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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-04
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
04.04.2001
CONTENTS
[01] SEZER IN HOLLAND
[02] ECEVIT: "INFLATION RATE WILL DROP"
[03] DERVIS: "NO NEED TO WORRY"
[04] MHP, ANAP CALL FOR URGENT REFORMS
[05] FINN : "TURKS WILL OVERCOME THE CRISIS"
[06] GERMANY SUPPORTS NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM
[07] TURKEY: ALL WAR CRIMINALS SHOULD BE TRIED
[08] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION MAKES CONTACTS IN WASHINGTON
[09] WEU CHAIRMAN BUHLER :EUROPE CAN NEVER HAVE PROPER DEFENSE WITHOUT
TURKEY
[10] STATE MINISTER GUREL IN THE US
[11] REFORM BILLS BEFORE PARLIAMENT
[12] 'DIFFICULT DECISION ON CYPRUS'
[13] ADDITIONAL PERIOD FOR VIRTUE PARTY'S DEFENSE
[14] SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS TO GATHER IN BURSA
[15] ANKARA WELCOMES PAPANDREOU'S REMARKS
[16] GREEK PRESS SUPPORT PAPANDREOU'S MESSAGE
[17] BOSTANCIOGLU: EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US
[18] KIZILAY SENDS AID TO KOSOVO BY PLANE
[19] IZMIT TAKES PART IN JOINT FIRE-FIGHTING EXERCISE
[20] TOURISM CONNECTIONS WITH RUSSIA
[21] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARIAT'S TENDER
[22] ZORLU HOLDING'S SUCCESS
[23] OKSUZ SAYS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REQUIRED FOR TELEKOM SELL-OFF
[24] BECKER: "WE SHOULD PERSUADE FINANCIAL CIRCLES FROM DRAWING MONEY
OUT OF TURKEY"
[25] MIGROS IN BULGARIA
[26] GALATASARAY BEATS REAL MADRID
[27] PROPOSAL FOR A JOINT EUROPE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH GREECE
[28] AWARD TO TOPKAPI PALACE
[29] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[30] CRISIS CAN BE A CHANCE BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
[01] SEZER IN HOLLAND
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer travelled to Holland on a three-day
official visit at Queen Beatrix's invitation. Prior to his
departure, President Sezer told reporters this was the first
visit between the two countries at the of head of states level.
Stressing Holland's support for Turkey's EU membership process,
Sezer said, "We have good economic relations with Holland. Our
bilateral trade volume has reached $2.5 billion. We want to
develop the cooperation between our countries' firms." On the
first day of his visit, Mr. Sezer met with Queen Beatrix. In the
evening he attended a dinner in his honour hosted by Queen
Beatrix. The President is scheduled to meet with Dutch Prime
Minister Wim Kok at The Hague today. /Turkiye/
[02] ECEVIT: "INFLATION RATE WILL DROP"
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, "The Inflation rate will drop
as necessary measures are taken." Ecevit said the inflation rate
is expected to be high for a couple of months, but will decline
after the measures taken show their result. /Hurriyet/
[03] DERVIS: "NO NEED TO WORRY"
The coalition leaders convened yesterday to discuss the rapid
increase in exchange rates. State Minister for the Economy Kemal
Dervis said, "This situation is not permanent. There is no need
to worry. The increase in the exchange rates does not emanate
from a massive buy-up by the citizens, rather people have
confidence in TL, as seen in today's public offer. Similar things
happen in other countries which have experienced this kind of
crisis." /Milliyet/
[04] MHP, ANAP CALL FOR URGENT REFORMS
Denying any responsibility for the economic crisis, the leaders
of two governing coalition parties announced Tuesday the crisis
was structural in nature and needed to be addressed through
radical reforms. Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet
Bahceli and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz also
agreed that Turkey had the potential to overcome the crisis, and
announced their parties would give full support to enact a series
of urgent economic reforms. Bahceli claimed the
one-and-a-half-year-old economic stabilization program did
produce some very positive results, such as a decline in
inflation rates and an improvement in certain macroeconomic
indicators. But the causes of the November and February crises
were essentially structural, he said. Yilmaz agreed with Bahceli
saying systemic failures were behind the recent economic crisis.
He reiterated the government has the will to take the necessary
steps to get Turkey out of crisis. /Turkish News/
[05] FINN : "TURKS WILL OVERCOME THE CRISIS"
Assistant US Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural
Affairs Helena Finn said, "The recent economic crisis in Turkey
is being discussed seriously at the US State Department and
Treasury. Turkey will find a way to overcome the crisis. Turks
are courageous and capable of overcoming the crisis." /Star/
[06] GERMANY SUPPORTS NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM
Spokesman for the German Foreign Ministry said the German
government would give support to Turkey's new economic program.
He said, "The Federal government must do everything to make
international financial institutions such as the IMF and the
World Bank, help Turkey. The Foreign Policy Spokesman for the
Christian Democratic Union Parties, Karl Lamer, said the German
government should send aid to Turkey immediately. Lamers added,
"As far as I have learned from the IMF Chief Horst Kohler, Turkey
needs DM30 billion to recover economically. All EU countries must
do their utmost to help Turkey, and so must the IMF. " Meanwhile,
Press Spokesman for the Office of the German Prime Minister said
possible ways for giving financial aid to Turkey were discussed
during German Prime Minister Gerhard Schroder's meeting with US
President George Bush. Additionally, Deutsche Bank officials are
still continuing their contacts with the Turkish institutions on
the financial aid issue. /Cumhuriyet/
[07] TURKEY: ALL WAR CRIMINALS SHOULD BE TRIED
The Foreign Ministry evaluated the arrest of former President of
the Yugoslavia Republic, Slobodan Milosevic in a written
statement. The statement said Milosevic's arrest was an important
step towards improving democracy in the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia. Stating Milosevic must be tried for his crimes
against humanity, Turkey stated all war criminals must also be
tried for peace and stability to return to the region. "We must
all support such attempts. We expect Milosevic will also be held
accountable for crimes he committed in Bosnia-Herzegovina and
Kosovo. We support the works by the former Yugoslavian War Crimes
Courts to sustain peace and stability in the region. /Cumhuriyet/
[08] PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION MAKES CONTACTS IN WASHINGTON
A parliamentary delegation headed by Parliament Foreign Affairs
Commission Chairman Kamran Inan began contacts with US officials
on Tuesday. The delegation met with Marc Grossman, responsible
for political affairs at the State Department, Chuck Hagel from
the Republican Party - a known friend of Turkey - and Richard
Perle, former Deputy Secretary of Defense. The delegation also
had a meeting with Bob Livingston and Gerard Solomon, who hold
top positions with a Turkish lobbying firm. During a meeting with
representatives of the US Turkish community, delegation members
discussed economic developments, opportunities to promote Turkey,
and new developments regarding the so-called Armenian genocide
allegations in the US. The delegation is expected to meet with US
Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz. /Turkish News/
[09] WEU CHAIRMAN BUHLER :EUROPE CAN NEVER HAVE PROPER DEFENSE WITHOUT
TURKEY
Western European Union (WEU) Provisional Assembly of European
Security and Defense Chairman, Klaus Buhler said yesterday Europe
would never have a proper defense policy without including
Turkey. Buhler and the chairmanship accompanying delegation, who
are in Ankara as official guests of the Parliamentary WEU
Assembly, met yesterday with National Defense Commission Chairman
Hasan Gulay and commission members. Gulay told Buhler he was not
happy with the decisions taken at Nice Summit, and that Turkey
was determined to remain fully loyal to the decisions taken at
the last year's Washington summit. He noted Turkey had no
objections against EU's making use of NATO facilities, but the
alliance's support of the EU could not be unilateral and
unconditional. /Turkish News/
[10] STATE MINISTER GUREL IN THE US
Minister of State, Sukru Sina Gurel, currently in the US, is
holding contacts with the Florida elected officials to prevent a
so-called Armenian genocide resolution from being brought to the
House of Representatives agenda. It was stated Katherine Harris,
Florida's Secretary of State, promised to oppose attempts by the
Armenian lobbies to bring their allegations to the agenda. Harris
has promised to support Turkey, stating such issues should not be
brought to the agenda of the House of Representatives in Florida.
She evaluated attempts by the Armenians as hostile. Gurel will be
on air to demand support against the Armenian attempts.
/Cumhuriyet/
[11] REFORM BILLS BEFORE PARLIAMENT
Parliament started talks on the 15 economic reform bills
yesterday. At the same time, the Budget and Planning Commission
began examining a bill to revise the budget's year-end targets.
Finance Minister Sumer Oral said there was no need for pessimism
and that Turkey would get through the economic turmoil. /Turkish
News/
[12] 'DIFFICULT DECISION ON CYPRUS'
The EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Gunter Verheugen, at the
"European Voice" conference this week said, "The best scenario
for the European Union is for Cyprus to become a member of the EU
after a political solution unites the island". While calling upon
both Turkey and Greece to be "as constructive as possible" in
order to reach a solution, he added if there was no solution, the
EU would have to make a difficult choice on whether to admit the
southern Greek Cypriot Administration or not. /Turkish News/
[13] ADDITIONAL PERIOD FOR VIRTUE PARTY'S DEFENSE
The Constitutional Court has given an additional 15 days to the
Virtue Party (FP) for its defense. At the final defense, FP
Chairman Recai Kutan and the Chief Public Prosecutor of the High
Court of Appeals, Sabih Kanadoglu, (who demands the FP be closed)
will deliver their final speeches. The Constitutional Court is
expected to reach a decision by the end of May. /Star/
[14] SOUTHEAST EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS TO GATHER IN BURSA
The Civilian Thought and Democracy Movement Association (SDH)
will hold a meeting for the ambassadors of eight Southeast
European countries in Bursa April 6-8. The meeting will be
supported by the Bursa Governorship, with the assistance of the
Greater Bursa Municipality, the Bursa Industrialists and
Businessmen's Association (BUSIAD), the Bursa Trade and Industry
Chamber (BTSO) and the Uludag Exporters Union. Ambassadors from
Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Greece,
Macedonia and Yugoslavia will attend the meeting. /Turkish News/
[15] ANKARA WELCOMES PAPANDREOU'S REMARKS
As Ankara awaits Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou's
visit, Turkish Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said he
welcomed the Minister's remarks published in the Turkish media
calling upon Turkey to take steps on disarmament. But, he
stressed Turkey wanted to see action not words. Papandreou's
visit will begin tomorrow. "If they are sincere in their
proposals, they should make a gesture," Cakmakoglu said in
response to reporters questions before his party's group meeting.
On the eve of his visit to Turkey, the Greek Foreign Minister
said both countries need the patience to find lasting solutions
to decades-old disputes to create a lasting peace in the region.
/Turkish Daily News/
[16] GREEK PRESS SUPPORT PAPANDREOU'S MESSAGE
Greek media published positive articles in response to
Papandreou's moderate messages. The papers, Eleftherotypia, Ta
Nea and Ethnos, said yesterday to Papandreou, "Suggest that
Ismail Cem jointly reduce armament and defense expenditures.
Even, propose a non-aggression pact between Greece and Turkey, so
instead of paying lots of money to the American weapons industry,
both Greek and Turkish citizens can have enough money to live on.
/Sabah/
[17] BOSTANCIOGLU: EDUCATION IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR US
In a press conference during an Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) meeting, Education Minister
Metin Bostancioglu said courses at Popular Education Centers were
concrete examples of grassroots education. He said 3.2 million
Turkish citizens had undergone courses on culture, arts and
handicrafts. The Education Ministry considers in-service training
courses most important, stressed Bostancioglu, adding that
220,000 civil servants had been trained recently. He stated
efforts were under way to bring computer technology into schools.
/Turkish News/
[18] KIZILAY SENDS AID TO KOSOVO BY PLANE
Kizilay (the Turkish Red Crescent) has sent medical and
stationery items via military cargo plane to Kosovo. Kizilay
issued a statement saying Macedonian refugees who had taken
shelter in Kosovo due to conflicts in Macedonia would receive
one-and-a-half tons of medical supplies and stationery items
brought in by Turkish Air Force cargo plane to Prizren, Kosovo.
/Turkish News/
[19] IZMIT TAKES PART IN JOINT FIRE-FIGHTING EXERCISE
Izmit Municipality Fire Department Chief Emin Pehlivan said it is
very important to cooperate with neighbouring countries during
natural disasters. Pehlivan issued a statement after a joint fire
exercise with Balkan countries, saying the Izmit fire department
had taken part in the exercise with two vehicles and seven
personnel. He said Romania, Bulgaria, Greece and Macedonia also
participated with their fire fighting crews. "We prepared for
this exercise for four months," said Pehlivan. "This exercise
will be performed in a different country every year." /Turkish
News/
[20] TOURISM CONNECTIONS WITH RUSSIA
Russians have engaged in reservations for Turkish holiday resorts
at the Moscow Tourism Fair. The Turkish stands at the fair drew
great attention. Tourism Minister Erkan Mumcu said 1,8 million
tourists are expected from Russia and the former Soviet republics
this year. /Milliyet/
[21] TREASURY UNDERSECRETARIAT'S TENDER
The Treasury Undersecretariat yesterday sold TL1.02 quadrillion
worth of four- month bills at an annual compound yield of 150% in
the first domestic borrowing auction for April. The bills are
value dated April 4 and redemption is scheduled for Aug. 8.
Meanwhile, the Treasury will make a TL347,927.4-trillion
repayment today. /Turkiye/
[22] ZORLU HOLDING'S SUCCESS
A leader in the Turkish Textile sector, Zorlu Holding, caused a
decline in the unemployment rate from 17-18% to 7% in Warrenton
County, Georgia. Zorlu Holding, winner of "Turkey's Most
Successful Group" award, given by the Turkish-American Business
Council, overcame the "strict quota" barrier by increasing its
production 50% in one year. The factory began production in
Warrenton County, Georgia, 1.5 years ago. It, established on a
10,000 square meter close area, produces 100% cotton linens.
/Turkiye/
[23] OKSUZ SAYS CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REQUIRED FOR TELEKOM SELL-OFF
Minister of Transportation, Enis Oksuz said a constitutional
amendment was required for the sale of a 51% stake in Turkish
fixed-line monopoly, Turk Telekom. Yesterday Minister Oksuz met
with State Minister Kemal Dervis in Ankara. The two ministers
discussed issues related to the planned sell-off of Turk Telekom
and Turkish Airlines. After the meeting, Oksuz said he was
confident a constitutional amendment was necessary, adding
however, that he didn't bear any prejudices on the issue.
/Turkish Daily News/
[24] BECKER: "WE SHOULD PERSUADE FINANCIAL CIRCLES FROM DRAWING MONEY
OUT OF TURKEY"
The Chairman of Mercedes Benz Turk AS, Till Becker said, "In 2000
the Turkish economy overheated. It will be difficult to eliminate
the effects of the crisis. But, we should persuade the IMF, World
Bank and the financial circles to stop drawing money out of
Turkey. We have confidence in Turkey and our investments will
continue." /Hurriyet/
[25] MIGROS IN BULGARIA
The chain store, Migros will open its first branch in the Balkans
with a store in Bulgaria. The Koc group also opened their fourth
store in Moscow despite the economic crisis. /Aksam/
[26] GALATASARAY BEATS REAL MADRID
Galatasaray beat Real Madrid 3-2 yesterday in Istanbul. /All
papers/
[27] PROPOSAL FOR A JOINT EUROPE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP WITH GREECE
The Greek Football Federation(EPO) asked the Greek government
whether they can arrange a 2008 European Football Championship
with Turkey. The Greek newspaper Eleftherotypia said Turkey and
Greece should submit a joint application to UEFA. /Sabah/
[28] AWARD TO TOPKAPI PALACE
The Barcelona Dealers Antiques Association will give the Golden
Medal Award to Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. The Association
evaluated the Topkapi Palace as one of the preeminent museums in
the world. Representatives of the Association will visit Istanbul
to give the award between April 13-17. /Cumhuriyet/
[29] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[30] CRISIS CAN BE A CHANCE BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Turco-Greek relations. A summary
of his column is as follows:
"It is clear what 'new ideas' the Greek Foreign Minister George
Papandreou will voice during his visit to Ankara from the
interview he gave to Turkish journalists in Athens the previous
day. Papandreou's message covers three important points: to
continue the rapprochement policy with patience, decrease
military expenditures, and break the vicious circle concerning
Cyprus. Dialogue is continuing but the core of the matters
regarding the Aegean have not been yet discussed. There should be
an accord on this issue. Greece has suspended a $4.4 billion
Eurofighter project and Turkey can take steps in the same
direction. A solution in Cyprus will provide an opportunity for
the Turkish-Cypriots to be represented in the European Union.
Papandreou's words show Greece is more confident of herself than
ever and has taken the initiative to direct Turco-Greek
relations. Greece is carrying out integration with Europe as fast
as she can. Prime Minister Simitis aims to elevate the quality of
life in Greece to that of other European countries. Therefore, he
does not want any friction with Turkey. Athens sees continuing
the rapprochement policy as beneficial, but preserves her
opinions on main issues. If these problems are not resolved
before 2004, the European Union will be a party to the matter.
Greek diplomacy, backed by the EU, is confident and at ease.
The reason why Greece has unilaterally decided to decrease
military spending is to enact Simitis' new policy. The Greek
Government will use part of the money saved to reach EU economic
and political standards, and to allocate funds for purposes such
as the Olympic games preparations. Now, she is expecting a
similar gesture from Turkey.
Turkey feels obliged to modernize her Armed Forces not only
because of the threat coming from Greece, but also from threats
posed by other border countries. Additionally, it would be in
Turkey's best interest not to enter an arms race with Greece.
This economic crisis can be an opportunity to decrease some of
the military expenditures. In fact, the Defense Ministry is
taking steps in this direction.
On Cyprus, Papandreou's words confirm the official Greek stance.
At the moment the issue is blocked. New initiatives are needed to
bring both sides to the table and to find a realistic solution.
However, the Island cannot be demilitarized without any sign of a
solution being present. This would be acting in a manner contrary
to usual practices. In short, the messages and new ideas
Papandreou will present are worth discussing. The climate of
rapprochement creates a new opportunity to find solutions to
basic problems."
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