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Turkish Press Review, 99-11-19Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>19.11.99Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morningCONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...[02] DEMIREL: WE DESIRE PEACE IN CAUCASIAFollowing his 40-minute meeting with Armenian President Robert Kocaryan, President Suleyman Demirel said that to institute diplomatic relations with Armenia depended on the solution of the conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan. President Demirel emphasized, "Turkey desires peace in this region, and if peace is obtained, this will serve to promote the interests of Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan." /Turkiye/[03] BAKU-CEYHAN PIPELINE AGREEMENT SIGNEDThe Baku-Ceyhan pipeline deal, which will transport Azerbaijani oil to Western markets through Georgia and Turkey, was signed yesterday during the OSCE Summit. Finally, the dream which has lasted for seven years, has been realized. Regarding the agreement, which was ratified by the Presidents of Turkey, Georgia and Azerbaijan, and also by the American President as an observor, Turkey will obtain an annual about 100 million dollars besides the increase in her strategic importance. The pipeline has been planned to be a total of 1,730 km in length; and 468 km of it will be on Azerbaijani territory, with 225 km on Georgian soil and 1,037 km of it crossing Turkey. The project is expected to cost 2.4 billion dollars, excluding the financial expenditures and the crude oil which will fill it. /Turkiye/[04] YELTSIN AND CLINTON DISAGREEMENTDuring the OSCE Summit, the problem of Chechnya has created tension between the Western countries, but especially between the U.S.A. and Russia. The OSCE Summit was the scene of a war of words between Clinton and Yeltsin. Yeltsin considers the Chechens to be "brigands and murderers" and said, "We cannot sit at a table with armed gangs. We have to get rid of these terrorists and we know which countries are helping them." In addition, Yeltsin criticized the NATO airstrikes in Yugoslavia, which was the last straw for many.Then Clinton replied, "The way that you chose to solve the problem of Chechnya has created fear. There should be a political dialogue and a solution in place to clean up the terrorists. This dialogue should not be with terrorists, but with those who seek peace. The OSCE and other institutions might play a role in making this process easier. In August 1991, Yeltsin climbed onto the turret of a tank and declared, 'You can have a coup d'etat only if you kill me' and that impressed me very much at the time. If you were thrown into jail in Moscow because of this, we would have to act to ensure your freedom." So Clinton revealed his thoughts that it was not solely an internal problem for Russia, but Yeltsin did not agree with him. Furthermore, when Yeltsin was criticized during his meeting with Chirac and Schroeder, he walked out of the OSCE Summit and left for Russia immediately. /Milliyet/ [05] HELSINKI SUMMIT DISCUSSED AT OSCEThe Helsinki Summit where Turkey's candidacy for full-membership will be discussed has been deliberated during the OSCE Summit in Istanbul. The EU Term-President, Finnish Foreign Minister Tarja Halonen, stated that Turkey's candidacy would be registered during the Helsinki Summit. Halonen declared that there would be some interesting debates on Turkey in Helsinki,and noted that a positive atmosphere would be created between all parties. In another development, Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said ,"Turkey is expecting her candidacy status to be granted." He added that if this were not the case, relations between Turkey and the EU would be adversely affected. /Cumhuriyet/[06] ECEVIT AND SIMITISPrime Minister Ecevit, who met Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis, suggested that they approach Lahey Justice Court concerning the Aegean and Cyprus issues. Simitis replied, "If we do not confer with the Lahey Justice Court, then I will not be able to convince my people to dispose of the veto." Prime Minister Ecevit also met the Greek, French, German, Dutch, Macedonian, Croatian, Albanian and Spanish Prime Ministers. The leaders of Greece, France, Germany and Holland have suggested to Ecevit that "Turkey should obey the Copenhagen criteria and to accept the judgement of Lahey Justice Court on the Cyprus and Aegean issues." During the meeting between Ecevit and Simitis, neither the approval of Turkey's candidacy to the EU, nor the Greek veto were on the agenda. The Prime Minister pointed out that there was not a single person in Turkey who was after a piece of land in Greece. Ecevit further added, "We should not forget that both countries are members of NATO. It is not hard to solve the problems between Greece and Turkey, but we should not add the question of Cyprus to these. The Cyprus issue concerns both the UN and the two peoples on the Island. I believe we should give priority to relations between Greece and Turkey." /Aksam/[07] CYPRUS SUMMITWith his sudden decision,the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Rauf Denktas, is arriving in Istanbul this morning in order to meet UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Leader of the Greek-Cypriots, Glafkos Klerides. President Denktas will today meet with Kofi Annan, who is in Istanbul for the OSCE Summit, at 18:00 and they will discuss the methods to be followed during the indirect meetings which will be held on Dec. 3rd in New York. /Cumhuriyet/[08] CLINTON GATHERS KOCARYAN AND ALIYEV TOGETHERAzerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev and the Armenian Head of State, Robert Kocaryan, met yesterday following initiatives by the American President, Bill Clinton. Aliyev and Kocaryan exchanged information concerning the article on the Upper Karadag issue in the Istanbul Charter that is envisaged to be signed today. It is expected that another paragraph concerning this problem will be added to the Istanbul Charter in which the good intentions of both parties, who will continue their consultations for a solution to this problem, will be emphasized. /Turkiye/[09] ECEVIT'S 'FRIENDSHIP' LUNCHTurkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit invited Heads of State and government members present at the OSCE Summit to lunch. The Turkish President, Suleyman Demirel, Turkish Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Russian Federation President Boris Yeltsin, American President Bill Clinton and French President Jacgues Chirac sat together. In addition, the leaders of some of the Turkish-speaking Republics attended the luncheon. At another table, Greek Prime Minister Kostas Simitis and Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem talked together during the meal. Furthermore, State Ministers and Deputy Prime Ministers Devlet Bahceli and Husamettin Ozkan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Natural Sources Cumhur Ersumer, the leader of the Virtue Party, Recai Kutan, and the leader of the Motherland Party, Mesut Yilmaz, were present. /Aksam/[10] PRAISE FOR TURKEYThe leaders attending the OSCE Summit praised Turkey, despite experiencing earthquake disasters recently, for her perfect organization. The members of the press are also satisfied with the service given by the press centre established in the Lutfi Kirdar Congress Centre which compromises 800 telephone lines. /Hurriyet/[11] COOK EXPLAINS TURKEY AID PACKAGEEngland's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Robin Cook, explained the aid package prepared by his country for Turkey. Concerning this aid package, Cook said, "Because of the terrifying earthquake that occurred in Turkey, I am very glad to explain that England is giving 250,000 GBP to UNICEF in order to meet the needs of pregnant women and children, to supply heaters and urgent school needs. We are also providing tents able to shelter three thousand people which are suitable for winter conditions. Furthermore, we are ready to give technical help to Turkey in order to strengthen her capabilities in case of a disaster in the future." /Turkiye/[12] NEGOTIATIONS WITH IMFThe State Minister responsible for the Treasury, Recep Onal, said that they aimed to increase the IMF's financial support under the stand-by agreement. Emphasizing that the status of the IMF enables financial aid to countries, the equivalent of twice of their 'Special Drawing Right`, to be provided on an annual basis, Minister Onal stressed, "When it is evaluated we obtain a fund of 4 billion dollars for Turkey. However, in order to overcome our difficulties rapidly and to do our job better way, we must fold that amount and now we are discussing this situation with the IMF." /Turkiye/[13] WORLD BANK TO COMEJohannes Linn, the World Bank's Eastern Europe and Central Asia Regional Deputy Chairman, is going to come Turkey on Nov. 21st. Linn will attend a conference on the 'Restructuring of Turkey in the next Millenium and Foreign Investment'. He will also visit Kocaeli, a badly-hit earthquake region, on the same day, and on Nov. 23rd he will hold some top-level official consultations in Ankara. /Turkiye/[14] LYRICAL HISTORY DEMONSTRATIONWorld leaders, who came to Istanbul to attend the OSCE Summit, were treated to the "Lyrical History Demonstration" that depicted Turkey and Turkish culture in music and dance. At the end of the demonstration, the leaders gave the performers a standing ovation. Istanbul State Opera and Ballet's orchestra, chorus and dancers, the musicians' sufism group and the Mevlevi dervish dancers from the Turkish Music Group, Ahmet Ozhan, Fatih Erkoc, Pentagram, the Seferad Synagogue singers, Istanbul Orthodox Church Choir and the State Folk-Dance Group, Balik Ayhan and his team, appeared on stage for the performance, in which 450 people took part. /Hurriyet/[15] HILLARY CLINTON: "I UNDERSTAND ATATURK"Hillary Clinton and her daughter Chelsea visited Antalya under strict security precautions. The Clintons, who were guarded by nearly 150 American agents, were accompanied by Minister of Culture Istemihan Talay and his wife. Their first stop was Perge, the first city with a female president, followed by the ancient city of Aspendos. During her visit, Hillary Clinton addressed an audience of 150 people and said, "Ataturk once said that if he had not been the Head of State, he would have chosen to be the Minister of Culture. Today, having visited my share of the diverse monuments and museums under your stewardship, Mr. Minister, I understand why the great and beloved father of this nation might have wanted your job." /Hurriyet/[16] LEADERS' WIVES TOUR ISTANBULThe wives of the leaders who came to Istanbul to attend the OSCE Summit visited Sultanahmet Mosque and Ayasofia Museum. The UN Secretary-General's wife, Nane Annan, the Russian Federation President's wife, Nayna Yeltsin, the Kirghzistan President's wife, Mairam Akayeva, the Bulgarian President's wife, Antonina Stoyanov, the Austrian President's wife, Margot Klestil, the Slovakian President's wife, Irena Schuster, the Greek Prime Minister's wife, Dafne Simitis, the Canadian Prime Minister's wife, Aline Chretien, the Macedonian Prime Minister's wife, Snezan Georgievski, and the Greek-Cypriot Leader's wife, Lila Klerides, went on the tour of the city's historic tourist sights. /Turkiye/[17] NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS' MEETINGDuring the non-governmental organizations' meeting, under the umbrella of the OSCE Summit, again human rights violations, and especially the latest situation in Chechnya, were discussed. Yesterday, 29 non-governmental organizations issued a joint declaration. Warning the world to stop selling weapons to those countries which violate international law through armed combat, they emphasized, "It is not acceptable to put forward proposals to restrict human rights due to 'security and emergency situations`." /Cumhuriyet/[18] ANKARA THEATRE FESTIVALThe 4th Ankara Theatre Festival, organized by the Cankaya and Yenimahalle Municipalities and some Foundations, started yesterday. Thirteen theatre groups from Ankara, 7 from Istanbul, and one each from Adana, Aydin, Bartin, Diyarbakir, Giresun, Izmir and Samsun, plus three theatre groups from France, Holland and Azerbaijan are attending the Festival. In addition, cinevision demonstrations, forums, discussion, panels, seminars and workshops will take place during the Festival. /Sabah/[19] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...[20] CENTURY LONG STAND-OFF - BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on the OSCE Summit taking place in Istanbul. A summary of her column is as follows:"The conference of the Organization for Security and COoperation in Europe, which began with a lyrical performance showing the past and present of Anatolia, is the scene of a stand-off between the East and the West. Turkey, just as in the Big Game which determined the destiny of the region at the end of the last century, has undertaken not only a geographic but also a political role as mediator between the Eastern Bloc and the West Bloc, which is trying to eradicate its last remnants. Istanbul deputy from the Democratic Left Party, Ahmet Tan, who is representing Turkey at the OSCE Summit stated that the framework of Turkey's role in the 21st century was being determined at this meeting. "Turkey comes up not only as a geographical but also as a political bridge between the East and West, an element of compromise." As the final communique expected be signed today, is being prepared Turkey is trying hard to find the right expression on the Chechen issue. The reaction of the Russian President to the comments of the German and US leaders showed that Russia does not wish anyone to interfere in her backyard. Even though the American President said that the time had come to leave behind the old concept of Europe and Asia, the reflection of a century-old stand-off can be felt in the reactions of both European and Russian leaders. When the question of Chechnya was placed on the table, the US was sending out a veiled signal to Turkey by saying to President Yeltsin that when he sprang atop a tank Clinton was behind him as a citizen of the world, and if Yeltsin had been imprisoned all the leaders at the meeting would have been defending him. The American President implied that he saw the struggle in Chechnya as a fight for freedom, and added that the 21st century should be evaluated using new concepts and concluded by saying that the differences and problems between peoples should be solved within the framework of fundamental rights and freedoms. Istanbul is opening the door on a new century with this conference with its meaningful messages. The stand-off in the century-old game is taking place in Istanbul, and the West is taking a step towards a new world in that city." [21] CYPRUS SURPRISE AT OSCE - BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)Columnist Fikret Bila expounds on the recent developments concerning the Cyprus question during the OSCE Summit. A summary of his column is as follows:"The morning session of the OSCE Summit ended with an anticipated crisis. President Yeltsin angered by the statement of President Clinton concerning Chechnya, in a signal to the Russian public in the midst of pre-election fervour, left the table and created a crisis. Just before lunch, the OSCE witnessed the scene of a new development in the Cyprus question on which a crisis had narrowly been averted. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who had thrown the 'proximity' talks to be held in New York on December 3 between Denktas and Klerides into danger, said to State Minister Sukru Sina Gurel that there had been a secretarial error which was later corrected. State Minister Gurel, explaining that Denktas's reaction was perfectly justifiable, said that in any case the crisis had been prevented and the talks would take place in New York as planned. However, Annan had a surprise up his sleeve. He stated that Greek-Cypriot Administration leader Klerides was in Istanbul for the OSCE meeting, he would meet him and if approved, he would like to meet Denktas in Istanbul. The new development is related to Denktas and he replied that he would be able to comply with the request. Thus, Annan has not only corrected his mistake but also started the 'proximity' talks in Istanbul. This surprise development pleases Ankara for two reasons first, Annan is addressing both leaders on an equal footing by beginning consultations in Istanbul, and secondly by inviting Denktas to Istanbul he has relieved Turkey who is displeased at the arrival of the Greek-Cypriot Administration leader in Istanbul and his attendace at the bilateral talks there. With Annan's initiative, the OSCE Summit has led to an indirect Summit on Cyprus. Thus, the Cyprus issue, which it was feared would cast a shadow over the OSCE Summit, is the first question to have a positive result." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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