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Turkish Press Review, 01-10-18

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>

<LINK href="http://www.byegm.gov.tr_yayinlarimiz_chr_pics_css/tpr.css" rel=STYLESHEET type=text/css> <map name="FPMap1"> <_map> Press &amp; Information Turkish Press Foreign Press in Turkey Turkish Press Review &gt;&gt; Press Guide Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

18.10.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] REFERENDUM ISSUE
  • [02] ECEVIT: "WE HOPE THE US WILL NOT ATTACK IRAQ"
  • [03] CEM DENOUNCES ISRAELI MINISTER'S ASSASSINATION
  • [04] YILMAZ: IT IS A POLITICAL DECISION
  • [05] CILLER: YOU CANNOT ESCAPE FROM THE NATION
  • [06] TURKEY IS IN FAVOR OF SENDING PEACE FORCE TO AFGHANISTAN
  • [07] BAHCELI'S VISIT TO THE US CANCELLED
  • [08] TURKEY'S DEMAND CONCERNING THE GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION
  • [09] WESTON TO VISIT ANKARA, ATHENS AND LEFKHOSA
  • [10] TUSIAD DELEGATION MEETS WITH EU OFFICIALS
  • [11] TURKISH DELEGATION TO VISIT US
  • [12] US WORKING TO HELP TURKISH ECONOMY
  • [13] 2002 BUDGET PRESENTED TO TGNA
  • [14] IMF TO DISCUSS ADITIONAL LOAN
  • [15] BURHAN KARA JOINS DYP
  • [16] METU STUDIES EURASIA
  • [17] IKV INVITES EU TO ACT SINCERELY TOWARDS TURKEY
  • [18] SECOND HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN DIYARBAKIR
  • [19] DISK THANKS SEZER
  • [20] POLICE ASSAILANTS IDENTIFIED
  • [21] BSEC FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET IN ANTALYA
  • [22] SCIENCE FAIR IN ANKARA
  • [23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [24] HAVE SEPT 11 OPENED EYES IN EUROPE? BY HASAN CEMAL (MILLIYET)

  • [01] REFERENDUM ISSUE

    The Government sent the 33-article amendment package to Official Gazette. The package was published yesterday and put into force. A statement sent to the Presidential Office by the Government said that the decision made by the President Ahmet Necdet Sezer which refers the controversial constitutional amendment article to the Constitution's Article 86, that would increase the deputies' pay substantially, and would introduce lucrative pension benefits to a referendum, was not fair. The statement signed by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, "We have certain hesitations about your decision. The Constitution says that if a referendum is foreseen, it should be on the whole package. You have not authority to refer only one article to a referendum." Meanwhile, Parliament Speaker Omer Izgi met with the President yesterday and they discussed comprehensively on Constitution's 86th article. /Turkiye/

    [02] ECEVIT: "WE HOPE THE US WILL NOT ATTACK IRAQ"

    Attending "Larry King Live" on CNN, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit responded to the questions of reporter Larry King on the recent developments in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Ecevit said that he hoped the US would not attack Iraq. He stated, "If the US attacks Iraq, this will result in a division within the country which will cause serious problems for Turkey's territorial unity. We already provide the US officials with the opportunity to follow activities connected to the increase of armament in Iraq. Therefore, we see no need to attack Iraq." Stating that Turkey lent logistic support to the US right after the September 11th attacks, Ecevit responded King's question asking whether he was concerned over Turkey's unique position within NATO as an only Muslim member, "No, I never had any concern on this issue. On the contrary, I believe Turkey's unique position is what makes her significant. We live in a geography where the West and the East meet. We are a Muslim but also secular and democratic country." /Cumhuriyet/

    [03] CEM DENOUNCES ISRAELI MINISTER'S ASSASSINATION

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem denounced the assassination of Israeli Tourism Minister Rehavam Zeevi. Stating what terrorism could not be justified whatever its purpose, Cem emphasized the importance of preventing such terrorist activities aimed at hampering efforts to sustain peace and stability the region. Cem called on all the parties involved in the Middle East Peace Process to do their utmost for the sake of peace. Meanwhile, Cem met with his Estonian counterpart Toomas Hendrik Ilves who visited Ankara to pay an official visit. The two ministers signed a Air Transportation Agreement between Turkey and Estonia. Cem stated that Turkey wanted to improve her commercial and cultural relations with Estonia. Stating that they evaluated the latest development in Afghanistan, the Caucasus and Middle East, Cem said, "Turkey agrees with Estonia in supporting Georgia to sustain peace and stability in the Caucasus." Additionally, Ilves also expressed his appreciation for the support Turkey lent for Estonia's NATO membership. /Cumhuriyet/

    [04] YILMAZ: IT IS A POLITICAL DECISION

    The Motherland Party (ANAP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said the President's referendum decision is not in line with the Constitution and it was politically motivated. Addressing his party's group meeting, Yilmaz criticized the President's decision saying, "The 34-article amendment package is the most comprehensive change to be carried out by civilians in Turkish history. But, unfortunately, the package was overshadowed by a single article regulating deputies' salaries." He added that the final decision on whether or not to hold a referendum was to be made by Parliament. Regarding the recent resignations from ANAP, Yilmaz pointed out, "It is not ANAP being dispersed, but the black clouds over it." /Hurriyet/

    [05] CILLER: YOU CANNOT ESCAPE FROM THE NATION

    The True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller said that the President's decision on a national referendum was also an opportunity for the Parliament to open the way of an election. Speaking her party's group meeting yesterday, Ciller called on the government for an election. Stressing that no one can benefit of escaping from the nation, she said, "If the President makes such a decision, he also gives a message, "I open the door for you to go to nation." Using his authority, the President has stepped one foot further. All countries in the world do not hesitate to ask the opinion of their nations on every issue, we can do the same thing." /Turkiye/

    [06] TURKEY IS IN FAVOR OF SENDING PEACE FORCE TO AFGHANISTAN

    Turkey is in favor of participating in a peace force to be formed after the US operation against Afghanistan ends. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said, "Turkey has always participated in peace forces. Afghanistan is a very important country for us. Responding to reporters' questions at the press conference he held yesterday, Dirioz said, "We'll evaluate the issue of participating in a peace force after Enduring Freedom operation ends. However, it is clear that Turkey has always assumed her part within the Peace Forces like Kosovo. Afghanistan is important to us since we had historical relations with her." Meanwhile, diplomatic traffic is continuing in Ankara. Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) Secretary General Abdulhavid Belkeziz met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Minister Of State Mehmet Kececiler yesterday in Ankara. The developments in the aftermath of the September 11th incident and Islamic countries' stance on the issue were taken up in detail during the meetings. Cem's another distinguished guest will be British Minister of Foreign Affairs Jack Straw today. /Cumhuriyet/

    [07] BAHCELI'S VISIT TO THE US CANCELLED

    Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) Devlet Bahceli has cancelled his visit to Washington which as planned to take place at the beginning of November. Bahceli had received an invitation from the Assembly of Turkish-American Associations before the September 11th incident. Bahveli said that he deemed it inappropriate to leave Turkey these days because of the the US operation in Afghanistan, possibility of a referendum in Turkey and ongoing discussion regarding 2002 budget. /Cumhuriyet/

    [08] TURKEY'S DEMAND CONCERNING THE GREEK-CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION

    Based on the British Professor Mendelson's report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs repeated its demand that the Greek-Cypriot Administration's application to the European Union (EU) should be cancelled. In the written explanation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was pointed that if the Greek-Cypriot Administration takes her illegal process of membership, serious problems will occur. The International Law Prof. Maurice H. Mendelson's work, which examines the legal characteristics of Greek-Cypriot Administration's single-sided application to the EU and which was published as a Security Council document with the Executive Board of the United Nations (UN), confirms the validity of Turkey's argument concerning Cyprus. The elements that take place in Mendelson's report are as follows: The Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership application to the EU is against the Agreement of Guarantee. This agreement forbids Cyprus to participate in political and economic unions, of which Turkey and Greece are not members; England and Greece, which are the guarantor countries, have the responsibility of preventing the activities required by the Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership to the EU; the EU countries also have the same responsibility in preventing the illegal application. /Milliyet/

    [09] WESTON TO VISIT ANKARA, ATHENS AND LEFKHOSA

    US State Department Cyprus coordinator Thomas Weston will visit Ankara, Athens and Lefkosha, Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday. State Department Cyprus representative James Sivers will also accompany him on his tours. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas comfirmed the US diplomat's visit by saying that Weston had made an appointment with him. On October 22, Weston will arrive in Ankara and meet Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and other ministry officials. He will depart Ankara for Athens on October 23, and on October 25 he will be in the TRNC. _Turkish News

    [10] TUSIAD DELEGATION MEETS WITH EU OFFICIALS

    The Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) delegation chaired by Deputy Chairman of its Executive Council met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen and European Parliament members. Conveying the developments regarding the National Programme, the delegation emphasized the importance of constitutional amendments approved by the Turkish Parliament, regarding Turkey's adjustment with the Copenhagen Criteria. /Cumhuriyet/

    [11] TURKISH DELEGATION TO VISIT US

    The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat (DTM) applied to US Trade Representative concerning ready-to-wear and textile quotas, which is the biggest problem concerning trade made with the US. When a reply is received to this application, a delegation from the DTM will go to the US to hold meetings concerning the quota. Turkey has filled its quota particularly in the categories including cotton trousers, t-shirt, home textile and towels. The European Commission Member responsible for Trade, Pascal Lamy, said they were aware of the problems of the Turkish side and that they had brought this issue on the agenda with their American colleagues during their meetings. /Milliyet/

    [12] US WORKING TO HELP TURKISH ECONOMY

    The United States is working on a package of measures to provide relief for the Turkish economy, which is remaining steadfast beside the United States in its international fight against terrorism. Sources close to the Bush administration said that the US departments of state, defense, treasury and trade had launched technical studies. The sources said that the clearing of Turkish foreign military sales (FMS) loans, which amounted to $5 billion, and a review of textile quotas were among the economic measures on which US officials were working. Technical works are expected to be shaped up by senior officials of the US administration in the coming weeks. /Turkish News/

    [13] 2002 BUDGET PRESENTED TO TGNA

    2002 Budget draft law was presented to the Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). An income of 71.1 quadrillion TL was envisaged for the 2002 budget, which is expected to have a deficit amounting to 27 quadrillion TL. In the budget, the personnel allocations were determined as 21.9 quadrillion TL and the other current allocations as 7.8 quadrillion TL. /Sabah/

    [14] IMF TO DISCUSS ADITIONAL LOAN

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is pleased with the Budget of 2002. IMF Spokesman, Tom Dawson, held a press conference yesterday and said they agreed with Turkey concerning the budget figures to a great extent. Dawson said they had evaluated various possibilities on finance of the deficits and that it was early to say anything about the additional loan. He added, "I hope the new review will be completed by the end of October. The possibility of a new loan also will be discussed there. However, it is early to talk about the way to close the financing deficit." /Sabah/

    [15] BURHAN KARA JOINS DYP

    Independent parliamentarian from Giresun Burhan Kara, resigned from the Motherland Party (ANAP) for a while ago, joined the True Path Party (DYP) yesterday. Following the membership of Kara, the DYP became the third largest party in the Parliament with 82 chairs. /Turkiye/

    [16] METU STUDIES EURASIA

    The Middle East Technical University (METU) has initiated Turkey's first "Eurasian Studies" program jointly with the Black Sea and Central Asian Countries Research Center. The opening of the Eurasian Studies will be made with the international conference titled "Political Culture and Civil Society in the Black Sea" today. Former President Suleyman Demirel will deliver a speech at the conference today at METU. /Cumhuriyet/

    [17] IKV INVITES EU TO ACT SINCERELY TOWARDS TURKEY

    Chairwoman of the Financial Development Foundation (IKV) Meral Gezgin Eris while holding talks in Brussels has called on the EU to adopt a sincere and constructive position with regard to Turkey. According to a statement issued by the IKV, Eris held talks with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen, Turkey Desk director Michael Leigh and several European Parliament members and put across certain important points, saying: "Despite the economic crisis and other adverse conditions, the work being done in accordance with the National Programme is progressing with resolve and EU accession work has accelerated." /Turkish Daily News/

    [18] SECOND HUMAN RIGHTS SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN DIYARBAKIR

    The second Human Rights Education Seminar, arranged by the Interior Ministry and the National Committee on 10 years of Human Rights Education, is to be held in Diyarbakir. State Minister for Human Rights Nejat Arseven is to attend the opening ceremony. /Turkish Daily News/

    [19] DISK THANKS SEZER

    The Turkish Confederation of Revolutionary Worker's Union (DISK) Executive Board has stated that they support President Sezer's decision to submit the increases in deputy salaries and the arrangement regarding their retirement conditions to a referendum. The DISK's statement issued yesterday noted that the executive board of the confederation had a meeting about the issue. It was also pointed out that DISK Chairman Suleyman Celebi has sent a letter to Sezer saying, "The demand for increases in deputies' salaries and the application of new arrangements for their retirement in the name of democratization can be considered an insult to the public. We want to emphasize that we support your decision and thank you." /Turkish News/

    [20] POLICE ASSAILANTS IDENTIFIED

    Interior Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen has said that the people who ambushed and killed two police officers and injured one other in Istanbul the other day have been identified. He said the investigation is proceeding well. /Turkish Daily News/

    [21] BSEC FOREIGN MINISTERS TO MEET IN ANTALYA

    Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) foreign ministers are to meet on Oct. 26 in Antalya . BSEC member country's foreign ministers including Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and high ranking officials will attend the meeting at the Sabanci Congress and Fair Center. /Turkish Daily News/

    [22] SCIENCE FAIR IN ANKARA

    The Communication Technologies First International Symposium and Fair had started at the Middle East Technical University (METU) Culture and Convention Center yesterday. The symposium organized jointly by the Scientific and Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK), the METU, the Electric Engineers Association (EMO) will last four days and feature panels and sessions under the titles of "communication systems," "electro-magnetic pollution," fiber optic applications" "data compressing" and "encryption." /Turkish News/

    [23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [24] HAVE SEPT 11 OPENED EYES IN EUROPE? BY HASAN CEMAL (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Hasan Cemal comments on the terrorist activities in Europe. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "Turkey has suffered from terrorism for years and she still faces this menace. The first terrorism wave emerged in Cyprus during the 1970s. The role of organizations such as 'Small Smyrna' and 'Association for the Liberation of Asian Minor People' in Athens in increasing the wave of terror against us was no secret for Ankara. Initially there was the ASALA terror. 40 Turkish diplomats were murdered by this organization. When ASALA ended her activities the PKK terror came to the scene. Turkey has lost 40 thousand of her citizens in 16 years because of this organization. Meanwhile, Hizbullah, IBDA-C, and DHKP-C terrorist organizations surfaced. Separatist terror on the one hand, religious terror on the other in addition to extreme leftist terror did not leave Turkey alone. Some of our neighbours used the weapon of terror to weaken, and destroy democratic, secular Turkey. Furthermore, let alone solidarity and assistance on the issue, Turkey did not receive the understanding she deserved from her friends and allies in Europe in her fight against terrorism. Some of them even supported these terrorist activities which led Turkey to instability. The most striking example for this is Ocalan's capture in Greek Embassy in Kenya with a Greek Cypriot passport. Have the attacks on September 11 opened the eyes in Europe? Have the European countries begun to see how dangerous it is to find an excuse for terrorism, to classify it and apply double standards regarding the issue? There are positive developments in NATO and the European Union on the subject. Particularly the decisions taken by NATO are of utmost importance. In some European countries, bank accounts suspected to be connected to Osama bin Laden are frozen. Will this process continue? In other words, will it be expanded to cover the terrorist organizations, and their subsidiary companies which are posing a threat to Turkey? Turkey has submitted a file on PKK to NATO recently. According to this file, the amount of money collected by the terorist organization only in Germany is estimated to be $ 20 billion . This money comes from narcotics trafficking, extortion, human smuggling, and voluntary or involuntary donations. What will Germany do now? Will she freeze these accounts too and ban the subsidiary companies of the PKK from action, extradite criminals? Or will she ignore them as they do not disrupt her public order? If she prefers the last option, won't the October 4 solidarity decisions of NATO be left up in air? The decisions taken by NATO have great importance. The activities of the PKK, DHKP-C, IBDA-C or the followers of the Black Voice and their subsidiary companies should not be harbored in NATO countries. According to the recent United Nations decisions, it is out of the question to grant political asylum to the members of these organizations. They must be extradited. NATO solidarity envisages that. It is time for some European countries to take clear stances on the issue. Otherwise, membership to NATO, alliance or friendship will be left up in the air , double standards will continue. I believe it is time to discuss the menace of terrorism with Europe."


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