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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-11
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
11.04.2001
CONTENTS
[01] YILMAZ: "THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN TWO
PHASES"
[02] IMF-WORLD BANK SPRING PERIOD MEETINGS
[03] DERVIS: "WE OBTAINED FOREIGN SUPPORT"
[04] TUSIAD DELEGATION ON ANKARA TOUR
[05] PERES VISITS TURKEY
[06] PERLE SAYS TURKEY MUST SHOW RESOLVE
[07] TRNC SEEKS AZERBAIJAN'S SUPPORT
[08] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL SENT TO MARYLAND GOVERNOR
GLENDENING
[09] AUTHORITY TO TGNA FOR ENACTING DECREE WITH THE POWER OF LAW
[10] BULGARIAN CITIZENS TO ENTER EU COUNTRIES WITHOUT VISA
[11] EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY OZAL TO BE
COMMEMORATED
[12] CIVIL AVIATION BILL IN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
[13] US HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TEAM VISITS ISTANBUL AND ADANA
[14] KOC TO SPONSOR FIRST CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENT CONVENTION
[15] CENSURE MOTIONS ABOUT ECEVIT AND OZKAN REJECTED
[16] GOKCEK IN THE US
[17] ANZAC COMMEMORATION DAY
[18] TREASURY BONDS WITH LONGER DUE DATES AND LOWER INTEREST
RATES
[19] IMPLEMENTATION OF BAND SYSTEM IN EXCHANGE RATES WAS
INTRODUCED
[20] NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION AT ISKENDERUN BAY
[21] UNDERSECRETARY BOLSTERS EXPORT SECTOR
[22] YALOVA: SPEED UP THE TRANSITION
[23] AKBANK FINANCES DERINER DAM
[24] TOURISM MINISTRY WEBSITE AWAITS TRAVEL AGENCIES
[25] AWARD TO EPHESUS EXCAVATION DELEGATION
[26] EXHIBITION FOR TURKISH DIPLOMAT
[27] TURKISH THEATRE FESTIVAL IN AMSTERDAM
[28] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[29] HOW WILL IT BE? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)
[01] YILMAZ: "THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN TWO
PHASES"
Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said the economic
program will be announced in two parts. Yilmaz said, "The general
framework and the program's main points will be announced Friday. But,
details regarding the financial program will be stated next week. At a
parliamentary group meeting of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Yilmaz said they
should support Kemal Dervis. Yilmaz said, "Dervis will attend the group
meeting to answer our questions. We will hold a Council of Ministers meeting
every Monday and every Wednesday, and on Friday we will hold summit meetings
with Kemal Dervis' participation." /Hurriyet/
[02] IMF-WORLD BANK SPRING PERIOD MEETINGS
The Spring Period Meetings, organized jointly by the IMF
and the World Bank, will be held April 26-30 in Washington. Turkey will be
represented by a delegation headed by State Minister Kemal Dervis.
Additionally, the IMF's Executive Directors Board meetings will be held
during the same dates. The new Additional Intent Letter expected to be
submitted to the IMF by Turkey will also be discussed during these meetings.
/Turkiye/
[03] DERVIS: "WE OBTAINED FOREIGN SUPPORT"
State Minister for Economics, Kemal Dervis, said foreign
support has been obtained for the new economic program which is expected to
be declared this week. Yesterday, Dervis met with State Minister Yuksel
Yalova. The two Ministers discussed the topic of privatization. Then, Dervis
visited the Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans Confederation (TESK) Chairman
Dervis Gunday at his office. Replying to questions Dervis told reporters,
"Foreign support will come from the IMF, the World Bank, as well as
friendly countries with powerful economies. I cannot give the exact amount
now, but I hope it will be large enough to meet our need." /Turkiye/
[04] TUSIAD DELEGATION ON ANKARA TOUR
Yesterday, members of the Association of Turkish
Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) held a series of meetings in Ankara.
The delegation, headed by Tuncay Ozilhan, met with Prime Minister Bulent
Ecevit, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, State Minister Yuksel Yalova, State
Minister for Economics Kemal Dervis, Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker
Omer Izgi and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Following the meetings,
Ozilhan told reporters "We do not believe it was right to ask for the
government to resign now. However, to ensure trust for the program, if
needed, a revision should be made in the cabinet." The delegation also
met with a number of foreign countries' ambassadors and charge d'affaires
during a lunch. /Turkiye/
[05] PERES VISITS TURKEY
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon
Peres, paying an official visit to Turkey, was received yesterday by
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, former President Suleyman Demirel and Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit. During a 2.5-hour meeting with Foreign Minister
Ismail Cem, the two ministers took up bilateral relations and the Middle
East issue. Regarding the recent economic crisis in Turkey, Peres said,
"The inflation rate was around 400% in Israel when I was Prime
Minister. Israel defeated high inflation, I am sure Turkey will as
well." /Turkiye/
[06] PERLE SAYS TURKEY MUST SHOW RESOLVE
Turkey should prove its resolution to carry out the
radical economic reforms included its new economic program in order to
secure the support of the US Administration in its efforts to overcome the
present crisis, Richard Perle, a leading figure within the US Republican
Party, said Tuesday. He was speaking to the Anatolia News Agency after
giving a speech at a leading Washington-based think-tank, the American
Enterprise Institute (AEI). His focus was on public banks, as he was
responding to questions on the Turkish economy. "The total financial
loss of the three state banks is $40 billion. These banks have a close
relationship with politics and this is one of the main factors behind the
corruption in Turkey. These banks should gain autonomy from the political
scene as soon as possible, in order for political and economic reforms to be
successful," said Perle, a former deputy defense secretary. Perle added
Turkey could win sympathy from the Bush administration if it comes up with a
strong, credible, and determined economic reform package. /Turkish News/
[07] TRNC SEEKS AZERBAIJAN'S SUPPORT
Special Envoy to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
(TRNC) President Rauf Denktas, Atay Ahmed Rasid, in Azerbaijan on an
official visit, met Tuesday with Azerbaijani Culture Minister Polat
Bulbuloglu. Rasid said, "We are making efforts to force world
recognition of the Turkish Cypriot identity; and we want Azerbaijan 's
support at the international level." /Turkish News/
[08] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL SENT TO MARYLAND GOVERNOR
GLENDENING
The Maryland State Senate has approved a so-called
Armenian genocide bill. The bill had previously been approved by Maryland's
House of Representatives. Now, It must be approved by the Maryland Governor
Parris Glendening. The Governor is preparing to enact the bill April 24.
/Cumhuriyet/
[09] AUTHORITY TO TGNA FOR ENACTING DECREE WITH THE POWER OF LAW
A bill giving the Government authority to enact decrees
with the power of law (KHK) to make regulations for improving the financial
and social conditions of civil servants and other public officers, was
approved in the TGNA Plenary Session yesterday. More than one KHKs may be
enacted to reduce te extreme pay differences between the salaries of civil
servants. /Cumhuriyet/
[10] BULGARIAN CITIZENS TO ENTER EU COUNTRIES WITHOUT VISA
People holding a Bulgarian passport were given the right
to enter the EU countries (except for Britain and Ireland) without needing a
visa yesterday. Turks with Bulgarian citizenship will also have the
above-mentioned right. /Sabah/
[11] EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY OZAL TO BE
COMMEMORATED
The Motherland Party (ANAP) organized ceremonies
commemorating the eighth anniversary of former President Turgut Ozal's
passing away. ANAP Chairman Mesut Yilmaz will visit Ozal's tomb. /Sabah/
[12] CIVIL AVIATION BILL IN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Minister of Transportation Enis Oksuz and Minister of
State Yuksel Yalova have agreed upon the Civilian Aviation Bill. The bill
was sent to the Council of Ministers. The Ministry of Transportation will be
responsible for determining flight schedules. /Sabah/
[13] US HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TEAM VISITS ISTANBUL AND ADANA
The US Consulates in Istanbul and Adana announced today
the arrival of an 11-member United States European Command(EUCOM)
Humanitarian Assistance Team. The team will discuss local disaster
management capabilities in cooperation with Turkish authorities. Particular
focus will be placed on earthquake and maritime-related emergencies. The
team includes US military and civilian experts in several fields related to
disaster response and preparedness, including search and rescue, fire
fighting, infrastructure, non-governmental organizations, public health,
communications, maritime disaster, and hazardous materials handling.
/Turkish Daily News/
[14] KOC TO SPONSOR FIRST CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENT CONVENTION
Koc Holding has contributed $50,000 to assist in the
organization of the first Children's Environment Convention. The donation
was given at a ceremony attended by Environment Minister Fevzi Aytekin and
Koc Holding Executive Board member Alpay Bagriacik. The convention will be
held May 31-June 2 in Istanbul under the auspices of Koc Holding, the
Istanbul Governorate, and the Sisli Municipality. At the signing ceremony
Aytekin said the convention aimed to make children conscious of the
environmental problems that are increasing daily. /Turkish News/
[15] CENSURE MOTIONS ABOUT ECEVIT AND OZKAN REJECTED
The censure motion introduced by the True Path Party(DYP)
against Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was rejected by the Turkish Grand
National Assembly(TGNA). The investigation motion against Deputy Prime
Minister Husamettin Ozkan was also rejected at yesterday's session.
/Hurriyet/
[16] GOKCEK IN THE US
Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Melih Gokcek traveled to the US
for contacts on the subway and light-rail transportation systems. Gokcek
will also meet with the Mayor of Washington D.C. /Hurriyet/
[17] ANZAC COMMEMORATION DAY
The 86th anniversary of the first major military action
fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War at
Canakkale (Gallipoli) will be celebrated with ceremonies April 25. Thousands
of tourists are expected to attend the ceremonies commemorating the
Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day. /Cumhuriyet/
NEW HOPES FOR TURKISH ECONOMY IN 2002
The World Bank foresees Turkish economy will leap in
2002. A report titled "The Finance of Global Development" by the
Bank said international financial transfers play an important role in the
economies of the developing countries. Regarding the crisis in Turkey the
report said, "The reason for the crisis, both in Argentina and Turkey
are internal in nature. But, the worsening international economic
environment has increased the existing pressure on individual economies.
This year, Turkey's output is expected to shrink, but the economy will boom
in 2002. The implementation of new policies, an increase in its competitive
power, and securing the confidence of investors in Turkey will result in a
leap in the Turkish economy. /Milliyet/
[18] TREASURY BONDS WITH LONGER DUE DATES AND LOWER INTEREST
RATES
The Treasury extended the due date for the newly issued
bonds and decreased their interest rates. The Treasury sold around $ 668
million six-month bonds with a 148 % compound interest rate. /Milliyet/
[19] IMPLEMENTATION OF BAND SYSTEM IN EXCHANGE RATES WAS
INTRODUCED
During meetings with IMF officials, the implementation of
an exchange rate band system, instead of floating exchange rates, was
discussed. The results of a 50-day implementation of a floating exchange
rates system was discussed at the meetings. The officials suggested a
continuation of this system will not lead to economic stability in the
country. According to the new band system, the Central Bank will intervene
in monetary markets only if the currency rates falls beyond the upper and
lower limits of this band. /Milliyet/
[20] NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION AT ISKENDERUN BAY
The Turkish Oil Company(TPAO) and El Paso Production
Company will begin natural gas explorations at three points in Iskenderun
Bay in June. El Paso Director Lorry Holey said three wells will be drilled
at a cost of $10 million. Holey said, "If natural gas is found, an
investment of $300-400 billion will be made for establishing drilling
sites." Natural gas will be collected at a station in Mersin and
distributed to Ankara and neighboring provinces. /Hurriyet/
[21] UNDERSECRETARY BOLSTERS EXPORT SECTOR
The export sector has the full support of the government
and if more funds are transferred to Eximbank, the sector may exceed its
year-end export target of $30 billion, said Foreign Trade Undersecretary
Kursat Tuzmen in Kuwait yesterday. Tuzmen and the Turkish business
delegation went to the Gulf as part of Turkey's drive to increase its
trading volume with countries in the region. The undersecretary said Turkey
now has a golden opportunity to increase its exports, and it should not be
missed. He stressed that funds allocated for supporting exports would soon
come back, and that exports were the best way to get through the economic
crisis. /Turkish News/
[22] YALOVA: SPEED UP THE TRANSITION
State Minister Yuksel Yalova said his purpose was not
only to privatize Turkish Airlines (THY), but also remove the indirect tax
on Turkey's 65 million people emanating from THY's losses. Yalova met with a
Turkish Industrialists' Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) delegation,
including the Association's Chairman Tuncay Ozilhan, in Ankara yesterday. He
said the privatization of Turk Telekom and THY were key points in Turkey's
economic program. He added the privatization of these institutions would
also speed up the democratization process in Turkey. /Turkish News/
[23] AKBANK FINANCES DERINER DAM
Akbank and ABN AMRO ensured a $330-million syndicated
loan for the Deriner Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) Project. The
loan will have a six year maturity date and be used for the construction of
the Deriner Dam and HHP planned for completion in 2005. The dam, to be
constructed on Coruh river, will be Turkey's highest and the world's fifth
highest dam. /Turkiye/
[24] TOURISM MINISTRY WEBSITE AWAITS TRAVEL AGENCIES
Turkish Travel Agencies Union (TURSAB) members will
appear free on the Tourism Ministry's official website
"www.turizm.gov.tr" after it has been updated. The website will be
in five languages, Turkish, French, German, English and Russian. The site
will also include Turkey's tourism inventory and information on tourism
companies. /Turkish News/
[25] AWARD TO EPHESUS EXCAVATION DELEGATION
Austrian President Thomas Klestil presented a Science and
Art Honorary Title to the Head of the Ephesus Archaeology Excavation
Delegation, Prof. Friedrich Krizinger. Speaking at the award ceremony,
Austrian Education, Science and Culture Minister Elisabeth Gehver said the
honorary title was presented to Prof. Krizinger for his extraordinary work
and success in the Ephesus excavation project, and on protection for the
region called "Yamac Evler". /Cumhuriyet/
[26] EXHIBITION FOR TURKISH DIPLOMAT
A photograph exhibition titled "A Visa for
Life" to promote Turkish diplomat Selahattin Ulkumen, responsible for
saving the lives of a Jewish group during World War II, will open at the
University of Hartford in Connecticut State, US. Ulkumen was the Consul to
Rhodes in 1944. After the Gestapo arrested 1800 Jews on the island, he
demanded that German Commander General Von Kleeman free those Turkish
citizens who had also been captured by the Nazis. In his speeches he gave
after the incident, Ulkumen said he knew that not all of the people he saved
were Turkish, but he helped the others on humanitarian grounds. /Cumhuriyet/
[27] TURKISH THEATRE FESTIVAL IN AMSTERDAM
The Netherlands Turkish Theatre Festival, organized
annually by the Turkish-Netherlands Theatre Foundation, will take place this
year in Amsterdam April 17 to 23. "Oyuncu" (The Player), "Her
Sey Sahane" (Everything is Great), "Huysuz Ihtiyar" (Grouchy
Old Man), "Zapt-u Rapt" and "Sen Sakrak" (Merry) will be
be performed at this year's festival. /Cumhuriyet/
[28] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
[29] HOW WILL IT BE? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)
Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the recent developments
in Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows: " Clearly, Turkey
will carry out a restructuring program. This restructuring will take place
in all fields such as politics, economy, taxation, education and legal
system. She will implement the expectations of the European Union as
expressed in the Accession Partnership Document whether she likes it or not.
However, an exact starting date cannot be given. All developments point
towards such a start. In my opinion, the three leaders must revise the
Cabinet for beginners. If there is no revision in the Cabinet, the
Government may collapse. Therefore, revision is the most logical choice so
the Government can keep any future developments under control. If we assume
that there are to be no Cabinet revisions, the outcome will be no different.
Turkey will enter a process of a great change. If the Government persists in
its policies, not only the Cabinet, but the future of the regime will come
under fire. Everyone in Turkey is aware of these probabilities, but no one
is taking any action to prevent it. Reportedly, chairman of the Nationalist
Action Party, Devlet Bahceli, addressed his parliamentary group saying they
had to come out with a restructuring and change policy before the nation and
the world. He went on to say there was harmony among the Coalition partners,
the will to carry out social evolution, and the power to solve the issues
within the democratic system. He added this was the only way to create an
atmosphere of trust in the country. Thus, the Nationalist Action will have
to abandon its demands on the following issues: They will not say freedom of
expression should be expanded but when people begin to express themselves in
the language of their choice they should be banned. 2- The party can no
longer say capital punishment should be abolished, but first Ocalan must be
executed.3-Torture should be banned, but it should be accepted that
sometimes the security forces can go beyond the call of duty.4- Human rights
should be respected, but when sacrifice is necessary, the public should
economize not the State.5-The Civil Code should be changed, but women should
follow the men a step behind.6-The judicial system must be independent, but
control of the situation should be left in their hands.7- The number of the
civil servants should be decreased, but no NAP partisans should be laid
off.8- We may enter the European Union, but not under their terms. Everyone
should ask themselves if he_she is ready to accept these conditions. Nothing
will change if we accept them or not, but if we are smart enough we will
carry out all of them by our own free will."
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