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Turkish Press Review, 01-09-13
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
13.09.2001
CONTENTS
[01] NATO BACKS THE US: CALL FOR A GLOBAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM
[02] SEZER: "THIS SHOULD BE A LESSON FOR THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES"
[03] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ON TERRORIST ATTACKS IN THE US
[04] HIGH LEVEL TURKISH OFFICIALS CONDEMN TERRORISM
[05] ANKARA DISCUSSES MISSILE DEFENSE
[06] HIGH SECURITY ALERT ON INCIRLIK AIRBASE
[07] INCREASED SECURITY AT ATATURK AIRPORT
[08] INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY IS NECESSARY
[09] THE EMBASSY IS CLOSED TODAY TOO
[10] THY FLIGHTS TO AMERICA AND ISRAEL CANCELLED
[11] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI'S SWEDEN TRIP CANCELLED
[12] CILLER: GOVERNMENT BETRAYED PEOPLE
[13] KUTAN'S STATEMENT
[14] PRESS CONFERENCE BY SABANCI
[15] TBB ANNOUNCES NEW CONSTITUTION PROPOSAL
[16] ISTANBUL DEPUTY YALCINTAS IN AK PARTY
[17] KAHKONEN: IMF LOANS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED NEGATIVELY
[18] TREASURY CANCELS MEETINGS IN THE US
[19] TUPRAS: FUEL OIL STOCKS ARE ENOUGH
[20] BALKAN MINISTERS OF AGRICULTURE TO MEET
[21] ILLUMINATION SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
[22] OPERA CHARM IN ASPENDOS
[23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[24] POWER AND JUSTICE BY GUNGOR MENGI (SABAH)
[01] NATO BACKS THE US: CALL FOR A GLOBAL COOPERATION AGAINST TERRORISM
NATO has declared that the hijack attacks on the United States can be
considered as an assault against all member states. NATO Secretary-General
George Robertson said the U.S. would receive support for military action
from its 18 NATO partners if it was determined that the attacks were
committed from abroad. It is the first time in 52 years that the NATO has
invoked Article V - the North Atlantic Treaty's mutual defense clause
saying that if one member state is under attack all other member nations
would defend it. The Article V, which was signed in April 1949, says, "The
Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or
North America shall be considered an attack against them all and
consequently they agree that, if such an armed attack occurs, each of
them... will assist the Party or Parties so attacked by taking forthwith,
individually and in concert with the other Parties, such action as it deems
necessary, including the use of armed force, to restore and maintain the
security of the North Atlantic area." The decision means that NATO
guarantees military and logistic support to any U.S. retaliation. /All
Papers/
[02] SEZER: "THIS SHOULD BE A LESSON FOR THE EUROPEAN COUNTRIES"
Stating that European countries should change their attitude and state of
mind towards terrorism, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that the
international cooperation for Turkey's struggle against terrorism should
also be improved. Sezer said, "I share the pain of the US which is one of
our best allies and friends." Sezer pointed out that terrorism was a crime
committed against all humanity. He added," That's why we have always
repeated in all international platforms that international cooperation in
the fight against terrorism should be improved. The attacks on the US has
shown how correct Turkey is in her stance against terrorism. I guess the
attitudes of European countries have begun to change too." /Cumhuriyet/
[03] COUNCIL OF MINISTERS MEETING ON TERRORIST ATTACKS IN THE US
The only agenda was the terrorist attacks on the US during yesterday's
Council of Ministers meeting. The Council discussed the package of measures
prepared by the Crisis Management Center which was established within the
structure of the National Security Council (MGK) yesterday. Proposing new
methods and strategies against terrorism, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said
that Turkey shared the grief of American people. Stating that Turkey is
always with the US in her fight against terrorism, Ecevit reminded the
necessity for developing new strategies and methods in a world where
defense became more difficult as technology advanced. The first issue among
the measures to be taken was the increase in the oil prices after the
attack. It was decided that the oil consumption must be kept at a minimum
level since the increase in prices would affect Turkish economy negatively.
The Crisis Management Center proposed measures to be taken for the security
of the US representatives in Turkey. The Council also evaluated the
measures which might be necessary if the US retaliates in the Middle East.
/Cumhuriyet/
[04] HIGH LEVEL TURKISH OFFICIALS CONDEMN TERRORISM
Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli proposed in yesterday's Council of
Ministers meeting that September 11th 2001 shall be declared as "the World
Fight Against Terrorism and Commemoration of Its Victims Day." Condemning
terrorism as a crime committed against humanity, Bahceli said, "The tragedy
which American people are experiencing today has showed once again that we
must fight against terrorism in all platforms with full cooperation."
Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said it was unfortunate that Turkey's
correct attitude against terrorism was justified with such a disastrous
terrorist attack. Minister of National Defense Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said
this incident should be a warning for the countries who were continuing to
shelter terrorists. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that
certain points in Turkish foreign policy should be re-evaluated after the
recent incident in the US." Minister of State responsible for Economy Kemal
Dervis conveyed his condolences messages to US Secretary of Treasury Paul
O'Neill and US ambassador to Ankara Robert Pearson. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] ANKARA DISCUSSES MISSILE DEFENSE
Meeting at the Eurasian Strategic Researches Center (ASAM), The members of
the National Security Council (MGK), Office of the Chief of the General
Staff, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and academicians who are experts on
international relations discussed the missile defense project developed by
the US which is expected to become more important in terms of international
security. It was stated that representatives from the Office of the Chief
of the General Staff said, "Turkey should be cautious about the missile
defense project. There is no such great threat in the region today. Our
policy must be based on not irritating our neighbors." Meanwhile, The
members of the MGK said reportedly, "Turkey must not participate in such a
project without being totally aware of the "real policies" of her neighbors
and the US. It is more rational to take part in such a project via NATO
rather than the US." Scientists emphasized that Turkey should be careful in
taking such decisions in this period or wrong steps might make Turkey one
of the main targets of international terrorism." /Sabah/
[06] HIGH SECURITY ALERT ON INCIRLIK AIRBASE
Following the terrorist attacks in the US, high-level security measures
have been taken in the US Incirlik Airbase. Two jetfighters and one
transport plane took off from the base, and later two more jetfighters, one
command and control and one tanker plane left the base yesterday. Out of
1300 civilian Turkish personel, only ones at emergency services were
allowed to enter the base and work while the others were accepted to be on
leave. /Hurriyet/
[07] INCREASED SECURITY AT ATATURK AIRPORT
Ataturk Airport Administration Director Saim Eskioglu said that after the
terrorist attacks in Taksim and in the United States, security measures had
been increased to their highest level. Under new directions from the
Interior Ministry, searches on persons and luggage at the entrance doors of
the airport have been increased, he stated. He also added that besides X-
ray devices, individuals are being examined individually by hand to
discourage illegal practices. /Turkish News/
[08] INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY IS NECESSARY
Turkish Industrialists and Businessman Association (TUSIAD) stated that the
events that happened in the U.S., exposed the dimensions of international
terrorism and that there is a need for international cooperation and
solidarity to fight against international terrorism. It is stated that the
main target of terrorism is democracy and individual rights. /Milliyet/
[09] THE EMBASSY IS CLOSED TODAY TOO
The Embassy of USA informed that it will not perform any public services
including giving out visas today too. The Spokesman of the U.S. Embassy
Jess Bailey thanked for the condolence messeges and reported that it is not
possible to give public services because of security precautions and stated
that they are thankful for the security measures that Turkey took for the
American and Turkish staff at the Embassy.
/Hürriyet/
[10] THY FLIGHTS TO AMERICA AND ISRAEL CANCELLED
Since U.S. and Israel national airspaces have been closed to commercial
traffic, Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines has cancelled its
flights to New York, Chicago and Tel Aviv. Turkish Airlines authorities
said flights will resume when the United States and Israel reopen their
national airspaces. /Turkish Daily News/
[11] PARLIAMENT SPEAKER IZGI'S SWEDEN TRIP CANCELLED
Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Omer Izgi's Stockholm trip has been
cancelled. Izgi was expected to attend a conference titled "EU
Parliamentary Speakers Conference" /Turkish Daily News/
[12] CILLER: GOVERNMENT BETRAYED PEOPLE
Regarding the murder of businessmen Uzeyir Garih and the suicide bomb
attack in Taksim square, the True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller said,
"This government betrayed the Turkish people with its Amnesty Law."She said
the incidents were an abuse of the Amnesty Law, which caused a lack of
confidence in Turkey." /Turkiye/
[13] KUTAN'S STATEMENT
The Felicity Party (SP) leader Recai Kutan said yesterday that it would
take a naive mind to link Afghanistan or Palestine with the terrorist
attack on the United States. Turkish Confederation of Employers' Union
(TISK) Chairman Refik Baydur paid a visit to SP leader Recai Kutan at SP
headquarters in Ankara. Baydur told reporters that he paid a visit to
congratulate Kutan on the establishment of his party, and exchange views
on the latest domestic and international developments. In response to a
question on the terrorist attack on the United States, Kutan said that
there were allegations that the perpetrators could be Islamic terror
organizations and added, "A true Muslim will never think of carrying out
such a violent, evil attack." /Turkish News/
[14] PRESS CONFERENCE BY SABANCI
The ruling of the Belgian Court regarding if Fehriye Erdal is going to be
tried in Belgium for crimes committed in Turkey, will be announced today.
Erdal is one of the assassins in the Ozdemir Sabanci case. The Council of
State will decide if it is possible to try her in line with Belgian law.
Prior to this announcement, Demir Sabanci, the son of Ozdemir Sabanci, and
Erdal's lawyers both held press conferences in Brussels. Demir Sabanci said
that in his opinion Belgian stance was wrong and a terrorist should be
extradited. Expressing his belief in Belgian justice, Sabanci said
Belgium had to show that it followed a policy against terrorism. Sabanci
said he would defend the rights of his father to the end and even if an
unwanted decision came about he would apply to the European Court of Human
Rights. /Sabah/
[15] TBB ANNOUNCES NEW CONSTITUTION PROPOSAL
The Turkish Bars Association (TBB) announced a draft Constitution it
prepared by the help of 10 academicians in a press conference yesterday.
TBB Chairman Ozdemir Ozok said that everybody was aware that Turkey needed
a brand new Constitution. The draft includes articles such as removing the
ban on other languages, abolishing the death penalty and increasing
compulsory and uninterrupted education to 11 years. /Cumhuriyet/
[16] ISTANBUL DEPUTY YALCINTAS IN AK PARTY
Istanbul Deputy Nevzat Yalcintas, who was independent after the closure of
the Welfare Party(RP), entered Justice and Progress Party yesterday. With
this change, the seats in the Turkish Grand National Assembly are
distributed as: Democratic Socialist Party(DSP) 132, Nationalistic Action
Party(MHP) 126, the Motherland Party(ANAP)
86,True Path Party(DYP) 79, Justice and Progress Party(AKP) 52, Felicity
Party(SP) 48, Independent 18 and nine vacancies./Sabah/
[17] KAHKONEN: IMF LOANS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED NEGATIVELY
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Chief of Turkey Desk, Juha Kahkonen,
visited the Chairman of the Union of Turkish Chambers and Stock Exchanges
(TOBB), Rifat Hisarciklioglu yesterday. Following the meeting,
Hisarciklioglu said he informed Kahkonen about the issues of the Turkish
industralists and they decided to cooperate more closely with the IMF after
that. Hisarciklioglu told reporters that Kahkonen emphasized there will be
no trouble in IMF's Turkey loan package due to the recent incident in the
U.S. /Turkiye/
[18] TREASURY CANCELS MEETINGS IN THE US
The Treasury cancelled the US part of the meetings to be held to inform
American and European investors about the recent developments in Turkish
economy. Turkish delegation, headed by Treasury Deputy Undersecretary,
Aydin Karaoz, has completed their programs in Los Angeles, San Francisco
and Chicago. However, other scheduled meetings in New York and New Jersey
has been called off due to the recent attacks to the US. /Turkiye/
[19] TUPRAS: FUEL OIL STOCKS ARE ENOUGH
Husamettin Danis, General Director of the Turkish Petroleum Refineries
Joint Company (TUPRAS) said Turkey has enough LPG, fuel, gasoline and
military products in her inventory. He said, "Turkey will not be faced with
a shortage in petroleum products." /Turkiye/
[20] BALKAN MINISTERS OF AGRICULTURE TO MEET
The Ministers of Agriculture from Balkan countries will meet in Istanbul on
Sep. 15-16. During the meetings, the establishment of new organizations to
increase the cooperation in agriculture between Balkan countries will be
taken up and the Agricultural Cooperation Agreement is expected to be
signed. /Turkiye/
[21] ILLUMINATION SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
The International Illumination Congress and Fair was opened in Istanbul
yesterday. The main theme is "the city illumination and decorating" and 98
declarations of 29 countries' participants will be discussed during two day-
meetings. /Turkiye/
[22] OPERA CHARM IN ASPENDOS
In the coming days the Aspendos amphitheather is hosting a number of
classical recitals under the name of "Opera Magic in the Autumn." On Sep.
14, there will be lyrical autumn night recital with the participation of
Soprano Funda Atesoglu, mezzosoprano Sebnem Algin, tenor Omer Yilmaz,
baritone Tuncay Tercan and bass Bulent Atesoglu. /Turkish News/
[23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[24] POWER AND JUSTICE BY GUNGOR MENGI (SABAH)
Columnist Gungor Mengi comments on the terrorist attack in the US and its
possible consequences. A summary of his column is as follows:
"During the Cold War the world was made up of friends and foes. Nuclear
threat was enormous but could be controlled by two red phones. The fall of
the Berlin Wall was accepted by the whole world as the heralder of a free
future for all with no fear. However, the incidents on September 11 have
shown that there is a far greater enemy which cannot be controlled before
the fulfilling of such a promise. No state, no capital is safe any more. An
economy and technology giant believed to be ready for the 21st century wars
could not protect its own people at home. From now on the free world will
enter a new era where security will be planned against international
terrorism . The reason keeping NATO alive, following the disintegration of
the Soviet Union was international terrorism. It was foreseen that the
world peace would be threatened by terrorist organizations. However, no
one expected that the US security shield based on the latest technology and
information gathering would be pierced by such a flawless organization.
An understanding which believed that global security should be structured
against terrorism was being accepted by the Governments. This attack has
resulted in the acceptance of this belief by all nations, surpassing the
Governments. The Third World War started by international terrorism will
lead to an increase in the fight against terrorism. Terrorism will be more
clearly defined and the injustices we have been subjected to in this field
will decrease. The American experience will be a lesson to every country
that for national security it is not enough to protect the borders. The
strategy of eradicating terrorism where it is sheltered will be the choice
for all. The perpetrators of this attack should be found out otherwise any
wrong assumptions will result in leading those accused towards the ranks of
the real perpetrators. We hope that reason, the creator of civilizations
will not let the hopes of freedom and prosperity fall prey to blind
revenge. Otherwise mistakes deepening the feelings of injustice, will not
eradicate but foster terrorism."
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