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Turkish Press Review, 01-05-29
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
29.05.2001
CONTENTS
[01] PRESIDENT SEZER PRESENTS STATE HONOR MEDALS TO THE FAMILIES OF MARTYRS
[02] PRESIDENT SEZER APPROVES BANKING LAW
[03] SEZER MARKS AZERBAIJAN'S NATIONAL DAY
[04] MGK MEETING
[05] TWO YEARS OF THE CABINET IN POWER
[06] ECEVIT'S STATEMENT CONCERNING THE TRNC
[07] NOTE ON POSSIBLE EU MEMBERSHIP OF THE GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
[08] EROGLU IN CHARGE AGAIN IN CYPRUS
[09] CEM IN BUDAPEST
[10] OKSUZ IN LISBON
[11] BILL ON EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SENT TO THE PRIME MINISTRY
[12] VIRTUE PARTY CLOSING CASE
[13] THE US MEDIATES FOR ESDI
[14] YILMAZ TO VISIT TRNC
[15] BALKAN POLITICAL CLUB ESTABLISHED
[16] BULGARIAN NATIONALS IN TURKEY TO VOTE IN BULGARIAN ELECTIONS
[17] OFFICIAL IRANIAN DELEGATION ARRIVES IN VAN
[18] WORLD EXPERTS TO DISCUSS ISTANBUL TRANSPORT
[19] CAY: "WE TRY TO MAKE TURKISH AN OPTIONAL LESSON IN CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES"
[20] RESEARCH, ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM LOOKS AHEAD
[21] ITALIAN SEISMIC SHIP TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH IN MARMARA SEA
[22] COOPERATION IN DIABETES
[23] INVESTMENT COMPANIES UNDER THE FUND TO BE SOLD
[24] COTTARELLI: "A STRONGER ECONOMY POLICY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED"
[25] WORLD BANK DELEGATION IN TURKEY
[26] TUSIAD: "WE SUPPORT THE PROGRAM"
[27] BANKS TO COME TO INVEST
[28] EXPORTS INCREASE
[29] OTTOMAN GLASSWARE EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK
[30] TURKEY ON AMERICAN TV CHANNEL PBC-ODYSSEY
[31] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[32] "TWO YEARS" BY ILNUR CEVIK (TURKISH DAILY NEWS)
[01] PRESIDENT SEZER PRESENTS STATE HONOR MEDALS TO THE FAMILIES OF MARTYRS
Turkey has commemorated her martyrs who were the victims of the Armenian ASALA terrorist organization. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer presented State Honor Medals to the families of the 34 martyrs and to three disabled diplomats. Sezer said he viewed the commemoration of the martyrs as a belated but meaningful and necessary step in a period during which the attempts towards leaving Turkey alone in the international arena have significantly increased. He added, "If we can draw lessons from the bad memories of the past, we can take our steps with great determination. /Cumhuriyet/
[02] PRESIDENT SEZER APPROVES BANKING LAW
The law, one of the urgent 15 laws to be put into effect, concerning the amendments to Banking Law was approved by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday and sent to the Office of Prime Ministry. /Turkiye/
[03] SEZER MARKS AZERBAIJAN'S NATIONAL DAY
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has sent a message to Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev to mark Azerbaijan's National Day. Sezer said in his message that Turkey would continue to share the good and bad times with its friend and brother, Azerbaijan. He also said that the happiness of the people of Azerbaijan was Turkey's happiness. /Turkish News/
[04] MGK MEETING
During the National Security Council (MGK) meeting today, the investigation results concerning the CASA planes will be evaluated. During the meeting, State Minister Kemal Dervis will speak on the foreign support ensured for the program and the Cyprus issue will be discussed. In addition, Minister of the Interior, Sadettin Tantan will give information on the White Energy Operation. /Sabah/
[05] TWO YEARS OF THE CABINET IN POWER
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit described the cabinet, which completed two years in power, as a cabinet of compromise and development. Prior to the cabinet meeting yesterday, Ecevit evaluated the current situation and the targets. Ecevit said briefly as follows: "There is a transitional contraction period in the economy. Following the implementation of the economic program, a positive growth rate will be achieved in the second half of the year. Turkey showed its power by capturing the head of the separatist, terrorist organization and bringing him before the court for a fair trial. Concerning the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI), Turkey should have full access in the decision making and planning facilities when the EU wants to make use of the NATO capabilities. No way can Turkey make concessions regarding this issue. The cabinet is functioning in great harmony and is determined to carry its functions from now on as well. The requirements of the economic program will be completely fulfilled and rapid steps will be taken in the EU process. /Milliyet/
[06] ECEVIT'S STATEMENT CONCERNING THE TRNC
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit for the first time left his confederation and federation thesis, envisaged for Cyprus, and said two different states should be established on the Island. Ecevit cited the Czech Republic as an example and said, "Why are so many efforts spent to bring together the two nations, whose language, religion and nationality are different? The Czechoslovakia has become two separate states and no problem has occurred." Ecevit also pointed out that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus should enter into the system of Presidency. /Hurriyet/
[07] NOTE ON POSSIBLE EU MEMBERSHIP OF THE GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
Turkey warned the EU about the possible problems that would result from the inclusion of the Greek-Cypriot Administration as a full EU member. Turkish Ambassadors in the EU member countries handed a note to the related Foreign Ministries except in Greece. Athens regarded this note as an ultimatum. The four-page note said if the Greek-Cypriot Administration is accepted as a full EU member before the Cyprus problem is solved, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) may be integrated with Turkey. Turkey would take her steps in response to the Greek-Cypriots' EU membership process. /Milliyet/
[08] EROGLU IN CHARGE AGAIN IN CYPRUS
After the resignation of government headed by Dervis Eroglu last Friday in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), President Rauf Denktas assigned Eroglu again with the duty of forming a new government. Eroglu stated after meeting with Denktas, "We'll now begin working to form a coalition. We'll first meet with the main opposition party, Democrat Party (DP) to understand whether they have intentions to join the government." /Cumhuriyet/
[09] CEM IN BUDAPEST
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and an accompanying delegation left for Budapest , capital of Hungary, yesterday. Minister Cem and the delegation will participate in a meeting of the North Atlantic Council which consists of 19 NATO members' foreign ministers. /Turkiye/
[10] OKSUZ IN LISBON
Minister of Transport, Enis Oksuz flied to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday to attend Ministers of Transport of the European Conference 85th meeting. /Turkiye/
[11] BILL ON EMPLOYMENT SECURITY SENT TO THE PRIME MINISTRY
Minister of Labor, Yasar Okuyan, said the bill on employment security was sent to the Prime Ministry. The bill foresees employment security in compliance with the articles of the 158th Convention of the International Labor Organization(ILO). Okuyan said the arrangements regarding the seniority compensation and other amendments in No.1475 Labor Law will be completed in a month and be sent to Parliament. /Milliyet/
[12] VIRTUE PARTY CLOSING CASE
The Constitutional Court will begin to take up the Virtue Party (FP) closing case on June 12. President of the Constitutional Court, Mustafa Bumin, said the court delegation will continue to discuss the case without intrruption if no point to be investigated or examined is put forth. /Turkiye/
[13] THE US MEDIATES FOR ESDI
US Permanent Representative to NATO, A. Vershbow reiterated that the European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI) was a necesssity. He said, however, Turkey and other non-EU member NATO countries should be included in the formation both militaryly and politically as much as possible. In case an agreement cannot be reached in the NATO Foreign Ministers' meeting in Budapest, the US will mediate actively between the EU and Turkey. US Secretary of Defense, Rumsfeld will visit Ankara on June 4 and extend Turkey some proposals. If positive developments are obtained, an agreement will be reached on NATO heads of governments summit on June 13, 2001. /Turkiye/
[14] YILMAZ TO VISIT TRNC
Motherland Party (ANAP) Leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Mesut Yilmaz, will go to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on June 1 to meet with the TRNC state and government officials. During his visit, Yilmaz will be presented with the title of honorary doctorate by Girne American University. Yilmaz will make a speech during the ceremony and will return to Turkey on June 2. /Sabah/
[15] BALKAN POLITICAL CLUB ESTABLISHED
The meeting for the establishment of a "Balkan Political Club" initiated by the former Bulgarian President Jelu Jelev ended yesterday. Jelev was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Club which comprises Albanian, Bosnia-Herzegovinan, Turkish, Bulgarian, Greek, Macedonian, Romanian and also prominent Kosovar old and new politicians and bureaucrats. The establishment declaration of the Club was also declared. The Club aims at developing new projects to contribute to the improvement of the conditions in the region and to help the regional countries to integrate with NATO and the EU. /Cumhuriyet/
[16] BULGARIAN NATIONALS IN TURKEY TO VOTE IN BULGARIAN ELECTIONS
Bulgarian nationals living in Turkey will be able to vote in the elections for the Bulgarian Parliament, said a statement published in Turkish newspapers on Monday. This was attributed to the Bulgarian Consulate in Istanbul. The consulate said in its statement that Bulgarian nationals could vote in three places: the Bulgarian Embassy in Kavaklidere, Ankara, the Bulgarian Consulate in Levent, Istanbul, and the Bulgarian Consulate in the northwestern border province of Edirne. Elections for the Bulgarian parliament will be held on June 17. /Turkish News/
[17] OFFICIAL IRANIAN DELEGATION ARRIVES IN VAN
Iran's Ambassador to Turkey, Muhammed Lavasani, and Erzurum Consul General Muhammet Kerim Sabit have visited Van and met with Mayor Sahabettin Ozarslaner. Ambassador Lavasani said they wanted to develop good relations between the two countries. /Turkish News/
[18] WORLD EXPERTS TO DISCUSS ISTANBUL TRANSPORT
An "International Symposium on Sustainable Transport Policies" being held as part of the "There's No Place Like Istanbul - New Administration Model Development Project for a Livable Istanbul That Preserves Universal Values" organized by the Interior Ministry Strategy Center and the Union of Marmara and Bosphorus Municipalities heard a speech by the chairman of the Istanbul Transport and Infrastructure Platform Cetin Gumusoglu, who said it would be difficult to say that Istanbul had the transport infrastructure capable of providing a modern city of 10 million people, the Anatolia news agency reported yesterday. Gumusoglu stated the main issue in Istanbul was one of rapidly switching the modes of transport over a rail mass transit system. He also noted that one of the most important characteristics of a transportation infrastructure was that it reflect the level of the community's economic, social and cultural development and the people's quality of life. /Turkish Daily News/
[19] CAY: "WE TRY TO MAKE TURKISH AN OPTIONAL LESSON IN CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES"
State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay said they were trying to implement the Turkish language as an optional school subject in Central Asian Republics. Speaking at the second Student Council of Turkish World's Annual Local Administration meeting in Ankara, Cay said Turkey had started an education project aimed at bringing students from Turkic speaking countries to achieve permanent friendship. "Between 1992 and 2001, 31,155 students were exchanged, out of these 20,665 came to Turkey. At present there are 6,145 students in Turkey," he said. /Turkish Daily News/
[20] RESEARCH, ARCHAEOLOGY SYMPOSIUM LOOKS AHEAD
The 23rd International Excavation, Research and Archaeology Symposium which includes presentations of Turkish and foreign archaeologists' artifacts and discoveries has started at the National Library. Culture Minister Istemihan Talay said in his opening speech that the symposium was an example to the world, showing Turkey's importance in the cultural heritage of Anatolia. The symposium is a chance to introduce archaeologists' studies and Anatolia's cultural heritage to the world, he added. /Turkish News/
[21] ITALIAN SEISMIC SHIP TO CARRY OUT RESEARCH IN MARMARA SEA
Scientific and Technical Research Council (TUBITAK) Marmara Research Center (MAM) Director Prof. Naci Gorur said that the Italian seismic ship Urania would start earthquake research today. He stated in a press conference that the ship would examine the Marmara Sea shallows, and sections closer to Istanbul. /Turkish News/
[22] COOPERATION IN DIABETES
Turkish Diabetes Foundation and Mount Sinai-NYU Hospital signed a protocol to increase the standards of cure, care and follow-up of the patients. Stating there are 2.5 million diabetics in Turkey, Chairman of the Foundation Prof. Temel Yilmaz said such a protocol was signed for the first time to increase the standards. Meanwhile, director of the diabetes center at the Mount Sinai-NYU Medical
Center & Health System in Manhattan, Andrew J. Drexler said, "There are many initiatives concerning the diabetes in Turkey and the US. We have a lot to learn from each other." /Cumhuriyet/
[23] INVESTMENT COMPANIES UNDER THE FUND TO BE SOLD
Prominent international finance institutions, such as Merill Lynch, Raymond James, Trans Global, gave offers for buying brokering companies, which were merged under Sumerbank and are being currently controlled by the Deposit Accounts Insurance Fund (TMSF). K, Sumer, Ege, Yasar, Yurt, Ulusal Investments will be sold following the evaluation of the offers. The Capital Market Institution (SPK) will give its final decision today. At the latest, the sale of the companies will be completed next month. /Milliyet/
[24] COTTARELLI: "A STRONGER ECONOMY POLICY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED"
International Monetary Fund's (IMF) former Chief of the Turkey Desk, Carlo Cottarelli, stated that free currency regime should be supported with a strong program. Cottarelli said, "A stronger economy policy should be implemented in order to reduce the interest rates and to inspire confidence in the markets." /Sabah/
[25] WORLD BANK DELEGATION IN TURKEY
A delegation consisting of World Bank experts arrived in Turkey yesterday to hold consultations about the agricultural projects. The consultations are expected to last for a week. If a consensus is reached during the meetings, World Bank will give $600 million to Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/
[26] TUSIAD: "WE SUPPORT THE PROGRAM"
Chairman of the Turkish Industralists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD)'s Executive Board, Tuncay Ozilhan, organized a press conference in Trabzon. Recalling that Turkey experienced an economic crisis in February, after one in November 1999, Ozilhan said, "TUSIAD had said that Turkey was not being ruled well in this period. We still have the same opinion. Economy and politics cannot be separated. We support the economic program and believe that if the program is well implemented and structural reforms are realized, the crisis can be overcome." He added, "Turkey is passing through an important crisis. For the time being, there is no alternative to the government. A change in the government causes to losing time. Turkey cannot bear it." /Turkiye/
[27] BANKS TO COME TO INVEST
Following the support of the IMF and the World Bank, foreign investment banks are eager to invest in Turkey. Reportedly, one of the 10 largest investment banks in the world, UBS, based in Switzerland, is examining new investment opportunities in Turkey. After the IMF delegation's visit this week, a report will be prepared and presented for the IMF Executive Board's approval. Following the approval of the report, an increase in the investments are expected. /Turkiye/
[28] EXPORTS INCREASE
The State Instititute of Statistics (DIE) declared that$2.516 billion exports and $3.99 billion imports were realized in March this year. According to the DIE data, when compared to March 2000, the exports in March 2001 increased by %8.6 and the imports decreased by %25.6. /Turkiye/
[29] OTTOMAN GLASSWARE EXHIBITION IN NEW YORK
A collection consisting of precious glassware used by the Ottoman Sultans will be exhibited in the New York Glassware Museum until September 3. The exhibition then will continue in the New York Metropolitan Museum until January 13, 2002. The exhibition is considered to be very important for promoting the Islamic culture to New Yorkers. /Cumhuriyet/
[30] TURKEY ON AMERICAN TV CHANNEL PBC-ODYSSEY
The prominent US TV channel PBC-Odyssey will promote Turkey in its program titled 'Other Holly Places". The shooting of the documentary began in Cappadocia. /Cumhuriyet/
[31] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[32] "TWO YEARS" BY ILNUR CEVIK (TURKISH DAILY NEWS)
"Yes, this is the longest serving coalition government in Turkish history. The "left-wing" Democratic Left Party (DSP) and the right-wing Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) joined forces with the Motherland Party (ANAP) two years ago to form the odd trio that has ruled the country... Yes, there have been ups and downs in the government but maybe the fact that the DSP is not so "left" as well as the fact that the MHP has not displayed so much "nationalism" and has been reluctant to keep its election promises has helped the survival of the government. The government had to serve in a difficult period when the country suffered two major earthquakes in the heart of our industrial Northwest.
Before that, however, the coalition partnership managed to legislate some important reforms that opened the way for Turkey's European Union candidacy. That was a plus for the government. Another plus for the government leaders was the fact that when they failed to secure the re-election of President Suleyman Demirel through a constitutional amendment, they reached an agreement to elect Constitutional Court Chief Justice Ahmet Necdet Sezer as president and they were successful. Sezer turned out to be a popular president who pushed for democratic and social reforms.
It was during the rule of this government that a serious fight against corruption and irregularities was launched much to the satisfaction of the nation. But then much to the dissatisfaction of the people the government made a U-turn and started stalling the corruption files once it became apparent that many politicians in the coalition partnership would also be affected. The government changed its format accepting a fourth partner: Kemal Dervis, a former World Bank vice president. Dervis was brought in to rescue the economy and restore some domestic and international confidence in the administration. So from then on it was Dervis and his partners and most of the trust went to Dervis."
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