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Turkish Press Review, 01-10-02
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Foreign
Press in Turkey
Turkish
Press Review >>
Press
Guide
Summary of the political and economic
news in the Turkish press this morning
02.10.2001
CONTENTS
[01] SEZER'S MESSAGES
[02] CEM MEETS FISCHER
[03] PARLIAMENT TO BEGIN SECOND ROUND OF AMENDMENTS
[04] KIVRIKOGLU'S STATEMENT ON THE US RETALIATION TO AFGHANISTAN
[05] DERVIS' STATEMENT ON CURRENT SITUATION IN ECONOMY
[06] SUHA TANIK RESIGNS FROM ANAP
[07] NO TENSION WITH ANKARA
[08] GREEN LIGHT TO TUSIAD
[09] HIGH LEVEL SECURITY AT INCIRLIK
[10] WELDON: "TURKEY IS VERY IMPORTANT"
[11] EU TROIKA IN ANKARA
[12] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER CALLS ON TURKEY TO SETTLE CYPRUS PROBLEM
[13] GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION IS LADEN'S FINANCE BASE
[14] BELGIUM WANTS PKK'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES
[15] CHINA UPS PRESSURE ON VARYAG
[16] NEW ACADEMIC YEAR AT THE GULHANE MEDICAL ACADEMY BEGINS
[17] RADICAL ISLAM DEBATED
[18] YILMAZ: "WESTERN WORLD OWES RENAISSANCE TO ISLAM"
[19] HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR DENKTAS
[20] GEN. STROHMEYER MEETS GEN. YALMAN IN ANKARA
[21] THE ARMENIAN TURKS ON TUSIAD'S COVER
[22] NEW ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS
[23] JAPANESE SUPPORT FOR TOURISM
[24] AKBANK JAZZ FESTIVAL TO BEGIN
[25] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[26] WHEN THE NEEDLE HURTS BY SAMI KOHEN (OKTAY EKSI)
[01] SEZER'S MESSAGES
Delivering a speech at the opening of the new legislature year in the
Parliamentary Plenary Session, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer gave important
messages to the parliamentarians basing his speech on the question of "what
kind of Turkey do we desire?" Sezer's speech covered important topics such
as the constitutional amendments, corruption, accession period to the EU,
National Programme, human rights, secularism, national security, and the
Straits. Stating that 400 deputies would be enough for the Parliament,
Sezer said, "We must be ready for a global economic crisis." and added,
"Politicians should leave their personal interests behind and give priority
to the enactment of the Political ethics law. Sezer mentioned the
importance of lifting political immunity to be able to try deputies.
Stating that both politicians and citizens should leave their personal
interest behind , Sezer emphasized the importance of the enactment of a
political ethics law so as to prevent corruption and establish a
"transparent state". Naming the current National Programme as a historical
opportunity, Sezer stated that Turkey was determined to share a future
based on universal and peaceful values with the European countries. Stating
that after September 11th tragedy in the US all countries' economies were
affected negatively as a sign of a global crisis in the future, Sezer said
that politicians should refresh the confidence of people in the economic
program. Expressing his full confidence in Turkish nation, Sezer said he
was always sure that Turkey was on the right path. /All Papers/
[02] CEM MEETS FISCHER
Following his visit to the US, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem
arrived in Germany. After a meeting with his German counterpart Joschka
Fischer, Cem said , "Terrorism does not have religion, nationality or a
justifiable excuse." At a joint press conference, Cem stated he informed
Fischer about his contacts in the US. Fischer expressed his pleasure in
hosting Cem in Berlin. /Turkiye/
[03] PARLIAMENT TO BEGIN SECOND ROUND OF AMENDMENTS
Parliament will begin the second round of voting to amend 37 articles of
the Constitution today. The amendment marathon, which began in Sept. 19 and
which will form the sixth amendment of the current 1982 Constitution, is
expected to end this week. /Turkish Daily News/
[04] KIVRIKOGLU'S STATEMENT ON THE US RETALIATION TO AFGHANISTAN
Speaking at the reception held to mark the opening of the new legislative
year yesterday, Chief of the General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu said,
"A land operation would be very difficult for the US. A retaliation based
on bombing specific targets would be rational. If civilian people is hurt
during the operations, not just Islamic countries but also other countries
will oppose the US. Operation must be made against Taleban Administration."
Kivrikoglu said that Turkey would not send soldiers to Afghanistan and
added that Turkey continues to support General Dostum, who is opposed to
Taleban Administration in Afghanistan. /All Papers/
[05] DERVIS' STATEMENT ON CURRENT SITUATION IN ECONOMY
Minister of State responsible for Economy Kemal Dervis said that although
the recent developments in the US affected world economy negatively, Turkey
had alternative plans even for a war scenario. Stating that they did not
demand for a delay in next year's debt payments from the IMF, Dervis said,
"We have to prepare the plan which will lead Turkey to develop. If we can
maintain our friends' support and try very hard within our borders, I
believe, Turkey will begin to develop in 2002." Meeting with First Deputy
Chairman of the IMF Anne Krueger and US Secretary of Treasury Paul O'Neill,
Dervis emphasized the necessity of minimizing the state. Dervis said that
IMF and World Bank had also full confidence in Turkey to recover her
economy. /Sabah/
[06] SUHA TANIK RESIGNS FROM ANAP
The tension in the Motherland Party (ANAP), begun with preparation of a
declaration, continued with the resignation of a deputy, Suha Tanik
yesterday, has culminated with the meeting of 17 oppposition deputies.
Regarding the recent actions of the opposition deputies in the party, ANAP
leader Mesut Yilmaz asserted that their actions depends on personal
reasons. He said, " Our friends have done wrong. No one has the right of
presenting his personal case as the case of the country." Yilmaz also added
the resignations will not cause any problem in the government. /Milliyet/
[07] NO TENSION WITH ANKARA
The Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessman Association
(TUSIAD) Tuncay Ozilhan criticized the government in a TUSIAD meeting on
Friday. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit replied by stating that "the
reconciliation should not be prevented". The Chairman of the Turkish
Industrialists and Businessman Association (TUSIAD) Tuncay Ozilhan replied
by stating that the demands of TUSIAD are misunderstood and that the TUSIAD
first wants the government to overcome the economic crisis. /Sabah/
[08] GREEN LIGHT TO TUSIAD
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit gave green light to TUSIAD in the opening
reception of the Grand National Assembly. Ecevit sid "If the TUSIAD has any
problems, and it is natural to have problems, we can talk. We are open to
discussion." /Sabah/
[09] HIGH LEVEL SECURITY AT INCIRLIK
After the terrorist attacks in the US, security measures were increased at
the US Air Force Base in
Incirlik, Adana, and Turkish workers on the base are warned against
suspicious individuals. Turkish Military Industry Workers' Union
(Harb-ıs) Chairman Ahmet Sener said that there were not yet any problems
for some 1,500 Turkish workers on the base. He added, "Anxiety has been
removed from the base, and the US staff trusts us, because have also we
suffered from terrorism for many years." /Turkish News/
[10] WELDON: "TURKEY IS VERY IMPORTANT"
Senator Curt Weldon, the chairman of the US delegation visited Turkey, said
that although Turkey should have played an essential role in the US'
foreign policy, this had been neglected so far. Recalling Turkey suffered
$30 billion of losses in the Gulf War, Weldon said, "We must re-evaluate
this fact and our foreign policy." An American delegation chaired by
Senator Weldon visited Foreign Ministry and Office of the Chief of the
General Staff. Stating that they were positively impressed by the meetings
they held with the Turkish officials, Senator Weldon said that he would
convey his impressions to President George W. Bush. Stating they were also
impressed by Turkey's experience in terrorism, Weldon said, "Our visit to
Ankara is the most sincere one among Rome and Moscow visits. Turkey has
always been with us however we have not attached as much importance as she
deserved. We'll talk this issue with President Bush and Secretary of State
Powell." Senator Solomon Ortiz said that Turkey had great experiences on
combating terrorism to relay to other countries. /Cumhuriyet/
[11] EU TROIKA IN ANKARA
EU Troika, currently in Ankara to improve political dialogue between the EU
and Turkey, visited Foreign Ministry yesterday. Turkey conveyed her views
on combating terrorism to the EU Troika. During the meeting where all
dimensions of Turco-EU relations were discussed, consultations on the
National Programme, political and economic criteria, constitutional
amendment package and European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) were held
between the two parties. Another topic of the meeting was terror and the
ways to combat it. Turkey conveyed her experiences and views on the issue
to the EU Troika. /Cumhuriyet/
[12] GREEK DEFENSE MINISTER CALLS ON TURKEY TO SETTLE CYPRUS PROBLEM
Greek Defense Minister Akis Tsohatsopoulos on Monday called on Turkey "to
prove its respect for international law and agree to a settlement of the
Cyprus problem." He claimed the Sep. 11 attacks in the US and a global anti-
terrorist coalition being assembled by Washington make it "imperative for
Turkey to prove that it is bound by international law and the principles of
the UN by agreeing to a settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of
law and the UN Security Council resolutions." Turkish officials commenting
on the Greek Defense Minister's remarks say Athens is trying to deflect
attention from itself, given that western spotlights have been on this
country for its less than satisfactory stand against international terror.
/Turkish News/
[13] GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION IS LADEN'S FINANCE BASE
Sending a letter to the EU Parliament members, Deputy Chairman of the
Motherland Party (ANAP) Bulent Akarcali stated that Greek Cypriot
Administration became a base for Osama Bein Laden's financial activities.
Akarcali said in his letter, "Former NATO Commander Wesley Clark unveiled
that Greek Cypriot Administration became a base for Laden's financial
activities. Additionally, former high-level CIA official James Woolsey
stated that Greek Cypriot Administration did not accept to disclose the
information about Laden's bank accounts refusing to cooperate with the US.
Furthermore, one of the militants of Laden, Jama al Fadl, confessed that he
opened a bank account in the Greek Cypriot Administration which he named as
a secure base for weapon purchase and transfer.". Akarcali added that he
could not understand why these facts were ignored in the report prepared by
Jaques Poos in the European Parliament within the scope of Cyprus'
accession period to the EU. /Cumhuriyet/
[14] BELGIUM WANTS PKK'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES
The Belgian judiciary, completing an investigation launched in 1996 into
terrorist organization the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), is getting ready
to start legal proceedings targeting the financial resources that feed the
terrorist organization. Within the framework of Operation Spoutnik,
launched in 1996, which targeted the PKK and its associations, suprise
attacks had been conducted against Med-TV and the offices of many other sub-
divisions of the PKK, and many PKK sympathizers were taken into custody.
Belgian offcials said they had concentrated especially on the illegal
financial resources of the PKK, and said that this would be the main issue
they would be dealing with during trials. /Turkish News/
[15] CHINA UPS PRESSURE ON VARYAG
China has mounted pressure on the Turkish government to allow the Varyag,
which has been bought by China fom the Ukraine and is intended to be used
as a floating entertainment ship, to pass through the Turkish Straits,
Anatolia reported on Monday. China has proposed to issue an agency
guarantee, which is not supported by the full faith and credit of the
People's Republic of China, instead of a state guarantee to allow the ship
through the Straits in October. Turkish officials also stated that China
should complete the required technical modifications to the the ship to
receive permission to pass through the Straits./Turkish News/
[16] NEW ACADEMIC YEAR AT THE GULHANE MEDICAL ACADEMY BEGINS
Speaking at a ceremony held to mark the opening of a new education semester
at the Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA) in Ankara, deputy Chief of
Staff General Buyukanit told students that learning the principles of Kemal
Ataturk was necessary, but emphasized that turning these principles into a
way of life was more important. 'The criterion for us to embrace people is
the secular, unitary and democratic Turkish Republic shaped in line with
the principles of Ataturk. Every movement which fails to meet the
requirements of this criterion is the enemy of our country." Buyukanit said
in the opening ceremony. He also said to the students that providing
citizens with health, education and security services was essential and
that the quality of these services will determine the civilization level in
a country. The Naval Forces Commander Admiral Bulent Alpkaya speaking at
the ceremony said that Turkey was situated in a dangerous geography which
requires her to be economically, politically and militarily strong. Land
Forces Commander General Hilmi Ozkok said that education was the most
important means to carry societies to success and wellbeing./Turkish News/
[17] RADICAL ISLAM DEBATED
Radical Islam and combating Islamic terrorism were debated during German
Ministry of Defense Undersecretary Walter Kolbow's contacts in Ankara.
Kolbow met with Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal and visited
Office of the Chief of the General Staff yesterday. Replying questions of
the correspondents after his meetings, Kolbow said that he conveyed
Germany's views on combating terrorism and forming a cooperation against
international terrorism. He said, "We discussed the ways to combat radical
Islamic terrorism and Germany's recent decision to abolish religious
privileges." /Cumhuriyet/
[18] YILMAZ: "WESTERN WORLD OWES RENAISSANCE TO ISLAM"
Head of the Religious Affairs Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz responded to Italian Prime
Minister Silvio Berlusconi's statement alluding Western world's superiority
over Islam. Yilmaz said, "It is so irrational to equate terror with Islam.
Islam is a humanistic religion which prohibited even breaking other's
hearts and needless to say, murder. Historically speaking, Islamic culture
influenced Western World very significantly. The West owes Renaissance to
Islam." /Sabah/
[19] HONORARY DOCTORATE FOR DENKTAS
The title of Honorary Doctorate was given to Turkish Republic of Northern
Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas by the Kirikkale University.
Delivering a speech at the ceremony for opening of the 2001-2002 Academic
Year, Denktas called on students to follow Ataturk's principles and said,
"The love of Motherland is abovel everthing." /Turkiye/
[20] GEN. STROHMEYER MEETS GEN. YALMAN IN ANKARA
Austrian Commander Gendarmerie Gen, Oskar Strohmeyer and an accompanying
delegation have been received as official guests by Turkey's Gendarmerie
Commander Gen. Aytaç
Yalman. The delegation was welcomed by a military parade at the Gendarmerie
Headquarters Annex Building. Gen. Yalman said during his welcoming speech
"the Turkish and Austrian Gendarmeries are getting to know each other for
the first time today,". Gen. Strohmeyer thanked Gen Yalman and said that
they would be working together to combat human smuggling, arms and drug
trafficking as well as fighting terrorism and organized crime. /Turkish
Daily News/
[21] THE ARMENIAN TURKS ON TUSIAD'S COVER
Gorus, the periodical published by TUSIAD (Turkish Industrialists and
Businessman association) made the Turkish Armenians its coverstory. Issues
like Turkish-Armenian relations coming to the agenda after the so-called
genocide claims, the Armenian community living in Turkey and the Armenian
Diaspora were covered in the story. /Hurriyet/
[22] NEW ACADEMIC YEAR BEGINS
The new Academic year began yesterday with various ceremonies held in
universities. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer issued a message to mark the
beginning of the 2001-2002 Academic Year in universities. Pointing out
humanity needs information more than ever, and this shows the importance
of universities, Sezer said, "Today, countries are struggling to provide
their citizens better education opportunities, and universities play a
major role in education. Freedom is a must for universities and democracy
is important for scientific research. We have great expectations from
academics and university students." Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Deputy
Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz also issued messages for the new academic year.
/All papers/
[23] JAPANESE SUPPORT FOR TOURISM
Tourism Minister Mustafa Taşar stated that "Tourism representatives in
Japan hope that the negative developments seen in tourism following the
terrorist attacks are temporary". Tasar pointed out that they decided to
make the cooperation agreement with Japan on terrorism more effective.
Within this framework Tasar said that they also decided to establish a
commission and find out the ways to improve tourism between Turkey and
Japan.
/Turkiye/
[24] AKBANK JAZZ FESTIVAL TO BEGIN
"The 11th Akbank Jazz Festival" will bring many jazz masters together in
Istanbul
and Ankara. The festival will be held on October 3-13. Turkiye_
[25] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[26] WHEN THE NEEDLE HURTS BY SAMI KOHEN (OKTAY EKSI)
Columnist Oktay Eksi comments on the reactions to the terrorist attacks
shown by the Western world. A summary of his column is as follows:
"For years they did not listen to us. Like some Turks, Germans believed
that the voices they heard belonged to those of advocating egalitarian
democracy and engaging in terrorist activities. They smiled sardonically
when we said that love for mankind is a feeling these fanatics know nothing
about and that they were so savage and violent that they would not lift a
finger if someone they believed to be their enemy was agonizingly killed
before their very eyes.
If they had believed us, would they have embraced the fanatic
fundamentalist Cemalettin Kaplan, his son and their community? Protecting
them, granting political asylum to others show that they are either
ignorant or -we do not want to believe this- are deliberately raising a
community against Tukey just in case it may come in handy. If Germany had
not been the address the PKK had taken shelter and trusted in when it was
hurting Turkey the most, such negative possibilities would not have crossed
our minds. However the facts speak for themselves.
Today, in the United States who was boasting of not censuring the press
even during the Second World War, the White House is intervening in the
press without any opposition. In England, there is the inclination to
revive the Anti-Terror Law which was enacted against the IRA. Soon Belgium,
Italy, Sweden and Denmark will follow. In fact, Germans have newly begun to
openly state the facts their officials had known for years. They recalled
that Metin Kaplan's relation with Usame Bin Laden was confirmed during a
trial at the Dusseldorf Provincial Supreme Court where he was tried for
being a member of bin Laden's organization . In the court decision
sentencing Kaplan to four years imprisonment this fact was openly
mentioned. Federal Prosecutor's Office in Karlsruhe confirmed that a group
from Kaplan's organization met with Usame bin Ladin in Afghanistan. Now a
hunt for Islamic terrorists have begun in Germany."
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