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Turkish Press Review, 03-09-10Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr><LINK href="http://www.byegm.gov.tr_yayinlarimiz_chr_pics_css/tpr.css" rel=STYLESHEET type=text/css> e-mail : newspot@byegm.gov.tr <caption> <_caption> Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning10.09.2003FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... WHAT WILL ANKARA CONSIDER? BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)CONTENTS
[01] ERDOGAN: “TURKEY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE EAST AND WEST”Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday attended a seminar on “e- government” in Ankara sponsored by the Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO), the British Embassy in Ankara, the State Planning Organization (DPT), and the Turkish Information Technology Association. Speaking to the gathering, Erdogan stated that throughout history Turkey had been a bridge between the cultures of East and West through promoting peace and preventing conflicts between civilizations. Erdogan stated that Turkey had successfully adopted such modern values of the West as democracy and human rights, and had undertaken an important role in protecting those values and enriching the East-West synthesis. He also remarked that Turkey had an exceptional place in the Western world with its strong ties to Asia’s Turkic republics as well as Islamic countries. Erdogan said that Turkey’s chief goal was to reach the international status of a socially, democratically and economically developed country with significant economic and cultural contributions to make to humanity. He said that young, dynamic and reform- minded Turks were unwavering in their determination to integrate with the West. Also speaking to the seminar, British Ambassador to Ankara Peter Westmacott read out a message sent by Prime Minister Tony Blair. “I am delighted that the British Embassy and the Turkish government are working closely together to promote the objectives of E-government in Turkey,” said Blair’s message. “Our aim is to give the people of Britain access electronically to the services they need in key areas such as health, education, transport, social security benefits, tax and justice… Turkey has similar objectives. The development of E-government is one more way in which Britain and Turkey can work together, sharing experience… This cooperation, like the work we are doing together on public-private partnerships, privatisation, judicial reform, and a range of human rights issues is all part of Britain’s unwavering support for Turkey’s bid to join the European Union, and commitment to do what we can to help with the process of adaptation to the requirements of EU membership.” /Sabah, http://www.britishembassy.org.tr /[02] GEN. BASBUG: “TURKISH-US TALKS ON DEPLOYMENT ISSUE ARE GOING GENERALLY WELL”Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Ilker Basbug said yesterday that contacts with United States military officials were continuing, and then a report would be presented to the Cabinet in one or two weeks for a final decision on possible troop deployment in Iraq. Speaking to reporters during a reception to mark Pakistan’s Defense Day, Basbug stated that participants at the meeting hadn’t encountered any problems or deadlocks. Meanwhile, during military contacts between Ankara and Washington regarding Turkey’s possible contribution to an international Iraq stabilization force, significant progress has reportedly been made, but problems remain in setting the number and service area for Turkish troops. In related news, a US State Department delegation headed by Lynn Pascoe, the deputy assistant secretary for European and Eurasian affairs, is scheduled to arrive in Ankara this week. Discussions are expected to focus on how to rid northern Iraq of the PKK/KADEK terrorist group. /Turkiye/[03] GUL: “THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON TROOP DEPLOYMENT BY MONTH’S-END”Appearing on television yesterday, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that negotiations with US officials on sending troops to Iraq would likely conclude by the end of the month, and that the government would then make its final decision. “A US delegation will arrive in Turkey next week and we will once again discuss the issue with them,” said Gul. He said that the government could send about 10,000 soldiers to the country, but that the exact number was up to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK). Gul stated that the US had proposed a large area for the troop deployment, but that Turkey had the right to chose the area of Iraq for its deployment. In related news, Gul met yesterday with members of the Iraqi Tribal Confederation currently visiting Ankara. Speaking with the council is regarded as being important for Turkey to learn the views of the Iraqi people towards a possible deployment. /Milliyet/[04] IRAQI TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVES VISIT ANKARA, REQUEST HUMANITARIAN AIDA delegation from the Iraqi Tribal Confederation yesterday visited Ankara to convey its views on possible Turkish troop deployments in Iraq. Meeting with Turkish officials including Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, the tribal representatives stated that the confederation would support Turkish soldiers if and only if they come to Iraq with the aim of providing humanitarian aid to the Iraqi people. Remarking that Iraqis trusted Turkey as a neighboring Muslim country, the representatives added, however, that the confederation opposed Turkish troop deployments in the northern Iraqi region. For his part, Gul stressed that Turkish soldiers would never act as “occupiers” but on the contrary would serve to ensure the Iraqi people’s security. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Gul said, “The Iraqi people don’t see Turkish soldiers as invaders. They trust our soldiers.” The tribal representatives are expected to visit Istanbul today to meet with Turkish businessmen. /Cumhuriyet/[05] LAGENDIJK: “THE US IS PURSUING A CONFLICTED POLICY IN THE MIDEAST”Joos Lagendijk, co-chairman of the Turkey-European Joint Parliamentary Commission, yesterday charged that the United States’ policy on the Middle East vis-a-vis Turkey was at odds with itself. “In my opinion, the US is pursuing a conflicted road in its Middle East policy,” said Lagendijk. “The US supports Turkey’s EU membership, but on the other hand, it hasn’t shown any effort to end the conflict between Turkey and the terrorist group PKK, and it furthermore seems to be giving its tacit approval to clashes [in northern Iraq].” /Turkiye/[06] BUSH ADMINISTRATION SENDS LETTER TO CONGRESS CLEARING WAY FOR $8.5 BILLION LOANIn an attempt to mend strained relations with Turkey in the wake of the Iraq war, the Bush administration has told Congress that it is ready to provide Turkey with up to $8.5 billion in loans. Ankara and Washington are expected to sign an official agreement on the issue if no objections are raised within a 15-day legal waiting period set to end on Sept. 20. In a letter to key congressional committees, the State Department said that it had decided to go forward with the aid package to support Turkey's economic reform process and to cushion the economic shock from the war in neighboring Iraq. The letter stressed that the US attached significant importance to Turkey’s economic and political performance since it stood as a model of hope for the Islamic world. “Such a model is particularly valuable following regime change in Iraq,” added the letter. “The funds will be used to service Turkey's external and domestic debts, giving priority, where possible, to debt owed to the US and to international financial institutions. Easing its debt servicing requirements is critical to Turkey's return to stable economic growth, as well as demonstrating US support to a valued ally. Another economic crisis in Turkey would damage US interests in the region, especially as efforts to stabilize Iraq are underway. US assistance, conditioned on Turkey's continued adherence to its International Monetary Fund-backed economic reform program, will help maintain market confidence in Turkey and aid the country's economic recovery." The letter added that the State Department was transferring $1 billion to the Treasury Department to finance the $8.5 billion loan package, which will be disbursed in tranches over an 18-month period. The first such tranche could be released as early as Sept. 20. In the letter, the State Department praised Ankara as “on track with its IMF-supported economic program." Despite significant opposition from some American lawmakers still upset about Turkey’s stance during the Iraq war, the State Department pointed out that Turkey has “provided valuable assistance in Iraq, from facilitating the delivery of humanitarian supplies to helping re-supply US forces.” /All Papers/[07] IRAQ COUNCIL SPOKESMAN: “WE WELCOME TURKISH TROOPS COMING TO IRAQ”The acting president of Iraq’s Governing Council yesterday said that up to 10,000 Turkish troops would be welcome in the country to help establish security, which he characterized as an urgent problem. "We are welcoming the participation of Turkish forces under the [proposed] United Nations resolution ... in the western area in Iraq under the condition that this force should not exceed 10,000," said Entifadh Kanbar, speaking on behalf of Ahmad Chalabi, the Governing Council's president for the month of September. His assertion directly contradicted recent statements by Hoshyar Zebari, the council’s foreign minister who claimed to be speaking on its behalf in declaring his opposition to Turkish troops. The spokesman also pointed to Turkish soldiers’ successful stabilization mission in Afghanistan, adding that he expected to see the same success in Iraq. /Turkiye/[08] IPUK LEADER: “TURKEY CAN’T INTERFERE IN OUR BUSINESS”“In northern Iraq, we don’t want troops from any neighboring country, Turkey included,” said Iraqi Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (IPUK) leader Jalal Talabani yesterday. “We Kurds are trying to build a bridge between Iraq and Turkey,” Talabani told a northern Iraqi newspaper. “However, this bridge won’t be for troop deployment, but rather for trade relations.” Stressing that Ankara had no right to intervene in the region’s domestic affairs, Talabani stressed that Kurds bore no ill will towards Turkey but wanted good relations. /Turkiye/[09] DENKTAS: “THE TRNC AND ANKARA ARE PREPARING AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN FOR CYPRUS”Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said yesterday that his government was working with Ankara to prepare a new plan for a resolution on the island. “This plan will be an alternative to the United Nations’ plan,” said Denktas. “It will focus on the island’s realities.” /Milliyet/[10] ANKARA WARNS ATHENS ON PKK_KADEK TERRORISTS USING GREECE AS GATEWAY TO EUROPEAnkara has warned Athens about PKK_KADEK terrorists who are expected to escape try to pass from Turkey to Greece as a gateway to Europe, sources said yesterday. Ankara has requested that Athens detain the PKK_KADEK terrorists and send them back to Turkey as a sign of effective measures to crack down on the activities of the terrorist group. Though Ankara has accused Athens in the past of being lenient towards the terrorists, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis is expected to pursue a determined policy to cooperate with Turkey on the fight against terrorism. /Cumhuriyet/[11] ISTANBUL DEPUTY RESIGNS FROM AKPCiting disappintment with the ruling party, Justice and Development Party (AKP) Istanbul Deputy Emin Sirin announced on Tuesday he was leaving the party to become an independent. With Sirin’s resignation the number of AKP seats in Parliament fell to 367, one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass constitutional amendments without opposition support. /All papers/[12] INDIAN PRIME MINISTER DUE IN TURKEYIndian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee is set to arrive in Turkey next Tuesday for a four-day official visit. He is expected to meet with Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss a number of issues, including bilateral relations and regional and international issues. /Anatolia News Agency/[13] FINANCE MINISTER UNAKITAN: “TURKEY’S JAN-AUG BUDGET DATA BEAT EXPECTATIONS”Finance Minister Kemal Unakitan yesterday touted recent budgetary data exceeding expectations for Turkey’s fiscal year 2003 targets. The primary budget surplus was 15,500 trillion lira for January-August, as compared to 12,916 trillion lira last year, and is on track for the annual target of 20, 283 trillion lira. Additionally, the same period produced a deficit of 28, 443 trillion lira, also on track for the 2003 target of 45,167 trillion turkish lira. Unakitan said that the government would draw up a supplementary budget, but would not exceed its expenditure target, adding that no new taxes would be imposed. /Aksam/[14] TRANSPORTATION MINISTER YILDIRIM ATTENDS WASHINGTON MEETINGS ON FLIGHT SAFETYTransportation Minister Binali Yýldýrým, who is currently in the United States, yesterday met with US Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta and attended meetings on flight safety and security. Transportation ministers from Balkan countries are also attending the meetings which will last through this week. /Anatolia News Agency/[15] ERDOGAN RECEIVES CHAMPION RUNNER AYHANPrime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday received renowned Turkish runner Sureyya Ayhan accompanied by her coach Yucel Kop. Congratulating Sureyya on her recent triumphs in the Golden League races as well as her silver medal at Paris’ World Championship for Athletics, Erdogan said that Turkey is looking forward to her bringing home a gold medal from the 2004 Olympics in Athens. In addition, the premier presented Ayhan the gift of a house in Ankara. In related news, Erdogan is set to address the nation on television tomorrow to speak on the government’s new education projects as well as his recent contacts abroad. /All Papers/[16] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...[17] WHAT WILL ANKARA CONSIDER?[18] BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the criteria Turkey will consider before deciding about sending soldiers to Iraq. A summary of his column is as follows:“What will Turkey consider before making its decision on sending our soldiers to Iraq? The answers given by top civilian and military officials tell the tale. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that Ankara would be close to a decision by the end of this month. He told Washington, ‘The US should take the fight against the PKK terrorist group seriously.’ This message is important, for the US’ stance on the PKK_KADEK issue will be the most important single factor in Ankara’s decision. In the view of both civilian and military officials, this decision will be critical for Turkey’s future. Therefore they want this to be clarified so as to satisfy Ankara not only on paper, but also in practice. The military officials’ recent thoughts are as follows: ‘Turkey should help the US and the Iraqi people, but what about Turkey’s security concerns? Turkey can help Iraq by securing a large sector. Our military strength and ability are up to it. However, while such a contribution looms, saying that Ankara shouldn’t be interested in northern Iraq is ludicrous. There is a threat to Turkey in that region. In such a situation, it would be unfair to expect Ankara to be uninterested in northern Iraq and to send its soldiers only to other regions. The US made a promise about the fight against terrorism, but that’s not enough. We must see this in practice as well.’ The military officials added, ‘Washington should make a strategic decision, too. Will the US have strategic cooperation with Turkey or with certain local powers and groups in the region instead? It should make its preference known. It seems the US is finally aware of the depth and huge scale of the problem it faces in Iraq. Under these circumstances it should base its relations with Turkey on strategic cooperation. Turkey can’t tolerate tactical approaches or fence-sitting.’ Before deciding, Ankara will consider these factors and then make its decision accordingly. After the military negotiations conclude, Ankara will look for the same criteria and guarantees in the political realm as well.” ARCHIVE <script type="text/javascript" language="JavaScript" src="http:/_www.byegm.gov.tr_statistic/countcode.js"> </script> Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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