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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-19Turkish 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 morning19.04.2001CONTENTS
[01] ECEVIT CALLS BUSHPrime Minister Bulent Ecevit called US President George W. Bush yesterday to inform him of the economic program and its regulations. During the phone call, Mr. Ecevit reportedly emphasized that US support would also motivate the G-7 countries to assist Turkey. The US President said the Administration is following the developments in Turkey very closely and trying to find the best way to help Turkey. Mr. Bush also underlined the importance of the implementing the specified reforms in the economic program soon. (Turkiye)[02] FOREIGN MINISTER CEM'S CONTACTS IN CYPRUSForeign Minister Ismail Cem completed his visit to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and held a joint press conference with TRNC President Rauf Denktas yesterday. Stating Turkey supported attempts to reach a permanent solution which can be accepted by both nations on the island, Cem said, "Turkey believes the best solution for Cyprus is to establish a confederation. The Greek Cypriot Administration seems to rely on its possible EU membership. However, the approval of their EU membership would not be beneficial in the long term. They may see positive yields in the short term, but it would bring more and larger problems in the future." Replying to a question on the reestablishment of S-300s on the island, Cem said, "It is totally wrong to aggravate the disputes and create an unstable atmosphere on the island. No one shall play with fire. The way to a permanent solution on the island is clear. Nobody can reach a solution by imposing what they want on the Turkish Cypriots." Meanwhile, TRNC President Denktas said the EU was deceived by the Greek Cypriots and added, "No attempt based on deception will bring peace and stability." /Cumhuriyet/[03] SHADOW TO TURCO-GREEK FRIENDSHIPReportedly, Greece is trying to hide the issues with Turkey with declarations on limiting her arms expenditure and decreasing the number of soldiers. Greece is deploying 77% of her military power against Turkey and spending $80 of every $100 on military expenditure against Turkey. Turkish authorities said Turkey deploys only 26% of her military power in the Aegean and Thrace, and this difference casts a shadow on bilateral peace meetings. /Turkiye/[04] DERVIS TO ATTEND THE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCILState Minister Kemal Dervis is preparing to give information on the late economic situation during the National Security Council (MGK) meeting. Dervis will attend the meeting, to be chaired by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer at the Cankaya Presidential Palace on 24 April. Detailed information on the National Economic Program will be given in line with the precautions taken to overcome the economic crisis during the MGK. This will be Dervis' first time attending the MGK. Besides Dervis, economy aides will be also present during the meeting. /Sabah/[05] DERVIS' STATEMENTA draft law to end the practice of printing money to reduce the public deficit, was accepted at the Planning and Budget Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The law would increase the authority of the Central Bank. According to the bill, the Bank must now give information to the Plan and Budget Commission twice a year. Dervis said, "We want to avoid paying off deficits through the printing of money." The bill defines the basic aim of the Central Bank as "ensuring the price stability." /Hurriyet/$6 BILLION MORE CREDIT FROM IMF The IMF Turkey Desk Chief, Carlo Cottarelli postponed his return date to the US. The IMF delegation has focused on funding for the new economic program and preparation of a new letter of intent. The delegation with participation of the new chief, Juha Kahkonen, is holding meetings with economy bureaucrats. The IMF will provide supplementary credit in addition to the supplementary reserve facility(SRF) extended last year. This new credit is expected to reach $6 billion. /Milliyet/ [06] SERDENGECTI: "INTEREST RATES ARE AT A SATISFYING LEVEL"The Central Bank Governor, Sureyya Serdengecti, said stability of the TL as a part of the monetary policy was achieved following the economic crisis in February. Serdengecti said banks were still not accustomed to the floating exchange rates but that interest rates are at a satisfying level. Responding to questions on the amount of foreign currency sold during the crisis, Serdengecti said a total of $3.5 billion was sold the following day and $5 billion in two days. He said foreign currency was sold to those who brought in TL equal to the amount of currency. /Milliyet/[07] PARRIS AND KOC: "ECONOMIC PROGRAM IS THE LAST CHANCE"Former US Ambassador to Turkey, Mark Parris, said the reform package prepared by Kemal Dervis should be passed through the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) and implemented soon. He said, "Otherwise, Turkey may pay a high price compared to the previous crises." Stressing foreign loans will help the Turkish economy only in the short term, Mr. Parris said, "If the Turkish government and the TGNA can establish trust in economic institutions and ensure transparency, foreign finance institutions and friendly countries will not refrain from supporting Turkey." Additionally, Rahmi Koc, Chairman of the Koc Holding Executive Board, said the Economic program is Turkey's last chance. Stressing he supports both the program and Minister Kemal Dervis, Koc said, "The government and TGNA members understand the seriousness of the situation. I am not worried about that. However, the program must not be interrupted." /Turkiye/[08] DEMAND ON EXTRADITION OF CAGLARJustice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk, Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan and Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan convened to discuss the extradition of Cavit Caglar. Caglar was convicted of corruption at Egebank and Etibank and arrested in the US two days ago. Turk said the extradition request will be conveyed to US authorities very soon. Turk said, "Turkey has a special agreement for extradition of criminals with the US". /Milliyet/[09] CULTURE MINISTRY TO FORM "ARMENIAN TASK FORCE"As April 24 approaches, the day Armenians commemorate the alleged genocide against their grandfathers during the Ottoman Empire, the Culture Ministry has sped up efforts to launch campaigns expressing Turkey's viewpoint on the subject. A group of academicians will come together to tell the world the Turkish side of events. The group was defined by Culture Minister Istemihan Talay as a "task force." Coordination of the group's activities would be carried out by eminent historian Professor Ilber Ortayli. Speaking at a ceremony held to promote a CD, prepared by the ministry and called "Armenian Question -Allegations and Facts", Talay said scientists would attend international conferences to defend Turkey's theses. The CD, available in Turkish, French, English and German, will be distributed to all Turkish diplomatic missions abroad. /Turkish News/[10] CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AGAINST THE GENOCIDE BILLWhile Armenians in Canada have been intensively lobbying for the recognition of the so-called genocide, the Canadian government has made it clear they oppose the bill. Officials at the Canadian Embassy in Ankara said that the Canadian government refuses to define the events in 1915 as "genocide". The government has conveyed its view to Parliament, which is preparing to vote on the issue April 25. /Turkish Daily News/[11] DYP LEADER SEARCHES FOR POLITICAL SUPPORT IN ANKARATrue Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller said yesterday that President Ahmet Necdet Sezer also wanted the necessary amendments to the Electoral and Political Parties Law to be passed immediately. President Sezer received Ciller at the Presidential Palace. Speaking to reporters after a 40-minute meeting with the President, Ciller said certain amendments to these laws were necessary in order to integrate voters with Parliament. The first of these amendments must ensure that election campaign expenses (of political parties) be inspected in accordance with European Union norms. "I am pleased to see President Sezer, too, favors the immediate passage of the necessary amendments to the Electoral and Political Parties' laws. /Turkish News/ORAL IN G-13 SUMMIT The G-13, composed of the Finance Ministers from candidate countries applying for full EU membership, will convene April 21. Finance Minister Sumer Oral will speak at the meeting on the public deficits and the difficulties faced in calculating the debts. Oral is expected to meet with the Finance Ministers of the G-7 countries. /Milliyet/ [12] TREASURY TO AUDIT INSTITUTIONSThe Treasury will audit and supervise the institutions' borrowing money with a Treasury guarantee. The Treasury will demand data on the revenues and expenditures of these institutions and control the use of credit. /Milliyet/[13] LAWS ON SUGAR AND NATURAL GAS MONOPOLIESPresident Ahmet Necdet Sezer approved the Law to abolish the Sugar Monopoly. The bill abolishing the privileges of the Pipelines Transportation Company(BOTAS) on natural gas imports and distribution was adopted yesterday at the National Assembly(TGNA). /Milliyet/[14] CIVIL AVIATION DRAFT LAW ACCEPTEDThe Civil Aviation Draft Law, which created uneasiness between the State Minister Yuksel Yalova and the Minister of Communication, Enis Oksuz, was accepted by the Public Works Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The draft law allows the airlines companies to determine the price tariffs by themselves. According to the draft law accepted by the TGNA, those with an air communication license, will be able to freely fix their prices in accordance with the economic and social conditions. However, they will have to announce to the prices to the third parties. The flight tariffs determined by license owners will be valid seven days after the approval of the Ministry of Communication. /Hurriyet/[15] TURKEY'S HOPE: TOURISMMinister of Tourism, Erkan Mumcu, said they expect to earn more than $10 billion in tourism revenue this year. Stressing approximately 12.5 million tourists may visit Turkey, Mr. Mumcu said, "This year we expect a 22%-increase in the number of tourists traveling to Turkey." Noting the current documented bed capacity is 275,000, the Minister said, "Together with the hotels under construction, the bed capacity rises to 400,000-420,000. However, when compared with our rivals, the number should be at least 1.2 million beds." /Turkiye/[16] KUWAITI FORMER OIL MINISTER TO VISIT ANKARAKuwaiti Former Minister of Oil, Suud Nasir Al-Sabah is expected to arrive in Ankara today to deliver a written message from the Emir of Kuwait to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. According to a statement released from the Kuwaiti Embassy in Ankara, Al-Sabah will thank Ankara for its support of Kuwait against Iraq's aggressive policies. Al-Sabah will come to Ankara as a special envoy of the Kuwaiti Emir and will be received by President Sezer. /Turkish Daily News/[17] CIVILIANS CAN BE OFFICERS IF THEY FIT THE BILLA bill proposing amendments to the Turkish Armed Forces(TSK) Personnel Law and the Turkish Republic Retirement Fund Law has been submitted to Parliament. The bill would enable civilians who meet specific requirements to become officers in the forces for three years. According to the bill, men and women who have completed four years of higher education and are under 27 years of age can apply for a short service commission. Should these people satisfy the conditions for becoming reservist officers, they will be given regular commissions according to the needs of the General Staff. /Turkish Daily News/[18] KYRGYZSTAN TO PRESENT MEDAL FOR HIKMET CETINKyrgyzstan will present the former Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Hikmet Cetin, with a medal of "Dank" (Fame). Cetin was deemed worthy of this award for his contributions to the development of friendship and solidarity between Turkey and Kyrgyzstan. /Sabah/[19] TURKISH-AMERICAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP ESTABLISHEDIn the US House of Representatives a "Turkish-American Friendship Group" was established by 17 representatives. For the first time, a pro-Turkey group has been established in juxtaposition the Armenian and Greek lobbies. The group was formed by the joint initiatives of Democrat Congressman from Florida, Robert Wexler, Republican Congressman from Kentucky, Ed Whitfield, and Republican Congressman from Texas, Kay Granger. A joint statement issued by the founding members said, "Turkey is an important friend and ally of the US. We believe it is time to form a friendship group in Congress regarding bilateral and regional topics." /Turkiye/[20] JONES' SUGGESTION CONCERNING THE ECONOMIC CRISISProfessor John Philip Jones, one of the most respected names in the advertising sector, used Ataturk as an example in terms of overcoming the economic crisis during a meeting titled 'Is it worth it to advertise?'. During the meeting, organized by the Advertisers Association, Advertisers Foundation and the International Association of Advertisers, which brought representatives of the sector together, Jones answered questions. He said during an economic crisis, strategic plans should be carried out, and Ataturk should be taken as an example. Jones said, "There is no need to go any farther concerning the things to be done in a crisis. Take Ataturk as an example. He participated in the Canakkale Battle as a young officer and succeeded in defeating the enemy, who was six times stronger. While achieving this, he was pro-active, not reactive. Thus, consider advertising as an investment and act according to your strategic targets." /Hurriyet/[21] PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT BUREAUS TO BE FORMEDThe Parliament Planning and Budget Commission has approved a bill proposing the restructuring of the Unemployment Agency under the name Turkish Labor Agency (ISKUR). Under the bill, people seeking a job will apply to private employment bureaus. The bureaus will only charge the employer, not the employee, when they match workers to jobs. ISKUR will endeavor to lower the unemployment rate and regulate unemployment pay. If the bill is passed by Parliament, ISKUR will work to find employment for the handicapped, former prisoners and those who need state care. Special employment projects will be created, and rehabilitation centers will be formed as a part of these efforts. /Turkish News/[22] OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN INVESTORSThe Real Estate Investment Partnership Journal(GYODER) and Finance Journal held a panel titled "Turkey in the Eyes of Foreign Investors", yesterday. During the panel discussion, the head of Turkmall, Otto Nagel, said it is exactly the right time to invest in Turkey. The group director of the Deutsche Bank Real Estate Department, David Brush, said long-term indicators in Turkey are conducive to investment. Brush said they have an interest in Turkey's retail and housing sectors. /Milliyet/[23] LUFTHANSA HAPPY WITH SALES IN TURKEYLufthansa German Airlines and Austrian Airlines have had a rather successful year so far. Both companies expanded their Turkish markets and sought to increase the number of passengers by making renovations to their companies. During a joint press conference, representatives of Lufthansa German Airlines and Austrian Airlines explained their positions in the market, and said they were rather pleased with ticket sales this year. Ofer Kisch, Lufthansa's Turkey representative, said they had carried 47 million passengers in 2000. Noting that this (Winter 2001) was a successful season for them in Turkey, Kisch said: "The number of tourists boarding planes from Turkey increased 30.2 percent between November 2000 to February 2001. The number of passengers increased 26 percent during the same period and reached 72.8 percent of capacity." /Turkish News/[24] FOREIGN PRESS INTERESTED IN NEW FORD FACTORYThe Financial Times covered the opening of a new Ford plant in Turkey. Stating the plant will provide Turkey with new employment opportunities, the paper said the Turkish government was pleased with the plant opening during the recession period. /Cumhuriyet/[25] CONSTRUCTION FAIR IN ISTANBULThe "Construction 2001 Istanbul" fair will be held May 2-6 with 500 local and foreign firms participating. Firms from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, the US, Italy, Britain, etc. are expected to join the fair held in Beylikduzu TUYAP Fair Center. /Turkiye/[26] ARTESIS COMPANY'S SUCCESSMCM, (Motor Damage Early Warning System), developed by Arcelik's technological company, Artesis, was listed as one of the best 40 products for the year 2000 by the American 'Control Engineering' magazine. The magazine's editors chose the best products of the year 2000 according to technological development criteria, its impacts on the market and its service. The award winning products were placed in nine categories. /Sabah/[27] ORTAYLI RECEIVES AYDIN DOGAN FOUNDATION AWARDProf. Ilber Ortayli, an academician with Ankara University's History Department, received the fifth Aydin Dogan Foundation Award. /Milliyet/[28] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[29] THE SECOND PHASE OF DERVIS BY MUSTAFA BALBAY (CUMHURIYET)Columnist Mustafa Balbay writes on the economic program prepared by State Minister Responsible for Economy, Kemal Dervis and the reactions of the TGNA members. A summary of his column is as follows:"It can be said the second stage for the economy has begun following the program's announcement by the State Minister Kemal Dervis. There have been many arguments, both pro and con, regarding the appointment of Kemal Dervis as State Minister Responsible for Economy. Disregarding all rumors, Dervis formed a team among the bureaucrats and they began working on a program. Dervis announced a program after 52 days and will be faced with more difficulties during the second phase. It can be said the second phase will continue by the end of this month. If an agreement can be reached with the IMF until the end of April, and more foreign support than previouly expected can be obtained, the markets will be relieved and the third phase will begin. Before passing into the third phase, we should not comment on foreign support but analyse the present situation. Kemal Dervis announced the program, and the Government instead of stating it was the Coalition's program, only gave its support. The Council of Ministers met after the program's announcement and made a decision (not mentioned in the program) concerning the farmers. It seems as if the Government will wait and see how things are going; if the situation improves it will say the program belongs to the Government, if not, it will simply place the blame on Dervis. Certainly, no one says agriculture should not be encouraged. On the contrary, among developed countries all attach special importance to agriculture. The EU countries support agriculture even though they have an abundance of agricultural products. However, the Agriculture Minister should have explained his views to Mr.Dervis while the program was being prepared and sought a solution. Two main comments have been expressed with the start of the program's second stage. The first sees Dervis as successful as Ozal and able to carry Turkey through its transition period with great popular support. Dervis is also believed to have warmed up to politics and is expected to be the new prime minister following the firming up of foreign support. The second view sees Dervis as an actor in a conspiracy that plans to sell Turkey to the United States. This view says Dervis was sent to Turkey as a spy. The reason for both views lies in the lack of self-confidence of the people, and their tendency to not follow world developments. Of course, the despair of the people and the bottleneck in internal politics should also be mentioned. Today, it is impossible to follow a closed economic policy and to achieve economic development without taking the conditions of the world into consideration. However, it is also not possible to overcome this crisis only through foreign support. The solution lies in producing new sources of energy from the local balances in Turkey." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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