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Turkish Press Review, 01-12-27
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Turkish
Press Review >>
Foreign
Press Guide
Summary of the political and economic
news in the Turkish press this morning
27.12.2001
CONTENTS
[01] SEZER: "TURKEY VALUES IRAQ'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY"
[02] NEWSWEEK: "THE TURKISH DILEMMA"
[03] DERVIS: CAUTIONS AGAINST "ARGENTINIAN" ROAD
[04] TURKEY PRESENTS REPORT ON TERRORISM TO THE UN
[05] PAPANDREOU WISHES TURKEY A HAPPY NEW YEAR
[06] IMF TO INCREASING FINANCING FOR TURKEY
[07] THE WASHINGTON POST: "SADDAM MAY HIT TURKEY"
[08] TUSIAD OPPOSED TO INTERVENTION IN IRAQ
[09] HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MEETING
[10] ATATURK'S FIRST VISIT TO ANKARA CELEBRATED
[11] IKONUS SATELLITE BASE STATION OPENED FOR SERVICE
[12] NEW MINIMUM WAGE DETERMINED
[13] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[14] HOW ABOUT TURKISH INTERESTS? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)
[15] GERMANY AND PKK TERRORISM BY CUNEYT ARCAYUREK
(CUMHURIYET)
[01] SEZER: "TURKEY VALUES IRAQ'S TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY"
Turkey has added its voice to a chorus of countries worldwide declaring
their great concerns about US intervention in Iraq designed to topple that
country's government. Following Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin
Kivrikoglu's statement earlier this week saying, "An intervention in Iraq
would divide this country, and the idea of establishing Kurdish state
greatly disturbs Turkey," yesterday, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer also
expressed his views on the matter. During a joint press conference with
Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Halife El-Tani, who is currently in Turkey for
an official visit, Sezer said that the two leaders had discussed the
situation in Iraq. Sezer stated that Turkey placed great importance an
Iraq's territorial integrity and national unity. "The Iraqi government
should cooperate with the UN and the international community to end the
country's problems," he added. /All Papers/
[02] NEWSWEEK: "THE TURKISH DILEMMA"
The current issue of US magazine Newsweek features an article analyzing
Turkey's possible reactions to a possible US operation in Iraq. In an
article co-authored by Turkish journalist Sami Kohen, the magazine remarked
that Turkey might soon have to make a critical decision, since the US was
seeking strategic allies in its conflict with Iraq. "Turkey's biggest fear
about another conflict with Saddam is the possible establishment of an
independent Kurdistan in the region," said Newsweek. The piece recalled
that Turkey had suffered $40 billion in losses due to US sanctions on Iraq
in the wake 1991's Gulf War. The magazine remarked that America might try
to use Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq, allied with Shiite rebels in the
south, to overthrow Saddam. Naming Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit as
one of the few world leaders who has a personal relationship with Saddam,
Newsweek said that Ecevit would have "extensive consultations" concerning
Iraq during his visit to Washington in mid-January. The magazine remarked
that Ecevit was opposed to any military adventures outside Turkey's borders
and that he believed that Saddam might be won over by using diplomatic
methods rather then force. The article defined the Turkish dilemma as
follows: "For pragmatic and political reasons, Turkey will resist any
military action against Iraq. On the other hand, it depends too heavily on
American and NATO goodwill to rule it out." /Cumhuriyet/
[03] DERVIS: CAUTIONS AGAINST "ARGENTINIAN" ROAD
State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis spoke yesterday about the
Argentinian financial crisis, remarking "We can all see countries that
exceed a certain level of debt and which are unable to enact fiscal
reform." Addressing the Parliament Budget and Planning Commission, however,
Dervis characterized this year's Turkish fiscal policy as "successful."
This success is being continued with the support of Parliament and through
the public's good common sense, Dervis added.
/Hürriyet/
[04] TURKEY PRESENTS REPORT ON TERRORISM TO THE UN
Turkey presented a report on terrorism earlier this month to the United
Nations. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Huseyin Dirioz stated that the
first part of the report covered Turkey's proposals to cut off terrorist's
financial resources. "The rest of the report proposes various measures to
improve international cooperation against terrorism," said Dirioz. "The
report also lays out Turkey's domestic judicial regulations on terrorism.
We stressed Turkey's contribution to the efforts against terrorism within
international organizations such as NATO, the Organization for the Islamic
Conference (OIC), European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)."
/Cumhuriyet/
[05] PAPANDREOU WISHES TURKEY A HAPPY NEW YEAR
In an open letter published yesterday, Greek Foreign Minister George
Papandreou stated, "On behalf of myself and the Greek government, I wish to
send my best wishes to Turkey in the interests of improving our cooperation
for the greater good of both countries as well as the development and
welfare of the Turkish people." Papandreou's "New Year's Message to Turkey"
appeared in the Greece daily, published by the Greek Embassy in Ankara.
Saying that the Greek government has been striving to decrease the tensions
that had shadowed bilateral relations for so many years, to increase mutual
confidence, and to create a framework of cooperation, Papandreou added, "We
have gained a positive momentum and our nations have furthered it by
embracing sensible policies. There are still many things left to do, but we
have the willpower to achieve them." /Milliyet/
[06] IMF TO INCREASING FINANCING FOR TURKEY
The International Monetary Fund will reportedly increase its financing for
Turkey's economic program over 2002-2004, government sources said
yesterday. The IMF could provide $1 billion in that period in addition to
the $10 billion pledged for 2002. A government leaders' summit met
yesterday to discuss Turkey's new Letter of Intent
(LOI) to the IMF, with State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis
providing details of the
LOI. The letter is to be handed to the IMF in the first week of January
with its decision on the additional financing expected later in the month.
/Hürriyet/
[07] THE WASHINGTON POST: "SADDAM MAY HIT TURKEY"
An article published this week in influential US daily The Washington Post
claimed that if the US launches a full-scale assault in Iraq, Iraqi leader
Saddam Hussein might strike out at Israel and Turkey using weapons of mass
destruction. The article predicted that an operation in Iraq similar to the
one recently pursued in Afghanistan might not be successful. It speculated
that Iraq might target Turkey, Israel, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, as well as
US troops in the region with medium range missiles armed with chemical and
biological warheads. /Turkiye/
[08] TUSIAD OPPOSED TO INTERVENTION IN IRAQ
Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) Chairman
Tuncay Ozilhan said yesterday that US intervention in Iraq would place
Turkey's economy in great jeopardy. He said, "Turkish businessmen would
never welcome such an operation." Speaking at a press conference announcing
the results of a TUSIAD's survey, entitled "The System of Elections and
Political Parties," Ozilhan stated, "Turkey needs to increase both exports
and production. In such a time as this, an intervention in Iraq would harm
Turkey's interests." He also said that the survey found that 72% of Turkish
voters believe that the coalition government is unsuccessful, while 4 of 5
voters do not favor Turkey's current elections system. /Turkiye/
[09] HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST MEETING
A new Human Rights Council, which was established in order to address any
problems in strengthening and implementing human rights in Turkey, held its
first meeting yesterday. The hour-long meeting took place at the Justice
Ministry, and it was attended by State Minister for Human Rights Nejat
Arseven, Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen and Justice Minister Hikmet
Sami Turk. Justice Minister delivered a statement on behalf of the council
saying that it would work hard to better implement human rights. Turk added
that the Human Rights Council would convene regularly every month, and the
inaugural meeting decided that a deputy undersecretary from the Prime
Ministry and Interior and Justice ministries would also meet bimonthly in
order to investigate allegations of human rights violations and torture.
/Sabah/
[10] ATATURK'S FIRST VISIT TO ANKARA CELEBRATED
The 82nd anniversary of Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's
first visit to Ankara will be celebrated today. Ankara Governorship's
program will begin with an official ceremony at Anitkabir, Ataturk's
mausoleum, in the morning. Next, wreaths will be laid at the Ataturk
Monument in Ulus, the Sihhiye Victory Monument, and the Ataturk Forest Farm
Monument. A new "December 27 Ataturk Monument and Park" will be opened in
Dikmen-Keklikpinari, where Ataturk was first welcomed during his first
visit to the city. Following folk dance performances by young men in
traditional costumes, Safiye Soyman will give a concert spotlighting
Ataturk's favorite songs. The traditional Ataturk Garrison Running Race
will be held under the auspices of the Fourth Army Corps Command.
Additional concerts will be given by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK)
Harmonica Band at Turkish Grand National Assembly Park, the Sea Forces
Command Band at Victory Park, the Metropolitan Municipality Mehter Band at
the Ulus Monument and the Gendarmerie General Command Band at Vedat Dalokay
Park. /Sabah/
[11] IKONUS SATELLITE BASE STATION OPENED FOR SERVICE
The Ikonus Satellite Base Station, a new facility which can produce high-
resolution images, was opened for service yesterday by Turkish National
Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu yesterday. Speaking at the ceremony
held at the base station in Golbasi, Cakmakoglu said, "This facility is of
the utmost importance, for it shows just what the private sector can
achieve through using its own resources." Cakmakoglu congratulated the
station's officials and company administrators, for their accomplishment
and added, "It is clear that a facility that can produce such images is a
rare thing indeed. It is providing our country with high technology in this
field. This achievement will provide imaging services that will help
various sectors such as intelligence, tourism, national resources, tourism
and mapping." /Sabah/
[12] NEW MINIMUM WAGE DETERMINED
The Minimum Wage Commission has determined the new minimum wage for workers
over 16 as a net 163 million TL per month, it announced yesterday. The new
wage will be valid as Jan. 1, 2002. /Turkiye/
[13] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[14] HOW ABOUT TURKISH INTERESTS? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)
Columnist Oktay Eksi writes on US intentions to overthrow Iraqi leader
Saddam Hussein. A summary of his column is as follows:
"This story resembles the story of 'the wolf and the lamb,' but when will
the wolf eat the lamb, or will it be able to eat the lamb? As you may have
guessed, we are talking about US intentions to attack Iraq and overthrow
Saddam. Recently, prominent US magazine Newsweek wrote that the US would
enter Iraq with 100,000 troops and overthrow Saddam. It added that Turkey,
Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia had given their tacit approval for this
plan. Fortunately, before the ink on the article had even had a chance to
dry up, officials, including Chief of General Staff Gen.Huseyin Kivrikoglu,
rejected this argument. In short, Turkey's stand against any US attack on
Iraq was stated once more. Following the Sept. 11 tragedy, the US press
assumed an incredibly narrow and chauvinistic point of view. There may be
the influence of President Bush's words to the effect that 'you are either
with us or against us.' These words divided the world into two. The
campaign to convince the world through disinformation has reached
incredible heights. It would be wrong for Turkey to cave into US demands
and become a party to a row between Saddam Hussein and the Bush clan. In
fact, it would make no difference for Turkey if Saddam stays in power or is
overthrown. However, the territorial integrity of Iraq itself is of crucial
importance to our country. If Iraq is divided as a result of an attack, a
Kurdish state will be established on this territory. This, in turn, would
pose a danger for Turkey. The words spoken by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer
and Chief of General Staff Kivrikoglu point to precisely this possibility.
If the strategic partnership between the US and Turkey is in question, this
partnership should not work only in the interests of one of the partners.
No one is denying the US' right to defend its interests, but these
interests should not be in conflict with the interests of others,
particularly its friends."
[15] GERMANY AND PKK TERRORISM BY CUNEYT ARCAYUREK
(CUMHURIYET)
Columnist Cuneyt Arcayurek writes on Germany's stance towards the PKK
terrorist organization. A summary of his column is as follows:
"Germany is an old friend. It was our ally in the First World War, which
led to the fall of the Ottoman Empire. Today, in secret diplomatic contacts
it is trying to prevent Turkey's admittance to the EU. Its internal policy
regarding the PKK is interesting. In 1992, Turkish Prime Minister Suleyman
Demirel told Chancellor Helmut Kohl during an environment conference that
there were 2.5 million Turkish citizens living in Germany and that 400,000
of them were of Kurdish descent. He warned Kohl that if they granted great
opportunites to the PKK, the group would initiate terrorist activities even
in Germany itself. However, Western politicians are smart and they try to
see the benefits of every situation for their own country. Recently, we've
gotten used to this kind of politics. The first thing Kohl did when he
returned to his country was to send his interior minister to Turkey to
gather information on what the PKK could do in his Germany. When we were
warning Bonn about the PKK and the Kurds, we naturally thought they would
more closely follow these groups' actions. However, the German government
let them operate freely, as long as they didn't engage in terrorist
activities on German soil. Neither Germany's prosecutors, nor its foreign
ministry would define the PKK as a terrorist organization. Following the
Sept.11 tragedy, Turkey expected a change in Germany's stance on terrorism.
According to information given by diplomatic sources, there was a change,
but it was quite limited. Germany preferred to look at the political aspect
of terrorist organizations. This means that the PKK is trying to turn
itself into a legal political party. In such a case, it might not be
defined as a terrorist organization anymore and Germany could grant it the
freedom to operate. In fact, the new stance declared by the EU does not
cover measures to end political and other activities of organizations such
as the PKK and DHKP-C, whichsd3 are working against Turkey. With the aim of
becoming legalized, there are many organizations, which are pursuing their
activities mostly in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, and if
they are closed down, they are continuing their activities by assuming new
names. Isn't Germany aware of these facts? We believe that it is, but do
not know just how and when it will deal with them."
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