity for radical reforms
cannot be denied and they can be implemented with determination
and strong political will."
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