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Turkish Press Review, 02-07-05
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Summary of the political and economic
news in the Turkish press this morning
05.07.2002
FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
THE EU, CYPRUS AND THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE
BY DERYA SAZAK (MILLIYET)
THE EU GOAL CONSIGNED TO WORDS, REFORMS SHELVED
BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
CONTENTS
[01] LEADERS VOW TO WORK IN HARMONY
[02] TOBB VISITS LEADERS
[03] FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN DIRIOZ: “TURKEY IS CLOSED TO ANY BARGAINING ON THE ESDP”
[04] US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WOLFOWITZ TO VISIT TURKEY
[05] TUSIAD CHAIRMAN MEETS WITH DERVIS
[06] CILLER ASKS KOHL FOR SUPPORT IN EU BID
[07] IZGI: “PARLIAMENT NEEDS THE VIEWS OF EVERY SECTOR OF SOCIETY”
[08] ERDOGAN: “SERIOUS STEPS FOR OUR EU BID SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE DECEMBER”
[09] TUGIAD: “TURKEY NEEDS A NEW GOVERNMENT”
[10] BREKK: “TURKEY GREW FASTER THAN WE PREDICTED”
[11] DOUIN: “WE ARE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE TURKISH MARKET”
[12] DOGAN MEDIA GROUP OPENS NEW FACILITY IN GERMANY
[13] CELEBI HOLDING SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPANISH COMPANY
[14] SUCCESSFUL HITTITE EXHIBIT MOVES TO BERLIN
[15] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
[16] THE EU, CYPRUS AND THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE
BY DERYA SAZAK (MILLIYET)
[17] THE EU GOAL CONSIGNED TO WORDS, REFORMS SHELVED
BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
[01] LEADERS VOW TO WORK IN HARMONY
At a meeting yesterday chaired by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, the leaders
of the coalition government vowed to continue to work in harmony. Deputy
Prime Ministers Devlet Bahceli, Mesut Yilmaz, Husamettin Ozkan, ministers
for the economy and other economy bureaucrats attended the three-hour-plus
meeting spotlighting Turkey’s economic issues. The meeting was held in two
sessions. During a recess, Ecevit met with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer at
the Presidential Palace. Following the leaders’ meeting, a written
statement was issued by the Prime Ministry Press Office. It emphasized that
Turkey’s European Union harmonization work would be speeded up, the
economic program would continue to be carried out decisively, and elections
would be held at the normally scheduled date. The statement also said that
necessary attention would be paid, avoiding public misunderstandings,
concerning the government’s work in harmony. “Coordination will be
strengthened between the economy administration and ministers, and
institutions related to economy will hold regular meetings to evaluate
developments,” it said. /All Papers/
[02] TOBB VISITS LEADERS
Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchange (TOBB) Chairman Rifat
Hisarciklioglu and an accompanying delegation yesterday held separate
visits with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, and Deputy Prime Ministers Devlet
Bahceli and Husamettin Ozkan. During the meeting with President Sezer, the
state leader reportedly stressed that he had closely followed recent
developments but had no desire to intervene in politics. He added though
that when necessary, he would act in line with his authority.
Hisarciklioglu told reporters that he had conveyed the TOBB’s view on the
current situation in Turkey’s politics and the economy. He underlined that
politics itself should overcome any barriers standing in its way. “If
political uncertainty continues, then politics and the economy should be de-
linked from each other,” Hisarciklioglu said. /Turkiye/
[03] FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESMAN DIRIOZ: “TURKEY IS CLOSED TO ANY BARGAINING
ON THE ESDP”
Speaking to the press yesterday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz
stated that Turkey did not want to discuss the issue of the European
Defense and Security Policy (ESDP) with any EU members as a matter of
bargaining related to its own EU membership bid. Dirioz underlined that the
ESDP problem should be solved between the EU and NATO, whose assets the EU
wants to access to under an ESDP military force. Turkey is a member of NATO
but not the EU. Remarking that the Ankara Document signed by Turkey,
Britain and the US should be considered a “basic text” for the issue,
Dirioz said, “The Ankara Document lays out the participation of non-EU NATO
member countries in the ESDP. Turkey won’t make any concessions from its
views for the sake of its EU membership bid. These are completely separate
matters.” /Cumhuriyet/
[04] US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE WOLFOWITZ TO VISIT TURKEY
United States Assistant Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz is scheduled to
visit Turkey on July 14. Wolfowitz has frequently singled out Turkey for
great praise in speeches and public addresses. Major issues which Wolfowitz
is expected to discuss with Turkish officials are possible US intervention
in Iraq, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) under the
command of Turkey in Afghanistan and the dispute over the European Defense
and Security Policy (ESDP). The US will strive to ensure Turkey’s support
if it decides to launch a military operation in Iraq with the aim at
overthrowing Saddam Hussein. Wolfowitz is expected to tell Turkish
officials about US plans for the operation itself as well as the post-
Saddam period. The US also wants to expand the territory under the control
of the ISAF. However, Turkey is opposed to this idea since the US Congress
has yet to allocate $228 million in aid which it had promised to deliver to
Turkey for the command of the peacekeeping force. Concerning the ESDP,
Turkey and the US share similar views since they both believe that the
Ankara Document as signed by Turkey, the US and Britain does not need to be
revised or re-opened for discussion. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] TUSIAD CHAIRMAN MEETS WITH DERVIS
Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD) Chairman
Tuncay Ozilhan yesterday met with State Minister for the Economy Kemal
Dervis at the Treasury Ministry. Speaking to reporters after the meeting,
Ozilhan said that he had expressed to Dervis his concern over the current
political uncertainty and its effects on the economy. Ozilhan also said
that this April and May everything had gone well, with inflation and
interest rates moving down as well as a desirable stability on foreign
exchange markets. “But after the onset of the slight sickness of Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit, all the economic indicators suffered,” said
Ozilhan. Ozilhan also said that politicians should play an important role
in solving problems, whether the current government or the opposition
carries out this responsibility. /Hurriyet/
[06] CILLER ASKS KOHL FOR SUPPORT IN EU BID
True Path (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller yesterday met with former German Prime
Minister Helmut Kohl. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ciller said,
“During the Customs Union process, Germany was sometimes against Turkey,
but now that Turkey is ready for European Union membership, we asked for
its support for Turkey’s membership bid.” Ciller was prime minister in 1995
when the Customs Union agreement took force. /Hurriyet/
[07] IZGI: “PARLIAMENT NEEDS THE VIEWS OF EVERY SECTOR OF SOCIETY”
The new leadership of Turkey’s Journalist’s Association visited Parliament
Speaker Omer Izgi yesterday. At the meeting, Izgi said, “Parliament needs
the views of the full range of society, including press and non-
governmental organizations [NGOs].” He added, “Democracy works best when
Parliament takes into consideration the views of every sector of society.
Otherwise democracy can stall and stifle.” /Milliyet/
[08] ERDOGAN: “SERIOUS STEPS FOR OUR EU BID SHOULD BE TAKEN BEFORE
DECEMBER”
Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan said
yesterday that serious steps should be taken for Turkey’s European Union
accession before the EU’s Copenhagen summit in December. He touched on the
issues of freedom of religion, conscience and expression mentioned in the
Copenhagen criteria as well as education in mother tongues, saying that
these rights should be guaranteed. Erdogan added that he hoped Germany
would support Turkey’s EU bid. _Milliyet
[09] TUGIAD: “TURKEY NEEDS A NEW GOVERNMENT”
Turkish Association of Young Businessmen (TUGIAD) Chairman Hayati Kaya said
yesterday that uncertainty in both politics and the economy would be
dispelled if Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit were to step down. Stressing that
the TUGIAD didn’t want early elections as they could damage the nation’s
economic stability. Kaya stated, “Ecevit is unable to carry out his duties
properly due to his health problems. Turkey needs an active premier in this
process.” Pointing to what he called an urgent need for a new government,
Kaya also thanked Ecevit for his contributions to the country as a powerful
statesman up to this time. /Turkiye/
[10] BREKK: “TURKEY GREW FASTER THAN WE PREDICTED”
Speaking to Reuters yesterday, International Monetary Fund Turkey
Representative Odd Brekk said, “Turkey grew faster than we predicted in the
first quarter of 2002,” and added, “There are also signs that this growth
will continue in the second quarter despite some negative developments such
as fluctuations in financial markets, increase in interest rates and
decrease in the lira’s value.” Meanwhile an IMF delegation is due to arrive
in Turkey next Wednesday to conduct the Fund’s third review of the economic
program. Public debt management is one of the most important issues which
the IMF delegation will explore. /Milliyet/
[11] DOUIN: “WE ARE HOPEFUL ABOUT THE TURKISH MARKET”
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Georges Douin, Renault's executive vice
president for international operations, congratulated the Turkish National
Football Team and said that Turkey had become a European Union member in
terms of football. He said that this year close to 130,000 cars from all
makers would be sold on the Turkish market and predicted that by 2005, this
number could more than triple to as much as 500,000. Stating that Turkey
had proved itself capable of overcoming difficult economic crises in the
past, Douin added, “No matter what the economic situation is, there is a
great deal of demand. Therefore, the future of the Turkish market seems to
be bullish. The increase in value of the euro is a negative factor in terms
of competitive strength. However, we have factories in such countries as
Turkey, and this situation provides us with flexibility and advantages.”
/Star/
[12] DOGAN MEDIA GROUP OPENS NEW FACILITY IN GERMANY
Turkey’s Dogan Media Group yesterday opened a new press facility in
Frankfurt, Germany. Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP)
leader Mesut Yilmaz, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, True Path Party (DYP)
leader Tansu Ciller, and State Minister Tunca Toskay attended the ribbon-
cutting ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Dogan Chairman Aydin Dogan
called on Turkish leaders to open the roads which would bridge Turkey to
Europe. Dogan also urged German leaders to open the doors of the European
Union to Turkey. /Hurriyet/
[13] CELEBI HOLDING SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH SPANISH COMPANY
Celebi Holding Inc. yesterday signed an agreement of strategic cooperation
and common development with Spanish company FCC Aqua y Entorno Urbano S.A.,
a leading European construction and services holding. Stating that Celebi
had spent two years evaluating its possible strategic partnerships with
European companies, Celebi Director General Murat Ozturk said that they
decided on FCC Aqua y Entorno Urbano following a host of meetings with
several other companies. Ozturk added that under the deal, the two
companies had agreed to jointly enter bids in regions such as Central
Europe, the Turkic-speaking countries, the Middle East and North Africa.
This agreement will not change the partnership structure of the two
companies, he added. /Star/
[14] SUCCESSFUL HITTITE EXHIBIT MOVES TO BERLIN
A popular exhibit of ancient Hittite artifacts co-organized by Turkey’s
Culture Ministry is moving to Berlin after a successful six-month run in
Bonn. “The Hittites: People of 1,000 Gods” attracted nearly a quarter of a
million visitors to Bonn’s Federal Exhibition Hall during its showing this
January-June, and it is due to open next Thursday at Berlin’s Martin-
Gropius building. The exhibit boasts over 150 rare, precious artifacts such
as clay tablets, seals and miniature statues made by Anatolia’s ancient
Hittite people. Turkish Culture Minister Istemihan Talay, who will attend
the opening in Berlin, had this to say: “This exhibit will strengthen the
centuries-long ties of culture and mutual activities which connect Turkey
and Germany. We are very pleased to see this show make the move from a
successful run in Bonn to Berlin, where even more people will have the
opportunity to see its wonders.” For more information on the exhibit, which
will stay in Berlin through the end of September, visit http://www.kah-
bonn.de or http:/_www.kultur.gov.tr. _Aksam/
[15] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
[16] THE EU, CYPRUS AND THE GERMAN EXPERIENCE
BY DERYA SAZAK (MILLIYET)
Columnist Derya Sazak writes on recent political developments in Turkey,
making reference to the German experience. A summary of his column is as
follows:
“The coalition partners, who have been at odds on the abolition of death
penalty and allowing cultural rights, are making it harder for Turkey to
get a calendar for the start of its accession negotiations at the end of
the year by closing to stay in the government rather than working for the
nation’s EU goal. Denmark which just took over the EU term presidency for
the second half of the year sent messages that Turkey could get what it
wanted if it complied with the Copenhagen criteria. However, at the same
time the possibility that the Greek Cypriot administration could be
admitted into the Union with or without a settlement was voiced on the
issue in Brussels. Ankara is approaching a critical crossroads. If the
Parliament cannot extraordinarily convene at the end of the summer and
solve the death penalty and cultural rights issues, the EU Progress Report
to be issued in October will not be to our liking. If the Nationalist
Action Party (MHP) hurdle is overcome through the support of the opposition,
the government will fall apart and the EU train will be missed. Later this
year elections will be held in Germany following the recent ones in France.
Considering the trend towards the right in Europe, it will be beneficial to
act quickly. The prime minister’s ill health and the MHP’s threats to break
up the government are harming Turkey’s goal of integration with the West.
The discussions and concerns over the EU are not peculiar to us. In the
memoirs of former German Prime Minister and SPD leader Helmut Schmidt,
there are interesting points which can shed light on our day. ‘Germany’s
decision to participate in European integration at the beginning of the
’50s carried great risks, he wrote. This could have sealed the division of
Germany forever. Today, after 50 years when we look back, it seems that it
was great luck for the steps taken in line with the economic and political
aims to have coincided with our becoming a united nation.’ Following
Schmidt’s example of ‘two Germanies,’ we can say that it is certainly
possible to dream of a Cyprus entering the EU in an entity which can
guarantee the rights of both sides. In fact, the victory of the opposition
Republican Turkish Party (CTP) which defended EU membership in recent local
elections in the TRNC is important. France and Germany, which have fought
each other throughout history, are living in peace under the EU umbrella.
Schmidt goes on to say, ‘It is of utmost importance that we understand why
we Germans need the EU in the face of nationalist speeches delivered
against Europe. All our neighbors remember the war, above all the German
occupation and Hitler’s murders. Germans have to know that all our
neighbors expect us to do all we can not to allow a reoccurrence of the
nationalist violence.’ On one hand, there is national identity and love for
the homeland, and on the other the European Union. Countries like Germany
and France have been able to solve this dilemma with the European Union
identity. Why should not Turkey and Cyprus show the same courage? Why
should we be divided?”
[17] THE EU GOAL CONSIGNED TO WORDS, REFORMS SHELVED
BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
Columnist Sami Kohen writes on recent developments in Turkey and their
ramifications on the Turkish-EU relations. A summary of his column is as
follows:
“At first sight it seems as if the EU issue has been consigned to mere
words and reforms have been shelved. In other words, basic political
reforms which would open the EU membership path are on the back burner and
the continuance of the coalition government has taken priority. In fact,
the government has not abandoned its goal of integration with the EU. In a
joint statement issued by the three coalition leaders at the beginning of
the week, this goal was confirmed. However, some expressions in the
statement have given rise to serious doubts over the importance and
priority attached to the EU up to now. For example, the statement says that
the studies to be conducted on the EU would not be allowed to adversely
affect the future of the 57th government. In other words, they wanted to
say let us go on with the coalition, and if necessary urgent issues
relating to the EU may be delayed. Prime Minister’s Ecevit’s words to
Fikret Bila supports these views: ‘It doesn’t necessarily follow that the
coalition will be destroyed because we do not see eye-to-eye on every
subject.’ In the same statement, the prime minister said that it would be
unfair to expect more understanding and flexibility from MHP leader Bahceli
on cultural rights. It seems that common ground will sought with the
opposition on these issues. If an accord is reached, the Parliament will be
called for an extradinary session. But what if no accord is reached? Then
the EU goal will be left in words only, and reforms will be shelved. The
stance of the government seems to have puzzled EU circles. The European
diplomats cannot fathom how Ecevit will ensure harmonization with the
Copenhagen criteria, which are considered ‘sine qua non’ by the EU.
Diplomats are asking if Ecevit succeeds in having these reforms accepted,
how will the government be able to carry out its commitments? How will the
Copenhagen criteria will be applied? These doubts stem from the fact that
the Copenhagen criteria are not well understood in Turkey. The Copenhagen
criteria do not consist only of the abolition of the death penalty or
allowing cultural rights. It is a package covering various freedoms,
including those of expression and associations, assembly and others.
Furthermore, the EU is closely following their implementations of these
reform laws as well as their passage. In Brussels, the center of the EU,
there are serious doubts on the issue. Certainly, if legal arrangements on
these three sensitive issues can be carried out as soon as possible, the
climate in Brussels and member countries will turn in favor of Turkey.
However, there seems little hope that a signal beacon to the EU will be
able to cut through Ankara’s thick political fog.”
ARCHIVE
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