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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-06

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

06.04.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEZER SOUGHT SUPPORT FOR THE NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM
  • [02] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME
  • [03] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU IN ANKARA
  • [04] ECEVIT'S STATEMENT CONCERNING POLICE WEEK
  • [05] RUSSAIN FEDERATION AND THE US DISCUSS THE CY RUS ISUE
  • [06] QUARREL IN UN OVER SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
  • [07] ARMENIAN LOBBY'S NEW INITIATIVE
  • [08] CAKMAKOGLU MEETS HIS GREEK COUNTERPART
  • [09] PKK TERRORISTS LOSE COURAGE
  • [10] COMMISSION TO PASS BILL ON NEW SSK
  • [11] CHP OPENS NEW SCIENCE PLATFORM TO STUDY
  • [12] SWEDISH TEAM QUESTIONS OCALAN ON PALME KILLING
  • [13] CILLER ASKS SEZER TO PUSH FOR EARLY ELECTION
  • [14] TURKEY HELPS MONGOLIA
  • [15] PANEL ON LIVER TRANSPLANTATION
  • [16] KOC HOSTS BUSH
  • [17] KEY PRIVATIZATION LAWS SENT TO PM, MINISTER SAYS
  • [18] BILL ON NATURAL GAS IN PARLIAMENT
  • [19] PROF. DAVIDSON: "EUROPE NEEDS TURKISH POPULATION"
  • [20] DOLLAR DECREASE, STOCK EXCHANGES INCREASE
  • [21] DERVIS CARRIES OUT MEETINGS
  • [22] SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET READY ON JUNE
  • [23] BOSCHETTI: "YOU CAN OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS IN A SHORTER TIME"
  • [24] FITCH: "FIRST POLITICAL STABILITY"
  • [25] "TIME TO INVEST IN TURKEY"
  • [26] COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE ON SOCCER
  • [27] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [28] PAPANDREOU WILL CONVINCE WHOM? BY EROL MANISALI (CUMHURIYET)

  • [01] SEZER SOUGHT SUPPORT FOR THE NEW ECONOMIC PROGRAM

    President Ahmet Necdet Sezer returned from the Netherlands yesterday and sought support for the new economic program. He evaluated the recent economic crisis after relaying information about his visit to the Netherlands. Believing everybody should endeavor to overcome the crisis, Sezer said , "We all expect the new economic program to be successful." It is normal to undergo certain troubles during a crisis period, the President said, and public support would directly affect the new economic program. He added, "We all wish the new economic program currently being prepared by the government for approval by the Turkish Parliament, to be successful. The support of Turkish people is very important for its success. The point is not to be pessimistic just because we undergo certain problems, which are normal during a period of economic recession." /Cumhuriyet/

    [02] EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DISCUSSES THE NATIONAL PROGRAMME

    The National Programme presented to the European Union by Turkey was discussed at the Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC) meeting which bridges Turkey and the European Parliament. British Parliamentarian and member of the liberal group, Andrew Duff, saw the National Programme as an important step towards Turkey's full EU membership. JPC Co-Chairman Daniel Cohn Bendit said implementation of the National Programme was more important adding it was too early to comment on the NP. Parliamentarian Ozan Ceyhun, a socialist group member, of Turkish origin, said the government's self-criticism was a positive development as the topics would not have been discussed in the past. The National Programme will be discussed by European and Turkish parliamentarians at the JPC meeting in Brussels held June 25-26. /Cumhuriyet/

    [03] GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER PAPANDREOU IN ANKARA

    Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou arrived in Ankara yesterday as the official guest of Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. The two ministers conveyed peace messages to each other on the future of Turco-Greek relations. They are expected to reach an agreement on mine-clearing along the borders and on certain articles of the confidence-building-measures package today. Stating Greece hopes Turkey will overcome the crisis as soon as possible, Papandreou relayed the good wishes and solidarity messages of the Greek people to Turkish officials. Holding a joint press conference with Papandreou, Cem said important developments have taken place in Turco-Greek relations over the last two years. Stating Greece wants to improve relations with Turkey peacefully, Papandreou said, "A sound partnership between Turkey and Greece would mean peace and stability for the whole region. The positive developments of the past two years is an historic opportunity for both nations. Greece supports Turkey's bid for full EU membership. Turkey's acceptance into the EU would also contribute the solution of the Cyprus problem." Papandreou will be received by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and meet with Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz and Devlet Bahceli. /Cumhuriyet/

    [04] ECEVIT'S STATEMENT CONCERNING POLICE WEEK

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit received a delegation chaired by the Minister of the Interior, Sadettin Tantan in honor of Police Week. Ecevit said policing was a brave profession. Ecevit said, "The police put their lives in danger for the welfare and security of the nation. They fight against all kinds of corruption." Meanwhile, Tantan said, "There are important draft laws before the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) concerning the police organization at the moment. After these draft laws are enacted, there will be a great deal of structural changes in our organization. In addition, improvements in the lawful authority of the police will increase their morale. /Aksam/

    [05] RUSSAIN FEDERATION AND THE US DISCUSS THE CY RUS ISUE

    The Russian Federation and the US held consultation meetings on the Cyprus issue in Moscow two days ago. According to a statement by the Russian Foreign Minister, the two parties voiced their wishes to continue proximity talks with UN Special Envoy to Cyprus, Alvaro de Soto as mediator. Russian Special Representative Vladimir Prigin and US Special Coordinator to Cyprus, Tom Weston, attended the meeting. "We have exchanged views on the proximity talks which have been suspended because of tensions between the two parties.", said the statement. The statement added the US and Russia gave full support to the goodwill mission, pursued by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, which is looking for permanent solution to the island. /Cumhuriyet/

    [06] QUARREL IN UN OVER SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

    An Armenian representative to the UN in Geneva claimed the so-called Armenian genocide is a "historical fact" and Turkey should recognize it as such. The representative also said Turkey does not respect human rights in general, and in Cyprus in particular. Turkey's UN representative, Murat Sungar, reacted to these words saying Turkey will never recognize the so-called genocide claims. Sungar mentioned Armenia's aggressive regional policies and said Azerbaijani lands were occupied by Armenians and millions of people left their homes. "Armenia's aggressive foreign policy has also had negative impacts on her own citizens. The cases of human rights violations have increased, especially in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia is a country in which governments change by means other than a no-confidence vote. Cold blooded murders and kidnappings in the Armenian parliament results in changes of governments." said Sungar. /Hurriyet/

    [07] ARMENIAN LOBBY'S NEW INITIATIVE

    The US Armenian lobby believes it has a unique opportunity to use Turkey's weakness during the economic crisis. Armenian lobby representative, Harut Sasunyan, writing in the 'California Courier', points out, "Now Armenians seized a golden opportunity to further their claims against Turkey. This is a unique opportunity to exploit Turkey's weakness." In his article, Sasunyan also claimed Turkey would not receive help from the US or Israel, whom she trusts very much. Meanwhile, the Armenian lobby pressuring American President George W. Bush to back his campaign promise of recognizing the so-called Armenian genocide on 24 April. A bill for the recognization of the so-called Armenian genocide is expected to be brought to the US Congress. /Aksam/

    [08] CAKMAKOGLU MEETS HIS GREEK COUNTERPART

    Turkish Minister of National Defence, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, currently in Skopje attending the meeting of the National Defence Ministers of Southeastern European Countries, met with his Greek counterpart, Akis Tsohatsopoulos. Cakmakoglu and Tsohatsopoulos said they exchanged opinions on bilateral relations and the tension in the Balkans. /Aksam/

    [09] PKK TERRORISTS LOSE COURAGE

    Militants of the terrorist organization PKK, who want to establish a Kurdish State in the South Eastern Anatolia Region, have recognized the truth at last. It was revealed that most of the terrorists did not believe that a Kurdish State would ever be established and that they wanted to go back home. A questionaire was given to 816 terrorists in Northern Iraq's Nazdur, Wurmel, Barjuni, Yekmala, Kani Sarki, Ardavel, Nirve, Shingel, Dolakoga, Zernakow, Doli Balayan and Kalaki Balayan regions. The questionaire asked 34 questions where it was determined that 514 terrorists did not belive a Kurdish State would be established through political and cultural activities; 213 terrorists were of the opposite opinion, and the rest had no opinion. /Aksam/

    [10] COMMISSION TO PASS BILL ON NEW SSK

    Parliament's Planning and Budgetary Commission approved 47 articles of a bill foreseeing the restructuring of the Social Security Institution (SSK) Thursday. The approved articles bring regulations to the health affairs section of the SSK, which will now be separated into two sections as the health and insurance general directorates. /Turkish News/

    [11] CHP OPENS NEW SCIENCE PLATFORM TO STUDY

    The new headquarters for the Republican People's Party(CHP) Science, Administration, and Culture Platform, was opened with a ceremony Thursday by CHP leader Deniz Baykal and various other party officials. Baykal said, "In its first meeting, Science Platform members will form subcommissions to deal with such issues as water problems, education, energy, alternative means of tourism, sports, and various other issues of concern."/Turkish News/

    [12] SWEDISH TEAM QUESTIONS OCALAN ON PALME KILLING

    Swedish investigators traveled to the island of Imrali Thursday to interrogate imprisoned terrorist Abdullah Ocalan about possible Kurdish involvement in the assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, Ocalan's lawyers said. A three-person Swedish team was accompanied by a Turkish prosecutor, Huseyin Cinar, and other officials. /Turkish News/

    [13] CILLER ASKS SEZER TO PUSH FOR EARLY ELECTION

    True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller asked President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to get the chairmen of all the political parties together in order to push for an early election, the Anatolia news agency reported Thursday. Ciller held a press conference at her DYP headquarters in Ankara at which she asked the President to assure the future of democracy by pushing for an election. Claiming social instability is at the brink in Turkey, Ciller said the unrest among Turkish people has reached a peak. /Turkish Daily News/

    [14] TURKEY HELPS MONGOLIA

    Turkey gave 50,000 US dollars to Mongolia which has been suffering from harsh winter conditions, the Anatolia news agency reported. According to an announcement from the Foreign Ministry, at the beginning of March the Turkish Red Crescent (Kizilay) gave 20,000 US dollars and the government gave 30,000 US dollars to Mongolia. /Turkish Daily News/

    [15] PANEL ON LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

    The Organ Transplantation Center and Silver Research Association's Izmir Branch at the School of Medicine in Ege University organized a panel titled "Recent Developments in Liver Transplants". The Chairman of the Silver Transplant Department at US's Wisconsin University, Prof. Munci Kalayoglu, said Ege University surpassed American universities. He said he has sent many of his patients to Ege University for liver transplants. /Cumhuriyet/

    [16] KOC HOSTS BUSH

    Yesterday the head of Koc Holding, Rahmi Koc hosted former US President George Bush, a member of Carlyle's executive board, at his Industry Museum. Koc will establish a joint company with Carlyle Group to function in the Internet sector. /Star/

    [17] KEY PRIVATIZATION LAWS SENT TO PM, MINISTER SAYS

    Yesterday Transport Minister Enis Oksuz, said key laws aimed at facilitating the privatization of Turkish Airlines (THY) and Turk Telekom have been sent to Prime Minister's office. Oksuz told a news conference in Ankara that one of the bills would re-regulate Turkish Airlines' pricing policies. Pricing has been viewed as the main obstacle to the planned sell-off of the national carrier. THY, running in the red, has not any bidders during the 51 percent privatization tender which expired last week. Mandatory discount pricing of domestic flights is an element contributing to THY losses. Regarding the Turk Telekom privatizaon law, Oksuz said the draft prepared by the Transport Ministry could face changes down the road before enactment. /Turkish Daily News/

    [18] BILL ON NATURAL GAS IN PARLIAMENT

    The third of 15 bills suggested by State Minister for the Economy, Kemal Dervis for adoption was submitted to the parliament. The bill regarding natural gas includes privatizing gas distribution. The Botas' monopoly will be terminated and private firms will be able to invest in this sector. A Natural Gas Regulatory Board will be established. /Star/

    [19] PROF. DAVIDSON: "EUROPE NEEDS TURKISH POPULATION"

    Prof. Ian Davidson from the European Political Research Center in Brussels, said EU countries face a population crisis, and the solution to this issue comes not from Middle and Eastern European countries, but from Turkey. In an article issued in the "La Libre Belgique", Davidson pointed to issues stemming from aging of the EU population and a decline in population growth. He said, "At the Stockholm Summit, the leaders thought these issues could be overcome through economic reforms and flexibility. However, the EU's negative population growth can only be compensated through comprehensive foreign immigration."/Turkiye/

    [20] DOLLAR DECREASE, STOCK EXCHANGES INCREASE

    Following a confidence building statement by State Minister Kemal Dervis, recovery of the Istanbul Stock Exchanges and the decrease of the US dollar continues. One US dollar, which was 1,235,000 TL yesterday morning, decreased by 5,000 TL almost hourly thanks to Turkish citizens, who trusting Dervis' statements sold their US dollars. Meanwhile, the index increased 339 points during the second session and reached 8,457 points yesterday. /Aksam/

    [21] DERVIS CARRIES OUT MEETINGS

    State Minister Kemal Dervis is continuing a series of meetings to ensure support for the economic program which is being prepared. Yesterday morning, Dervis met with businessmen, including Bulent Eczacibasi, Guler Sabanci, Husamettin Kavi and Can Paker in Istanbul. Following his meeting with the businessmen, Dervis met with the directors general of several banks to discuss recent situation of the sector. /Turkiye/

    [22] SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET READY ON JUNE

    Minister of Finance Sumer Oral, said, "The Supplementary Budget regarding payments will be declared in the second half of the year. It will not include urgent laws." Concerning the economic program, Oral said, "Studies are continuing. I expect the program will be clear next week." He added the Finance Ministry was working in harmony with State Minister Kemal Dervis. /Turkiye/

    [23] BOSCHETTI: "YOU CAN OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS IN A SHORTER TIME"

    Head of the executive board of Iveco, Giancarlo Boschetti, spoke on the economic crisis saying, "We also experienced these problems, and some time may be needed for a solution. The crisis is serious, but the government is on duty. Turkey has a young working population, a competitive market place and educated personnel to get out of this crisis." /Sabah/

    [24] FITCH: "FIRST POLITICAL STABILITY"

    Analysts from the International credit rating organization Fitch IBCA, said Turkey must pursue its reforms with fierce determination. Fitch analysts said Turkey must show her determination to political reform in order to guarantee IMF aid. /Cumhuriyet/

    [25] "TIME TO INVEST IN TURKEY"

    Jacques Laloux, Director General of the Belgian Fortis Banque's Istanbul branch, expressed his views on Turkey and the Turkish economy in an interview with the "Le Soir" newspaper. He said, "It is exactly the right time to come to Turkey. The Turkish Lira's value is low. The crisis is not so bad for everybody. Exports are on an upwards trend. The situation in textile and tourism is also positive. The cost of living in Turkey is low. The Economy is not bad in essence. People are trustworthy and work hard. Turkey has many advantages, however, they are not well known in Belgium." /Turkiye/

    [26] COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND GREECE ON SOCCER

    The Greek Government permitted the Greek Soccer Federation (EPO) to apply to UEFA for permission to organize the 2008 European Soccer Championship in cooperation with Turkey. The Greek daily To Vima said the Deputy Minister Responsible for Culture George Floridis gave the EPO permission to apply to UEFA concerning the cooperation with Turkey. The paper said relations between the Soccer Federations of the two countries would also develop. The issue is expected to be discussed during Papandreou's Turkey visit. /Cumhuriyet/ 12 MILLION TOURISTS EXPECTED THIS YEAR Turkish tour operators working outside Turkey expect to bring nearly three million tourists to Turkey from around the world. Tour Operators Association General Secretary Huseyin Baraner said Turkish tourism has beaten the crisis of recent years, and the tour operators have begun receiving an extraordinary number of reservations for this season. Baraner said 12 million tourists were expected to visit Turkey this year, and three million of them booked through Turkish tour operators. /Turkish News/

    [27] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [28] PAPANDREOU WILL CONVINCE WHOM? BY EROL MANISALI (CUMHURIYET)

    "Columnist Erol Manisali comments on recent proposals by Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou on Turco-Greek relations. A summary of his column is as follows: "Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou's message made headlines in all Turkish dailies. He called for peace on Cyprus and Turkish demilitarization of the Island. This was presented by the Turkish press as a message of peace. In fact, the only impediment to Greece annexing the Island, under an EU umbrella, is the Turkish Armed Forces. Athens wants the Turkish army to withdraw its unit from Cyprus, and let the Greek-Cypriot Administration enter the EU representing the whole island. Thus, the European Security and Defense Army would be permitted on Cyprus, an EU member. Greek-Cypriots have already begun negotiations with the ESDI and conveyed their requests on the issue to the Turkish side through the EU. If Turkey withdraws her forces from the Island, she will watch Cyprus from the shores of Anatolia. As Turkey is excluded from the EU, Greece and Cyprus with the Greek-Cypriots in power will live happily within the framework of the EU. The Island then becomes a part of Greece under the aegis of the EU. Even if Turkish forces are withdrawn from the Island, it will be brimming with troops. British bases which still occupy a large part of Cyprus with their planes and missiles. These bases are used jointly by the United Kingdom and the United States. The recent flights and bombardments over Iraq were carried out by the planes taking off from these bases. Papandreou must be awfully polite towards the British and the Americans as he is not talking about these bases when he mentions the demilitarizing the Island. In fact, he does not utter a word about the extraordinary concentration of troops by the Greeks and the Greek-Cypriots. Papandreou is only concerned with Turkish troops. If these troops are withdrawn, all the problems on Cyprus will be solved. This is only true for Athens and the Greek-Cypriots. When all connections between Turkey and Cyprus are broken and the Island enters the EU, Cyprus will become a natural extension of Greece. Greeks will flood the Island enthusiastically and their 180 year old ideal will have come true. Meanwhile, British and US bases will remain on the Island and, according to international agreements, are accepted as sovereign British territory. Additionally in 2003, the ESDI forces will be deployed. When there are British and American troops on the Island, will the French and German forces be far behind? They are waiting only for the withdawal of the Turkish troops, the rest will follow. Papandreou's message concerning a demilitarized island is a part of Athens' annexation plan. Does Papandreou believe we would not understand the intentions behind his message? Perhaps he is aware of the role the press has played in preparing a background for its acceptance by the Turkish public. This is the reason behind the presentation of a peace award to Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem. Otherwise, why would Greece make new plans to increase her military expenditures during the last two years when everyone else in the EU was reducing them? She would not have bought and deployed S-300 missiles on Crete and complete and open two big military bases on Cyprus. She would not have encouraged a $400 million arms purchase by the Greek-Cypriot Administration. She would not have entered into military alliances with Iran and Armenia or cooperated closely with the Armenian lobby to have Armenian resolutions enacted in the US and the EU. Now that Turkey is in an economic crisis, Papandreou is trying to corner Ankara. But there is one thing he is unaware of, he may convince some people in Turkey but won't convince everyone. The power of those he has convinced will not be enough to persuade all the others."
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