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Turkish Press Review, 01-10-11
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
11.10.2001
CONTENTS
[01] FULL AUTHORITY GRANTED TO PARLIAMENT
[02] OIC DENOUNCES TERRORISM
[03] YILMAZ: "WAR INCLINED TO SPREAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES"
[04] TURKEY SENDS NOTE TO NATO ON PKK'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES
[05] EP'S REPORT ON TURKEY
[06] PAPANDREOU POINTS OUT TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE
[07] REFUGEE CAMPS ON THE BORDERS
[08] HUMAYN'S STATEMENT
[09] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY
[10] LOGAN: "TURKEY'S ROLE IS VERY IMPORTANT"
[11] MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO SEND AID TO AFGHANISTAN
[12] TURKISH BULGARIANS TO VOTE IN COMING POLL
[13] WOMEN FROM TURKISH WORLD TO MEET IN ANKARA
[14] POLICE APPREHEND 13 HIZBULLAH TERRORISTS
[15] TURKEY IN GREAT NEED OF RAIN
[16] HEALTH CENTERS TO OPEN IN EARTHQUAKE REGION
[17] LARSON PRAISES TURKISH ECONOMY
[18] HIGH PLANNING COUNCIL TO BE HELD TODAY
[19] CAY MEETS ALBANIAN MINISTER OF TRADE
[20] TOURISM AWARDS PRESENTED
[21] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[22] A NEW POLICY IN A NEW ERA BY HASAN CEMAL (MILLIYET)
[01] FULL AUTHORITY GRANTED TO PARLIAMENT
The decree authorizing the government to send military troops abroad was
adopted by the Parliament by a vote of 310-101 with two members abstaining
in the Plenary Session yesterday. Responding to the questions of
correspondents before receiving the Yemeni Ambassador to Ankara Ahmed
Huseyin M. El-Basha yesterday, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer stated that the
approval of the decree on sending troops abroad by the Parliament did not
necessarily mean that Turkey would send Turkish troops to other countries.
Sezer reminded, "The same authority was granted during the Gulf War too.
However, we did not send any troops to Iraq. The government will decide
whether to use that authority or not in the future in accordance with the
conditions arising." Meanwhile, Minister of National Defense Sabahattin
Cakmakoglu, said, "This decision does not mean Turkey will send troops to
Afghanistan. It will just provide more flexible conditions for the Turkish
Armed Forced to get prepared in case of an emergency which might include
Turkey. Upon a future request by the US, the decisions regarding important
issues such as whether to send troops, to which region and with the aim of
what, will be made by taking Turkey's multidimensional national interests
into consideration." /All Papers/
[02] OIC DENOUNCES TERRORISM
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) denounced the Sep. 11
terrorist attacks on the US. The final declaration of the OIC, the largest
Islamic organization in the world with its 56 members, condemned the
terrorist attacks and called on the US to choose the targets carefully not
to harm civilians in Afghanistan. Hosting the meeting Qatar Emir Seyh Hamad
bin Halife el-Sani pointed out that in the scope of the fight against
terrorism, other attacks against other Muslim countries were not
acceptable. Ismail Cem representing Turkey at the meeting, expressed
Turkey's views on the recent developments in an interview with the CNN
television in Doha. Stressing Turkey is also concerned over the expansion
of the war as many other countries, Cem said, "The main reason for this
anxiety is to perceive terrorism and Islam as identical. However, we say
always that there is no religion and nationality of terrorism." He also
emphasized that no country should tolerate terrorist organizations whatever
their aim was and whichever country they fought against. /Turkiye/
[03] YILMAZ: "WAR INCLINED TO SPREAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES"
The Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Mesut
Yilmaz voiced his ideas that the war in Afghanistan had a tendency to
spread to other countries. Yilmaz said the government had to take necessary
measures against this possibility. Stating he wished the operation would
end with the capture of Osama Bin Laden and Taleban as soon as possible,
Yilmaz said, "However, nobody can deny the fact that the war seems to have
a tendency to spread. Such a development would destroy the peace and
stability of the whole region and would inevitably include Turkey. Yilmaz
also added that as the Western world understood what terrorism actually was
after September 11th, they changed their policies against terrorists
sheltered in Europe and that this shift in European policy against
terrorism brought about a significant decline in the power of terrorist
groups which lost most of the political and logistic support they received
from the European countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet
Bahceli said that he wished the operation would not extend outside the
borders of Afghanistan. Bahceli said, "We are taking all the measures into
consideration, which should be taken against possible scenarios including
Turkey into the war. That's what the recent note on sending troops abroad
means." /All Papers/
[04] TURKEY SENDS NOTE TO NATO ON PKK'S FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Turkey sent an information note to NATO countries on PKK's financial
resources and press activities in Europe. It was stated that DM 20 million
was gathered in the donation campaign PKK carried out in Germany. The note
stated that the PKK carries out its money-laundering activities through
Swiss, British, Swedish, Belgian, Danish and Greek Cypriot banks. The note
also recalled that PKK had approximately 30 press organs centered in
Europe. Stating that the organization informed its members and supporters
about its terrorist activities through these press organs, the note said
these were also used in money laundering. "PKK also receives a significant
amount of money from narcotics trafficking and smuggling activities." The
note said. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] EP'S REPORT ON TURKEY
The report on Turkey prepared by European Parliament's (EP) Turkey
rapporteur Alain Lammassoure was approved by the EP Committee on Foreign
Affairs, Human Rights, Common Security and Defense Policy (AFET). The
report will be discussed at the EP Plenary Session. The draft report stated
that Turkey, recognition of Turkey's candidacy at the Helsinki Summit paved
way to the acceleration of the political reforms in Turkey. It added that
the program of the current government received grassroots support and had a
strong political will behind it. Stating no obstacles remained against
Turkey's democratization process after she overcame the problems stemming
from terrorism, the report emphasized the importance of constitutional
amendments. The report states the satisfaction of the EP with Turkish
parliament's efforts towards improving human rights and democratization. It
calls on the EU to support Turkey financially. /Cumhuriyet/
[06] PAPANDREOU POINTS OUT TURKEY'S IMPORTANCE
While the Turkish government is criticized on the grounds that it does not
release a clear statement concerning its policy regarding Afghanistan, the
Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Papandreou paid an unexpected
visit to Istanbul. Papandreou chose Istanbul, where the "religions meet"
for the International Religion Congress that will be established so that
faiths will not be used as a tool for terrorism. Papandreou visited the
Fener Greek-Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeous and the visit was closed to
the press. Bartholomeos said, "In a short period of time, we will organize
a large congress with the participation of the representatives of all
religions, the support of politicians, and the assistance of the US. While
giving information on his visit, Papandreou said, "We should exclude those
who want to exploit religion and condemn particularly those who support
terrorism. As an international committee, we should launch a campaign
against terrorism to save important values such as democracy. I came to
visit the leader of the Orthodox world to talk about these issues."/Milliyet/
[07] REFUGEE CAMPS ON THE BORDERS
Following the US operation against Afghanistan, particularly in the Eastern
and Southeastern provinces the precautions began to be taken against the
possible flow of refugees. Kizilay (Turkish Red Crescent) decided to
establish camps for the refugees in Van and Sirnak. Preparations began to
be made to build shelter in these camps. /Sabah/
[08] HUMAYN'S STATEMENT
Pakistani Ambassador to Ankara, Qazi Humayn, visited the Justice and
Progress (AK) Party leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday. Humayn said it
was a pleasing development that Turkey sends troops to Afghanistan. Humayn
pointed out that Turkey was a member of NATO and added, "Turkey's presence
in the region will have a positive impact." /Sabah/
[09] GEORGIAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY
Georgia's Foreign Minister Irakli Menagarishvili is to come to Ankara on
Friday as the official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. During their
talks, the two ministers are expected to discuss regional repercussions of
the terrorist attacks on America and other regional and international
issues of immediate concern to both countries. /Turkish Daily News/
[10] LOGAN: "TURKEY'S ROLE IS VERY IMPORTANT"
British Ambassador to Ankara David Logan said Turkey would play a very
important role in the international cooperation against terrorism. Logan
said, "Turkey is a vital country for us as an only Muslim but secular
country. I do not have any doubt that Turkey would play a significant role
in fighting against terrorism." /Cumhuriyet/
[11] MINISTRY OF HEALTH TO SEND AID TO AFGHANISTAN
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Sefer Aycan, said a document was
received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting that health aid
be made to Afghanistan. He added, "We are interested in the health of
Afghanistan, whether it is a war or a terrorist action. In this respect, we
will send aid because we believe that it is necessary to help them."
/Sabah/
[12] TURKISH BULGARIANS TO VOTE IN COMING POLL
Turkish Bulgarians wanting to vote in the Bulgarian presidential election
should apply to Bulgarian consulates by Oct. 28. The presidential election
will be held on Nov. 11 and the second round, if needed, will be held on
Nov. 18. According to Bulgaria's election law, Turkish Bulgarian citizens
living in Turkey must apply to the embassy in Ankara, as well as consulates
in Istanbul and Edirne, by Oct. 28. /Turkish News/
[13] WOMEN FROM TURKISH WORLD TO MEET IN ANKARA
The convention of women from the Turkish world will begin in Ankara on Oct.
12. The meeting will bring together 200 women from 33 countries between Oct
12 and 15 and the role of women to transfer cultures to future generations
and ways of cooperation will be discussed during the meeting. /Turkiye/
[14] POLICE APPREHEND 13 HIZBULLAH TERRORISTS
Security Forces apprehended 13 Hizbullah terrorists in an operation carried
out in the Southeastern Anatolian town of Diyarbakir. Three of them were
reported to have taken part in the killing of former Diyarbakir Police
Chief Gaffar Okkan. /Turkish News/
[15] TURKEY IN GREAT NEED OF RAIN
Rainfall has decreased 19 percent this year, compared to last year's
rainfall, which decreased by 10 percent, said the State Meteorology General
Directorate. According to agricultural evaluation reports for Oct. 1, 2000
and Sep.30, 2001, normal rainfall is 652 millimeters per square meter, but
this has fallen to 527 millimeters. The total amount of rainfall in Central
Anatolia has dropped by 31 percent. Meteorology experts said that depending
on their forecasts, Turkey will receive rain in the next thre months that
is above seasonal norms. /Turkish News/
[16] HEALTH CENTERS TO OPEN IN EARTHQUAKE REGION
The Netherlands Embassy in Ankara will open two new health care centers in
Adapazari and Duzce on Oct. 11 and 12. The construction of the centers was
made possible with the Netherlands' government constribution of $240,000.
The opening ceremony will be attended by Ambassador Sjoerd H. Gosses,
together with the governors of Sakarya and Duzce. /Turkish News/
[17] LARSON PRAISES TURKISH ECONOMY
The US Deputy Secretary of State, responsible for Economy, Allan Larson,
held a press conference at the foreign press centre in Washington during
which he described Turkey as an "extraordinarily important friend and ally"
and added that they wanted to play a positive role in the meetings with the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). He added, "Turkey has been successful in
the important economic reforms. Our aim is to ensure its continuation."
According to the news broadcast on NTV, Larson further stated, "Dervis met
with the Vice-President Cheney and the Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neill.
It was an important opportunity to be briefed on the developments taking
place in Turkey. The Turkish government negotiates with the IMF so that the
next stage of the economic program will be shaped." /Sabah/
[18] HIGH PLANNING COUNCIL TO BE HELD TODAY
The High Planning Council (YPK) will convene today and be chaired by Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit today and the decisions will be taken to determine
the economy's fate in the year 2002. During the YPK, mostly the precautions
on expense restrictions will be discussed. It is stated that the State
Minister Kemal Dervis will request that the strict financial policy should
not be given up and that the number of ministers should be decreased.
/Sabah/
[19] CAY MEETS ALBANIAN MINISTER OF TRADE
State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay has held talks with Albanian Minister of
Economic Cooperation and Trade, Ermenlinda Meksi. They reportedly discussed
improving economic cooperation and bilateral trade. Before leaving for
Albania, Minister Cay said, "a technical cooperation agreement signed by
two parties would enable technical aid programs aimed at Albania to be
followed up on site. He also mentioned a protocol on animal husbandry that
would be signed during the visit. /Turkish Daily News/
[20] TOURISM AWARDS PRESENTED
The quality awards of the tourism sector was presented. Skal Istanbul, the
club of international friendship and solidarity that aims to ensure quality
in the tourism sector, presented awards to the best tourism representatives.
The tourism quality awards was presented in 16 categories at the Lutfi
Kirdar Congress and Exhibition Palace the day before. Skal 2001 Traditional
Award was given to the Basketball Men's National Team, which represented
Turkey in the European Basketball Championship. Sabah newspaper was deemed
worthy of the Press Support and Sponsor Award. /Sabah/
[21] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[22] A NEW POLICY IN A NEW ERA BY HASAN CEMAL (MILLIYET)
Columnist Hasan Cemal comments on Turkey's role in bridging the gap between
the West and the Islamic world. A summary of his column is as follows:
"Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was at the Organization of Islamic Conference
(OIC) meeting held in Doha, the capital of Qatar yesterday. Next week he
will attend the European Union meeting to be convened in Brussels. The
subject of both meetings is the same: Afghanistan operation and terrorism.
The significant role of Turkey is known by all. She is the only member of
the 56 Islamic OIC states, who is at the same time a candidate to the EU, a
member of NATO and ruled by democracy. Recently, Turkey's unique position
between the East and the West, and her situation as a role model since she
is an Islamic but secular country ruled by democracy is coming to the fore.
For example, historian Francis Fukuyama in his article in Wall Street
Journal said that there seemed to be something in fundamentalist Islamic
movements which made the Muslim countries resist modernity...He added that
there was no Islamic country other than Turkey who had been able to pass to
the First World country status from a third world country status. Famous
historian Bernard Lewis also touched upon the issue in his article
published in the French 'le Figaro' daily. He said that the only way out
for both the Islamic countries and the Central Asian countries was to adopt
Turkey as a role model. The views of Michael Radu, an expert at the
Foreign Policy Institute in Washington, did not differ either. He said
that the state system established by Ataturk, was a successful example
showing that the political values of the Islamic world and the West did not
clash. When viewed from this point, the significance of Foreign Minister
Cem's visits to Doha and Brussels can be understood better. Foreign
Minister Cem has the opportunity to convey and explain the sensitivities of
both sides to the other. He will express to one of the sides that terrorism
can have no excuses and that it is a crime against humanity. To the other
side he will say that the religion of Islam cannot be the target of hate
and animosity, the only target of the war can only be terrorism. In fact he
is bridging the gap betwen two differing worlds of culture. Turkey's
interests do not lie in a conflict between the West and the Islamic world.
Therefore, she has to acquire the status of an equal to be able to have her
influence felt in the region."
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