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Turkish Press Review, 01-12-10
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
10.12.2001
CONTENTS
[01] SECOND ROUND OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TO BE TAKEN
UP NEXT YEAR
[02] ALL EYES ON GREECE ON EU-TURKEY DEFENSE DEAL
[03] CEM: "TURKEY IS READY TO SACRIFICE FOR
CYPRUS"
[04] GUREL: "CYPRUS CAN ENTER THE EU WHEN TURKEY
DOES"
[05] YILMAZ: "WE EXPECT THE EU TO GIVE CONCRETE
SIGNALS AT THE LAEKEN SUMMIT"
[06] DENKTAS: "WE WON'T GIVE UP EQUALITY AND
SOVEREIGNTY"
[07] GOOD NEWS FROM MOODY'S
[08] YILMAZ: "ECONOMY HAS TURNED THE CORNER"
[09] DERVIS: "IMF MEETINGS WILL END BEFORE
BAYRAM"
[10] EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS' TAX DEBTS AND PENALTIES TO BE
ERASED
[11] GERMAN CENTRAL BANK: "TURKS ARE READY FOR
EURO"
[12] BAD WEATHER WREAKS HAVOC, TAKES LIVES
[13] NEW GENERATION TAKES REINS OF KOC GROUP
[14] TWO SHIPS LOST IN THE BLACK SEA
[15] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS
[16] THE WORDS OPENING THE DOOR BY TUFAN TURENC
(HURRIYET)
[17] LAST WEEK'S DEVELOPMENTS BY MUSTAFA BALBAY
(CUMHURIYET)
[01] SECOND ROUND OF CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS TO BE TAKEN
UP NEXT YEAR
Interparties' Conciliatory Commission will begin to
work on a second round of amendments to the Constitution in January.
Following three meeetings earlier this year chaired by Parliament
Acting Speaker Yuksel Yalova, the commission has ben unable to convene
since Nov. 15 due to work on Article 86 and budget debates. The new
amendment package is expected to be taken up in January. /Turkiye/
[02] ALL EYES ON GREECE ON EU-TURKEY DEFENSE DEAL
The Gordion knot surrounding the Turco-European
Union defense deal is expected to be untied today at the meeting of EU
foreign ministers in Brussels, as all eyes fall on Greece awaiting its
response. The so-called General Affairs Council provides a dress
rehearsal for the Laeken summit that will mark the end of the Belgian
presidency. Ideally, Greece would give its blessing to a deal brokered
by Britain that has allowed the EU's military force to use NATO
assets. The recently arrived at deal allows the EU to have ready
access to NATO planning, but its bid for other assets, such as
hardware, would come before NATO on a case-by-case basis. Turkey,
meanwhile, has obtained guarantees that the force would not interfere
in Turco-Greek disputes. The deal managed to overcome the Turkish
threat of veto at the NATO level, but it now risks stumbling over
Greek objections. Greece worries that the compromise formula would
give Turkey too much say over the union's security and defense policy.
However, European diplomats continue to hope that Greek doubts can be
overcome. /Turkish News/
[03] CEM: "TURKEY IS READY TO SACRIFICE FOR
CYPRUS"
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said yesterday that
Turkey was ready to sacrifice for the sake of Cyprus. Addressing
Parliament's plenary session, Cem said that Turkey should not make a
link between Turkish-EU relations with the Cyprus issue. In an
interview on news channel CNN-Turk yesterday, he expressed his views
on the European Security and Defense (ESDP), Cyprus and the EU topics.
Regarding last week's Denktas-Clerides meeting, Cem said that while a
solution had not yet been possible a most needed and obligatory step
had been taken. Warning Greece regarding the ESDP, he said, "If
Greece opposes the deal, it would be making a grave mistake."
/Cumhuriyet/
[04] GUREL: "CYPRUS CAN ENTER THE EU WHEN TURKEY
DOES"
State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel said yesterday that
in order to enter a new era on Cyprus, the European Union (EU) should
also take steps. Appearing on state channel TRT 1, Gurel said it was
the time that the EU act in constructive fashion on the Cyprus issue.
He said, "As a part of this, the embargo imposed on Turkish
Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) should be abolished as soon as
possible. The EU seems to be determined to accept Cyprus' membership,
but this was contrary to the agreements made in 1960 and he stated
that Turkey's approval was needed." He asserted "Cyprus'
membership depends on Turkey and they should become EU members at the
same time." /Cumhuriyet/
[05] YILMAZ: "WE EXPECT THE EU TO GIVE CONCRETE
SIGNALS AT THE LAEKEN SUMMIT"
Turkish and EU relations were discussed during a
symposium in Brussels over the weekend. Deputy Prime Minister Mesut
Yilmaz stated at the event that Turkey had started a serious reform
period following the Helsinki Summit and added: "The National
Program that Turkey prepared became one of our longest-term political
and economic programs and showed our determination to fulfill the
requirements of the common law of the EU. During the Laeken Summit,
the EU should give more concrete signals towards Turkey's full
membership. It should firstly consider strengthened political dialogue
and wider financial cooperation." /Turkish Daily News/
[06] DENKTAS: "WE WON'T GIVE UP EQUALITY AND
SOVEREIGNTY"
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
President Rauf Denktas said yesterday that the Turkish Cypriots'
equality and sovereignty had to be foundations of any agreement on the
Cyprus issue and that he would address this with Greek Cypriot leader
Glafcos Clerides. In a television interview, Denktas said,
"Clerides is 83 and I am 78. We should solve the Cyprus problem
together. Clerides should know that we will not give up the issues of
equality and sovereignty. Clerides is supported by an effective
opposition group, but we should be supported as well. Clerides and I
have reached a consensus that we will not release information to the
press on the subjects we discuss or the steps we take during the
direct talks that start on Jan. 16. We will try to solve the Cyprus
problem which has resisted solution for newly 40 years."
/Hurriyet/
[07] GOOD NEWS FROM MOODY'S
Prominent credit rating agency Moody's is preparing
this week to revise Turkey's status from "negative" to
"stable." Moody's Turkey analyst Kristin Lindow said the
nation's decisions in the direction of economic reform decisions as
well as steps to implement them were encouraging developments. Lindow
added, "The capacity to pay debts is an important element in
terms of ratings and the support of certain institutions, such as the
IMF, is important in terms of our confidence in the government. The
'B1,' which shows a country's capacity to pay debt in foreign
exchange, is a high rating." /Cumhuriyet/
[08] YILMAZ: "ECONOMY HAS TURNED THE CORNER"
Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party leader
Mesut Yilmaz attended a dinner organized by his party's Bursa Province
Organization yesterday evening. Following the dinner, Yilmaz told
those gathered that Turkey was now overcoming the economic crisis
which had clouded most of the year. He added, "Taking a look at
economic data since October, we can say that Turkey has entered a
period of recovery. The Treasury's domestic and foreign debt service
will not have any problems next year. The narrowing domestic and
foreign deficits and the decrease in interest rates are both signs
that Turkey will be able to overcome this crisis. In order not to
experience such a crisis again, Turkey has to change." /Sabah/
[09] DERVIS: "IMF MEETINGS WILL END BEFORE
BAYRAM"
State Minister Kemal Dervis, who is currently in
Israel to attend an economic symposium organized by the Israeli
Central Bank, said yesterday that the IMF's meetings in Turkey would
likely end before Seker Bayrami (the Sugar Feast), which begins at the
end of this week. Dervis said the situation of the manufacturing
industry was improving and added, "However, there are still some
difficulties. We should see economic growth, so we can't yet say that
the economic crisis is over." With regard to the government's
downsizing efforts, Dervis added, "The number of state officials
to be laid off has not been determined yet." Commenting on recent
developments in the Middle East, he said, "The events there
trouble me greatly. While working for the World Bank, I was
responsible for the region, so I have friends both in Israel and the
Arabic countries. This is a sad situation." Dervis is expected to
return to Turkey tomorrow. /Milliyet/
[10] EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS' TAX DEBTS AND PENALTIES TO BE
ERASED
Under a new bill, the tax debts and tax penalties
of people who lost 10% or more of their assets during the August and
November 1999 earthquakes could be erased. The bill on the issue
passed at the Parliament's Planning and Budget Commission last week,
and it is expected get the entire Parliament's thumbs-up by the end of
this year. /Milliyet/
[11] GERMAN CENTRAL BANK: "TURKS ARE READY FOR
EURO"
As part of preparations for the new euro currency
that will begin widespread circulation in 12 EU countries as of the
New Year, Germany has spent 60 million Deutsche marks for the
promotion of the new money regime. German Central Bank Spokesman Wolf
Rudiger Bengs said yesterday that the euro promotion also targeted
Turkish people living in Germany and added, "Turkey and the
Turkish people are ready for the euro. We place a great deal of
importance on promotion of the euro in such countries as Turkey and
regions like the Balkans where the Deutsche mark is strong. The German
Central Bank has published posters and brochures in 17 languages which
had been distributed both within and outside the country."
/Hurriyet/
[12] BAD WEATHER WREAKS HAVOC, TAKES LIVES
A storm yesterday with winds of up to 80 kilometers
an hour and nonstop rain is hampering life in Istanbul. Flooding
yesterday caused blackouts in at least four coastal towns on the
Mediterranean, with Mersin affected badly. Waters swept away roads,
bridges and highways, and even carried cars into the sea. Flood waters
killed two people, one girl and one man on Sunday. With these
casualties, the death toll has increased to five since last week. A
snowstorm that began late Sunday in Edirne, Kirklareli and Tekirdag
also had negative effects on transportation in Turkey's European
province of Trakya (Thrace). Many village roads were closed to traffic
and work on opening roads is continuing. /All Papers/
[13] NEW GENERATION TAKES REINS OF KOC GROUP
The leadership of the Koc Holding, Turkey's largest
industrial group, will soon be passing to a younger generation. After
18 years on the job, Koc Group Chairman Rahmi Koc, 71, will leave his
chair to his son Mustafa Vehbi Koc, 41. Koc Group Chief Executive
Officier (CEO) Temel Atay will also leave his chair to Bulend
Ozaydinli, who is 52. The passing of the batons will be carried out at
the end of this year or in March 2002. /Turkiye/
[14] TWO SHIPS LOST IN THE BLACK SEA
Two ships have been lost in the Black Sea
yesterday. Seventeen out of the 18 Syrian crewmen of the Lady Amar
were rescued after the ship went down in a storm, Turkish authorities
said. The Kalkavan was also lost near the shore at Sinop Inceburun,
and eight of its crew were saved. /Sabah/
[15] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS
[16] THE WORDS OPENING THE DOOR BY TUFAN TURENC
(HURRIYET)
Columnist Tufan Turenc comments on recent
developments on Cyprus. A summary of his column is as follows:
"Friends for almost a half-century Rauf Denktas and Glafkos
Clerides have decided to solve the Cypus question follwing a letter
sent by Denktas to his Greek Cypriot counterpart. Clerides. He told
Clerides that it was time for them to solve the problem without
resorting to clashes and not to let the future generations suffer from
the same conflicts without resorting to clashes. Clerides replied that
he would be ready when Denktas would to attend proximity talks. After
Denktas' call of face- to- face talks Clerides answered positively.
They agreed and began to meet. This meeting has shown the whole world
that the reason this poblem has dragged on for so many years was that
everyone was interfering in it. The European Union and the United
Nations should be excluded from these talks. Even Turkey and Greece
should not interfere with Denktas or Clerides, as only these two
leaders can solve this question. Both of them have devoted their
entire lives to this issue. They set on top of a powderkeg since they
have known each other. These two leaders have been subject to pressure
not only from the whole world but from their communities as well. What
hurts them most is the internal criticism. What is promising is that
both leaders have decided not to leave the negotiations until they
agree on a solution. If no one pokes a stick in the beehive, Denktas'
diplomacy initiative seems to have put developments on the right
track. The leaders will resume their talks on Jan. 13 and begin
accelerated negotiations. They have a set a deadline for themselves.
They will continue these talks until June. They hope to solve the
question by then."
[17] LAST WEEK'S DEVELOPMENTS BY MUSTAFA BALBAY
(CUMHURIYET)
Columnist Mustafa Balbay comments on last week's
developments concerning Turkey's foreign policy. A summary of his
column is as follows: "After an extremely busy week, let's
underline the recent developments concerning Turkey's foreign policy!
Let's begin with the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)...The
Prime Ministry announced on Dec. 2 that progress had been made
concerning the US-backed ESDP talks between Turkey and Britain. 'We
have determined our status within the ESDP,' said a statement from the
Prime Ministry. Let's take a look at what went on behind the scenes...
A seven-page document was prepared. From the outset, Turkey had hoped
for 100% success on three key issues: 1) To avoid the employment of
the rapid reaction forces to be formed as a part of the ESDP against
itself. 2) To participate in the EU operations in which NATO
facilities will be employed. 3) To take part in the decision-making
processes within the ESDP. State officials are saying that the
document has eased Turkey's concerns on the above-mentioned issues. It
seems that Turkey has done its utmost under the current circumstances.
Furthermore, everybody is again optimistic about the Cyprus situation.
In the light of developments surronding the recent meeting between
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and
Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides, one can easily assert that
Turkey will now have new opportunities to take concrete and positive
steps on its path towards full EU membership. And what about the Iraq
issue? US Secretary of State Colin Powell said, "We haven't
prepared a plan yet, but you know what kind of person Saddam Hussein
is." In the days to come, Turkey will try to mediate between the
UN and Iraq. If we could succeed in doing this, the results would be
beneficial both for ourselves and the region, and Turkey could reap
significant revenues from commerce with Iraq to boot. A summary of
Turkey's role in the Middle East is as follows: The only country which
has the ear of both Israel and the Palestinians! Both sides place a
high premium on their bilateral relations with Turkey! Turkey, along
with the European countries, seems to have some serious concerns about
the role it will play in Afghanistan. These are basically economic
concerns. For instance, Turkey will have to foot the bill for sending
troops to Afghanistan if the UN sends none. But the West is still
leaning towards keeping Turkey away from the issue as far as the
Central Asian power balances are concerned. One could almost say with
a straight face that the only event of worldwide impart last week
which didn't affect Turkey directly was the birth of Japanese Princess
Aiko!
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