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Turkish Press Review, 01-03-23Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning23.03.2001CONTENTS
[01] ECEVIT MEETS SEZERYesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Following the weekly meeting, Mr. Ecevit told reporters they had a fruitful meeting in which they discussed various local and foreign issues, including recent economic developments. Responding to questions posed by journalists, the Prime Minister said the new economic program will have three stages: to take active measures in the banking sector, to ensure stability in interest rates, foreign exchange, macro-economic balances and finally, to assure a steady economic growth beginning from the second half of this year. Stressing they hope to resume a new period of decreased inflation after an intense study of a couple months, Mr. Ecevit said they agreed upon the new law regulations which should be enacted soon. These include, the supplementary budget, amendments in Banking Law, closing the remaining funds, etc. /Turkiye/[02] ECEVIT'S STATEMENT ON RECENT SITUATION IN BALKANSSpeaking to the press after his regular meeting with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said Turkey would continue to contributing to peace efforts peace in the Balkans where the crisis is ongoing . Emphasizing the Balkans cannot bear another war, Ecevit said, "Albanian guerillas must stop their violent activities immediately. There are many Albanians living in Macedonia. They are also concerned about the violence. No one expected a guerilla operation to be responsible for so much violence." /Cumhuriyet/[03] YILMAZ INFORMS THE TGNA ABOUT NATIONAL PROGRAMAfter the National Program (NP) was approved in the Council of Ministers, Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz informed the TGNA on the NP. Emphasizing that Turkey did her utmost to fulfill its responsibilities on the path towards full EU membership, Yilmaz stated the NP took sensitive issues into consideration. He added, "We cannot make any concessions over the unity of our country and basic premises of our Republic. Pointing out the necessity of putting the NP into effect immediately, Yilmaz said the government is determined to do so. He added that all political parties should support the government. /Cumhuriyet/[04] YILMAZ SPEAKS ON WATER DAYState Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said Turkey must place priority on the construction of new dams in order to make the best use of its water sources. Speaking at a meeting held at the State Water Works(DSI) headquarters on occasion of World Water Day, Yilmaz said both global and domestic usable water sources were gradually being used more extensively for economic and technical purposes. Yilmaz said Turkey is not a water-rich country, but sources are sufficient enough to meet its current demand as well as the demand for the near future. /Turkish News/[05] BAHCELI: "IT IS A HARD STRUGGLE"State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said Turkey is struggling to assure a stable economy by decreasing the chronic inflation and restructuring its organs. Speaking at the first joint meeting of the 4th Economic Congress Science Committee, Bahceli said, "We will succeed because of the strong and dynamic structure of the Turkish economy and the will of the people." /Turkiye/[06] PRESIDENT OF TUNISIA IN TURKEYTunisian President Zeynel Abidin Bin Ali arrived in Ankara yesterday to pay an official visit. During a tête-à-tête, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and his Tunisian counterpart reportedly held comprehensive bilateral discussions. Additionally, following the meetings between both countries' delegations, four agreements were signed. /Turkiye/[07] POWELL'S LETTER AGAINST SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE RESOLUTIONUS Secretary of State Colin Powell sent a letter to congressmen from the State of Maryland. Several congressmen brought allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide to the legislative agenda. Powell's letter stated that the US Administration would not consider such attempts its foreign policy. /Cumhuriyet/[08] KOHLER: "TURKEY CAN OVERCOME THE CRISIS"The Chairman of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Horst Kohler, said Turkey could overcome the effects of its economic crisis. Kohler discussed some of the reasons for the crisis saying, "While trying to prevent a new crisis, the IMF should also take the present situation and expectations into consideration." Kohler answered questions during an interview with the German weekly 'Die Zeit' and said, "There is no reason for a global crisis to occur." /Hurriyet/[09] IMPORTANT STATEMENTS BY TSOHATZOPOULOSThe Greek Minister of Defense, Akis Tsohatzopoulos, in an interview with the 'Hurriyet' daily said for the first time, the Turkish threat has decreased. Within this atmosphere, Athens would prepare a new doctrine valid until 2003. Tsohatzopoulos added, "We decided to remove the state of war in Greece, declared during the Cyprus Peace Operations in 1974, to reduce our army, and to remove the mines in the Meric region. Now, conditions between Turkey and Greece are much better. I believe the meetings to be held under much better conditions will give much better results than the past. We have decreased the tensions and begun cooperating in the security field. Soldiers on both sides of the border have proven they can live together as good neighbors. However, there may not always be good relations between good neighbors all of the time. Now, it would be reasonable to close the book on the past and to begin increasing confidence building measures." /Hurriyet/[10] ECONOMIC SOCIAL COUNCIL CONVENESPrime Minister Bulent Ecevit thanked entrepreneurs for their conciliatory attitude. In order to make this conciliation more effective, Ecevit said the Economic and Social Council(ESK) will convene March 31. /Milliyet/[11] URGENT MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IMMEDIATELYKemal Dervis told Bulent Ecevit that some basic reform laws should be adopted immediately in order to facilitate the foreign resource negotiations he will hold. Some of the postponed bills on structural reform will be submitted to the parliament while Dervis is abroad. Some of them involve Central Bank law, abolishment of funds and the Civilian Aviation law. /Milliyet/[12] CALIFORNIAN SENATE ADOPTS SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE LAWThe California Senate unanimously adopted a bill on the so-called Armenian genocide commemoration day April 24. The bill will also be sent to the State congress. /Milliyet/[13] KIVRIKOGLU VISITS PAKISTANThe Chief of the General Staff, Huseyin Kivrikoglu continues his visit in Pakistan. The leader of the military administration, Gen. Pervez Muserref received Kivrikoglu. Muserref said they will transfer rule to a civilian administration. Muserref said local elections are being held step by step. /Milliyet/[14] EU STANDARDS IN EDUCATION TO COMMENCEAccording to the Turkish National Program, reforms harmonizing with EU requirements in education will begin this year. The program foresees access to the Socrates education program, applied in EU countries, by November 2001. Compulsory education will be also extended to 12 years as a midterm reform. Additionally, the application which envisages giving a "Diploma Supplement" to students graduating from universities will start in June 2001 in all higher education institutions. /Turkiye/[15] DERVIS MEETS GERMAN FINANCE MINISTER EICHELState Minister for Economy Kemal Dervis met with German Finance Undersecretary Caio Kai Koch-Weser and Finance Minister Hans Eichel in Germany. At a press conference after the meeting Eichel said they will help Turkey receive the necessary support from the IMF and the World Bank. Eichel said Germany may give bilateral assistance if the IMF and World Bank gives the guarantee. Eichel said, "However, before that the economic program should be clarified and implementation begun. Turkish people should be aware that confidence would be built at the international level if this program is definitely be implemented." Dervis said, " The hardship in Turkey's economic conditions continue, but now it is comparably better. The next two-three weeks are important. We must work hard. 15 amendment bills are being submitted to the parliament. We have to decrease the interest rates. Dervis will travel to the US today and meet with US Treasury Department officials. /Milliyet/[16] TUSIAD DELEGATION IN FRANCEThe Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) Delegation, currently in France, met with the directors of the MEDEF (Employers' Confederation) yesterday. The recent crisis between Turkey and France due to France's approval of the so-called Armenian genocide bill and possible ways to overcome the recent financial crisis in Turkey were among topics discussed during the meeting. Promising to convey Turkey's views on the Armenian issue, MEDEF said it will visit Turkey during July of 2001. /Cumhuriyet/MINISTER OF FINANCE ORAL'S STATEMENT ON 2001 BUDGET Minister of Finance Sumer Oral said the 2001 budget will be redrawn in accordance with the newly emerging conditions following the recent financial crisis. Oral said preparations for the 2001 budget would be completed after the new economic program was clearly declared. He added that savings would be an important part of new budget. Stating certain conditions would be placed on the use of electricity, water and oil, Oral said new regulations would also be put into effect concerning the use of mobile phones and the purchase of private cars. Oral added that the new economic program would be implemented in harmony and without any concessions. /Cumhuriyet/ [17] BDDK TO MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF BANKING SECTORThe Banking Supervision and Regulation Board (BDDK) will hold a series of meetings with representatives of the banks negatively affected by the recent financial crisis. It was stated meetings will be completed within 3-5 days. According to the BDDK's written statement, meetings will be held in Ankara and Istanbul. /Cumhuriyet/[18] BUSH SUPPORTS BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECTUS Secretary of State Colin Powell gave the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project open support on behalf of the Bush Administration. Powell met the Georgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Menagirishvili in Washington and mentioned his official support for the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. Meanwhile, a delegation of 13 people from seven US states are in Istanbul searching for new cooperation opportunities with Turkish companies. /Aksam/[19] EYES ON APRILBoth the political and economy sectors are looking toward the month of April when the three part economic program will be declared. Additionally, the 28 April IMF meeting holds great importance for Turkey as a $3 billion loan will be released. Following that, a $5.2-billion loan, in total, is expected from the World Bank, the EU and Japan. /Turkiye/[20] TOBB VISITS OZKANThe Turkish Union of Chambers and Stock Exchanges (TOBB) and an accompanying delegation would like the government to write the financial and the real sectors. After visiting the State Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan, the Chairman of the (TOBB), Fuat Miras, said, "During our meeting, we mentioned that the real sector could not exist without the financial sector, and the financial sector could not exist without the real sector. We gave our opinion on possible solutions for reversing the negative situation in the real sector. /Aksam/[21] PAPER CONCERN IN DALAMAN SIGNED OFF TO MOPAKThe State-owned paper concern SEKA Enterprise in Dalaman was solemnly transferred to its new owner, Mopak A.S., at a signing ceremony in Ankara yesterday. A contract completing the sell-off was signed by Privatization Administration Board President Ugur Bayar and the owner of Mopak, Mehmet Ali Molay. /Turkish Daily News/[22] UNICREDITO BANK'S NEW INITIATIVEItalian Unicredito Bank stated it has begun making plans to bid for one of the banks currently under the control of the Saving Deposit Insurance Fund. According to the information released by the Italian news agency, Ansa, Unicredito Bank, based in Milan, has been closely following the developments in Turkey. The bank has confidence in State Minister Kemal Dervis' restructuring work. /Aksam/[23] BILL GATES MEETS TURKISH BUSINESSMENThe owner of Microsoft, Bill Gates, met with Turkish businessmen and Microsoft's Turkish administrators during the Paris 'Microsoft Administrator's Summit'. Gates said they place a lot of importance on Turkey. He went on to explain Microsoft's new vision, called NET. He told Turkish administrators that the use of information technologies has spread rapidly in Turkey; Microsoft sees great potential in Turkey for its business. /Aksam/TURKISH COMPANIES IN CEBIT 2001 The world's biggest information technologies fair, Cebit 2001, opened in Hannover, Germany. An annual event, Cebit 2001, has 8,015 companies from 68 countries participating. Eight Turkish companies, including Vestel, Time Communication, Datateknik, Eta, Mikrosoy, Profilo Telra, Telesis and Ideyapi are among the participating companies. /Aksam/ [24] CHANNEL PROJECT THROUGH SAKARYA RIVERThe Channel Project which will provide an alternative waterway to the Straits will connect the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea through the Sakarya river. $257.6 million is required for the project's construction. The Provincial Governor of Sakarya, Cahit Kirac, said they sent feasibility reports to the Ministry of Transportation. The channel construction will ease the traffic in the Straits. /Sabah/[25] TERRORIST GROUP MAY BE BEHIND ATTACKGendarmerie and police forces have launched a wide-ranging investigation to uncover the perpetrators of Wednesday's attack against a military escort guarding Gendarmerie Regional Commander Maj. Gen. Bekir Ugurlu. The investigation into the attack is being led by Ugurlu himself. Police and gendarmerie teams are conducting searches at several checkpoints on the Ankara-Corum highway. /Turkish News/[26] DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME TO BEGIN THIS WEEKENDDaylight saving time will begin this weekend. In order to save energy and remain in the same time zone as the European countries, clocks will be put forward one hour at 1:00 a.m. Sunday, March 25. They will go back again October 28. /Turkish News/[27] FIRST TURKISH WOMAN PILOT DIESSabiha Gokcen, the adopted daughter of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and the first woman pilot in Turkey, died at 89. She was the symbol of the modern Turkish woman. /Milliyet/[28] CARMIKLI PASSES AWAYA prominent figure in the construction sector, Ali Riza Carmikli passed away at the age of 81. Carmikli is known for constructing thousands of houses, factories, facilities, as well as industrial regions and infrastructure within Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/[29] FIRST GOVERNMENT FOR CHILDRENThe first children's government was established in accordance with the Children's Rights Convention. The Prime Minister of their government is the Chairman of the Child Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Association, Prof. Oguz Polat. There is a children's coordinator, ten year old, Rifat Cankat, and two child speakers within the government. The NGOs which carry out children's rights activities have formed a "Turkish Children's Rights Coalition." The government will work to prevent all kinds of discrimination and abuse against children. /Cumhuriyet/[30] TOURIST RUSH TO AFRODISIASAydin Provincial Culture Director Ozgen Karaca said 345.000 tourists visited Aydin during 2000. He said the greatest number of tourists visited the ancient city of Afrodisias, which contains the most important architecture, art and sculpture of the Antique Age. /Cumhuriyet/[31] EARTHQUAKE PREDICTED BY USTUNDAGThe earthquake that occurred in Afyon's subdistrict of Bolvadin was predicted 37 hours before the earthquake. Chairman of the Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Earthquake Prediction Project, Dr. Berk Ustundag, said, "After determining the earthquake, thanks to a technical tool located at Pamukkale University on 20 March, 2001 at 19:30, we sent this determination to Chief Advisor of the Prime Ministry's Special Secretary, Mustafa Serdar, Office of the Governor of Denizli and Afyon on 22 March at 00:16. Then, an earthquake registering 4.8 on the Richter scale occurred in Afyon's subdistrict of Bolvadin. /Hurriyet/[32] TURKISH PIANIST IN JAPANPianist Ece Demirci will give a concert on March 28 in Japan. The concert will take place at the Turkish Embassy in Tokyo. /Sabah/[33] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[34] IS IT ENOUGH FOR OPTIMISM? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)Columnist Oktay Eksi comments on the Greek Government decision to reduce the number of troops in her Armed Forces. A summary of his column is as follows:"Akis Tsohatsopoulos is the second name Turkish public follows most closely after Theodoros Pangalos. Pangalos is known for his tactless speeches. If Tsohatsopoulos makes one positive remark on Turco-Greek relations, he is bound to void its effect by expressing two other contradictory opinions. However, this time he has not contradicted himself. We hope Tsohatsopoulos has uttered his statements with the belief that his evaluation is sound. We receive his statements skeptically because Tsohatsopoulos seems to represent anti-Turkey viewpoint in the Simitis Government. He is the Minister who just after August 17 earthquake, said Athens could not enter into direct or indirect talks only because Turkey wanted to do so. He expressed his belief that the only solution was to freeze the Turco-Greek dialogue, and Greece was responding to Turkish demands by the determined foreign policy she followed and her deterrent power. We also recall the hostile statements about Turkey he made during a speech on Crete. However, if the views expressed during an interview with Nur Batur reveals his own opinions, we can hope that one of the obstacles before Turco-Greek relations will be removed. Reportedly Tsohatsopoulos said the threat from Turkey has decreased, the number of troops in the Greek Armed Forces would be reduced to 80-90,000, the mine fields on the border of Maritza river would be removed and they were ready to increase the confidence building measures in the Aegean. For us, the priority in these confidence building measures is to disarm the Aegean islands, armed in violation of the Lausanne Treaty. Turkey also believes the expansion of territorial waters from six miles to 12 miles to be 'casus belli'. In response, the Greeks say if Turkey withdraws this 'casus belli', (for what they believe their due right to expand their territorial waters), the rest may be negotiated. Of course, there is another condition, the abolition of the Aegean army in exchange for the disarming of the Aegean islands. The Continental Shelf in the Aegean Sea and other rights are different issues to be discussed. The important point is who will take the first step to break this deadlock. According to history Greece has been the aggressor for two centuries and Turkey the defender. Therefore, expressions of good will fall upon Greek shoulders where issues of essence are concerned." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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