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Turkish Press Review, 02-05-23

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

23.05.2002


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEZER: “THE NEGATIVE ATMOSPHERE IN TURKEY IS LIFTING”
  • [02] SEZER APPROVES AMNESTY LAW
  • [03] FOREIGN MINISTRY: “ANKARA IS PLEASED WITH US TERRORISM REPORT”
  • [04] EP: “CARRY ON MAKING NEW REFORMS”
  • [05] RUMSFELD: “WE WILL GIVE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO TURKEY”
  • [06] YILMAZ DOWNPLAYS EARLY ELECTIONS TALK
  • [07] BAHCELI: “EARLY ELECTIONS WOULD HARM THE COUNTRY”
  • [08] CILLER, ERDOGAN CALL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ELECTION GOVERNMENT
  • [09] TURKISH OFFICIALS: “ARARAT IS NOTHING BUT A PROPAGANDA MOVIE”
  • [10] TUSIAD RELEASES REPORT ON TRADE WITH EU
  • [11] MUSIAD HOLDS INTERNATIONAL FAIR IN ISTANBUL
  • [12] ISTANBUL HOSTS ENERGY CONFERENCE
  • [13] ISO CHAIRMAN: “TURKEY STANDS AT A CRITICAL POINT”
  • [14] NEW GALLERY OPENED AT HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM
  • [15] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
  • [16] FATE OF THE GOVERNMENT LEFT TO JUNE SUMMIT BY MEHMET TEZKAN (SABAH)
  • [17] SATELLITE DISHES BY OKAY GONENSIN (SABAH)

  • [01] SEZER: “THE NEGATIVE ATMOSPHERE IN TURKEY IS LIFTING”

    In a message sent to the 27th annual conference of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which is now meeting in Istanbul, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that the negative atmosphere in Turkey had started to disperse. “Turkey is resolved to take benefit of the possibilities created through globalization by pursuing a transparent economic policy, by integrating with the international economy and by embracing competition,” Sezer added. /Hurriyet/

    [02] SEZER APPROVES AMNESTY LAW

    President Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday approved the government’s amnesty law which he had previously vetoed. The law had been passed again by Parliament without any amendments being made, and Sezer was constitutionally obligated to sign it. However, Sezer reportedly may ask the Constitutional Court to annul it. /Star/

    [03] FOREIGN MINISTRY: “ANKARA IS PLEASED WITH US TERRORISM REPORT”

    Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Huseyin Dirioz yesterday held a press conference to brief journalists on the ministry’s reaction to the US State Department’s 2001 report on international terrorism, which was released this week. Dirioz stated that Turkey appreciated the State Department’s inclusion of illegal groups who commit acts of terrorism in Turkey such as the PKK and the DHKP-C in its report. He also remarked that the ministry attached great importance to the US’ warnings about possible terrorist attacks against Turkey which might take place in the near future, stressing that state security forces were taking every possible measure against such attacks. He recalled that the US officials had previously voiced their appreciation of the measures taken by the Turkish government against terrorist groups. Meanwhile, US daily the Washington Post reported yesterday that the State Department document said hard-liners who hold power in Iran had intensified their support for terrorist organizations that target Israel while also aiding terrorists in Turkey, Central Asia and the Persian Gulf. /Cumhuriyet/

    [04] EP: “CARRY ON MAKING NEW REFORMS”

    The European Parliament yesterday debated a recent report on the current situations of 12 European Union candidate countries which have already begun their accession negotiations. At the meeting, the EP also conveyed a message to Turkey, whose negotiations have yet to begin, that more reforms considering democratization should be made. The report, prepared by EP Foreign Affairs Commission Chairman Elmar Brok, includes a paragraph on Turkey which praises the positive results the Turkish government has achieved since last year. The report also calls on Turkey to support the current peace talks on Cyprus. /Milliyet/

    [05] RUMSFELD: “WE WILL GIVE THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO TURKEY”

    US Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said yesterday that the United States has guaranteed Turkey that it would provide the necessary logistical, communications and intelligence support for Turkey’s taking over the command of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Rumsfeld also said that the US would likely provide more aid during the Turkish command than that it has during Great Britain’s, which is drawing to a close. /Hurriyet/

    [06] YILMAZ DOWNPLAYS EARLY ELECTIONS TALK

    Speaking to reporters before his departure to Brussels for a European Union administrative meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz said that the government coalition partners had agreed amongst themselves not to hold early elections. During the leaders’ summit at Baskent Hospital this week Yilmaz had suggested fall 2003 as a possible date, which would be a year early, but he said that this was merely put out for discussion. “There is a date fixed by the Constitution, and right now we aren’t thinking of early elections,” he added. /Hurriyet/

    [07] BAHCELI: “EARLY ELECTIONS WOULD HARM THE COUNTRY”

    Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli claimed yesterday that early elections would do harm to Turkey. Addressing his party’s Parliament group meeting, Bahceli spoke of the recent discussions on political stability and early elections. “Turkey has been struggling to overcome its economic crisis,” he said. “Exaggerated discussions are improper and meaningless in such a climate.” Bahceli added that Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit’s health condition was good enough for him to continue carrying out his duties. “Stubborn calls for his resignation or for appointing an acting PM only harm the country and the economy.” Later, Bahceli decorated new MHP member Cihan Pacaci with the party’s rosette in a ceremony. Pacaci, an independent deputy who resigned from the True Path Party (DYP) this week, officially joined the MHP just yesterday. /Turkiye/

    [08] CILLER, ERDOGAN CALL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF ELECTION GOVERNMENT

    True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller said yesterday that an election government, i.e. one meant to serve until elections are held, should be established as soon as possible. Speaking at her party’s Parliament group meeting, Ciller said, “The prime minister’s symbolic aura has been dispelled, and his seat is actually vacant.” She remarked that the “seat was vacant” also concerning developments in Turkey’s economy, its EU bid, Cyprus and the Middle East. Ciller stated that the risk of proceeding with a government whose life span was ended might be transformed into an opportunity for establishing a new government. Stressing that the DYP might set up a minority government during such a period, Ciller recalled State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis’ recent statement that an election wouldn’t hurt the economy despite others’ claims to the contrary. Meanwhile, Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday spoke on recent developments in Turkish political life. He also called on Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit to resign and go to early elections without losing any time. /All Papers/

    [09] TURKISH OFFICIALS: “ARARAT IS NOTHING BUT A PROPAGANDA MOVIE”

    State Minister Yilmaz Karakoyunlu yesterday remarked that Canadian director Atom Egoyan’s latest movie “Ararat,” which is currently being screened at the Cannes Film Festival, constituted an example of anti-Turkey campaigns in the international community. “This presentation is shameful,” said Karakoyunlu. “There is no doubt that the Turkish government will do its utmost against such attempts.” Furthermore, Culture Minister Istemihan Talay denounced Egoyan for exploiting cinema in a way which he said distorted historical facts and would worsen hostilities between Turkey and Armenia. /Cumhuriyet/

    [10] TUSIAD RELEASES REPORT ON TRADE WITH EU

    The Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) yesterday released a report on “Problems and Possible Solution in Turkey’s Harmonization to the European Union’s Free Movement of Goods.” TUSIAD Industrial Policy and Free Movement of Goods Work Group member Acar Sensoy, who prepared the report, said that the private sector and bureaucracy should prepare an evaluation of all of the country’s economic sectors and that they should be ready for the process of full EU membership at the end of 2003. The report presents information on the importance of cooperation between the state bureaucracy and the private sector on EU issues and the necessary cooperation with small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). /Aksam/

    [11] MUSIAD HOLDS INTERNATIONAL FAIR IN ISTANBUL

    The ninth International Independent Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (MUSIAD) Fair will be held in Istanbul on October 3-6. MUSIAD announced yesterday that hundreds of Turkish companies and nearly 1,000 businessmen from 25 countries are expected to attend the fair. The fair’s “partner country” this year will be Algeria. MUSIAD Deputy Chairman and Fair Committee Chairman Dr. Omer Bolat said that the meeting will include seminars and bilateral business, factories tours and cultural activities. /Aksam/

    [12] ISTANBUL HOSTS ENERGY CONFERENCE

    The Eighth International Cogeneration and Exhibition (ICCI 2002) begins today at Istanbul’s Swissotel. The two-day meting has been organised in cooperation with COGEN-EUROPE and the Cogeneration Association. During the conference, developments concerning natural gas, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), high-quality coal, fuel-oil markets and the future of electricity market, and other topics will be disccussed. /Milliyet/

    [13] ISO CHAIRMAN: “TURKEY STANDS AT A CRITICAL POINT”

    Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO) Chairman Tanýl Kucuk said yesterday that Turkey is still at a crucial point and to make mistakes at this time could render all the nation’s sacrifices and efforts in vain. In a speech at an ISO 50th anniversary meeting, Kucuk addressed the subject of early elections and their effect on the economic programme. He declined to discuss suggestions in some quarters that convalescing Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit should appoint a caretaker PM or proxy. “The only message I’d like to give is that we should not deviate from our course in the economy, for there is no other way,” he argued. /Milliyet/

    [14] NEW GALLERY OPENED AT HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM

    The Upper Floor Gallery of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia Museum, which was restored under the direction of the Culture Ministry’s Directorate General of Monuments and Museums, was opened by Culture Minister Istemihan Talay with a ceremony sponsored by Borusan Holding yesterday. In addition, architect Ahmet Ertug, who is curator of the arrangement of the new hall, opened an exhibit featuring photographs taken by him of the historic mosque and former church. /Sabah/

    [15] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…

    [16] FATE OF THE GOVERNMENT LEFT TO JUNE SUMMIT BY MEHMET TEZKAN (SABAH)

    Columnist Mehmet Tezkan comments on the future of the present government. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “The fate of the government will be clarified during the first week of June. Either Turkey will take a step to put itself back on track or everything will fall apart. Following Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli’s visit to China, another leaders’ summit will take place. The issue of Turkey’s admittance to the EU will be discussed again and there will be no chance of postponing it then. The issue at hand is if the Nationalist Action Party (MHP) insists on its stand, and no compromise is reached on lifting capital punishment and allowing broadcasting in Kurdish, how will the Motherland Party (ANAP) react? Will it accept these views in order to avoid early general elections or will it stake all by saying it would not allow laying mines on the road to the EU? There is such a possibility. If we closely scrutinize the speeches delivered by Yilmaz, we may see signs of it as he has adopted Turkey’s EU bid as his own personal mission. Yilmaz, who predicts that Turkey could be reduced to the situation of other Middle Eastern states, cannot stay in a government acting at odds with itself. If he stakes all, elections will become the only solution. On the MHP front the situation is not much different. Like the Democratic Left Party (DSP), ANAP and the MHP believe that there should be no elections until the economy is straightened out, and the country can breathe freely. Will the MHP, which espouses such an aim, say no to reform bills? The answer is not certain as Bahceli has always left an opening and hasn’t boxed himself in with unambiguous declarations. He only expressed his concerns. Therefore the ball is in Bahceli’s court, and that is why the leaders’ summit in June carries such great importance. It will decide the future of the government.”

    [17] SATELLITE DISHES BY OKAY GONENSIN (SABAH)

    Columnist Okay Gonensin writes on the results of the leaders’ summit. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “Following the leaders’ summit, the only announcement to correct was that there would be no early general elections. Reportedly, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli had said that Turkey’s interests came before those of Europe and everyone should defend Turkey in Europe as they did Europe in Turkey. We don’t want to believe that these reports are true. Those in Turkey who are pushing our EU admittance bill are in fact trying to protect Turkey’s interests. They would like Turkey to become a country preserving its integrity, and one which reaches democratic and developed standards. Those who are trying to push these issues aside using rhetoric devoid of any real concepts will be responsible for letting Turkish economic and social standards lag behind. Those who have risen to important places in society by clinging to backward standards, an ailing economy and a defective democracy are continuing their resistance in order to hold onto their positions. On the agenda before the leaders’ summit was the lifting of the ban on broadcasting in languages other than Turkish, in line with the ‘full democracy’ condition for harmonization with the EU. This means that everyone desiring to do so could broadcast in Kurdish and learn the language. Everyone must know that the official language of the country is Turkish and will certainly remain so. There is no need for false irresponsible speculations on the subject. The results of an NFO Turkey public opinion surveys were announced a few days ago. Turkish citizens were asked with how they picked up TV signals, what sort of equipment they used. It came out that 14% were watching TV signals picked up by dishes. If it is believed that those using satellite dishes are trying to pick up original BBC and CNN broadcasts or erotic programs this will be a grave mistake. The Iranian regime confiscated all the satellite dishes to prevent people from watching foreign televisions. The next step of those who don’t wish to lift the ban on broadcasting in languages other than Turkey will be the same. That is why EU standards are wanted. If we retreat from these democratic and social peace standards to pursue others, we will have to resort to satellite dish hunting. The leaders’ summit postponed the decision on the issue. Turkey is feeling the adverse effects of such delays. However, if no correct decisions are taken following this last postponement, and quick steps are not taken, we will see our country’s future held back.”

    ARCHIVE

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