Cyprus PIO: Turkish Press and Other Media, 07-07-30

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[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The number of the buildings in the occupied areas of Cyprus increased by 100 % since 1975

[02] New hotels start operating in the occupied areas of Morfou and Famagusta

[03] Reactions on the issue of the drawing of energy lines for conveying electricity from occupied Rizokarpasso to Apostolos Andreas continue

[04] CTP gives honorary membership to German MP of the Social Democrat Party

[05] A German of Turkish origin former MEP says that he does not have any problem to live in an occupied Greek Cypriot house and that the Turkish occupation army is in the position of making those who have the audacity to threaten the Turkish Cypriots to regret about it

[06] The Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad sent a letter to the UN Secretary General

[07] Avci calls on Mrs Marcoullis to accept the realities on the island as soon as possible so that the division is prevented

[08] Statements by British MEP on Cyrpus

[09] ASAM report views Turkish Parties' foreign policy positions

[10] Istanbul Universitys report on energy future in Turkey

[11] Davutoglu: Iraq Turkeys chief foreign policy priority

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[12] The Turkish Press on 27, 28 and 29 July 2007

[A] NEWS ITEMS

[01] The number of the buildings in the occupied areas of Cyprus increased by 100 % since 1975

Especially within the period 1975-1999 there was constant increase in the number of the buildings, while a decrease was recorded between 2000 and 2004 because of the economic crisis. The number of the buildings increased especially in the areas of Lefkosia and Keryneia after 1975. In Famagusta, Morfou and Trikomo areas the number of the houses built after 1975 did not reach the number of the existing houses until then.

(I/Ts.)

[02] New hotels start operating in the occupied areas of Morfou and Famagusta

According to the paper, the Turkish Cypriot couple built the holiday village entirely with their own resources. The holiday village consists of 60 bungalows and other facilities. Its cost reached 1.5 million euros.

In statements during the ceremony, Mr Soyer referred to the new road they have built between Lefkosia and Morfou and noted that they will extend this road until Lefka village. He noted that soon they will begin to construct social houses in the area and added that many other investments will take place in Morfou.

Mr Avci said that as government they will give all the aid they can for the continuation of the investments in Morfou area.

Furthermore, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (30.07.07) reports that Mr Soyer will attend tonight the opening ceremony of Crystal Rocks Hotel in Mimosa area, in occupied Famagusta. The hotel is built by a Turkish Cypriot businessman named Ersin Yeldener, who returned from London to the occupied part of Cyprus after 31 years and made an investment of about four million pounds sterling. The hotel consists of 62 bungalows and other facilities.

(I/Ts.)

[03] Reactions on the issue of the drawing of energy lines for conveying electricity from occupied Rizokarpasso to Apostolos Andreas continue

In statements to illegal TAK news agency, Mr Ceylanli referred to all the decisions taken about the occupied Karpass peninsula since 1993 and noted that there are 11 installations between Rizokarpasso and Apostolos Andreas, which cannot even use air conditioning because there is no sufficient electricity.

Among these installations, he said, there are tourism installations, antennas for mobile phones, a police station, and a monastery. Mr Ceylanli pointed out that the people living in the area demanded for electricity to be taken there as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Turkish Cypriot daily YENI DUZEN newspaper (30.07.07) publishes Mr Ceylanlis statements under the banner front-page title Being virgin does not mean being poor.

(I/Ts.)

[04] CTP gives honorary membership to German MP of the Social Democrat Party

Ozan Ceyhun, German Social Democrat Party MP from the Hessen State - has become an honorary member of the Republican Turkish Party-United Forces.

Mr. Ceyhun was bestowed the honour at a special ceremony at the CTP Headquarters yesterday afternoon.

Speaking at the beginning of the ceremony, the CTP Secretary for Organization a member of CTP Board Özkan Yorganc1olu spoke highly of the German Social Democrat Party MP Ozan Ceyhun for his important contributions to the Turkish Cypriot People s efforts to unite with the rest of the world.

Adding that Mr Ceyhun has been providing important support to the CTP in improving relations with the Socialist Group and the Socialist International, he said Mr Ceyhun is also well known for his contributions to the efforts aimed at organizing visits to North Cyprus by German MPs.

He said the CTP has decided to give honorary membership to Social Democrat MP for his great contributions to the struggle being waged by the Turkish Cypriot People towards improving relations with the European Union and towards unifying with the rest of the world. Then, Mr Yorganc1oglu pinned a CTP rosette on Mr. Ceyhun s chest.

For his part, the German Social Democrat MP Ozan Ceyhun said he was very proud to become an honorary member of the Republican Turkish Party and added that CTP MPs will be given honorary membership of Social Democrat Party in the coming days.

Expressing support to the Turkish Cypriot Peoples struggle, Mr Ceyhun said he will strengthen cooperation with North Cyprus further in its efforts to improve relations with the EU.

Answering reporters questions, he expressed regret for voting in support of the Greek Cypriot Administrations EU membership but said that this was a symbolic vote to encourage the solution of the Cyprus problem.

Adding that the Greek Cypriot Administrations nationalistic approach does not help the solution of the problem, the German MP said this is why I am in North Cyprus to help it in its struggle for the EU.

[05] A German of Turkish origin former MEP says that he does not have any problem to live in an occupied Greek Cypriot house and that the Turkish occupation army is in the position of making those who have the audacity to threaten the Turkish Cypriots to regret about it

Noting that he is writing this article from Germany and that tonight he will visit Brussels, he calls on these people not to be pessimistic and points out that they have beautiful plans to realize for the TRNC in many fields with his friends on the island.

Noting that in spite of all their efforts the isolations continue, Mr Ceyhun addresses the Turkish Cypriots who are pessimistic and claims:

However, in spite of all the deficiencies and the difficulties, the TRNC is very sound. The Turkish Armed Forces and the Security Forces on the island are in the position of making those who have the audacity to threaten the Turkish Cypriots to regret about it instantly. On the contrary, both the Greek Cypriots and the world should know. If this isolation nonsense continues and if they insist on a solution model where they could oppress the Turkish Cypriots as second class citizens, the TRNC will continue to develop roots and it will learn better every day to take care of its own affairs. The houses you live in may as well be with Greek Cypriot title deeds. If necessary, I as well will live in such a house. Even if I have the opportunity to reach Larnaka in three hours, I fly six hours out of obstinacy. Because we are the side which is right.. (I/Ts.)

[06] The Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad sent a letter to the UN Secretary General

The Association of Turkish Cypriots Abroad, or ATCA, has sent an informative letter to the United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon on the Cyprus issue.

The letter was sent with the aim of explaining to Mr Ban the Turkish Cypriot Peoples positive approach towards the Cyprus issue.

The informative letter which was handed to UN officials today at the Ledra Palace crossing point will be forwarded to Mr Ban. In its letter, the ATCA provides information about the real causes of the Cyprus problem and demands Mr Bans support for the lifting of the international isolation of the Turkish Cypriot people.

A sample of a TRNC Identity Card with ID No-1 - prepared for Ban Ki Moon was attached to the letter to draw the attention to the continuation of international isolation.

Speaking while presenting the letter to UN officials, the Association s USA Representative Emcet Ta explained that the Association was established in July 2003, with the aim of explaining the just cause of the Turkish Cypriot People.

He added that the Association has been carrying out effective

lobbying on the Cyprus issue and working on ways of organizing and uniting the Turkish Cypriots living abroad.

[07] Avci calls on Mrs Marcoullis to accept the realities on the island as soon as possible so that the division is prevented

In statements to the paper, Mr Avci said that Mrs Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis is right to worry and alleged that Mrs Marcoullis should accept as soon as possible the realities on the island. He said:

If the Greek Cypriots continue to see the solution in their being the only rulers of the island, the fears of Mrs Marcoullis will turn out to be right. The Turkish Cypriots will not wait for the Greek Cypriots for ever. We will give our utmost for our state and we will upgrade it I hope that the new minister of foreign affairs of our neighbours does not commit the same mistake as former minister Lillikas and that she accepts that the Turkish Cypriots have a say on the island at least as much as the Greek Cypriots. If she does not do this, what she is afraid of will happen. Cyprus will be divided permanently.

(I/Ts.)

[08] Statements by British MEP on Cyrpus

Andrew Duff- the MEP from the Liberal Group- has criticized the Greek Cypriot Side for following an intransigent approach on the Cyprus issue.

Speaking at a seminar held in Istanbul, Mr Duff expressed the view that the Cyprus issue might be solved once the EU Accession Treaty for Turkey is signed.

Stating that the Greek Cypriot Side is not working towards a settlement in Cyprus, the British MEP said this shows that Greek Cypriots do not want to live together with Turkish Cypriots.

Moreover in an interview with Todays ZAMAN (30.07.07) Mr Andrew Duff replied as follows to the question:

Should we expect any improvements on the Cyprus issue?

I dont think we can make any progress at all before the next Cypriot presidential election next spring. Then lets see what climate is created when we see who the new president of the Republic of Cyprus is. So weve got to pause there.

[09] ASAM report views Turkish Parties' foreign policy positions

The Eurasia Strategic Studies Center (ASAM) has conducted a survey on foreign policy perspectives of the political parties that have entered the parliament after July 22nd general elections, namely Justice & Development (AK) Party, Republican People's Party (CHP) and the Nationalist Action Party (MHP).

ASAM experts took into consideration election declarations and programs of the above mentioned political parties when preparing their report, while the report indicates the characteristics of the parties, differences and common views among them.

Below is a summary of the report:

-EU:

AK PARTY: A strategic vision covering global and regional peace and order perspective.

CHP: A head erect full membership under equal conditions (with other EU members) which respects nation state, unitary state and secular state principles.

MHP: EU, a disappointment story, is not the final remedy.

-USA:

AK PARTY: An institutionalized relationship in compliance with new conditions.

CHP: Respecting mutual interests.

MHP: Mutual confidence, respect and efforts.

-MIDDLE EAST:

AK PARTY: Dynamic regional policy

CHP: Efficiency in solution of disputes.

MHP: A multi-dimensional policy based on peace, stability and cooperation.

-IRAQ:

AK PARTY: Maximum contribution to stability and confidence.

CHP: Security-centered perspective.

MHP: Deterrence backed by military power.

-CYPRUS:

AK PARTY: No to reactive attitudes, yes to proactive policy.

CHP: No to submission and concession.

MHP: It is part of Turkish world, no to inclusion of this matter in the ailing relationship with the EU.

-GREECE:

AK PARTY: Relationship based on economic interests and atmosphere of confidence.

CHP: A balance of dialogue and mutual interests.

MHP: Cooperation with a neighboring country.

-CENTRAL ASIA-TURKIC WORLD:

AK PARTY: Linguistic and cultural union, economic integration, and absolute solidarity in international arena.

CHP: Pursuit of policies required by national interests.

MHP: Strategic vision, joint action plan and practical projects.

-BALKANS:

AK PARTY: Development of economic, cultural and political relations.

CHP: Relations based on mutual confidence and respect.

MHP: Cooperation with neighboring countries, interest in Turkish people and kinsmen.

-RUSSIA AND UKRAINE:

AK PARTY: Cooperation, but not an alternative to USA or EU.

CHP: Good neighborly relations.

MHP: Regional cooperation.

-CAUCASUS:

AK PARTY: Part of Turkish world, mutual cooperation that can ensure regional welfare and stability.

CHP: Pursuit of policies required by national interests.

MHP: Part of Turkish world, common history and cultural values should be stressed.

-FAR EAST-ASIA-PACIFIC:

AK PARTY: Development of relations, however it is not an alternative to EU and USA.

CHP: Development of relations.

MHP: Development of relations and dynamic economic cooperation.

[10] Istanbul Universitys report on energy future in Turkey

"However, this may increase Turkey's dependence on external sources in terms of energy," the report indicated.

The "Energy and Its Future in Turkey" report, which was prepared by 18 academicians and experts, discusses issues such as precautions to be implemented in terms of energy planning and management, diversifying sources of energy, rational usage of energy and productivity of energy.

According to the report, Turkey is dependent on external sources in "general energy consumption" by 73 percent, "petroleum" by 93 percent, "natural gas" by 97 percent and "coal" by 22 percent.

It is also stated in the report that the share of natural gas among all consumable sources rose up to 24 percent from 0, while total share of wood and human & plant wastes decreased by 25 percent.

Underscoring that many countries have established production facilities where fuel products can be manufactured from coal, the report also claimed that Turkey should implement technologies on clean coal consumption and gasification & liquefaction based on coal.

[11] Davutoglu: Iraq Turkeys chief foreign policy priority

What about the EU? asked Berberoglu, and Davutoglu replied: Turkey-EU relations will not be static as Sarkozy expects. However, even if the Cyprus problem is settled, it is very difficult for the relations to gain big momentum by overcoming Sarkozy type obstacles.

(MHY)

[B] Commentaries, Editorials and Analysis

[12] The Turkish Press on 27, 28 and 29 July 2007

A. Presidential election

Columnist Fikret Bila in MILLIYET (27.07.07) recalling Nationalist Action Party [MHP] leader Devlet Bahceli's recent statement that MHP deputies will attend the parliamentary session to be held for the election of the new president in order to constitute the necessary quorum, writes in his article that it seems there will not be any "367 problem" during the presidential elections. Asking whether the Republican People's Party [CHP] also considers participating in that session, he quotes CHP leader Deniz Baykal as saying: "I expect Prime Minister Erdogan to keep his promise. He said that he would seek a compromise for the election of the president in the new [parliamentary] term. He should keep his promise. A new term has started. We believe the tensions of the last term should not be carried into the new parliament. If the prime minister nominates his candidate and asks support for him, this will be an imposition rather than a compromise." Responding to a question as to whether the CHP deputies will attend the presidential elections, Baykal says that the recent statements [made by Bahceli] show that CHP's participation will not change the result.

In his column in HURRIYET (27.07.07) Oktay Eksi criticizes Gul for failing to courageously announce his presidential bid in his recent news conference. Recalling Erdogan's remarks that the new candidates should be nominated according to the new conditions, he claims that the AKP has not yet decided to nominate Gul as its presidential candidate. Drawing attention to Gul's remarks that he cannot ignore the message given by the people during the election rallies, Eksi criticizes him for regarding the general elections as a referendum in which people replied to a question as to whether or not he would become Turkey's new president. He concludes by sarcastically saying: "Gul can become president if being an unsuccessful foreign minister is a good reason to elect an individual as president."

According to a column by Cengiz Candar in Referans (27.07.07), by pointing to the public support for his candidacy, Foreign Minister Gul implied in his news conference that he should not be seen as a candidate imposed by the AKP. Stressing that he finds the debate over the need for a compromise meaningless at this stage, Candar says that there is no need to seek compromise as the parameters have changed when the AKP won the elections by securing almost 50 percent of the votes. Arguing that the CHP is trying to drag the country into a "crisis" regardless of the fact that is suffering from the "erosion of credibility," the columnist says that MHP leader Bahceli prevented the outbreak of a "meaningless and unnecessary crisis" by saying that they will not boycott the presidential elections.

In an article entitled "We have come to the end of an era" in YENI SAFAK (27.07.07) columnist Ali Bayramoglu asserts that now that the Nationalist Action Party, MHP, has disclosed its intention to take part in the parliamentary voting for the presidential election, it has become highly likely that Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul will be elected as Turkey's next president. Bayramoglu hails this development as one signifying that "the main apparatus of the military tutelage model ... is about to become history," adding that Turkey is preparing to implement the greatest reform in the past five years by taking the biggest step toward restricting the military's place in the political system.

Under the banner headline, "Name of Consensus: Gul," VAKIT (27.07.07) publishes a front-page report which cites public statements by certain political parties, NGOs, and academics as an indication that "a consensus seems to have been reached" on Abdullah Gul's candidacy for president.

In an article entitled "People's Will and Gul" in VAKIT (27.07.07) columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak asserts that opinion polls suggest as much as 80 percent support for Gul's presidential candidacy, adding that under the circumstances the onus is on Gul to run for president and the ruling AKP to elect him as president. He urges the AKP not to be daunted by any "bluster" against Gul's nomination, asserting that it would be "disrespectful to the national will" to seek consensus on another candidate and that Gul would be acting "inappropriately," "submissively," and "timidly" as well as treating those who trust him unfairly if he withdrew his candidacy. "I am saying it again: this election was a referendum between militarism and a pluralist law-based state. It was fought between Gul and Sezer, and Erdogan and Baykal. The winners and losers are known."

In an article entitled "MHP solves deadlock over presidency" in ZAMAN (27.07.07) columnist Mustafa Unal asserts that in announcing that they will take part in the parliamentary voting for president, the MHP has made a contribution to normalization and the normal functioning of the democratic process rather than voicing support for the AKP or Abdullah Gul, adding that the MHP is certain to go down in history as the party that ended a gridlock over presidency.

In an article in ZAMAN (27.07.07) entitled "For democracy: Gul should run for presidency" Professor Omer Caha of Fatih University argues that Gul's presidential candidacy has become a crucial test of democracy and warns that if the AKP does not support Gul's bid for the presidency or if Gul is forced to withdraw his candidacy, "social engineers and anti-democracy elites will once more have had their way" and "democracy will have lost out yet again."

In an editorial in the NEW ANATOLIAN (28.07.07) Ilnur Cevik cites the many reasons why Abdullah Gul should be elected president. "Gul can embrace the whole nation. We do not believe another Gul candidacy for the presidency will raise tensions in Turkey and create new divisions unless some people openly say 'we have no regard for the will of the nation,'" Cevik argues.

Taking the opposite view is Metin Munir in MILLIYET (28.07.07) who says: "The person to be elected president must balance the absolute domination of the AKP [Justice and Development Party] over the judicial, legislative, and executive powers. That person is not Abdullah Gul." In his article, Munir argues that Gul cannot miraculously become impartial or abandon the AKP's political and religious ideals if elected president. Challenging the belief that it is democratic for the AKP to have its own candidate elected, the columnist stresses the importance of the principle of the separation of powers which, he claims, does not exist in Turkey in practice. It is the president's role to keep the ruling party in check, he adds.

Under the headline, "All-Out Support for Gul," VAKIT (28.07.07) publishes a front-page report which asserts that after politicians and NGOs, academics have also voiced support for Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's presidential candidacy.

In an article entitle "Bahceli did the right thing" in VAKIT (28.07.07) columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak interprets Bahceli's disclosure that the MHP will not block the presidential election as meaning that the MHP leader is aware of "the factionalism deep within the state" and that he has opted for democracy and normalization. Dilipak claims that in thus taking steps to make sure that the presidential election process runs smoothly, Bahceli has made a move that deserves to be characterized as "virtuous" compared with the CHP's "opposition ethics." He also claims that under the circumstances, the AKP does not have any excuses for refraining from nominating anybody other than Gul as president.

In an article entitled "Would a crisis break out over the presidential election again?" in MILLI GAZETE (28.07.07) columnist Mehmed Sevket Eygi warns that a "famous politician" who is a "deep state operative" is trying to lead the AKP into a "horrible trap" by paving the way for a major crisis over the issue of presidency. Eygi claims that "it is a very rotten and cheap policy to say 'the people have elected us so we will do what we want'" and invokes the fate of "poor Adnan Menderes" to argue the case for "grand politics, grand compromise, wisdom, good judgment, common sense, and foresight."

In an article entitled "Betting on history" in YENI SAFAK (29.07.07) columnist Fehmi Koru says that Baykal has abandoned his uncompromising attitude about Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's candidacy for President following Nationalist Action Party leader Devlet Bahceli's statement that his party's MPs would attend a plenary session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, TBMM, to be convened for electing the next President. Koru advises Erdogan to visit the leaders of all political parties represented in the TBMM in order to consult with them about the presidential election and the AKP's candidate to make gestures of good will to command support from other political parties. Koru also points out that some groups still cannot stomach Gul's candidacy for President and says: "If Gul is elected as President, Turkey where three top positions are held by AKP leaders and fears have been dispelled may become the most successful country of the 21st century through joint efforts."

In an article entitled "They have found an excuse for provoking a crisis" in VAKIT (29.07.07) columnist Abdurrahman Dilipak criticizes Baykal for implying that Erdogan should try to reach a compromise with the CHP about the presidential election. Dilipak comments: "He regards himself as the owner of the regime and the State. He is trying to influence the judiciary because he has no influence over the legislature and the executive. He is trying to make sure that a person sharing his views is elected is the President. But, his efforts are in vain." He concludes by saying that Baykal should step down without further delay because the CHP will suffer further erosion in voter support if he stays.

In an article entitled "Two Sides of the Coin," Sunday's ZAMAN (29.07.07) columnist Yavuz Baydar views Gul's candidacy for President and says: "If Gul insists on candidacy there is one argument for and one against him. If the new government is now preparing a new constitution, which will cut the powers of coming presidents, it would be a terrible mistake to send a person of such merit and experience to what will become a symbolic post. But if the intentions are to keep a presidency to complete the reform and transformation process as needed in the path of EU membership, there is no better merited person than Gul."

In a commentary entitled "What is this greed Mr. Abdullah?" in HURRIYET (29.07.07), Ahmet Hakan admits that "it was a mistake to expect 'an elegant, classy, and chivalrous withdrawal from Mr. Abdullah in the aftermath of an undisputable great victory. Apparently, Mr. Abdullah panicked in the style special to those who calculate and was greedy enough to think that "everything is on my side ... Let me immediately stage a press conference to imply that I will submit my candidacy before something goes wrong." Hakan continues: "Apparently, Abdullah Gul is burning with the desire to be 'the conqueror of Cankaya. Apparently, Tayyip Erdogan's statements that 'the issue of candidacy is in Mr. Abdullah's discretion and I have nothing to say if he submits his candidacy,' did not inspire confidence in Mr. Abdullah, who is burning with the Cankaya desire. I know that friends, who are reading these comments on 'somebody who may soon become president,' will say 'write Ahmet Hakan, write, so that the Presidential Mansion will be closed to you for the next seven years.' Let them not fret. This is my fate. I could not pass from the front of the Presidential Mansion during Suleyman Demirel's term. There was a three-kilometer ban during the presidency of Ahmet Necdet Sezer. What does it matter if the Mansion will be forbidden to me during Abdullah Gul? Do you think I care?"

A report in HURRIYET (29.07.07) notes that "on fashion front" Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's wife Hayrunnisa Gul may be "prepared for possible Cankaya move." According to "sources in Ankara," Hayrunnisa Gul, who dons a headscarf, "will be dressed officially by well-known Turkish designer Atil Kutoglu, who lives in Austria in the event Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is elected to the presidency. Whether or not Hayrunnisa Gul, who is known for her close interest in style and fashion, will have her headscarf or 'turban' re-stylized by Kutoglu in the event she becomes the 'First Lady' is as yet unknown."

B. Revision the Constitution

According to a report in SABAH (27.07.07) newly elected AKP Deputy Zafer Uskul said that a "civilian and colorless constitution" should be drawn up. He also said that "the concepts in the introduction of the constitution such as 'Ataturk nationalism' and 'Ataturk principles and reforms' which are the reflections of Kemalist ideology are not necessary."

Yusuf Kanli, in TURKISH DAILY NEWS (28.07.07) strongly criticizes Professor Zafer Uskul's statement, calling it a "gross provocation." In his editorial, Kanli inter alia, says: "Despite all our criticism of the AKP, the presence of distinguished personalities in that party was a consolation and indeed some sort of a guarantee against the fears that the Islamist-rooted party might indeed have a 'secret agenda.' We were appalled reading yesterday an interview with Uskul."

In an article in MILLIYET (28.07.07) Fikret Bila recounts a conversation he had with Zafer Uskul who clarifies his remarks about the Constitution. Accordingly, Uskul says that the AKP does not dispute the founding principles of the republic but is opposed to having an ideological constitution.

In an article entitled "They did not waste any time" in ZAMAN (28.07.07) columnist A. Turan Alkan accuses newly elected AKP Deputy Professor Zafer Uskul of "placing a time bomb on the political agenda" in calling for the removal of articles referring to Ataturk's principles and reforms from the Constitution. Alkan criticizes Uskul for making a "timing" mistake and claims that CHP leader Baykal is justified in censuring Uskul as he did.

In an article entitled "It may be premature, but he is totally right" in YENI SAFAK (29.07.07) columnist Kursat Bumin supports a proposal recently voiced by AKP deputy Zafer Uskul who said that the current Constitution should be replaced with a "civil" Constitution which should not be based on any ideology including Kemalism. Pointing out that Uskul's idea was criticized by some intellectuals on the grounds that it was uncalled for or untimely, Bumin comments: "If we can handle this process without causing any tension or dispute and draw up a civil Constitution, we will see that our society have made great progress and matured in a short period. We should not forget that we cannot become civilianized if we do not go through that process. In conclusion, it is not premature at all."

Under the banner headline "A democratic constitution is absolutely necessary," in VAKIT (29.07.07) argues that various NGOs, including the Independent Industrialists and Businessmen's Association, academics, and politicians share the view that Turkey urgently needs a civil Constitution.

In an article entitled "Kemalism's six arrows" in ZAMAN (29.07.07) columnist Mumtazer Turkone says that Uskul's proposal to purge the Constitution of ideologies should not be interpreted as an aggression against Kemal Ataturk's heritage and the Republic. Arguing that Kemalism is now used as a mask for concealing what he describes as a dictatorial tradition which undermines democracy, Turkone says: "Even Ataturk was not a Kemalist. Every person who respects and appreciates Ataturk should stay away from those totalitarian and outdated ideologies which are ascribed to Ataturk and try to be an open-minded citizen in line with his advice."

In an article entitled ""Secular nation's triumph over the laicist oligarchy in the elections"," in Sunday's ZAMAN (29.07.07) columnist Ihsan Yilmaz argues that voters demonstrated their opposition to the military and judiciary's interference in politics. He comments: "The new government's primary duty now is to reflect the nation's message in a civil constitution as soon as possible, before the artificial nationalist (ulusalci) oligarchs start playing their games again."

In a commentary entitled "Evren: Erdogan will not endorse Uskul" in MILLIYET (29.07.07) , Fikret Bila interviews Former President Kenan Evren on AKP Mersin Deputy Zafer Uskul's comments that Kemalism should be removed from the Constitution. Bila recounts that "Evren, 7th president and the architect of the 1982 Constitution," expressed "regret" and added: "I do not understand how a professor of the constitution could make such a proposal. Ataturkism is the basis of our Constitution and state. I do not understand why he felt this need." Referring to Uskul's comments that these are the views of the AKP, Justice and Development Party, Evren said: "No leader will accept taking out Ataturkism from the Constitution. I also do not think PM Erdogan will endorse Uskul's proposal."

/ES

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