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Turkish Press Review, 02-01-09

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 Turkish Press Review &gt;&gt; Foreign Press Guide Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

09.01.2002


CONTENTS

  • [01] ECEVIT'S US VISIT TO BEGIN JAN. 14
  • [02] KIVRIKOGLU CHIDES EU OVER TERRORIST LIST
  • [03] SEZER SIGNS TOBACCO BILL INTO LAW
  • [04] CEM: "CYPRUS IS IN A PERIOD OF TRANSFORMATION"
  • [05] AYGUN CRITICIZES EU TERRORIST LIST
  • [06] EU COMMISSION EXERTS PRESSURE OVER CYPRUS
  • [07] PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD CURTAIL PRESIDENT'S REFERENDUM POWER
  • [08] DEFENSE NEWS: "TURKEY ASKS FOR ASSURANCE FROM THE US IN CASE OF IRAQ INTERVENTION"
  • [09] KEMAL DERVIS, MINISTER OF THE YEAR
  • [10] RUSSIAN FIRM YUKOS TRYING FOR ROLE IN BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE
  • [11] NO SOLUTION IN ENERGY TRANSFERS
  • [12] ARCELIK PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE TO BUY BRANDT
  • [13] AYGUN: "THE REAL SECTOR, NOT BAILED-OUT BANKS, NEED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT"
  • [14] ISTANBUL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND TRAVEL FAIR
  • [15] "SULTANS OF THE DANCE" PLANS WORLDWIDE SHOWS
  • [16] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [17] SAUDI ARABIA AND THE ECYAD CASTLE BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)
  • [18] GENERAL'S STATEMENT BY FİKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

  • [01] ECEVIT'S US VISIT TO BEGIN JAN. 14

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will begin his visit to the US on next Monday, Jan. 14. Ecevit will be accompanied by four government ministers, six deputies, 110 businessmen, a number of economy bureaucrats and some 50 journalists. This visit will be Ecevit's second to the US during his current prime ministry after his 1999 visit. Ecevit will stay in Ritz Hotel in Washington. On Jan. 16, Ecevit will be received by US President George W. Bush. He is also expected to meet with the chairmen of both the IMF and World Bank. During his visit, great security measures will reportedly be taken. /Turkiye/

    [02] KIVRIKOGLU CHIDES EU OVER TERRORIST LIST

    Speaking at a ceremony yesterday to mark the founding of Turkish think tank the Center for Strategic Research Studies (SAREM), Chief of the General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu criticized the European Union for failing to include the separatist PKK in its recent list of terrorist groups. Kivrikoglu said the omission had underlined a difference in views between the EU and the US, since contrary to its European allies the US does recognize the PKK as the terrorist group it is. Speaking on Iraq, Kivrikoglu said that for Turkey the current regime in Iraq was not important, whereas Iraq's territorial integrity is very important. Kivrikoglu also said that exactly when and how many troops Turkey would send to the international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan was still uncertain. /Hürriyet/

    [03] SEZER SIGNS TOBACCO BILL INTO LAW

    The controversial Tobacco Bill which had been sent back to Parliament by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer for reconsideration was approved yesterday by Sezer, as the Constitution requires. However, the president still has the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court for nullification of the law. /Hürriyet/

    [04] CEM: "CYPRUS IS IN A PERIOD OF TRANSFORMATION"

    Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stated in an interview with German daily Frankurter Allgemeine Zeitung this week Cyprus was in a period of transformation following Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas' 1998 proposal that a confederation be established. Cem remarked that recent meetings between Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides should be considered significant steps forward. /Cumhuriyet/

    [05] AYGUN CRITICIZES EU TERRORIST LIST

    Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO) Sinan Aygun yesterday added his voice to the chorus criticizing the European Union's list of terrorist groups. In a letter to EU Commission Turkey's Representative Karen Fogg, Aygun pointed out that the PKK and DHKP-C terrorist organizations, which were excluded from the list, had cost Turkey 40,000 lives and $100 billion in economic losses. "It is indeed regrettable that the EU Commission's recently announced terrorist list failed to include the dangerous terrorist organizations the PKK and DHKP-C," Aygun said. "Efforts to whitewash these textbook examples of terrorist as 'innocent' will only encourage them to continue their murderous campaigns." /Turkiye/

    [06] EU COMMISSION EXERTS PRESSURE OVER CYPRUS

    The European Union Commission is increasing its pressure on Turkish government, this time by insisting that Turkey make a free trade agreement with the Greek Cypriot administration. Adriaan Van Der Meer, the commission's Deputy Chairman for the Turkish Desk, presented a proposal to this effect during the Turkish-EU Customs Union Joint Committee meeting held in Brussels this week. However, the Turkish side rejoined that such an agreement was impossible before the political problems between the two Cypriot nations were solved. The commission also put forward that there were complaints that goods from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) were being exported through mainland Turkey. The commission said that it did not want TRNC goods to be exported through EU countries, and demanded information concerning any agreements between Turkey and the TRNC. The commission also suggested that a consultation committee be established for the solution of problems faced by European importers to Turkey. The Turkish side stated that work had been initiated to establish this committee. During the meeting, the commission brought the Tobacco bill to the agenda and asked that it be put in compliance with EU regulations. A written reply from State Minister Tunca Toskay stated that the Tobacco bill was on the Turkish Parliament's agenda and that it was in compliance with EU norms. /Star/

    [07] PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD CURTAIL PRESIDENT'S REFERENDUM POWER

    The Parliamentary Reconciliation Commission agreed yesterday to amend Article 115 of the Constitution, which lays out the president's powers and duties concerning referendums. The commission convened yesterday under the chairmanship of acting Parliament Speaker Yuksel Yalova to discuss a proposal amendment which would curtail the president's referendum power. The proposal would end the president's obligation to refer constitutional amendments to referendum when they are approved with a majority of 330-367 votes (2/3 to 3/5 majority in the unicameral 550-seat Parliament), leaving it to the president's discretion whether or not to refer to a national vote. The proposal says that under such a scenario the president would either sign the amendment into law, or return it to Parliament for reconsideration. If however the amendment is approved by a majority of 367 votes or more, the president would lose the power to decide whether or not to refer the amendment to a referendum; the president would be obliged to sign the amendment into law. /Turkish Daily News-All Papers/

    [08] DEFENSE NEWS: "TURKEY ASKS FOR ASSURANCE FROM THE US IN CASE OF IRAQ INTERVENTION"

    Britain-based journal the Defense News reported this week that if the US launches an operation in Iraq, Turkey will indeed support the US, but unwillingly, and will furthermore ask for guarantees that it will not suffer any harm due to such an operation. According to the journal, a Turkish official serving in Washington said that if Turkey is asked to take sides in a US-Iraq conflict, it would surely stand with the US. /Hürriyet/

    [09] KEMAL DERVIS, MINISTER OF THE YEAR

    The Banker, a magazine published by prominent British daily the Financial Times, has selected Turkish State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis as its "Minister of the Year." The current issue of the Banker features an interview with Dervis. /Cumhuriyet/

    [10] RUSSIAN FIRM YUKOS TRYING FOR ROLE IN BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE

    Prominent Russian oil firm Yukos publicly announced yesterday that it wanted to take part in the construction of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline. Yukos sent a letter to the Azerbaijani state oil firm SOCAR last month expressing its desire to participate in the project. /Cumhuriyet/

    [11] NO SOLUTION IN ENERGY TRANSFERS

    No result emerged from yesterday's meeting of Energy Ministry, Treasury, Privatization Board and Energy Market Council officials, during which the transfer of eight thermal power-station's right to operation was discussed. Several International jurists briefed Energy Minister Zeki Cakan and State Minister Kemal Dervis during the meeting. Cakan stated that he favored the transfer of the right of operation but added that the Treasury wanted a sale of assets. State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis said that they were still looking for a common solution. /Milliyet/

    [12] ARCELIK PROPOSAL ON THE TABLE TO BUY BRANDT

    A French commercial court will begin this week to examine the proposals of four foreign companies, including Turkish Arcelik-Beko, who are vying to purchase French concern the Brandt Group. Arcelik has proposed adding over 4,000 jobs to Brandt's six factories and investing 500 million euros in the company over two years. The other candidates, the Israeli Elco and US firm Whirpool, plan to invest 200-400 million euros. French press reports indicate that Arcelik-Beko is one of the favored candidates. If Arcelik purchases Brandt, it will become the fourth-largest household goods producer in the world. Brandt's new owner will be determined in a week. /Milliyet/

    [13] AYGUN: "THE REAL SECTOR, NOT BAILED-OUT BANKS, NEED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT"

    Ankara Chamber of Commerce Sinan Aygun yesterday criticized the government's real sector support package and said that the government was not sincere in its efforts to save the real sector. A meeting with State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis and economy bureaucrats as well as other social organizations' representatives was held at the beginning of this week to discuss real sector's problems. Expressing his views on the meeting, Aygun said that the plan's true aim was to save the bailed-out banks and that all the loan received from the IMF would be transferred to those banks. He added, "We ask the government for full assurance that the real sector will receive appropriate loans." /Turkiye/

    [14] ISTANBUL TO HOST INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AND TRAVEL FAIR

    This year's International Tourism and Travel Fair 2002 as organized by the ITF Istanbul Fair Company will gather hundreds of firms together from dozens of sectors that are active in the field. Nearly 300 foreign and Turkish firms including airline companies, tour operators, travel agencies and yacht and marina managements will participate in the fair to be held on Feb. 28-March 2. The fair is supported by Turkish Tourism Ministry and expects to attract some 40,000 visitors. /Aksam/

    [15] "SULTANS OF THE DANCE" PLANS WORLDWIDE SHOWS

    Famous Turkish dance extravaganza the Sultans of the Dance has delighted and amazed audiences of over 650,000 to date, and a proposed deal with American Entertainment One Ag Company may help it reach more. Ag's Marcel Avram, who previously was named "International Organizer of the Year," has begun preliminary meetings this week to set up Sultans of the Dance performances in some 15 countries. Over the years the company has organized many world tours, and this time it is expected to organize 300 new performances in countries such as Germany, Mexico, Switzerland and France. Mydonose Showland officials estimate that if the tour goes as planned, the Sultans will reach an audience of over 3 million. /Milliyet/

    [16] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [17] SAUDI ARABIA AND THE ECYAD CASTLE BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

    Columnist Oktay Eksi writes on the demolition of the Ecyad Castle in Saudi Arabia. A summary of his column is as follows: "It has been learned that the Ecyad Castle, a piece of both Ottoman and Saudi Arabian history, has been demolished under the orders of Saudi King Fahd. It remains to be seen if the revenues of the hotel to be built in its place will be used to help cover the expenses of Harem-i Sherif as claimed or rather fill lthe purse of a prince. In either case, the Ecyad castle built by the Ottomans in 1780 to protect the sacred assets of the Islamic world will be forgotten. The Saudi leaders aren't short on historical awareness, but we can add that they do lack national honor. We know this is the case because they have made a house that the British spy Thomas Edward Lawrence once stayed in into a museum. It is true that Lawrence provoked them to rebel against the Ottomans, but he also saw them as tools of the British. You cannot explain to them the importance of the Ecyad Castle. Therefore, there is no use in talking the issue over with the Saudis, especially when the castle is already demolished. The important thing is to take the matter to international platforms, and organize an international reaction similar to the one shown when the Taliban destroyed the great Buddha monument in Afghanistan. It cannot be said that we are seriously protecting our historical values. Our behaviour in protecting other cultural legacies within our borders is not enlightened either. However, Turkey recognizes these assets today and probably it must teach this to the Saudis."

    [18] GENERAL'S STATEMENT BY FİKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Fikret Bila comments on the statements by Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu in the aftermath of a think-tank organization's promotional meeting. A summary of his column is as follows: "Gen. Kivrikoglu talked with journalists for a long time and answered many questions on their minds. The situation in Argentina was brought up, and many questions were asked about the similarities between the two countries. Gen. Kivrikoglu had optimistic evaluations. He said that Turkey had entered the new year in high spirits and added that he did not expect a social explosion. He also remarked that if corruption was not eradicated altogether, Turkey would not be able to stand on its own two feet. However, he stated that he was hopeful for the future. On a new banking law, the chief of staff said that he believed everything in the interests of Turkey should be carried out. He said the military was not a party to the new law, and that they were no economists either. However, he believed everything should be done after careful study. Another of his statements was directed against the EU. Gen. Kivrikoglu pointed out that in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, the US made legal the trial of foreigners accused of terrorism in military courts. On the other hand, he said, Europe even while giving support to the US' fight against terrorism, has failed to include an organisation such as the PKK in its list of terrorist organizations. He asked, 'In such a situation, which criteria should be taken as bases for Turkey's national security and unitary structure?' This question was directed against Europe's double standards and those who defend such views both within the country and abroad."

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