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Turkish Press Review, 01-03-29

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

29.03.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] ECEVIT: "PARLIAMENT SHOULD WORK HARD"
  • [02] DERVIS LEAVES, CEM BEGINS MEETINGS IN THE US
  • [03] KEMAL DERVIS TO MEET GERMAN BANKERS
  • [04] THE WASHINGTON POST: DERVIS RACES WITH TIME
  • [05] IMF: "THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT DEPENDS ON THE STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM"
  • [06] US: "WE ARE READY FOR SUPPORT"
  • [07] TWO MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM THE US
  • [08] YILMAZ: "GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED TO THE END"
  • [09] YIRCALI: "WE SUPPORT THE NEW PROGRAM"
  • [10] OZILHAN'S STATEMENT
  • [11] OZINCE: "TURKEY WILL OVERCOME THE CRISIS"
  • [12] SOKMENOGLU MEETS ECEVIT, BAHCELI AND OZKAN
  • [13] GOVERNMENT DECREE ON SAVINGS
  • [14] THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO MEET IN ISTANBUL
  • [15] STRAITS EXCLUDED IN BLACKSEAFOR OPERATIONS
  • [16] ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER PERES TO VISIT TURKEY
  • [17] HOUSE OF LORDS APPROVES BILL ON TERRORISM
  • [18] TURKISH FIGHTERS IN GEORGIAN AIRBASES
  • [19] FRENCH GENERAL DEFENDS THE INDEPENDENCE OF RAPID REACTION FORCES FROM NATO
  • [20] TURKISH-AZERI KEK MEETING IN BAKU
  • [21] EU AUDIOVISUAL CONFERENCE SLATED FOR APRIL
  • [22] RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DISCUSSED
  • [23] AMERICAN CREDIT FOR SUZER GROUP
  • [24] GOKALP CONTINUES HIS TOUR OF SYRIA
  • [25] PARLIAMENTARIANS TO TRAVEL TO CUBA
  • [26] TURKISH-JAPAN COOPERATION CONCERNING HEALTH
  • [27] MIRZAOGLU WARNS ABOUT BOSPHORUS TRAFFIC
  • [28] URGUP WILL BE A 'HEALTHY TOWN'
  • [29] FOR TURKEY"
  • [30] PROMOTIONAL INVESTMENTS INCREASE
  • [31] ISTANBUL IN "LE FIGARO"
  • [32] PEACE AT THE HANDS OF ARMENIANS AND TURKS

  • [01] ECEVIT: "PARLIAMENT SHOULD WORK HARD"

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit requested deputies work hard on passing the new laws. Ecevit said, "An efficient, rapid and harmonious legislation process is needed for an economic recovery. Both parties in power and opposition parties should bear their duties and responsibilities. The continuity of progress in Parliament is essential." /Milliyet/

    [02] DERVIS LEAVES, CEM BEGINS MEETINGS IN THE US

    State Minister Responsible for the Economy, Kemal Dervis, departed the US after having completed his meetings. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem begins contacts in the US to ensure cooperation on strategic topics. At a dinner in his honour, Mr. Cem said, "Turkey has two targets: one is to become an axis country in the developing Eurasia region, the other is to join up with the EU." Regarding the recent economic crisis, he said, "The crisis occurred because the improvement in Turkey's legal and administrative structures, as well as, political and economic understanding did not keep pace with her development rate." Mr. Cem also pointed out that high inflation, corruption and bad administration were not problems specific to Turkey. He said they had a global character. Ismail Cem attended a meeting organized by the Washington Institute For Near Eastern Affairs think-tank. During his speech Mr. Cem expressed his views on Turkey's economic situation and regional issues. /Turkiye/

    [03] KEMAL DERVIS TO MEET GERMAN BANKERS

    State Minister for the Economy, Kemal Dervis, will meet today with the head of the Deutsche Bank managing board in Frankfurt. The heads of other German Banks are expected to participate in the meeting. Meanwhile, the IMF Chief of Turkey Desk, Carlo Cottarelli, will arrive in Turkey April 2. The IMF delegation will negotiate with economy bureaucrats to formulate the final version of the letter of intent. It will be submitted to the IMF at the end of April. /Milliyet/

    [04] THE WASHINGTON POST: DERVIS RACES WITH TIME

    The American press reacted to speeches by the Minister of State Responsible for the Economy, Kemal Dervis. The Washington Post stated Kemal Dervis was the most popular figure in Turkey after President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. The paper added Dervis was trying to do what other economists could not do, in just a few weeks. Stating Dervis expected the support of Turkish people, the paper said Dervis would accomplish the first part of the crisis administration by mid-April, and the second part (re-sustaining economic equilibrium) in two to three months. /Cumhuriyet/

    [05] IMF: "THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT DEPENDS ON THE STRENGTH OF THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM"

    The IMF Foreign Relations Director, Tom Dawson, said the support package will be formulated after the details of the new economic program is made clear. Dawson said during his meeting with Kemal Dervis the two agreed that Turkey would present a convincingly determined economic program to the IMF. /Milliyet/

    [06] US: "WE ARE READY FOR SUPPORT"

    US Secretary General, Andrew Card, said the Bush administration will not hesitate to assist Turkey toward a prosperous future. Card said, "We will do our best including trade and investment opportunities." Stating that Turkey and the US have deep strategic, cultural and commercial relations, Card said, "The US is completely faithful to its strategic partnership with Turkey. We believe Turkey will continue to be a part of Europe and will take part in the EU and other European institutions. We share common interests in the Balkans, Caucasus and the Middle East." Regarding political reforms, Card said, "The Turkish people want these reforms for themselves not for the EU or for the US." /Hurriyet/

    [07] TWO MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FROM THE US

    US Secretary of Commerce, Don Evans, attended a banquet within the context of the 20th anniversary conferences of the Turco-American Business Council in Washington. Speaking to the occasion Evans said, "The George W. Bush Administration fully supports Turkey. We believe Turkey will be successful." Meanwhile, The Washington Institute's Expert on Turkey, Alan Makovsky, said, "The US cannot allow Turkey to collapse. The economic crisis will be the number-one issue on the agenda of Turco-US relations. The issue of Iraq will be second on the agenda." /Aksam/

    [08] YILMAZ: "GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE SUPPORTED TO THE END"

    Leader of the Motherland Party (ANAP) and Deputy Prime Minister, Mesut Yilmaz, asked his colleagues to support the Government. Addressing ANAP parliamentarians in group meeting, Yilmaz said, "Turkey is passing through an important curve. Everybody must support the Government." Mr. Yilmaz said the details of the economic program will be announced April 15. /Turkiye/

    [09] YIRCALI: "WE SUPPORT THE NEW PROGRAM"

    In a joint statement, the Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen's (TUSIAD) Supreme Consultation Council (YIK), and the Chairman of Balikesir's Chamber of Commerce, Rona Yircali, said, "We are ready to support the new economic program and the team which prepared it. Now we are at the beginning of a new program. It might be a good start, but let us not forget that this is just the beginning. We would be daydreaming to say the economic crisis will be overcome by the end of this year." /Aksam/

    [10] OZILHAN'S STATEMENT

    Chairman of the Executive Board of the Turkish Association of Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD), Tuncay Ozilhan, called on the government to act determinedly in resolving the legal regulations necessary to overcome the economic crisis. Ozilhan, currently in Washington attending the Turco-American Business Council meetings, gave his full support to the State Minister responsible for economy, Kemal Dervis. Ozilhan said, "A determined manner is of utmost importance in the anti-inflation programs, which are based on a stable foreign exchange rate. During his contacts, Dervis' program was warmly welcomed thus ensuring financial support for the program. The important thing is the delivery of enough financial support." /Aksam/

    [11] OZINCE: "TURKEY WILL OVERCOME THE CRISIS"

    General Director of Is Bank, Ersin Ozince, said, "Turkey will surmount this crisis. We trust in our country's future and we will continue with our job and our investments." Attending the Media Cocktail Party, Ozince told reporters that Turkey, with a population of 65 million, is a very attractive market for foreign and domestic investors. Stressing Is Bank has made liberal policy decisions since its foundation, Ozince added it had previously played an active role in privatization program, and would continue doing so. /Turkiye/

    [12] SOKMENOGLU MEETS ECEVIT, BAHCELI AND OZKAN

    Government partners will try to pass the 15 laws necessary for foreign loans by decree in the power of law (KHK). The laws were put as conditions on the loans by the State Minister Responsible for the Economy, Kemal Dervis. Deputy Speaker of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Murat Sokmenoglu, provided information on the TGNA's progress to Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Deputy Prime Ministers Devlet Bahceli and Husamettin Ozkan yesterday. While answering journalists' questions after the meeting, Sokmenoglu said, "We have presented a new proposal to the leaders so the TGNA will work more rapidly. The TGNA will also work on weekends if necessary. 15 laws must be enacted as soon as possible to overcome the economic crisis, and 90 laws, upon which the National Programme depends, should come into force as well. /Aksam/

    [13] GOVERNMENT DECREE ON SAVINGS

    The government issued another decree on savings to help decrease the inflation rate. The last decree demanded restriction of all expenditures. "No demand for additional funds will be given so as to prevent the economic program from being delayed. This way we will not create a need for additional cash." /Cumhuriyet/

    [14] THE PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY OF COUNCIL OF EUROPE TO MEET IN ISTANBUL

    The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (AKPM) will meet in Istanbul between May 21 and 23. Uluc Gurkan, President of the Turkish Council's delegation, said the presidential commission, permanent commission, political commission and women-men equality commission meetings will be held in Istanbul. At the political commission's meeting, the South Caucasus issue is expected to be dealt with. /Turkish Daily News/

    [15] STRAITS EXCLUDED IN BLACKSEAFOR OPERATIONS

    The operational area of the Black Sea Naval Cooperation Task Group (BLACKSEAFOR) will not include the Straits. Countries bordering the Black Sea: Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Turkey, established the Force. The BLACKSEAFOR has five main tasks: search and rescue, mine detection, humanitarian aid, environmental protection and good will visits. In case of a maritime accident naval forces will immediately intervene to prevent an environmental disaster, but the Straits are not included to the intervention area. Hence Turkey, ruled out Russia's opinion that with the establishment of these forces, safety measures were taken for oil transportation by tankers through the Straits. /Hurriyet/

    [16] ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER PERES TO VISIT TURKEY

    Israeli Foreign Minister Simone Peres will visit Turkey to evaluate the recent developments in the Middle East. During his meeting with Cem, Peres is expected to demand that Turkey pressure Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat to end the violence. It was stated Peres is hopeful about reestablishing peace and order in the region during his term. The written statement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry called on both parties to end violence and sustain peace. "Whatever the reason, we are against all kinds of terror. None can find a solution through violence. Sustaining peace and stability in the region would be beneficial for both Israeli and Palestinian society." said the statement. /Cumhuriyet/

    [17] HOUSE OF LORDS APPROVES BILL ON TERRORISM

    The House of Lords has approved a bill prohibiting the activities of 21 international terrorist organizations in Britain. The bill, prepared by the Interior Minister Jack Straw, prohibits the activities of terrorist organizations such as the PKK and DHKP-C. /Cumhuriyet/

    [18] TURKISH FIGHTERS IN GEORGIAN AIRBASES

    Within the framework of the military cooperation agreement signed with Georgia, Turkish fighter aircrafts will be able to use the Marneuli Airbase in Georgia. Turkish soldiers will also be billeted on the bases. Interfax agency reported Turkey granted $1 billion for the base modernization project. /Milliyet/

    [19] FRENCH GENERAL DEFENDS THE INDEPENDENCE OF RAPID REACTION FORCES FROM NATO

    French Chief of the General Staff, Gen. Jean Pierre Kelche said whether an agreement is reached with NATO or not, the EU Rapid Reaction Forces will become functional at the end of the year. Kelche said a military structure independent from NATO should be established. Turkey is standing firm behind its position of inclusion in the decision making body of the Forces; otherwise, Turkey will veto the use of NATO facilities for any of the Rapid Reaction Forces operations. /Milliyet/

    [20] TURKISH-AZERI KEK MEETING IN BAKU

    The Turkish-Azerbaijani Joint Economic Commission meeting will start in Baku today. While State Minister Abdulhaluk Cay will head the Turkish delegation, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Abid Serifov will head Azerbaijani delegation. Obstacles to exports and imports between the two countries are expected to be discussed during the meeting. In related news, Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev releasing a statement for "March 31, World Azerbaijani Genocide Day," calling on certain countries to take serious steps to end the Armenian occupation in Nagorno-Karabakh. /Turkish Daily News/

    [21] EU AUDIOVISUAL CONFERENCE SLATED FOR APRIL

    A conference titled "European Union Audiovisual Policies and Implementations and Their Impact on Turkey" will be held by the Culture Ministry's Copyright and Movie General Directorate on April 2-4. Those set to attend the conference include former President Suleyman Demirel, Culture Minister Istemihan Talay, Supreme Board of Radio and Television (RTUK) Chairman Nuri Kayis, Euroimages Turkey representative Faruk Gunaltay, Ambassador Volkan Vural, and Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) Chairman Yucel Yener. The conference will be held at the Ataturk Culture and Art Center Theater Hall. The opening speech will be delivered by the Culture Minister. In addition, Demirel will give a speech on "The Problems Awaiting Turkey in a Globalized World." /Turkish News/

    [22] RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DISCUSSED

    The Minister of National Education, Metin Bostancioglu, held a meeting in Istanbul to discuss religious education, gathering together clergymen of different faiths. Bostancioglu, gave the opening speech and said, "If the religion is not taught in the right way, then it leads people to fanaticism." Meanwhile, the Chairman of Religious Affairs, Mehmet Nuri Yilmaz, suggested that explanatory Koran lessons be included in elementary curriculum. The 'International Symposium of New Methods in Religious Education' held at the Radisson Hotel in Istanbul, was organized by the Ministry of National Education's Directorate General of Religious Education. The symposium will last three days. During the symposium, academics from Germany, England, Norway, Holland and Algeria will present their papers concerning religious education. /Aksam/

    [23] AMERICAN CREDIT FOR SUZER GROUP

    The US Administration's financial wing, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will give a loan amounting to $50 million to the SOM Hotel Management affiliated with the Suzer Group. The agreement concerning for the credit between the Suzer Group and the OPIC was signed at the Turkish-American Business Council meetings in a ceremony. /Cumhuriyet/

    [24] GOKALP CONTINUES HIS TOUR OF SYRIA

    Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister Husnu Yusuf Gokalp, in Syria since March 25 on an official visit, was received by Syrian Prime Minister Mustafa Miro yesterday. During the meeting, Miro said Syria wanted to improve ties with Turkey. Gokalp also said an improvement of ties between the two countries was necessary for regional stability. In a meeting between Gokalp and Syrian Agriculture Minister Asaad Mustafa, the two countries agreed to set up different sub-committees covering stock breeding, agricultural machinery and fertilizers to boost relations in agriculture. /Turkish Daily News/

    [25] PARLIAMENTARIANS TO TRAVEL TO CUBA

    A Turkish Parliamentary delegation, headed by Cavit Kavak, will travel to the Cuban capital of Havana, to attend the Union of Inter-Parliaments General Council meeting. The meeting will be held between April 1 and 7. /Turkiye/

    US RED CROSS DONATES 11,000 TENTS TO TURKISH KIZILAY HQ

    The US Red Cross has donated 11,000 waterproof tents to Kizilay (the Turkish Red Crescent). Under a cooperation protocol signed between Kizilay and the US Red Cross aimed at improving Kizilay's quality of service following the Marmara Earthquake, the tents will be sent to Ankara in staggered shipments. Kizilay's General Chairman Ertan Gonen said they ran out of tents after the Marmara Earthquake, but there had been a massive increase in stocks recently. Speaking at a conference, Gonen briefed journalists on ambulances, communication systems and the newly arrived tents. He said they were receiving all season waterproof tents suitable for families. When talking about the communication systems, Gonen noted a communications network had been secured all over Turkey, including in the disaster region. /Turkish News/

    [26] TURKISH-JAPAN COOPERATION CONCERNING HEALTH

    Turkish and Japanese experts will collect blood samples in Diyarbakir as a part of "The Infectious Diseases in Turkey" project. The project will examine those diseases preventable by vaccination, and determine which diseases which have occurred in the past. /Cumhuriyet/

    [27] MIRZAOGLU WARNS ABOUT BOSPHORUS TRAFFIC

    Stating that 82 million tons crude oil and hazardous material are already being transferred through the Bosphorus, The Minister of State Responsible for Maritime Affairs, Ramazan Mirzaoglu, said the number will double once the Caucasus oil is transferred once again through the Bosphorus. Mirzaoglu said transferring Caucasus oil to world markets through the Bosphorus would cause a traffic jam and a long line up of ships. Emphasizing the current situation in Bosphorus traffic is already dangerous, Mirzaoglu said the transfer of Caucasus oil would greatly increase the danger of accident. /Cumhuriyet/

    [28] URGUP WILL BE A 'HEALTHY TOWN'

    Urgup Municipality has begun preparations for the "Healthy Town Plan" supported by World Health Organization (WHO). Mayor Bekir Odemis said the World Healthy Cities Association meeting in Poland gave the criteria which needed to be met in order to become a member of the association. He stated the municipality had started intensive work. "First, we will organize a health plan for Urgup," said Odemis. "To determine the parameters of the plan, we will analyze the town. We will carry out all the requirements of the association and present our results at the next meeting to be held in Portugal this October." /Turkish News/

    SPORTS MINISTER FIKRET UNLU: "THE 2008 GAMES ARE A MEGA-PROJECT

    [29] FOR TURKEY"

    Sports Minister Fikret Unlu discussed Turkey's bid to host the 2008 Summer Olympics in Istanbul. He told Parliament Wednesday that any country hosting the Olympics not only gains benefits in terms of its own sporting program, but also gains great prestige and substantial revenues. Unlu explained that events such as the Summer Games are not just seen as a competition of 28 different sporting events, but a celebration encompassing that nation's cultural social influences as well. /Turkish News/

    [30] PROMOTIONAL INVESTMENTS INCREASE

    Turkey, full of hope for the upcoming tourism season, has initiated new investments. The Ministry of Tourism has begun to promote Turkey through ads in foreign magazines. An ad titled "Realize Your Dreams" published in the German magazine Der Spiegel shows Turkey's historical and cultural heritage through photos. /Cumhuriyet/

    [31] ISTANBUL IN "LE FIGARO"

    The French newspaper "Le Figaro" published a broad-ranging article about Istanbul in its tourism section. Le Figaro said Istanbul tours are available at convenient prices . It gave information on places to see. /Hurriyet/

    [32] PEACE AT THE HANDS OF ARMENIANS AND TURKS

    Speaking at the first Istanbul Woman Biennial in Istanbul, Armenian Deputy, Hermine Naghaldalyan, said there was no obstacle that could be overcome if Turkish and Armenian societies are courageous and determined. She said, "A conscious step taken by women would be an act against violence and war and would contribute greatly to the peace between the Turkish and Armenian people. Such rapprochements between the two societies will definitely affect the attempts at peace and contribute to the improvement of productive relations between the two parties." Armenian Woman Dialoge Group Chairwoman, Hranush Kharatyan, said political solutions must be found by taking political similarities into consideration. /Cumhuriyet/
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