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Turkish Press Review, 01-10-18
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Foreign
Press in Turkey
Turkish
Press Review >>
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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