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Turkish Press Review, 01-02-09Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr><LINK href="http:/_www.byegm.gov.tr_yayinlarimiz_chr_pics_css_tpr.css" rel=STYLESHEET type=text/css> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="20%"><_td> <td width="60%"><map name="FPMap1"> </map></td> <td width="20%"></td> </tr> <_table> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="20%" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> Press & Information</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> Turkish Press</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> Foreign Press in Turkey</td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080" bgcolor="#F0F0F0"> Turkish Press Review >></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> Press Guide</td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <_td> <td width="80%" valign="top" style="border: 0 solid #808080" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="10" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%" style="border: 1 solid #808080"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="5" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%"> Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%">09.02.2001</td> </tr> </table> </td> <_tr> <tr> <td width="100%"> CONTENTSCONTENTS
[01] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS... [02] PRESIDENT SEZER VETOES THE DECREE ON COSAN'S FUNERALPresident Ahmet Sezer vetoed the government decree allowing the bodies of the leader of the Nakshibandiyya Order, Esad Cosan and his son-in-law, Prof. Ali Yucel Uyarel to be buried in the garden of Suleymaniye Mosque. Sezer returned the decree back to the government, explaining his reasons in a three page paper. The President stated the decree contradicted the law on municipalities, on the protection of historical heritage, on public health, and the regulation on cemeteries. Additionally, Sezer said the decree also contradicted Article 10 of the Constitution which underlines the principle of equality for all Turkish nationals. /Cumhuriyet/[03] GOVERNMENT MEETS WITH BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVESThe leaders of the coalition government placed the Turkish economy on the table for discussion yesterday. Representatives from all sectors conveyed their troubles to leaders and also presented proposals for solutions. Following the five-hour plus meeting, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, "The meeting was very fruitful. We know there are problems in real and banking sectors. We shall do what we must." /Turkiye/[04] BAHCELI'S FIRST TRIP ABROADNationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, who has never been abroad saying 'If it becomes too necessary, then I will visit abroad', will go to Turkmenistan on 17 February. Bahceli preferred Turkmenistan for his first trip abroad. Bahceli accepted the invitation of Saparmurat Turkmenbasi and will sign many cooperation agreements mostly on health and energy during his 4 day visit. /Aksam/[05] CROATIAN PRESIDENT MESIC'S CONTACTS IN ANKARACroatian President Stipe Mesic stated in a press conference yesterday that he believed the Cyprus problem could be solved within a United Europe, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue rather than interference by other countries or institutions. He said, " All problems, including Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina, can be solved within the scenario of a United Europe." Mesic said they discussed Turco-Croatian relations, the latest developments in the region, and the prevailing conditions in the Yugoslavia during the meetings. Thanking Turkey for her support during Croatia's integration period to NATO and Europe, Mesic said, " I am sure this visit is very important, not just for Croatia, but also for the whole region." /Cumhuriyet/[06] POLARIZATION IN CAUCASUSThe Caucasus, with its rich underground resources, currently the focal point for strategic maneuverings is leading to polarization in the region. The existence of a tripartite strategic partnership among the Republic of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia, backed by the US, is creating another partnership in response among Iran, Armenia and Greece, backed by the Russian Federation. The intense polarization is growing among these groups. While the tension between Turkey and Armenia continues due to the allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide, the Russian Federation is increasing its pressure on Azerbaijan and Georgia who want to establish good relations with NATO. /Cumhuriyet/[07] FRANCED PROHIBITED FROM PARTICIPATING TURKISH BIDS FOR ONE YEARThe Ministry of National Defense prohibited French ALCATEL Space Industries and Matra Marconi Space companies from participating in any defense bids for one year. According to the decision published in the Official Gazette, these countries would not be able to participate in any defense bids. /Sabah/[08] RUSSIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN PROPOSES A GENOCIDE COMMISSIONRadical nationalist Russian parliamentarian, Aleksandr Mitrafanov, tried to establish an international commission which would make Turkey pay compensations for so-called genocide victims. /Milliyet/[09] VOLKAN VURAL: "NATIONAL PROGRAM AWAITS POLITICAL WILL"Volkan Vural, the Turkish Prime Ministry's Secretary General for European Union (EU), said they had completed the preparation of the National Program and were waiting for the government's political decision. Speaking at a conference titled "Turkey on the Way to the EU" organized by the Marmara Groups in Istanbul, Vural said the program was composed of 1,500 pages and related to all parts of life. "The EU membership issue is the most important event in Turkey's history after the Republican Revolutions," said Vural. "EU membership is Turkey's target, not the EU's. We see the EU membership bid as a tool to catch up with developed civilizations. Briefly, Turkey should carry out all these reforms not only for EU membership, but also to create a powerful country." /Turkish Daily News/[10] NATO ANNOUNCES MAJOR ANTI-SUBMARINE WARFARE EXCERCISETwelve nations will take part in what NATO is calling the world's largest anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Ionian Sea east of Sicily February 15-18. Submarines from Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United States are scheduled to participate in the exercise, named DOGFISH 2001, NATO said Wednesday. Other alliance members will participate with marine patrol aircraft. /Turkish Daily News/[11] MANGO:"EVERYBODY IS NOT ENEMY"British journalist and writer Andrew Mango said during his speech at the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, some prejudices exist towards Turkey in Europe. Mango said, "Turkey is regarded as if it was a person, and ordered to do this and not to do that. But, this country has a parliament. The Turkish parliament should put forth the national will against the pressures and demands coming from the EU." Mango said, "There exist prejudices accumulating for years. This is particularly obvious with the Armenian issue. People get information from the books slanted against Turkey. Those books claim 1.5 million Armenians were killed. There may not have been that many Armenians living at that time. In order to change these assertions, you should express yourself more. Working groups should be established for this aim. Express yourself especially in the European countries' parliaments and give the required information." Mango said the difficulties in using archives should be alleviated. /Hurriyet/[12] ISRAELI CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF MOFAZ TO VISIT TURKEYIsraeli Chief of General Staff Shaul Mofaz will visit Turkey next week. The latest developments in the Middle East Peace Process, issues on military cooperation and Israeli companies' situations in the defense bids will be the main points on the meetings agenda. Mofaz's visit is important in the sense that it will take place soon after the government changes in the Israel. Mofaz is expected to meet with Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu and high-level defense authorities. Diplomatic sources stated Israeli companies are hopeful about the satellite bid amounting $ 250 million after the agreement with ALCATEL was canceled in response to the France's approval of the so-called Armenian genocide bill. Another important bid Mofaz is expected to discuss with the Turkish officials is for the modernization of M 60 tanks. Meanwhile, Turkish Air Forces Commander General Ergin Celasin will visit Tel Aviv between February 24-27. /Cumhuriyet/[13] ARAFAT MEETS WITH TURKISH JOURNALISTSPalestine Head of State, Yaser Arafat, said the continuation of the Middle East peace process depends on Israel. At a meeting with Turkish journalists, stressing they follow a "wait and see" policy, Arafat said the Palestinian side is insistent on continuation the peace process. Replying to question, "Will you shake Sharon's hand since he has refused to shake your hand?", Arafat said, "Do not forget, I shook Rabin's hand at the White House, we are not involved as persons but as the Israeli government and nation." Upon the recall of Saron's plans over Jerusalem, Arafat said, "I will accept what the Turkish people accept." He added these plans will be approved not only by the Palestinians but also by Arab World, Islamic countries, Christians and the United Nations. /Turkiye/[14] LIEUTENANT GENERAL SOYBAS RETURNSChief of the Gendarmerie General Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf Soybas, returned to Turkey from England yesterday. It was claimed that Soybas and the accompanying delegation went to England as part of the White Energy Operation but these claims were denied by the Secretary General of Chief of the Gendarmerie General Staff. /Aksam/[15] 'GOLDEN WINGS' DOCUMENTARYThe Istanbul-Cairo flight of 2,515 km, which was completed by the Turkish pilots in 1914 at the risk of their lives, will be repeated after a break of 87 years. Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) will telecast the flight, which will be realized on 15 May-18 June 2001 with the planes of the time period, under the title of 'Golden Wings'. It will be filmed as a 3 part documentary. The 'Golden Wings' project, will be carried out with the cooperation between TRT and the Air Forces Command was promoted with a ceremony organized at the 11th Air Communication Main Headquarter Command's facilities. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary General of Presidency Kemal Nehrozoglu, State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Minister of National Defense Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Minister of Communication Enis Oksuz, Secretary General of National Security Council General Cumhur Asparuk, Commander of Land Forces General Hilmi Ozkok, Commander of Sea Forces Admiral Ilhami Erdil, General Director of TRT Yucel Yener, Chairman of The Supreme Radio and Television Board (RTUK) Nuri Kayis and many other guests. /Aksam/[16] LADIN'S DECLARATION ON THE WEB PAGEThe notorious terrorist Usame Bin Ladin, wanted in the US, will use the IBDA-C for its terrorist actions to be carried in Turkey. Bin Ladin called for all Islamic terrorist organizations in Turkey, mostly the IBDA-C, to increase their terrorist actions. Bin Ladin ordered the IBDA-C to 'destroy, frighten, kidnap'. Ladin's declaration was issued on the web page of IBDA-C. /Aksam/[17] MILITARY AGREEMENT BETWEEN GEORGIA AND TURKEYA statement issued by the General Staff press office announced a military agreement regarding the "removal of antipersonnel mines" was signed between Turkey and Georgia on January 29, the Anatolia news agency reported. The agreement envisages the clearance or demolition of mines along the border of the two countries and the establishment of a bilateral regime to prevent these mines from being used as border protection in the future. /Turkish Daily News/[18] REGULAR ISSUES RISK MANAGEMENT RULES FOR BANKSTurkey's top banking authority has issued regulations on internal management systems. This will enable them to determine capital adequacy requirements to reflect market risks. The regulations were published in the Official Gazette and went into effect yesterday. They require banks to set up appropriate internal inspections and risk management systems by January 1, 2002. The Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency said the transition period could be extended one time for six months in exceptional cases providing the banks present justifiable excuses. Banks shall keep adequate capital for all sorts of inherent risks, the regulations said. The regulations are binding for Turkey-based bank branches, and special finance institutions. The regulations define ways to manage basic risks faced by banks, which include credit and market risks, risks relating to the inability to conclude a mutual transaction, and those stemming from the inadequate knowledge of regulations, liquidity risk and operational risk. /Turkish Daily News/[19] DEPPLER:"IT WON'T BE TOO DRAMATIC NOT TO BE ABLE TO SELL TELEKOM"The IMF director in Europe, Michael Deppler, praised the efforts of the government for his disinflation program. Deppler said there is not much deviation from the targets defined by the Fund. Deppler said it is necessary to bring Telekom into position, so it can easily be sold. "The international telecommunication sector is weak and it may be difficult to sell Telekom nowadays. Turkey will sell Telekom, but if it could not, it would not have much dramatic fiscal repercussions./Milliyet/[20] 24 FUNDS TO BE ELIMINATEDThe 'Draft Law of Eliminating Some Funds', which the government plans to carry out in the additional letter of intent given to the International Monetary Fund was presented to the Spokesman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The removal of 24 funds is envisaged with this draft law. Among the funds to be removed are the Farming and Formation of Cooperation Center for Student Selection and Placement (OSYM), Preventing the Environment Pollution, Developing the Traffic Services, Strengthening the Justice Organization Fund. /Aksam/[21] TURKISH OLYMPICS REQUEST BY GOKCEKTurkmen, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Kazakh and Tajik Ambassadors to Ankara visited the Mayor of Ankara, Melih Gokcek. Gokcek, stating cooperation should be made in every field in the Turkish world, suggested organizing a 'Turkish Olympics'. Gokcek said, "Let us organize an Olympics with at least 8-10 branches. There are facilities in Ankara to implement this organization. Turkmen Ambassador Nur Muhammed Hamanov wanted Gokcek to organize entertainment evenings on behalf of the Turkish-speaking Republics. The other Ambassadors requested him to solve the problems of the students who came to Ankara from their countries. /Aksam/[22] "FOREIGN INVESTMENTS MAY INCREASE TENFOLD"The International Institute of Finance (IIF) announced more direct and indirect foreign investments would be made in Turkey this year compared to last year. The report, titled "Capital Inflow to the Developing Markets" prepared by the IIF, said around $166 billion private capital would inflow to developing markets, including Turkey, as the US Federal Bank dropped the interest rates. According to the report, direct portfolio investments totaling $300 million last year, may increase this year tenfold, reaching $3 billion. /Milliyet/[23] ONE BILLION DOLLARS ENDORSEMENT FROM ERDEMIRERDEMIR's Chairman Sener Macun said they would make investments totaling $ 120 million this year. ERDEMIR, which endorsed one billion dollars in 2000, keeps the same number as a target for this year. Macun stated they would aim to produce a total of $ 3.1 billion in 2001. /Sabah/[24] OPET ESTABLISHES PARTNERSHIP WITH ENRONTurkey's fourth largest oil company Opet established a partnership with Enron. The partnership ratio was announced as 8.95 %. Enron Europe Deputy Chairman, Lloyd Wantscheck, said, "We believe in Turkey's future, this partnership is a clear signal." /Hurriyet/[25] SHIPS COLLIDE IN THE BOSPHORUSTwo ships collided at the entrance of the Istanbul strait yesterday. The crew of both ships were rescued. This is the 323rd accident occurring in the straits during the last four years. /Milliyet/[26] TURKISH SOIL TO CANBERRASoil will be taken from the Anzac Memorial to be placed at the New Zealand Memorial to be constructed in Canberra, Australia. According to the Secretariat General of the Land Forces Command, the New Zealand government will take soil from the Anzac Memorial in Gallipoli at a ceremony. /Turkiye/[27] AHMET KABAKLI DIESJournalist and writer Ahmet Kabakli died yesterday due to heart failure. /Milliyet/[28] TURKISH FASHION DESIGNERS IN EUROPETurkish fashion designers were successful in the biggest fashion fair of the world in Dusseldorf, Germany. In the opening fashion show, the creations of Turkish fashion designers Hakan Yildirim and Yesim Chambrey exhibited with Turkish models. The number of visitors to fair reached 52.000. Turkish designers left their marks on the fair. /Sabah/[29] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[30] TIME IS RUNNING SHORT BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the debates regarding Cyprus and Turco-Greek relations at the Wiltonpark conference. A summary of his column is as follows:"Many of Turkey's problems have been discussed at the historical Wiston House since Monday. Among the problems discussed were Cyprus and Turco-Greek relations. Guests from both sectors in Cyprus discussed the problem in light of opinions expressed by the speakers. The speeches of some speakers who hold official titles have revealed facts which should be clearly known in Turkey. One viewpoint holds that, the EU will admit the Greek Cypriot Administration into the Union, as a full member together with the other candidates waiting in line, whether or not Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot sectors are unified. The decision concerning the issue will be made at the end of 2002. These countries will be a full member at the beginning of 2003 or 2004. Despite the prevailing belief in Turkey that the EU will not admit Greek-Cypriot Administration which ignores the divided situation on the Island. However, Turkish diplomats closely concerned with the issue believe the EU is determined to make the Greek-Cypriot Administration a member. The idea that the EU will not admit just the Greek-Cypriot Administration is not valid any more. Turkish diplomats must base their policy on the probability of her admittance. The general public should also be made aware of the situation, otherwise there will be great disappointment and tension between Turco-EU relations. The message clearly conveyed is that time is running short for a solution.' There is only a two-year period of time for Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership. Do not expect the EU to delay membership just because no agreement has been reached on the issue. This decision is closely concerned with the internal structure of the EU and therefore, it is necessary to meet around a table. However, the Turkish side is bringing new conditions and not coming to the negotiation table. There is no reason to not begin negotiations based on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's opinion. The Turkish side can oppose the ideas she does not like. All of them are open to discussion. It is time to get into essence of the problem, leaving the debates over style aside. Let's use this opportunity.' Certainly there are many things to be said in favor of or in opposition to these arguments. The representatives of the concerned parties and the participants in the conference have expressed their opinions on the matter. Certainly, this is not a matter to be solved here. However, it shows the tendency of the EU to admit the Greek-Cypriot Administration into the Union whatever the result may be. Some say, if the EU admits the Greek-Cypriot Administration, it will find Turkey against this decision, the Island will continue to be divided, and the TRNC will integrate with Turkey. Ankara may desist from her desire to be a member of the EU. Can Turkey take this risk? Where would such a radical change in policy take Turkey? We have to consider and discuss all probabilities." <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="100%"> <dl> <dt>FORMER ISSUES</dt> </dl> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <_table> Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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