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Turkish Press Review, 02-06-26

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> <map name="FPMap1"></map> Press &amp; Information Turkish Press Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

26.06.2002


CONTENTS

  • [01] TURKEY READY TO FACE RIVAL BRAZIL AND ADVANCE TO WORLD CUP FINAL
  • [02] SEZER HOSTS BSEC SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL
  • [03] CEM MEETS WITH OSKANYAN TO DISCUSS UPPER KARABAKH ISSUE
  • [04] BAHCELI: “THE EU’S STANCE ON TURKEY IS HYPOCRITICAL”
  • [05] YILMAZ: “CURRENT DEBATES DO NOT REFLECT ALL THE COPENHAGEN CRITERIA”
  • [06] BUSH THANKS ECEVIT FOR TURKEY’S ISAF COMMAND
  • [07] AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR: “TURKEY MUST BE IN A UNITED EUROPE”
  • [08] KIVRIKOGLU: “THE TSK PLACES IMPORTANCE ON EDUCATION”
  • [09] LEADERS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT
  • [10] GREEK SPOKESMAN: “THE ESDP IS A PROBLEM BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU”
  • [11] NINE DSP DEPUTIES CALL ON PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO STEP DOWN
  • [12] TBB SIGNS AGREEMENT TO COORDINATE ISTANBUL APPROACH
  • [13] KURTALAN RECEIVES GOLD DESIGN AWARD
  • [14] TURKISH MOVIE “PHOTOGRAPH” RECEIVES SPECIAL JURY PRIZE IN SPAIN
  • [15] PARLIAMENT REJECTS PROPOSALS FROM DYP, SP
  • [16] MGK TO CONVENE ON FRIDAY
  • [17] AZEBAIJANI PRESIDENT TO HONOR KIVRIKOGLU
  • [18] FROM THE COLUMNS…FROM THE COLUMNS…FROM THE COLUMNS…
  • [19] WHAT CAME OUT OF SEVILLE? BY GURAY OZ (CUMHURIYET)
  • [20] LETTING THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

  • [01] TURKEY READY TO FACE RIVAL BRAZIL AND ADVANCE TO WORLD CUP FINAL

    The Turkish National Soccer Team is set today to face Brazil’s team in the World Cup semifinals. Though its South American rival managed to defeat Turkey in first round competition, the entire team under Senol Gunes is confident it will emerge victorious in today’s match. All of Turkey is holding its breath in anticipation of this historic competition, and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit has even given state workers the afternoon off. Whatever today’s result, the nation is justifiably proud of its team going to the World Cup for the first time in nearly a half-century and advancing this far. /All Papers/

    [02] SEZER HOSTS BSEC SUMMIT IN ISTANBUL

    The Black Sea Economic Cooperation’s (BSEC) heads of states and governments summit began yesterday in Istanbul with the attendance of eight presidents of the group’s 11 member states. The opening speech of the summit was made by host President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who said that it was time for the BSEC to reach its full potential and borders. Sezer stated that he was very happy to see the heads of states and government in Istanbul for the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the BSEC. Sezer also said that he particularly welcomed cooperation in the area of fighting terrorism, adding that Turkey gives its full support to the fight against terrorism as a country which has suffered a great deal from this menace. “Terrorism prevents the establishment of international peace and security as well as economic and social progress,” Sezer added. Sezer also remarked that the BSEC should have more links with the European Union, on the basis of concrete projects based on international energy, finance and trade. The leaders later signed a summit declaration and had a family photograph marking the end of the one-day meeting. /All Papers/

    [03] CEM MEETS WITH OSKANYAN TO DISCUSS UPPER KARABAKH ISSUE

    Foreign Minister Ismail Cem yesterday met with his Armenian counterpart Vartan Oskanyan on the sidelines of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation’s (BSEC) summit to discuss the Upper Karabakh issue. During the meeting, the Armenian side asked Turkey to withdraw its condition that the Armenians end their occupation of upper Karabakh, which is Azerbaijani territory, in order to improve relations. The response of the Turkish side was that first the Karabakh issue should be solved, then relations can be improved, adding that this was the basic state policy. The two ministers also decided to continue talks behind closed doors. /Hurriyet/

    [04] BAHCELI: “THE EU’S STANCE ON TURKEY IS HYPOCRITICAL”

    Deputy Prime Minister and Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli charged yesterday that the European Union’s stance on Turkey was hypocritical. Addressing his party’s Parliament group meeting, Bahceli spoke on the ongoing EU membership bid discussions in the public. Stressing that certain circles were acting as propagandists for the EU while ceaselessly criticizing the MHP’s stance on it, he said, “Same circles never even consider criticizing the EU’s policies on Turkey and Cyprus.” Bahceli claimed that EU officials were showing disrespectful, insincere behaviour to Turkey. “The European Parliament’s decisions are the most concrete examples of this,” he added. Stating that the EU’s mind was not clear about Turkey, Bahceli said, “Up to now, the EU has not been able to develop a friendly and honest policy for Turkey.” Recalling EU officials’ pressure for a dialogue with the terrorist organization PKK, Bahceli said that neither the Turkish people nor the MHP could accept such an idea. Regarding the Turkish National Football team’s success in the World Cup, Bahceli said that it was an example of what Turks could do when they acted with faith and determination. /Turkiye/

    [05] YILMAZ: “CURRENT DEBATES DO NOT REFLECT ALL THE COPENHAGEN CRITERIA”

    Speaking at a conference on “Turkey’s Development Through European Union Membership” organized by the Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) in Brussels yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said that issues of the death penalty and teaching and broadcasting in mother tongues were only part of the Copenhagen criteria. Yilmaz added, “There are certain reasons for discussing these issues. The EU hasn’t singled out Turkey among nations in insisting that it comply with the Copenhagen criteria. Unfortunately, it’s painful for us to accept this fact. The traces and scars of terrorism, under which we suffered for many years, are still very much there. We understand the sensitivities of the state about the EU. However, the state’s role is not to display sensitivities. The state’s role is to protect and develop the country’s best interests and the freedoms of its citizens using the yardstick of science and modern civilization.” Yilmaz added that the Copenhagen criteria weren’t limited to these much-discussed three conditions but that there many things remained to do to achieve this goal. /Milliyet/

    [06] BUSH THANKS ECEVIT FOR TURKEY’S ISAF COMMAND

    United States President George W. Bush sent a letter to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit this week expressing the US’ appreciation for Turkey’s assuming command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Remarking that Turkey’s support for the US war against terrorism reinforced good bilateral relations between the two countries, Bush said that Turkey constituted a good example for the Muslim world, as a country which has successfully synthesized Islam and secular democracy. “The US will continue to cooperate with the Turkish government for the success of the ISAF under the command of Turkey,” said Bush. “I appreciate Turkey’s courageous decision to assume the ISAF command. Turkey’s leadership in our joint fight against terrorism is a good example for the rest of the Muslim world.” /Cumhuriyet/

    [07] AUSTRIAN AMBASSADOR: “TURKEY MUST BE IN A UNITED EUROPE”

    Austrian Ambassador to Turkey Marius Calligaris said yesterday that the European Union had officially declared Turkey’s membership with its decision made in December 1999 at the Helsinki summit. He said, “The construction of a united Europe without Turkey is not possible.” Pointing to advances in Turkish-EU relations, Calligaris stated that Turkey had taken important steps this year to implement the Copenhagen criteria which are needed to begin full membership negotiations. He stated that he hoped Turkey would succeed in fulfilling all the criteria soon. /Turkiye/

    [08] KIVRIKOGLU: “THE TSK PLACES IMPORTANCE ON EDUCATION”

    Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu yesterday handed out awards to 132 members of the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) to recognize their achievements in science and cultural competitions. In a ceremony at General Staff Headquarters, Kivrikoglu said that in an age of science and information, top-notch education was the key to accomplishment. “The TSK places great importance on the role of education in training its personnel to the highest standards,” he added. /Turkiye/

    [09] LEADERS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE PROJECT

    The International Energy Conference began yesterday in Istanbul with the attendence of the Turkish, Ukranian, Romanian, Georgian and Azeri presidents. Addressing the opening of the meeting, the leaders reiterated their support for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline project, stressing that it would not be a rival to either any country or any other project. President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that Turkey would be a transit country through which European oil and gas needs would be met. Noting that the Baku- Ceyhan oil pipeline engineering studies had been completed, and that construction of it would begin in the near future, Sezer also proposed construction of a gas pipeline parallel to the Baku-Ceyhan. During their speeches, other leaders also pointed to importance of the implementation of projects in the East-West Energy Coridor ventures. /Turkiye/

    [10] GREEK SPOKESMAN: “THE ESDP IS A PROBLEM BETWEEN TURKEY AND THE EU”

    Greek government spokesman Hritos Protopapas yesterday stated that Greece’s national interests concerning the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) had been completely ensured under the latest decisions made at latst weekend’s EU Seville summit. “The 15 members of the EU determined the general framework of the ESDP through their decisions unanimously accepted, ” he said. “These decisions have proved that the ESDP is no longer a matter of dispute between Turkey and the EU, but rather an issue of Turkish-EU relations.” /Cumhuriyet/

    [11] NINE DSP DEPUTIES CALL ON PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO STEP DOWN

    Nine dissident deputies from the Democratic Left Party (DSP) -- Ali Arabacý, Ahmet Arkan, Bayram Firat Dayanikli, Cengiz Gulec, Uluc Gurkan, Emin Karaa, Sadik Kirbas, Ertugrul Kumcuoglu and Tahir Kose -- issued a declaration yesterday calling on to their leader and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to step down. At a press conference in Parliament to announce their statement, the deputies said, “The DSP should be able to go on without Ecevit.” The declaration also remarked that ongoing political uncertainty was harming governmental harmony, stressing however that Ecevit’s health problems weren’t the only reason for the deterioration but that reasons also included conflicting views on the European Union membership process and “unrealistic” early election expectations. The deputies also stated that the DSP is the best and most effective party to overcome Turkey’s problems. Meanwhile Prime Minister Ecevit’s rest and recuperation period, which has lasted a month, is set to end tomorrow. After Ecevit has been examined by his doctors, it will be decided whether he will participate in the National Security Council (MGK) meeting on Friday. /Sabah/

    [12] TBB SIGNS AGREEMENT TO COORDINATE ISTANBUL APPROACH

    The Turkish Banks Union (TBB) signed an agreement yesterday with the Turkish Industrial Development Bank committing itself to its duty of acting as coordinator of the Istanbul Approach, the popular name for the Financial Restructuring Framework Agreement. The TBB stated that the letters of application and commitment are to be signed by debtor firms had been completed and sent to banks and other debtor institutions which signed the framework agreement. /Star/

    [13] KURTALAN RECEIVES GOLD DESIGN AWARD

    A gold jewelry ensemble designed by Turkish artist Meltem Kurtulan yesterday was named among the top 34 designs at the prestigious Gold Virtuosi 2002 Jewelry Design and Craftsmanship competition in Vicenza, Italy. The competition, organized by the World Gold Council (WGC), is considered the “Oscar” of gold jewelry design contests. Kurtalan’s design had previously bested 5,100 other contenders to take home first prize at Turkey’s Gold Trends 2002 competition. /Star/

    [14] TURKISH MOVIE “PHOTOGRAPH” RECEIVES SPECIAL JURY PRIZE IN SPAIN

    The winners of Spain’s 17th Valencia International Young Cinema Festival were announced this week. “Photograph,” a movie by Turkish director Kazim Oz, received the festival’s Special Jury Prize. /Cumhuriyet/

    [15] PARLIAMENT REJECTS PROPOSALS FROM DYP, SP

    A proposal to delay or cancel Parliament’s summer recess, due to officially begin July 1, submitted by the by the main opposition True Path Party (DYP) was rejected yesterday through the votes of government coalition partners. DYP group Deputy Chairman Nevzat Ercan told Parliament that Turkey’s European Union harmonisation reforms needed to be passed as soon as possible. The EU’s Copenhagen summit is coming up in December, he pointed out, and if Parliament recesses it won’t re-convene until October, leaving little chance of its passing the reforms expected at the summit. Meanwhile, a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Cabinet submiited by the Felicity Party (SP) was also rejected. /Aksam/

    [16] MGK TO CONVENE ON FRIDAY

    The National Security Council (MGK) chaired by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is scheduled to hold its regularly scheduled meeting this Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. The domestic political situation, Turkey’s European Union accession process and economic developments will be the top issues to be discussed on the meeting’s agenda. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit is scheduled for a checkup with his doctors before the meeting to determine whether he will be able to attend. /Aksam/

    [17] AZEBAIJANI PRESIDENT TO HONOR KIVRIKOGLU

    Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev is scheduled today to give a honor medal today to Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu during a visit to the General Staff Headquarters in Ankara. /Turkiye/

    [18] FROM THE COLUMNS…FROM THE COLUMNS…FROM THE COLUMNS…

    [19] WHAT CAME OUT OF SEVILLE? BY GURAY OZ (CUMHURIYET)

    Columnist Guray Oz writes on the EU Seville summit. A summary of Oz’s column is as follows:

    “The issues discussed at the Seville summit and decisions taken were all characterized by the newspapers according to their own affiliations. The news in both Turkish and European newspapers were filled with contradictory stories. The summit was in a way overshadowed by the news coming from the World Cup matches. The Seville summit began in the shade of the election results in France and Holland. Silvio Berlusconi, who met the harshest opposition from the European Union after he was elected, was one of the most important figures of this summit. The host of the summit, Jose Maria Aznar, was relieved to pass over this duty to Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen. German Prime Minister Schroeder could not ensure a change in agricultural policies pursued upto today and a lessening of Germany’s burden. No dates were set regarding the EU candidate countries. Strict decisions were wanted so as to defend the borders of Europe, but no consensus emerged to implement harsh sanctions against countries providing transit passage to refugees and illegal immigrants. The decisions against terrorism taken at the previous summit were reiterated, and it was also decided to support countries outside the EU in the fight against terrorism. The bargaining between Turkey and the European Union took place among Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and EU Term President Spain’s Foreign Minister Josep Pique and EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana. The formulae prepared taking into consideration the details to counter Turkey’s opposition to the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) were rejected by Ismail Cem. It was understood that Ankara would not agree to such a plan before a date was set for its EU accession negotiations. British Foreign Minister Jack Straw clearly stated this. The Istanbul Accord prepared with the support of the US and British diplomats foresaw that Turkey’s opinions and approval should be sought in military operations Turkey would participate in. The main line of the document made certain that no military sanctions should be implemented against a NATO country. Greece didn’t like this document and proposed a series of changes. The change it presented in Seville was a different one. Greece, wanted to note down the condition that NATO or a NATO member country would not launch a military operation against any EU country. Here the NATO country meant is Turkey, and the EU country was either Greece or Cyprus. Naturally, a decision was not taken on the issue. However, Greece left the summit pleased, as no certain dates were set for candidate countries’ admittance into the Union and the issue was left to the Copenhagen summit in December. If there are no surprises, full membership status will be granted to the 10 countries in one way or another, and they will be taken into the Union in 2003 or 2004. In 2003 the European Union Term Presidency will pass over to Greece. The country which will conduct talks on ESDP with Turkey would be Greece in the six months to follow. Turkey didn’t get a timetable for its EU full membership from the Seville summit. The issue was left to the Copenhagen summit. As always, it was stated that Turkey had not completed its homework. The announcement that no date could be given for the start of accession negotiations fell upon German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder. He voiced the will of the EU by saying, ‘We are not yet ready, and there is no binding timetable for Turkey.’”

    [20] LETTING THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

    Columnist Oktay Eksi writes on the recent speech delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli at the praliamentary group meeting of his Nationalist Action Party (MHP). A summary of his column is as follows:

    “Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli, as is the custom today, began his speech by congratulating the Turkish football team. However, the main issue he discussed in his speech was Turkey’s relations with the EU. We have to state that on some of the criticisms he directed at the EU, we completely share his views. For example, we share his reactions to the words of Joost Langendjik, Dutch co-chairman of the European Joint Parliamentary Group which forms a bridge between Turkish and European Parliament, in a statement to the press following official talks when he had the nerve to say that Turkey had to enter a dialogue with the PKK and if this wasn’t done, none of the Copenhagen criteria would be considered fulfilled. In the same vein, the European Parliament’s frequently taking absurd decisions such as the one calling on us to recognize the so-called Armenian genocide is another issue of the same kind. However, this is not surprising. The same stance can be seen in the policies towards other countries. The EU is a democratic society. There will be people in favor of such causes and those against them. The important thing is not what is said but the decisions taken afterwards. These decisions are not taken by fools like Mr. Langendjik, nor are the decisions of the European Parliament binding. After all these are said and done with, when Turkey is included among the candidate countries during the Helsinki summit everything will fall into place. Therefore, Mr. Bahceli should not formulate his party’s policies fearing the biased policies of the European Union or that they may impose new conditions which will Turkey dearly. Furthermore, the argument stating that we should comply with the Copenhagen criteria after the EU has given us a date for accession negotiations is simply indefensible. In that case, the question that if they are ready to comply with these criteria, why not now, is left unanswered. Probably Mr. Bahceli explained his views most clearly to Ertugrul Ozkok, the editor-in-chief of Hurriyet. ‘They are asking me to act like a statesman not chairman of a party... However, others (meaning Mesut Yilmaz) will use the EU issue for the benefit of their own party and I will be left to act as a politician above parties. Is this politics?’ In other words, this means that he is putting the interests of his party above all.”

    ARCHIVE

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