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Turkish Press Review, 02-07-31

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

31.07.2002

ECEVIT MEETS WITH GEN.KIVRIKOGLU, US AMBASSADOR PEARSON VISITS ZIYAL CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION APPROVES NOV. 3 DATE FOR EARLY ELECTIONS YILMAZ CALLS FOR COOPERATION ON EU HARMONIZATION LAWS SUPREME MILITARY COUNCIL TO CONVENE TODAY CEM: “I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT KEMAL DERVIS JOINING OUR PARTY” DENKTAS: “TO ADDRESS TERRITORIAL ISSUES, SOUTHERN CYPRUS MUST RESPECT OUR SOVEREIGNTY” STATE OF EMERGENCY LIFTED IN TUNCELI AND HAKKARI OZTRAK: “THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM” TIM CHAIRMAN: “POLITICIANS SHOULD STOP FIGHTING AND INSTEAD EXPLAIN THEIR DIFFERENCES” UN REPORT LAUDS TURKEY’S DYNAMIC ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE KUTAN CALLS FOR ALLIANCE OF RIGHTIST PARTIES SHP LEADER: “LEFTIST PARTIES SHOULD UNITE FOR SUCCESS” FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS IRAQ ON THE AGENDA, EARLY ELECTIONS IN DANGER BY OMER CELIK (STAR) THE EU ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH OUR BREAD MONEY BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

CONTENTS

  • [01] ECEVIT MEETS WITH GEN.KIVRIKOGLU, US AMBASSADOR PEARSON VISITS ZIYAL
  • [02] CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION APPROVES NOV. 3 DATE FOR EARLY ELECTIONS
  • [03] YILMAZ CALLS FOR COOPERATION ON EU HARMONIZATION LAWS
  • [04] SUPREME MILITARY COUNCIL TO CONVENE TODAY
  • [05] CEM: “I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT KEMAL DERVIS JOINING OUR PARTY”
  • [06] DENKTAS: “TO ADDRESS TERRITORIAL ISSUES, SOUTHERN CYPRUS MUST RESPECT OUR SOVEREIGNTY”
  • [07] STATE OF EMERGENCY LIFTED IN TUNCELI AND HAKKARI
  • [08] OZTRAK: “THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM”
  • [09] TIM CHAIRMAN: “POLITICIANS SHOULD STOP FIGHTING AND INSTEAD EXPLAIN THEIR DIFFERENCES”
  • [10] UN REPORT LAUDS TURKEY’S DYNAMIC ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE
  • [11] KUTAN CALLS FOR ALLIANCE OF RIGHTIST PARTIES
  • [12] SHP LEADER: “LEFTIST PARTIES SHOULD UNITE FOR SUCCESS”
  • [13] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS
  • [14] IRAQ ON THE AGENDA, EARLY ELECTIONS IN DANGER BY OMER CELIK (STAR)
  • [15] THE EU ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH OUR BREAD MONEY BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

  • [01] ECEVIT MEETS WITH GEN.KIVRIKOGLU, US AMBASSADOR PEARSON VISITS ZIYAL

    Yesterday saw a flurry of meetings at the highest level of Turkey’s civilian, military, and foreign policy leaders, both amongst themselves and with the top US diplomat in Turkey. The focus of the meetings was reportedly a possible US strike on Iraq. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit held two separate meetings with Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel also in attendance. Early in the day, US Ambassador to Turkey Robert Pearson also visited Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal. After seeing Pearson, Ziyal then met with Turkekul Kuttekin, the Foreign Ministry’s Middle East Department director, and then joined the first Ecevit-Kivrikoglu meeting, which was already in progress. During this meeting Ecevit reportedly received a letter from US President George W. Bush briefing him on plans for a military operation against Iraq. After this meeting, Ecevit, Gen.Kivrikoglu and Gurel visited President Ahmet Necdet Sezer to update him on their discussions. Ecevit later met with Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu in order to brief him on Bush’s letter. Near the evening, Ziyal met for a second time with Pearson. Pearson reportedly told Ziyal how the US Congress had approved $300 million promised to Turkey to support its command of the International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan. /All Papers/

    [02] CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSION APPROVES NOV. 3 DATE FOR EARLY ELECTIONS

    Parliament’s Constitutional Commission yesterday approved Nov. 3 as an early elections date with a vote of 22-3, despite opposition from its Democratic Left Party (DSP) members. The decision now needs the approval of the full Parliament, which is due to discuss it today. Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk and State Minister Nejat Arseven also attended the Constitutional Commission meeting. Supreme Board of Elections (YSK) Chairman Tufan Algan said that quick action on the elections decision would make it possible for the YSK to conduct these elections. /Cumhuriyet/

    [03] YILMAZ CALLS FOR COOPERATION ON EU HARMONIZATION LAWS

    Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz has requested that all the political parties in Parliament act together in order to pass the European Union harmonization laws. “A month ago at the leaders’ summit the three parties in the government agreed to hold elections in April 2004,” Yilmaz reportedly told a group of parliamentarians yesterday. “However the developments of the past month, namely the call made by the Nationalist Action Party [MHP] to hold early elections and the resignations of half of the deputies from the Democratic Left Party [DSP], have led us to bring the date of elections forward to this Nov. 3. Due to the resignations from the DSP, the government has now lost its majority in the Parliament, so early elections have become inevitable. If the current government stays in power, this will only cause problems for the country. On the subject of the EU, I believe that Turkey should not miss this opportunity to pass the harmonization laws. It’s not possible for parties to pick and choose through the European Union Copenhagen criteria and say ‘yes’ to some and ‘no’ to others.” /Hurriyet/

    [04] SUPREME MILITARY COUNCIL TO CONVENE TODAY

    The Supreme Military Council (YAS) will convene today under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. During the meeting, new appointments will be made to fill the posts of retiring Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu and Gendarmerie General Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman. The YAS meeting will end on Aug. 4. /Sabah/

    [05] CEM: “I HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT KEMAL DERVIS JOINING OUR PARTY”

    Answering reporters’ questions before a Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) meeting yesterday, New Turkey Party (YT) leader Ismail Cem said that he had no doubt that Kemal Dervis would join the YT. “Kemal Dervis’s remarks both to our party and in public make it impossible to doubt his joining,” said Cem. “Turkey needs change, which the YTP represents, so it doesn’t depend on anyone but our nation’s young people. The young generation will lead our party rather than any of us.” Cem also said that his party was ready for early elections, adding that the YTP would be setting up regional organizations towards this end. /Milliyet/

    [06] DENKTAS: “TO ADDRESS TERRITORIAL ISSUES, SOUTHERN CYPRUS MUST RESPECT OUR SOVEREIGNTY”

    Speaking to reporters yesterday before meeting with Greek Cypriot leader Clafcos Clerides, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said that he would respond to the views of the Greek side on the island’s territorial issues. Denktas also said that these issues could be solved only if the Greek side accepts the sovereignty of the Turkish Cypriots. “If a new partnership is set to be established, this should proceed on the basis of a state,” added Denktas. /Turkiye/

    [07] STATE OF EMERGENCY LIFTED IN TUNCELI AND HAKKARI

    The State of Emergency (OHAL) was officially lifted yesterday in the southeastern provinces of Tunceli and Hakkari. This marked a return to civilian legal order after 23 years. Martial Law was declared on 1979 in these two provinces and after eight years of rule under Martial Law, OHAL was declared in 1987 which lasted for the next 15 years. Even though the OHAL has been lifted, for the next four months security matters in Tunceli and Hakkari will be coordinated by the OHAL Governorship Region. While people living in these provinces are pleased about the return to civilian legal order, they also believe that development is essential for the region. /Hurriyet/

    [08] OZTRAK: “THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM”

    Speaking on television yesterday, Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak said that Turkey’s economic program was supported by every sector of society. “The program is able to roll over debts, so it is also supported by international institutions,” he added. Oztrak also stated that the economic program should continue to be carried out since there was no viable alternative to it. Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti, appearing alongside Oztrak, echoed his colleague’s words, saying there was no way for Turkey to go forward but by implementing the program. /Milliyet/

    [09] TIM CHAIRMAN: “POLITICIANS SHOULD STOP FIGHTING AND INSTEAD EXPLAIN THEIR DIFFERENCES”

    Turkish Exporters’ Assembly (TIM) Chairman Oguz Satici yesterday called on politicians to cease fighting, saying that they should instead calmly lay out their differences, or else unite for the sake of the country. Satici made the remarks at TIM’s General Council meeting in Istanbul, where a number of political party leaders also spoke. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, appearing via a live satellite hookup, told TIM members that legal measures protecting exporters had been prepared by the government. Former Foreign Minister and New Turkey Party (YTP) leader Ismail Cem attended the gathering, and while entering the convention hall he was greeted by applause, the sole politician to be afforded that honor. Thereafter Satici’s speech began, an address harshly critical of Turkey’s politicians. Charging that it was difficult to tell apart the programs of the various parties, Satici said, “Turkey doesn’t need any more saviors, charismatic leaders, or miracles. When the parties’ programs are so similar, there are two choices: They can either explain their differences, or give up their personnel fights and unite.” Also speaking at the meeting, True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller criticized the government’s handling of the economy, saying that businessmen had supported post coalition governments. Justice and Development Party (AKP) deputy leader Abdullah Gul said that Turkey needed to make a great leap to solve its problems. /Milliyet/

    [10] UN REPORT LAUDS TURKEY’S DYNAMIC ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE

    A new United Nations report places Turkey in the top ranks of the world’s developing countries in terms of its economic infrastructure. The report, prepared by the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), cites Turkey’s “dynamic performance” in production as landing it among the top 16 in its class, adding that Turkey was one of the few developing nations to enjoy such dynamism. The UNIDO report includes a scoreboard ranking 87 countries according to their level of industrial development performance and competitiveness. The report contends that foreign trade and investment are not enough for developing countries to benefit from globalization and recommends that these countries increase their competitiveness through a process of “renewal and learning.” Among the other countries listed as having dynamic production and export structures are Brazil, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa and Thailand. /Hurriyet/

    [11] KUTAN CALLS FOR ALLIANCE OF RIGHTIST PARTIES

    Felicity Party (SP) leader Recai Kutan yesterday urged the leaders of rightist parties not represented in Parliament to form alliances for expected early elections. The SP itself is represented in Parliament. “The struggle in early elections will be between those who support the current economic program and those who support the real sector,” he said. /Cumhuriyet/

    [12] SHP LEADER: “LEFTIST PARTIES SHOULD UNITE FOR SUCCESS”

    Social Democratic People’s Party (SHP) leader Murat Karayalcin yesterday visited the leaders of the leftist parties represented in Parliament, telling them that they should unite in order to triumph in early elections. The leftist parties should prepare a common program and put forward a leader, said Karayalcin, whose own party is not currently represented in Parliament. Karayalcin also stated that the SHP was waiting for regulations which would enable it to participate in early elections. /Cumhuriyet/

    [13] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS

    [14] IRAQ ON THE AGENDA, EARLY ELECTIONS IN DANGER BY OMER CELIK (STAR)

    Columnist Omer Celik writes on the high probability of a US military attack on Iraq and its impact on Turkey’s early elections expected on Nov. 3. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “Yesterday in Ankara the traffic at the top levels of the state administration suddenly intensified after Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Chief of General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu held a meeting. This intensity cut across the heated debate on early elections proposed to be held on Nov. 3. It is very likely that the political atmosphere in Ankara is going to get even hotter in the days to come. Later in the afternoon, Foreign Minister Sukru Sina Gurel joined Ecevit and Gen.Kivrikoglu, and this trio then met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. After that, Ecevit and Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu held a separate meeting, giving some clues about the meaning of this intense traffic. Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Ankara Robert Pearson went to the Foreign Ministry twice to speak with Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal. This cluster of meetings points to two things: a US attack on Iraq, and the ever-stronger probability of Turkey’s military intervention in northern Iraq. Turkey initially has two strategic concerns about the issue. Firstly, it does not want to face a financial loss similar to the one incurred in the Gulf War, which cost some $35 billion at the time. Secondly and more importantly is the high probability of a Kurdish state being formed in northern Iraq. Certainly, Turkey has a military plan ready to be immediately deployed if such an attack takes place and if conditions make such an intervention necessary. Under these circumstances, early elections may be endangered. In case of such a postponement of early elections and Turkey’s active participation in a war on Iraq, we will be facing a much more threatening picture. Turkey is again at crossroads with a very fragile political conjuncture.”

    [15] THE EU ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH OUR BREAD MONEY BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Sami Kohen comments on Turkey’s EU membership bid. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “It seems that the parliamentary elections on Nov. 3 will serve as a referendum on the EU issue. Actually, excepting a few marginal groups, there is no party in Turkey which opposes our EU membership. Even some parties which had characterized the EU as hostile are now supporting Turkey’s EU membership. However, the degree of this desire and support varies among the parties. Some of them take the necessary criteria for EU membership into consideration and fully support them. Others always start their sentences, ‘yes, but …’ and then lay down conditions. This situation appeared clearly with the disagreements concerning such sensitive issues as the death penalty and Kurdish broadcasting and education. Now, when Parliament is getting ready for the EU harmonization laws, political disputes have been added to this basic ideological dispute. It has been gotten to the point that no one can predict whether the democratic regulations called ‘EU laws’ will be approved as a package or instead some of them are accepted and others rejected … If the EU laws package is not enacted at Parliament as is, we can be sure that this issue will be used as fodder during the elections campaign. Particularly the sensitive issues will be ripe for demagogical disputes. Some people will say, ‘We tried to modernize and relieve Turkey, but they prevented us.’ Others will say, ‘We protected our sovereignty and national integrity, but our opponents acted submissively.’ How should one interpret that the democratic reforms meant to open the path for Turkey’s negotiations with the EU are reflected on such an important platform of elections? At first, the issue might be considered a political problem and one might think that when the citizens are suffering from economic difficulties, they wouldn’t be interested in such complex issues as our EU bid. However, various polls also show that the Turkish nation is closely interested in the EU and that it is supporting Turkey’s EU membership. The reason for this is that the EU is not only a political issue, as some believe. The EU is tightly connected with the Turkish nation’s daily life, problems, future and hopes for a better life. The politicians should understand this. Turkey’s EU project is too important to be left to speeches on the elections trail and tactical games in Parliament, because this issue is about the lives of the Turkish people. Let’s consider this subject from another angle: If Turkey waves aside the ‘EU laws,’ that is, the reforms that will increase the Turkish nation’s standards in politics and economics, its EU membership prospects will grow dim. It will be impossible for a Turkey outside the EU to solve its economic problems. Turkey won’t be able to attract necessary foreign economic support, loans and investments. Then it will be impossible for the Turkish people to solve its various problems, including inflation and unemployment. Therefore the EU issue is also closely related with our ‘bread money.’ Therefore the Parliament’s and political parties’ stance towards issue is of the utmost importance.”

    ARCHIVE

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