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Turkish Press Review, 02-02-14
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Turkish
Press Review >>
Foreign
Press Guide
Summary of the political and economic
news in the Turkish press this morning
14.02.2002
CONTENTS
[01] SEZER BRIEFED ON QUAKE PREPAREDNESS IN ISTANBUL
[02] ECEVIT: “SADDAM MUST TAKE SERIOUSLY THE US’ WARNINGS”
[03] YILMAZ: “IN CONSIDERING IRAQ INTERVENTION, THE US MUST THINK OF IMPACT ON TURKEY”
[04] CEM, PAPANDREOU WORK TO ELIMINATE MUTUAL PREJUDICES
[05] OIC-EU JOINT FORUM ENDS
[06] LINN IN ANKARA TO PUSH ACTION PLAN
[07] BILL IN US CONGRESS CALLS FOR BETTER TIES WITH TURKEY
[08] GORE CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR TURKEY
[09] AFGHAN FOREIGN MINISTER ABDULLAH PRAISES TURKEY’S COOPERATION
[10] VERHEUGEN TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY TODAY
[11] ERDOGAN CALLS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
[12] DEMIREL CUTS RIBBON ON NEW CAMPUS
[13] TURKISH COCA-COLA OFFICIAL MEETS PAKISTAN’S MUSHARRAF
[14] TURKISH DESIGNER’S WARES ATTRACT ATTENTION IN NEW YORK
[15] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO SIGN DEAL FOR EGYPTIAN INDUSTRIAL AREA
[16] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
[17] ISTANBUL SPIRIT BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)
[18] PUTTING OUR HOUSE INTO ORDER BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)
[19] TURKEY’S CONTRIBUTION BY ENGIN GUNER (AKSAM)
[01] SEZER BRIEFED ON QUAKE PREPAREDNESS IN ISTANBUL
While in Istanbul yesterday for the OIC-EU Joint Forum, President Ahmet
Necdet Sezer toured the city and was briefed by Governor Erol Cakir on the
province’s problems. During Sezer’s visit to the Disaster Administration
Center, Cakir briefed the president about the precautions taken to minimize
damage in a possible earthquake in the city. /Turkiye/
[02] ECEVIT: “SADDAM MUST TAKE SERIOUSLY THE US’ WARNINGS”
Speaking to reporters yesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that
Iraqi Foreign Minister Naci Sabri had sent a message to UN Secretary-
General Kofi Annan, saying that Iraq was ready to address their differences
without any preconditions. However, he stated, Annan has not yet replied to
the letter. Ecevit also reiterated his call on Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein
to take seriously the US administration’s warnings, saying that the US had
its mind set an military intervention in the country. /Turkiye/
[03] YILMAZ: “IN CONSIDERING IRAQ INTERVENTION, THE US MUST THINK OF IMPACT
ON TURKEY”
Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz spoke
yesterday about possible US intervention in Iraq, saying, “The losses which
would affect Turkey directly or indirectly should be well taken into
consideration by the US as it weighs any operation against Iraq.” We don’t
want chaos with our neighbor, Yilmaz remarked. He added that Turkey was
against any operation which would harm the territorial integrity of Iraq,
balances in the region or Turkey’s security. Yilmaz also said that Turkey
would not tolerate an operation which could work against Turkey’s interest,
without being consulted or informed. /Hürriyet/
[04] CEM, PAPANDREOU WORK TO ELIMINATE MUTUAL PREJUDICES
Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and his Greek counterpart George
Papandreou yesterday attended a discussion panel entitled “Who is ‘the
Other?’ Does it Really Exist?”, the final panel of the Organization of the
Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum in Istanbul. The two
ministers stressed the importance of mutual respect and understanding to
surmount the current problems between Turkey and Greece, which have
mutually considered each other “the Other” at times in the past. In his
speech at the panel moderated by European Council Secretary-General Walter
Schwimmer, Turkish Foreign Minister Cem stated that although just five
years ago the Turkish and Greek nations considered each other “the Other,”
the two countries had recently entered a period of rapprochement which
altered the prevailing negative value systems. “The concept of the other,
at one time, had negative connotations since countries used it to indicate
countries which they considered as their enemies,” said Cem. “There were
national interests behind this mentality. However, the term is changing
nowadays. It is being redefined in line with universal values rather than
national interests. The concept of the other is used today to refer to
groups which work to destroy universal values. For example, terrorist
organizations which have no regard for universal human rights can be
considered ‘the other.’” Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Papandreou
expressed his wish that Turkey and Greece could overcome all their
bilateral problems and praised recent mutual efforts aimed at bolstering
relations. “Although we still have certain problems, I believe we can
eliminate all the established clichés which have alienated the two nations
from each other,” said Papandreou. “We should educate our nations and
encourage them to contribute this rapprochement process.” /Cumhuriyet/
[05] OIC-EU JOINT FORUM ENDS
The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-European Union Joint Forum
ended yesterday in Istanbul. A joint press statement was issued at the end
of the forum, which was held with the participation of 71 countries from
Europe, Asia and Africa at the invitation of the Turkey’s foreign minister,
Ismail Cem. Cem remarked that Turkey’s initiative was of great importance
not only for the region, but also for all worldwide nations. The press
statement said, “History has taught us that a lack of mutual knowledge and
respect among civilizations can greatly affect world stability and peace.
Harmony and welfare are nurtured when different peoples make communication
a priority, taking the time to express and listen to each other’s views and
interests, acknowledging and tolerating differences, while at the same time
seeking out commonalities that can help build strong relationships and
promote political and economic cooperation.” Despite some disagreements
among the attendees over certain sensitive issues such as Israel-
Palestinian dispute, significant decisions were taken at the end of the
forum. The following points were agreed upon: “1) The Forum reaffirms its
strong belief that cultures, in their diversity, complement and enhance one
another. 2) The main means to support unity and solidarity and to avoid
racial, religious and cultural prejudices is to enhance our knowledge of
one another through communication and cooperation for the promotion
of common universal values. 3) The Forum affirms that terrorism cannot be
justified for any reason whatsoever. It recognizes the joint responsibility
to fight terrorism in all its forms and manifestations within the framework
of the UN, in conformity with its Charter and its resolutions. 4) The Forum
underlines that in order for peace, stability and harmony to prevail, the
Middle East conflict must be settled in a just and comprehensive manner and
in accordance with international law and the relevant Security Council
resolutions.” /All Papers/
[06] LINN IN ANKARA TO PUSH ACTION PLAN
Johannes Linn, the World Bank vice president in charge of Europe and
Central Asia, arrived in Ankara yesterday in advance of a WB Executive
Board meeting scheduled for March 15. Linn is expected to ask Turkey to
approve an anti-corruption action plan in the lead up to the meeting. While
in Turkey, Linn is scheduled to attend a series of conferences in Ankara
and Istanbul. He will also meet Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, government
economy ministers and other officials. If Turkey does not approve the
action plan, then the Executive Board meeting will be delayed. /Hürriyet/
[07] BILL IN US CONGRESS CALLS FOR BETTER TIES WITH TURKEY
Four congressmen from the US House of Representatives have introduced a
bill to that body calling on the US to support and increase its political,
cultural, economic and military relations with both Turkey and Israel.
/Hürriyet/
[08] GORE CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR TURKEY
Speaking to the Foreign Political Institute in New York yesterday, former
US Vice President and presidential contender Al Gore said that in case of a
military operation in Iraq, Turkey’s interests in the region must be
protected. /Sabah/
[09] AFGHAN FOREIGN MINISTER ABDULLAH PRAISES TURKEY’S COOPERATION
The Afghan interim government’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah
yesterday expressed satisfaction over Turkey’s decision to take over
command of the international peacekeeping force in his country in March
when the British command expires. Responding the questions of the Turkish
press at the end of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC)-
European Union Joint Forum yesterday, Abdullah stated that Afghanistan
highly appreciated Turkey’s efforts to help the country restructure its
social and economic fabric. He evaluated Turkey’s efforts as “a positive
contribution to establish stability in the region.” /Cumhuriyet/
[10] VERHEUGEN TO ARRIVE IN TURKEY TODAY
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenther Verheugen is to arrive in Turkey
today to pay a two-day visit. An EU spokesman said that among the subjects
he was planning to discuss with Turkish officials were Turkish-EU relations,
recent reforms and the issue of Cyprus. /Cumhuriyet/
[11] ERDOGAN CALLS FOR RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan called
yesterday for a ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public
buildings. Speaking to his party’s parliamentary group meeting, Erdogan
said, “We have declared our party’s program and asked for the people’s
vote. If the public doesn’t like it they will not vote for us and we will
be unable to come to power.” He added that if the AKP did assume leadership
of the country, it would privatize the state tobacco and alcohol monopoly
TEKEL as soon as possible. /Turkiye/
[12] DEMIREL CUTS RIBBON ON NEW CAMPUS
Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel officially opened the campus of
Kadir Has University in Cibali, Istanbul yesterday. During the ribbon-
cutting ceremony, businessman and university namesake Kadir Has said, “A
former TEKEL factory which was granted to our university has been restored
in the best possible way and outfitted with educational and scientific
equipment. This project is one of my most important charity works. I can
only hope that this campus finds favor among Turkey’s students. True Path
Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller also participated in the ceremony.
/Milliyet/
[13] TURKISH COCA-COLA OFFICIAL MEETS PAKISTAN’S MUSHARRAF
Cem Kozlu, a Turkish citizen who heads Central European and Middle Eastern
operations for the Coca-Cola Company in New York city, met with Pakistani
leader Pervez Musharraf yesterday to speak about investment and business
opportunities in that country. Their meeting in Washington DC’s Cosmos Club
took place just prior to a roundtable gathering held by Coca-Cola Chairman
Douglas Daft. Kozlu supervises Coca-Cola’s operations in nearly 50
countries. /Milliyet/
[14] TURKISH DESIGNER’S WARES ATTRACT ATTENTION IN NEW YORK
Turkish fashion designer Atil Kutoglu’s fashion show, this week held as
part of the annual New York Fashion Show turned the heads of industry
leaders and potential buyers. Hundreds of press and broadcast institutions
from the US and Europe attended the top fashion show. Kutoglu’s 65
creations were presented on the catwalk by 20 models. /Aksam/
[15] TURKISH BUSINESSMEN TO SIGN DEAL FOR EGYPTIAN INDUSTRIAL AREA
Under a new agreement, an industrial region similar to Ankara’s Ivedik
Organized Industrial Region will be opened with Turkish participation in
Cairo with the name “Kivedik.” Ivedik Organized Industrial Region Executive
Board Chairman Hasan Gultekin and a group of 29 businessmen went to Cairo
this week and are expected to sign an agreement to establish Kivedik.
Gultekin said that 100 firms would work in Kivedik in the first stage and
that the land for the project would be allocated to the investors for 99
years for free. Meanwhile, Egyptian Prime Minister Atif Ubeyt welcomed the
Turkish delegation and said that he would do his best to prepare an area of
1 million square meters with infrastructure within two years for the
Kivedik project. /Star/
[16] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
[17] ISTANBUL SPIRIT BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)
Columnist Ali Sirmen writes on the OIC-EU Joint Forum held in Istanbul. A
summary of his column is as follows:
“During the OIC-EU Joint Forum attended by 51 ministers and representatives
from 75 countries, French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrine said that the
term ‘clash of civilizations’ should not unsettle anyone. The important
point was to turn it into a dialogue and mutual understanding. He also
stressed that in order to achieve this aim, the sides should discuss their
problems seriously and comprehensively, and bring the issues they do not
understand about the others to the table in a friendly manner, instead of
at diplomatic forums where no one can fully express their problems and end
up leaving satisfied. ‘For example, we find it hard to understand the
secondary role of women in Islam, and we must express this view. In return,
they don’t understand the modern family structure of the West, and don’t
view it favorably when old people are left alone with their fate living on
their own. They must express these views to us. A real dialogue begins in
this way. This meeting has formed an Istanbul spirit on the issue. Istanbul
is the most convenient place for such a meeting. We must act without
creating new bureaucracies and work to benefit from this spirit.’ Mr.
Vedrine’s words best summarized this conference. However, if an operation
against Iraq is carried out and Turkey stands by the US, such a conference
cannot be convened in Istanbul again. A probable intervention in Iraq and
Turkey’s participation in it, however small, would lead to grave
consequences for Turkey both economic and political. What will happen to
the Istanbul spirit if such a strike takes place? How long would we have
wait to revive this spirit?
[18] PUTTING OUR HOUSE INTO ORDER BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)
Columnist Semih Idiz writes on the OIC-EU Joint Forum held in Istanbul. A
summary of his column is as follows:
“The OIC-EU Joint Forum, which is an obvious success at the hands of
Foreign Minister Ismail and his close friends, has also shown the
significance of Turkey clearly. As a consequence, it lays a burden of
important responsibilities on Turkey’s shoulders. However, if Turkey will
play a role focused on ‘tolerance’ and respect for ‘the other’ with its
special identity based on a synthesis of the East and West, it must
overcome a series of concerns regarding its important shortcomings as well
as groundless suspicions. Otherwise, no one will respect a country calling
for tolerance abroad when intolerance reigns high within its borders. We
must accept that FM Cem’s success has lifted Turkey’s respectability on an
international level. However, it is also certain that there are some who
feel disturbed by this. They hate concepts such as ‘cultural diversity’ and
‘searches to overcome monotony’ which the Forum brings to mind. It must be
recalled that there have been culture ministers who said that they didn’t
recognize any culture other than their own national culture in Turkey. We
are witnessing the presence of others who believe in not opening a can of
worms, lest they would not be able to deal with political problems which
could erupt. The presence of this opposition front is well known and the
news that the EU is showing the way to the PKK terrorist organization are
believed to bear its stamp. This front may slow down Turkey’s development
or its process oftaking its place on the international stage as a respected
state. However, in time all the pieces will fall into place. This is
neither a political nor a cultural preference. It is the inevitable result
of urbanization and industrialization. When Italian fascism, German Nazism,
and Soviet totalitarianism are studied, this fact becomes evident. All
distorted systems which tried to shunt humanity’s natural process of
evolution into certain directions in the modern world were eventually
discarded. These mistakes resulted in the loss of life for innocent
millions. The Forum held in Istanbul has once more shown the greatness of
Ataturk, as he didn’t pursue a restrictive or narrow ideology. He pointed
to a lifestyle obliged to get into step with civilization and developments
based entirely upon human values. The opposition front doesn’t want to see
this. As they are afraid of the European and universal values when Turkey
is strong, Ataturk had seen that the precondition for Turkey was to evolve
into a nation from a Muslim society when the country was at its lowest
point. The OIC-EU Joint Forum has clearly pointed out the important role
Turkey can play in the international arena. However, in order to play this
role and feel its importance, Turkey has to put its own house into order
and as soon as possible.”
[19] TURKEY’S CONTRIBUTION BY ENGIN GUNER (AKSAM)
Columnist Engin Guner writes on the OIC-EU meeting in Istanbul and the need
to define terrorism. A summary of his column is as follows:
“The Sept. 11 attacks brought the concept of ‘clash of civizilations’ first
put forth in 1997 by Samuel Huntington to the table for discussion.
Meetings based on tolerance and dialogue among religions and cultures have
been held before. However, the meeting which ended in Istanbul yesterday
was important because it covered a wide range of countries and brought the
OIC and EU nations together. This is the first time the East and the West
have come together since the declaration of war against terrorism by the
US. This helped them to begin a dialogue towards understanding each other.
The aim of the meeting was to eradicate misunderstandings, get to know one
another better, and search for solutions to problems through dialogue. This
was not going to be easy. The beginning of such a process in Turkey is
meaningful. Apart from its geographical location, Turkey’s role as a bridge
between three continents is enough to demonstrate how important this
initiative is. Notwithstanding its shortcomings, predominantly Muslim
Turkey sets an example for other Muslim countries. It isn’t easy to abolish
all prejudices and animosities stemming from different cultural legacies.
In order to eradicate misunderstandings leading to these, one must try to
understand and show respect to the cultural identity of the other. That is
why dialogue is a must. However it is not always easy to get results.
Everyone knows the difficulty of defining terrorism in a way which is
acceptable to all. As it uses violence instead of ideas, an effective fight
must waged against it. However, no one should forget that terrorism cannot
be abolished through force alone. Understanding the reasons which foster
terrorism is more important. It should be recalled that terrorism is
nourished by poverty, injustice, ignorance, anger and hate. It is not
possible to eradicate all these scourges in a very short time. The
tolerance shown by the Ottomans for cultural, religious and ethnic
diversity is nowhere to be found in many countries today. We have to fight
against poverty and ignorance, establish justice in place of revenge,
dialogue in place of violence, conciliation instead of clashes, and take
mutual confidence building measures.”
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