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Turkish Press Review, 01-11-14
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
14.11.2001
CONTENTS
[01] EU REPORT ON TURKEY
[02] VERHEUGEN WARNS TURKEY
[03] DENKTAS: "CYPRUS CANNOT BE A CRITERIA FOR EU MEMBERSHIP"
[04] BAHCELI DENOUNCES THE EU
[05] YILMAZ: CRITICS OF EU ARE RIGHT
[06] WALL STREET JOURNAL CRITICIZES THE EU
[07] MUSHARRAF STOPS OVER IN TURKEY
[08] TURKISH SOLDIERS ON THE AGENDA AGAIN
[09] BELGIUM ALLOWS PKK-AFFILIATED MEETING
[10] ECEVIT RECEIVES 12 NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADORS
[11] CAKMAKOGLU: "LAND OPERATION IS IN NEAR FUTURE"
[12] GENERAL YALMAN VISITS CHINA
[13] ROGOZIN: "A LIST OF CHECHEN MILITANTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO TURKEY"
[14] GERMANY TO DEPORT EXTREMIST MURDER SUSPECT
[15] TASAR TAKES TRIP TO MERRY OLD ENGLAND
[16] YOUNG TURKS OFF TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
[17] IMF'S ADDITIONAL FINANCE SOURCE
[18] CHHIBBER: "WORLD BANK SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE"
[19] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL
[20] US-TURKEY BILATERAL QUALITY BILL REACHES PARLIAMENT
[21] BEKO RECEIVES AWARD FROM JAPAN
[22] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[23] LET IT END BY SEDAT SERTOGLU (TURKISH NEWS)
[01] EU REPORT ON TURKEY
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen yesterday released the
annual progress reports on 13 countries. In the fourth progress report on
Turkey, the commission expressed its satisfaction at recent Constitutional
amendments as well as its expectation that these amendments be implemented.
On the other hand, Turkey's steps taken on human rights were found
inadequate in the report. Meanwhile, Turkey's EU Permanent Representative
Ambassador Nihat Akyol said Ankara that did not agree with certain remarks
in the report, adding, "However, the report is a document stating the
commission's views and one cannot expect Turkey to share the exact same
views." /Turkiye/
[02] VERHEUGEN WARNS TURKEY
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen said yesterday that the
most important issue between Turkey and EU are the Cyprus problem and the
European Security and Defense Policy
(ESDP). The Cyprus problem could cause an unprecedented crisis between
Turkey and the
EU, he warned. He also remarked that recent statements by Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Cem concerning Cyprus were putting
Turkey in a risky position, because in his view Turkish Cypriots are
against EU membership without any
solution./Hürriyet/
[03] DENKTAS: "CYPRUS CANNOT BE A CRITERIA FOR EU MEMBERSHIP"
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas asserted
yesterday that Cyprus issue could not be a criteria for the Turkey's EU
membership. He said, " If it is a criteria, which it is not, why they don't
tell the Greek Cypriots, who raised the matter and who are the side which
tried to take the island by terrorism, 'find a solution to the problem,
then come'," Reiterating that Turkish forces came to the island in 1974 in
order to prevent the slaughter of Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said, "We will
not give them the opportunity to resume the slaughter." /Turkiye/
[04] BAHCELI DENOUNCES THE EU
Devlet Bahceli, deputy prime minister and Nationalist Action Party (MHP)
chairman, remarked in his address at the MHP group meeting yesterday that
the issue of Cyprus had nothing to do with Turkey's EU membership process.
Denouncing the EU by arguing that it was always putting new obstacles in
the way of Turkey's accession process, Bahceli said, "I really wonder what
the connection is between the Copenhagen Criteria and the Greek Cypriot
administration's admittance to the EU, which has become a logistic center
for international terrorism." Bahceli stated that Turkey would not assume
the role of a second-class country both within in the EU and the European
Defense and Security Policy (ESDP). Remarking that the EU was still keeping
its conservative stance concerning its relations with Turkey and the Cyprus
issue, Bahceli claimed that no matter how many important steps Turkey took
in its accession period, the EU did missed no opportunity to develop new
strategies against Turkey. "Turkey is in favor of a permanent and just
peace on Cyprus and it can't make any concessions on the issue," said
Bahceli. He called on the EU to assume clearer and more sincere policies
concerning its relations with Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] YILMAZ: CRITICS OF EU ARE RIGHT
Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday that EU was right in a
recent report to criticise Turkey on human rights and democracy. The
report is based on objective data and its criteria are outlined in the
report, he stressed. Yılmaz addressed the Cyprus problem by saying that
Turkey can't by itself reach a solution. Turkey has taken a number of
important steps in its way to EU membership, but as yet it has been unable
to meet the Copenhagen criteria, he
argued./Hürriyet/
[06] WALL STREET JOURNAL CRITICIZES THE EU
In an editorial prominent US daily the Wall Street Journal characterized
the EU's refusal to admit Turkey's as a "scandal". Stressing the fact that
Turkey greenlighted the US request to use Turkish airbases for its
operations against terrorism in a mere 15 minutes, the paper remarked that
it was high time for the Western countries to make pay-back. "Turkey has
suffered some $40 billion in losses since the Gulf War. Turkey has serious
concerns about a post-Saddam Iraq where an independent Kurdish state might
be established. Such a state would surely demand territory from Turkey.
Therefore, Turkey's concerns must be eased." Stating that Turkey was the
first country which early in the 20th century recognized Afghanistan's
presence, the Journal said, "Turkey would contribute greatly to sustain
stability in Afghanistan in the postwar period. A peacekeeping force led by
Turkey would render the UN mission in post-Taleban Afghanistan easier.
However, Turkey needs more support from the West. The US must ensure its
long-term support to Turkey concerning both the war against terrorism and
other issues related with the Middle East." /Cumhuriyet/
[07] MUSHARRAF STOPS OVER IN TURKEY
Pakistani head of state Pervez Musharraf made a stop over in Turkey
yesterday on his way to return to his country after attending UN meetings
in New York. Musharraf and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met briefly at
Ataturk Airport in Istanbul and then held a joint press conference.
Answering journalists' questions, Musharraf called for a UN peace keeping
force in duty in Kabul, one that includes Turkish soldiers. Stressing that
the seizure of Kabul by the Northern Alliance was a very important
development, Musharraf said, "However, Kabul should be a city free from
soldiers. This is necessary for the security of its civilians." He also
remarked that a new administration, a broad-based one representing all
groups should be established in Afghanistan soon. Ecevit expressed his
satisfaction at having a chance to meet with Musharraf in Turkey and noted
that Musharraf had told him his views on recent developments. /Turkiye/
[08] TURKISH SOLDIERS ON THE AGENDA AGAIN
After the Northern Alliance's capture of Mezar-ı Serif and Herat ad the
Taleban's subsequent withdrew from Kabul, some 40% of Afghanistan's
territory belongs to the opposition. Now it is expected that Turkish
soldiers will perform important duties in the northern half of the country.
US sources reported that a plan to give the duty of training and
coordination to a unit of 90 specail forces Turkish soldiers was still in
effect.
It was remarked that the Turkish soldiers, who will arrive in the country
at a later date, might also coordinate humanitarian aid transport
operations during the winter. US diplomats requested that an international
peacekeeping force be established in order to provide protection in Kabul
and reported that an "Islamic force" might be established under the
leadership of Turkey and with the participation of Muslim countries such as
Bangladesh and Indonesia. Ankara has welcomed this idea, a stance echoed by
US Secretary of State Colin Powell who also emphasized that participation
in this force would be optional.
/Milliyet/
[09] BELGIUM ALLOWS PKK-AFFILIATED MEETING
Over fervarent objections from Turkey, Belgium has decided not to block a
meeting of the so-called Kurdistan National Congress (KUK), a group
affiliated with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Reportedly,
during the meeting to be held on Nov. 15-17 in Brussels, the establishment
of a so-called Kurdish government in exile, relations with European
countries, presidential elections and activities in Turkey will be
discussed. /Milliyet/
[10] ECEVIT RECEIVES 12 NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADORS
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit received 12 newly appointed Turkish
ambassadors at the Prime Ministry yesterday. Filiz Dincmen, Turkey's new
representative for its Vatican Embassy, Fugen Ok for its Copenhagen Embassy,
Tevfik Okyayuz for its Zagreb, Yugoslavia Embassy, Numan Hazar for its
European Council Permanent Office, Bilge Cankoray for its Kiev, Ukraine
Embassy, Bozkurt Aran for its UNESCO Permanent Office, Nezihi Ozkaya for
its Muskat, Oman Embassy, Feryal Totur for its Jakartan, Indonesia Embassy,
Aysenur Alparslan for its Santiago, Chile Embassy, Celalettin Kart for its
Beirut, Lebanon Embassy, Selah Korutur for its Tunis, Tunisia Embassy and
Hasan Gogus for its New Delhi, India Embassy. /Turkish Daily News/
[11] CAKMAKOGLU: "LAND OPERATION IS IN NEAR FUTURE"
Answering journalists' questions concerning Afghanistan, Defense Minister
Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said yesterday, "Recent developments show us that the
power of the Northern Alliance has increased and that a land operation is
imminent." Cakmakoglu also noted that the departure date for Turkish
special troops to Afghanistan was not yet clear. /Turkiye/
[12] GENERAL YALMAN VISITS CHINA
Gendarmerie General Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman, whose visit to China is
continuing yesterday visited Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Chi Haotian and
Public Security Minister Xu Yongyue in Beijing. During his visits, both
sides said that they were happy with the progress of relations between the
two countries and added that they would like to see these relations
improve. Gen. Haotian stated that China wanted to give support to Turkey in
its struggle against terrorism. Yalman and his delegation will next visit
Shangai where they will visit its District Police Center. /Turkish Daily
News/
[13] ROGOZIN: "A LIST OF CHECHEN MILITANTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO TURKEY"
Dimitri Rogozin, Chairman of the Russian Duma's Foreign Affairs Committee
yesterday visited the opening of a photo exhibition given by the Turkish
Democracy Foundation and also answered reporters' questions. Rogozin said
that a list of Chechen militants who had taken refuge in Afghanistan would
be presented to the Turkish government. /Cumhuriyet/
[14] GERMANY TO DEPORT EXTREMIST MURDER SUSPECT
Hasan Pala, one of the followers of the so-called "Caliph" Metin Kaplan,
son of Cemalettin Kaplan, is expected to be deported from Germany within
one month. The Augsburg city administration has demanded that Pala be
deported from Germany as soon as possible. In 1996 Pala was implicated in
the murder of Dr. Ibrahim Sofu an opponent of Metin Kaplan. Officials
stated that efforts were continuning to complete deportation
procedures./Turkish News/
[15] TASAR TAKES TRIP TO MERRY OLD ENGLAND
Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar on Tuesday arrived in London for the World
Tourism Fair, which is considered one of the most important events in the
tourism sector. Minister Tasar promised foreign tour operators that Turkey
would back them up during these difficult times. Tasar released a statement
after his meetings with British tourism operators saying that there were
no capacity problems in Turkey. /Turkish News/
[16] YOUNG TURKS OFF TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
Three young Turkish students have been invited to participate in the
European Youth Summit to be held in Brussels on Dec. 1-3. According to the
Foreign Ministry, the three students will be chosen by the Ankara branch of
the European Commission. The summit is to be held at the European
Parliament building in Brussels and will be broadcast live on TV and the
Internet for EU member and candidate states. It was also stated that
Turkish broadcasting and advertising companies will be invited to
participate in a competition intented to promote the euro./Turkish News/
[17] IMF'S ADDITIONAL FINANCE SOURCE
Reportedly, a consensus has been reached on the amount of the International
Monetary Fund (IMF)'s additional financing to Turkey. The IMF will not
postpone the repayment of Turkey's 5 billion dollar loan, but will ensure
an additional 10 billion dollar source at the beginning of next year.
During meetings with the IMF, a 10 billion dollar finance deficit was
predicted in the Turkish economy by 2002 and the IMF committed to close the
deficit with a new loan of the same amount. State Minister for Economy
Kemal Dervis will lobby at the World Bank and IMF annual meetings to be
held this Nov. 17-18 in Ottowa, Canada. According to an agreement with the
IMF, the 3.2 billion dollar loan which was foreseen to be released in
September will be extended to Turkey at the beginning of December. The loan
will be decided upon during the IMF Executive Board's meeting. An IMF
delegation headed by Turkey Desk Chief Juha Kahkonen will arrive in Ankara
at the same time. The delegation is scheduled to stay through Dec. 17 and
to hold meetings to establish the conditions for the additional loan and a
loan envisaged for November. Accordingly, later the 3.2 billion dollar
loan to be extended at the beginning of December, and the 3.2 billion
dollar standby loan will be released at the beginning of January. At the
beginning of next year, IMF loans totaling 13 billion dollars will be
granted to Turkey. Together with the 10 billion dollar additional loan,
Turkey will be the IMF's largest single borrower. Turkey is to repay its 30
billion dollar debt within 7-8 years. /Turkiye/
[18] CHHIBBER: "WORLD BANK SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE"
In his address at a meeting entitled "Independent Councils and Market
Economy Arena" at the Bilkent Hotel, World Bank Turkey Director Ajay
Chhibber stated that the World Bank would continue to support structural
and institutional reforms in the country and added that meetings concerning
the delivery of the rest of its Financial Sector Adjustment Loans (FSALs)
were still continuing. Chhibber also stressed the necessity for independent
regulatory councils, especially for the banking and energy sectors.
/Cumhuriyet/
[19] TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL
The 8th term meeting of the Turkish-German Council will be held in Istanbul
on Nov. 15-16. According to the Foreign Ministry, Ministry Undersecretary
Ugur Ziyal and German Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Gunter Pleuger will
chair the meeting. Besides ministry officials, private sector and
institution representatives will also attend the meeting, where issues such
as bilateral relations, the European Union, regional and international
issues will be discussed. At the end of the meeting, which Turkey's Berlin
Ambassador Osman Koruturk and Germany's Ankara Ambassador Rudolf Schmidt
will also attend, Ziyal and Plauger are to sign a protocol and take part in
a joint press conference. /Turkish Daily News/
[20] US-TURKEY BILATERAL QUALITY BILL REACHES PARLIAMENT
A bill stipluating acceptance of an agreement between Turkey and the United
States on bilateral quality guarantees has been presented to Parliament.
The bill says that the law indictment that the agreement is for the benefit
of Turkey and has importance in putting Turkey among developed Western
countries which apply their quality administration principles at the same
level as the United States. /Turkish Daily News/
[21] BEKO RECEIVES AWARD FROM JAPAN
Beko Electronic has become the first Turkish company to receive a
"perfection award" from Japan. This award is given to companies which
implement the Total Productivity Management (TPM) standards in the best
possible way, and Beko received this year's honor on Nov. 6 at a ceremony
held in Japan. Beko was checked three times by the Japanese Institute of
Plant Management (JIPM) before receiving the award. /Milliyet/
[22] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
[23] LET IT END BY SEDAT SERTOGLU (TURKISH NEWS)
Columnist Sedat Sertoglu comments on the need to resolve the Cyprus issue.
A summary of his columns is as follows:
"The subject is Cyprus. A solution must now be found to this problem, which
has created just as many problems for the European Union as it has for
Turkey.
Turkey must not say, 'I refuse to take even one step back from my current
position,' nor must the EU and the United Nations insist on the logic of
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) making all the concessions.
Both sides need to make concessions.
There is a need for a powerful third name to revolve the dispute between
the two sides on the island in an honorable manner. If such a name does
emerge, it could do so from the United States. It would help if Foreign
Minister Ismail Cem stood up and told the Turkish nation what price it
would have to pay, and for everybody to act in line with that.
After months of refusing my suggestion that he should meet face-to-face
with Glafcos Clerides, leader of the Greek Cypriots, during the UN talks,
TRNC President Denktas last week sent a message to Clerides suggesting they
do just that. Why now?
Turkey should lay its cards on the table and identify what has to be done
and what concessions need to be made, prepare a plan of resolution and give
it to the UN secretary-general. Because the lack of a solution to the
Cyprus question is threatening to damage Turkey's own interests."
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