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Turkish Press Review, 00-11-01
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
01.11.00
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
[01] CLINTON PROPOSES DEMIREL TAKE PART IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE
COMMISSION
[02] SPECIAL STATE BONDS TO BE ISSUED FOR FINANCING 10 BANKS IN THE
FUND
[03] GERMAN BUSINESSMEN ORGANIZION TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH
BUSINESSMEN
[04] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS
[05] SEZER'S LETTER TO CHIRAC
[06] SEZER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR THE ECO
[07] ATLANTIC AGREEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MEETING
[08] DUTCH PRIME MINISTER IN TURKEY
[09] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CANCELS 11 MORE GOVERNMENT DECREES
[10] SYRIA SEEKS FOR COOPERATION
[11] MINUTES OF ACCORD SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA
[12] TURKEY TO RECEIVE WORLD BANK ADJUSTMENT CREDIT OF $760 MILLION
[13] CLINTON PROPOSES DEMIREL TAKE PART IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE
COMMISSION
[14] TOSKAY: " EVERY COUNTRY SHOULD DEAL WITH ITS OWN AFFAIRS"
[15] TURKEY'S APPLICATION TO WORLD BANK
[16] THE TREASURY WILL ORGANIZE THREE TENDERS
[17] SPECIAL STATE BONDS TO BE ISSUED FOR FINANCING 10 BANKS IN THE
FUND
[18] A REPRESENTATIVE TO SHANGHAI BY SISECAM
[19] EXPO IMPRESSED BY TURKEY
[20] GERMAN BUSINESSMEN ORGANIZION TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH
BUSINESSMEN
[21] POLLUTION DANGER IN BLACK SEA
[22] TWO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVE NOBEL SCIENCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
[23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS
[24] CRITICAL NOVEMBER BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
[01] CLINTON PROPOSES DEMIREL TAKE PART IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE
COMMISSION
[02] SPECIAL STATE BONDS TO BE ISSUED FOR FINANCING 10 BANKS IN THE
FUND
[03] GERMAN BUSINESSMEN ORGANIZION TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH
BUSINESSMEN
[04] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS
[05] SEZER'S LETTER TO CHIRAC
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer sent a letter concerning the
so-called Armenian genocide resolution, up for a vote on November
7, to French President Jacques Chirac. In his letter, Mr. Sezer
stated that if the resolution was approved in the French Senate,
bilateral relations between Turkey and France would be seriously
damaged. Concerned about the possibility of allegations of the
Armenian genocide being put on the agenda of the French Senate
and Italian Parliament, Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA)
Speaker, Omer Izgi sent letters to the President of the French
Senate and the Speaker of the Italian Parliament. Mr. Izgi said
that no parliamentary speaker in the world has the right to
judge another country's past. Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz
said that Armenia would be the party most damaged by such
attempts . Mr. Yilmaz said a nation's loyalty to its past was
beneficial for as long as it is able to learn lessons for a
better future. In addition, Chairman of the Republican Peoples
Party, Deniz Baykal sent letters to the French Prime Minister
Lionel Jospin and the representatives of the Socialist Party in
the French Senate. If the resolution is approved in the French
Senate's urgent issues session November 7, it will go back to the
French Parliament. /Cumhuriyet/
[06] SEZER PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR THE ECO
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said yesterday that Turkey, which
actively contributes to the efforts of the Economic Cooperation
Organization (ECO), will maintain its support. Mr. Sezer hosted
newly-elected ECO Secretary General Abdulrahim Gavahi at the
Presidential Palace in Ankara and congratulated him on his new
post. If all ECO member countries internalize the principles and
rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Mr. Sezer said,
commercial relations between these countries will improve. He
also invited non-member countries to join the ECO. Regarding the
ECO's points of emphasis, Mr. Sezer said Turkey was focusing
especially on transport, energy and trade issues. Gavahi said he
expected Turkey, one of the three founding members of the ECO,
would continue to work together with the organization. /Turkish
Daily News/
[07] ATLANTIC AGREEMENT ASSOCIATION'S MEETING
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said it was important for an
immediate solution to be found for the problems between Turkey
and Greece and for political support to be given to the civil
rapprochment. During his speech at the meeting organized by the
Atlantic Agreement Association in Budapest, Mr. Cem pointed out
the dimensions of the Mideast issue and said the increasing
violance in the region threatens world peace. Emphasizing the
importance of the stability in the Balkans, Mr. Cem said the
Yugoslavia issue should be overcome. Greek Foreign Minister
George Papandreou also addressed the meeting. Talking about the
issues in the Balkans, Southeastern Europe and Mideast, Mr.
Papandreu said his government gives priority to human and
minority rights and they struggle against ultra-nationalism. On
relations with Turkey, the Greek Foreign Minister said the public
is pressuring the government for a solution to the problems
between the two countries. Stressing peoples desire for peace and
friendship, he said political interests should be left in the
background. Additionally, it was stated that the meeting of the
Atlantic Agreement Association will be held in Turkey and Greece
in 2002. /Turkiye/
[08] DUTCH PRIME MINISTER IN TURKEY
Dutch Foreign Minister Wim Kok, on an official visit in Turkey,
proceeded to Istanbul and the earthquake region yesterday after
completing his political and diplomatic meetings in Ankara. Mr.
Kok addressed a conference held in Bogazici University on
"Turkey's Future in the Stable Europe". Stressing that Turkey has
a unique and unusual strategic situation, Kok said Turkey faces
many geopolitical problems. Later, Mr. Kok made observations in
Golcuk, one of the hardest hit cities in last year's quake. The
Dutch Minister said Holland will continue sending aid to the
region. /Turkiye/
[09] CONSTITUTIONAL COURT CANCELS 11 MORE GOVERNMENT DECREES
The Constitutional Court canceled 11 more decrees with the power
of law (KHK). Acting President of the Constitutional Court, Hasim
Kilic, said the Court canceled decrees concerning the
establishment of the Social Security Institution and a decision
was made to put the cancellation of the decrees into effect six
months from the published date in the Official Gazette.
/Cumhuriyet/
[10] SYRIA SEEKS FOR COOPERATION
The first assistant of the Syrian President Besir Esad,
Abdulhalim Haddam will arrive in Turkey tomorrow to hold
meetings. He will convey Mr. Esad's special message to President
Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Mr. Haddam will be received by the Speaker of
TGNA, Omer Izgi, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit. Mr. Haddam is expected to discuss the latest
developments in the Middle East, Syria's concern over the water
issue, issues concerning cooperation on security and the common
principles declaration being prepared between Syria and Turkey.
/Cumhuriyet/
[11] MINUTES OF ACCORD SIGNED BETWEEN TURKEY AND BULGARIA
According to a statement made by Ministry of Energy yesterday,
the meeting of the Turkey-Bulgaria Common Working Group,
co-chaired by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources,
Cumhur Ersumer, and Bulgarian Minister of Regional Development
and Public Works, Evgeni Chachev, was held yesterday within the
framework of the protocol of the Energy and Infrastructure
Cooperation Agreement between Turkey and Bulgaria. A minutes of
accord was signed by Mr. Ersumer and Mr. Chachev at the meeting.
According to this minutes, Bulgaria will increase its electricity
transfers to Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/
[12] TURKEY TO RECEIVE WORLD BANK ADJUSTMENT CREDIT OF $760 MILLION
The World Bank Director in Turkey, Ajay Chhibber said the
privatization program in Turkey was successful this year.
Answering questions from the press before attending a meeting
with State Minister Yuksel Yalova, Mr. Chhibber said, "Although
all of the targets were not reached in the privatization program,
it is still a reliable program by the international standards. I
belive the privatization program will continue to be implemented
successfully under the leadership of State Minister Yalova in
2001 as well." Responding a question, Mr. Chhibber said the
financial structural adjustment credit (FSAT) of $780 million to
be given to Turkey, will be approved by the Executive Board of
the World Bank at the end of this year. /Milliyet/
[13] CLINTON PROPOSES DEMIREL TAKE PART IN THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE
COMMISSION
The Clinton Administration suggested the ninth Turkish President
Suleyman Demirel, take part in the international fact finding
commission to be established in response to the month long
violence continuing in the region. The commission will try to
prevent the escalation of tension between Israel and Palestine.
This suggestion was put forward after US President Bill Clinton
received approval from Egyptian, Israeli and Palestinean leaders.
US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, called Mr. Demirel
yesterday evening to suggest the position. /Milliyet/
[14] TOSKAY: " EVERY COUNTRY SHOULD DEAL WITH ITS OWN AFFAIRS"
State Minister Tunca Toskay in Iraq to attend the Bagdad Fair met
with Deputy President Taha Yasin Ramazan. Responding to Ramazan's
demand that Incirlik Airbase be closed, Mr. Toskay said, "We
cannot discuss the internal affairs of Turkey with the officials
of another country in Bagdad. Every country should deal with its
own internal matters. We are here to discuss commercial
relations." /Aksam/
[15] TURKEY'S APPLICATION TO WORLD BANK
Turkey has applied to the World Bank to fight against corruption.
The Ministry of Treasury stated after the World Bank evaluated
the issue, the Ministry planned to begin working against
corruption and would ensure the participation of the
non-governmental organizations in this fight. /Cumhuriyet/
[16] THE TREASURY WILL ORGANIZE THREE TENDERS
The treasury, with a 1.6 quadrillion TL payment for November, is
expecting to be 1-1.3 quadrillion TL in debt. Interest, to be
raised by the sale of a three-months fixed term bond, will be a
base for the payment of the other two transfer tenders. The
treasury will pay $643.7 million in foreign debt in November. The
payments of domestic borrowings by the treasury for this month
will be 1 quadrillion 585 trillion TL. /Sabah/
[17] SPECIAL STATE BONDS TO BE ISSUED FOR FINANCING 10 BANKS IN THE
FUND
At the summit presided over by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the
decision was made that the treasury will give special state bonds
totaling $6.1 billion to the Banking Regulation and Supervision
Board(BDDK) for the rehabilitation of 10 banks currently under
the aegis of the Deposit Account Insurance Fund(MSF). /Hurriyet/
[18] A REPRESENTATIVE TO SHANGHAI BY SISECAM
Sisecam Chemicals Group send a representative to Shanghai.
Sisecam announced it aimed to increase its share of the Chinese
market. The representative will study possible investments in
Shanghai. /Aksam/
[19] EXPO IMPRESSED BY TURKEY
The EXPO 2000 World Fair, opened June 1 in Hannover Germany, has
ended. The Turkish stand attracted great interest in the fair,
which attracted 18 million visitors. This year the theme for the
Turkish stand was "The Bridge between East and West, the Past and
the Future". In the closing ceremony Wolfgang Thierse, the
president of the Federal Assembly, said the fair acted as a
cultural ambassador, particularly with the increase of antagonism
against foreigners in Germany. The President of the Republic of
Germany Johannes Rau announced in a letter that the fair was a
great success for international rapprochement. /Aksam/
[20] GERMAN BUSINESSMEN ORGANIZION TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH
BUSINESSMEN
The Businessmen Organization Association of Middle Scale
Enterprises(MIT) attached to the German Christian Democratic
Unity(CDU) and Christian Social Unity Parties (CSU) decided to
consolidate their cooperation with Turkish businessmen in
Germany. Celil Senman, of Turkish origin and a member of the
Association, presented the draft he prepared to this end at the
Berlin meeting. Mr. Senman said, " There are more than 55,000
Turkish businessmen in Germany. Their annual total income reaches
DM 50 billion. There is both a great potential and opportunity
for cooperation with Turkish firms." /Aksam/
[21] POLLUTION DANGER IN BLACK SEA
The second "Pollution of the Black Sea and Mediterranean"
conference organized by Bogazici University and Manchester
University, began in Istanbul. Delivering a speech at the opening
of the conference State Minister Responsible for Maritime,
Ramazan Mirzaoglu said, "In addition to the state,
non-governmental organizations should struggle against the
pollution of our seas. Stressing the rivers flowing to the Black
Sea, (the Danube, Don and Dnieper) are carring poisonous waste,
Mr. Ramazanoglu said large countries are responsible for the
pollution. The conference, with scientists participating from ten
different countries, will last four days. Topics such as the
intense petrol-tanker traffic in the straits, sea accidents and
precautions for sea pollution will also be taken up during the
conference. /Turkiye/
[22] TWO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVE NOBEL SCIENCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Sanliurfa Anatolian High School students, Mesut Sekeroglu and
Banu Birlik received acknowledgement awards for their projects
presented to the Polish Physics Science Academy. /Hurriyet/
[23] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS
[24] CRITICAL NOVEMBER BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the importance of November for
Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows:
"November will be an important month for Turkish foreign policy.
Two of the events taking place this month are of great
significance. The first concerns Turkey's relations with the
European Union and the second, the future of the Cyprus problem.
Both issues will play a determining role in Ankara's foreign
relations.
The Accession Partnership Document (KOB) to be disclosed by the
EU Commission on November 8, will reveal the position of the EU
and its expectations on Turkey's membership. It is understood
that the document, discussed for weeks is taking on final shape
and will not ruffle any feathers in Turkey. However, it is also
certain that the KOB will deal with various issues ranging from
human rights and the Cyprus problem which at first would not seem
to be to the liking of the Turkish Government. We have to be
prepared for this and control our reactions accordingly. The KOB
will openly display fundamental differences of opinion on the
criteria for membership between the EU and Turkey. However, this
should not erase the importance of goals Turkey has adopted, not
only for relations with the EU, but also for its own policies.In
other words, Ankara should prepare its National Program as soon
as possible and begin carrying it out without opposing the KOB.
This National Program will be the main 'road map' and will
determine the beginning of the negotiation process for full EU
membership.
Government officials, including Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, are
saying Turkey will complete its preparations and the necessary
legal changes by the end of 2001. If these are not completed by
then, the membership negotiations will be delayed which in turn
brings the danger of its non compliance for various reasons. The
government is now expected to expedite the preparations for full
membership negotiations so the process can be completed within
year.
The fourth round of the Cyprus proximity talks, November's other
important event, begins today. Nothing new can be said at the
beginning of these talks that has not been already said. The
parties are coming together reluctantly with no expectations in
Geneva. If it had not been for the efforts of the UN Secretary
General Kofi Annan and the pressure of the US, this process would
have been over. However, none of the parties wants to be seen as
intransigent escaping from the meetings. For a compromise
requiring important concessions there has to be encouraging
motivation. In other words, the parties have to believe that a
solution would be more to their benefit than the status quo.
Neither side has reached that point. Negotiations are continuing
over the basic disputed issues as equality and sovereignty and
are not even conducted face-to-face.
Although the UN Secretary General has taken a position adopting
the equality principle in the New York round, the possibility of
its acceptance by the Greek-Cypriot side is weak. Can this
deadlock be solved in Geneva and a new way leading to a solution
be found in the negotiations? It is not probable, but hope in
diplomacy should not be lost.
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