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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-11

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

11.04.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] YILMAZ: "THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN TWO PHASES"
  • [02] IMF-WORLD BANK SPRING PERIOD MEETINGS
  • [03] DERVIS: "WE OBTAINED FOREIGN SUPPORT"
  • [04] TUSIAD DELEGATION ON ANKARA TOUR
  • [05] PERES VISITS TURKEY
  • [06] PERLE SAYS TURKEY MUST SHOW RESOLVE
  • [07] TRNC SEEKS AZERBAIJAN'S SUPPORT
  • [08] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL SENT TO MARYLAND GOVERNOR GLENDENING
  • [09] AUTHORITY TO TGNA FOR ENACTING DECREE WITH THE POWER OF LAW
  • [10] BULGARIAN CITIZENS TO ENTER EU COUNTRIES WITHOUT VISA
  • [11] EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY OZAL TO BE COMMEMORATED
  • [12] CIVIL AVIATION BILL IN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
  • [13] US HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TEAM VISITS ISTANBUL AND ADANA
  • [14] KOC TO SPONSOR FIRST CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENT CONVENTION
  • [15] CENSURE MOTIONS ABOUT ECEVIT AND OZKAN REJECTED
  • [16] GOKCEK IN THE US
  • [17] ANZAC COMMEMORATION DAY
  • [18] TREASURY BONDS WITH LONGER DUE DATES AND LOWER INTEREST RATES
  • [19] IMPLEMENTATION OF BAND SYSTEM IN EXCHANGE RATES WAS INTRODUCED
  • [20] NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION AT ISKENDERUN BAY
  • [21] UNDERSECRETARY BOLSTERS EXPORT SECTOR
  • [22] YALOVA: SPEED UP THE TRANSITION
  • [23] AKBANK FINANCES DERINER DAM
  • [24] TOURISM MINISTRY WEBSITE AWAITS TRAVEL AGENCIES
  • [25] AWARD TO EPHESUS EXCAVATION DELEGATION
  • [26] EXHIBITION FOR TURKISH DIPLOMAT
  • [27] TURKISH THEATRE FESTIVAL IN AMSTERDAM
  • [28] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [29] HOW WILL IT BE? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

  • [01] YILMAZ: "THE ECONOMIC PROGRAM WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN TWO PHASES"

    Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said the economic program will be announced in two parts. Yilmaz said, "The general framework and the program's main points will be announced Friday. But, details regarding the financial program will be stated next week. At a parliamentary group meeting of the Motherland Party (ANAP) Yilmaz said they should support Kemal Dervis. Yilmaz said, "Dervis will attend the group meeting to answer our questions. We will hold a Council of Ministers meeting every Monday and every Wednesday, and on Friday we will hold summit meetings with Kemal Dervis' participation." /Hurriyet/

    [02] IMF-WORLD BANK SPRING PERIOD MEETINGS

    The Spring Period Meetings, organized jointly by the IMF and the World Bank, will be held April 26-30 in Washington. Turkey will be represented by a delegation headed by State Minister Kemal Dervis. Additionally, the IMF's Executive Directors Board meetings will be held during the same dates. The new Additional Intent Letter expected to be submitted to the IMF by Turkey will also be discussed during these meetings. /Turkiye/

    [03] DERVIS: "WE OBTAINED FOREIGN SUPPORT"

    State Minister for Economics, Kemal Dervis, said foreign support has been obtained for the new economic program which is expected to be declared this week. Yesterday, Dervis met with State Minister Yuksel Yalova. The two Ministers discussed the topic of privatization. Then, Dervis visited the Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans Confederation (TESK) Chairman Dervis Gunday at his office. Replying to questions Dervis told reporters, "Foreign support will come from the IMF, the World Bank, as well as friendly countries with powerful economies. I cannot give the exact amount now, but I hope it will be large enough to meet our need." /Turkiye/

    [04] TUSIAD DELEGATION ON ANKARA TOUR

    Yesterday, members of the Association of Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen (TUSIAD) held a series of meetings in Ankara. The delegation, headed by Tuncay Ozilhan, met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, State Minister Yuksel Yalova, State Minister for Economics Kemal Dervis, Turkish Grand National Assembly Speaker Omer Izgi and Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Following the meetings, Ozilhan told reporters "We do not believe it was right to ask for the government to resign now. However, to ensure trust for the program, if needed, a revision should be made in the cabinet." The delegation also met with a number of foreign countries' ambassadors and charge d'affaires during a lunch. /Turkiye/

    [05] PERES VISITS TURKEY

    Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shimon Peres, paying an official visit to Turkey, was received yesterday by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, former President Suleyman Demirel and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. During a 2.5-hour meeting with Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, the two ministers took up bilateral relations and the Middle East issue. Regarding the recent economic crisis in Turkey, Peres said, "The inflation rate was around 400% in Israel when I was Prime Minister. Israel defeated high inflation, I am sure Turkey will as well." /Turkiye/

    [06] PERLE SAYS TURKEY MUST SHOW RESOLVE

    Turkey should prove its resolution to carry out the radical economic reforms included its new economic program in order to secure the support of the US Administration in its efforts to overcome the present crisis, Richard Perle, a leading figure within the US Republican Party, said Tuesday. He was speaking to the Anatolia News Agency after giving a speech at a leading Washington-based think-tank, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). His focus was on public banks, as he was responding to questions on the Turkish economy. "The total financial loss of the three state banks is $40 billion. These banks have a close relationship with politics and this is one of the main factors behind the corruption in Turkey. These banks should gain autonomy from the political scene as soon as possible, in order for political and economic reforms to be successful," said Perle, a former deputy defense secretary. Perle added Turkey could win sympathy from the Bush administration if it comes up with a strong, credible, and determined economic reform package. /Turkish News/

    [07] TRNC SEEKS AZERBAIJAN'S SUPPORT

    Special Envoy to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas, Atay Ahmed Rasid, in Azerbaijan on an official visit, met Tuesday with Azerbaijani Culture Minister Polat Bulbuloglu. Rasid said, "We are making efforts to force world recognition of the Turkish Cypriot identity; and we want Azerbaijan 's support at the international level." /Turkish News/

    [08] SO-CALLED ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BILL SENT TO MARYLAND GOVERNOR GLENDENING

    The Maryland State Senate has approved a so-called Armenian genocide bill. The bill had previously been approved by Maryland's House of Representatives. Now, It must be approved by the Maryland Governor Parris Glendening. The Governor is preparing to enact the bill April 24. /Cumhuriyet/

    [09] AUTHORITY TO TGNA FOR ENACTING DECREE WITH THE POWER OF LAW

    A bill giving the Government authority to enact decrees with the power of law (KHK) to make regulations for improving the financial and social conditions of civil servants and other public officers, was approved in the TGNA Plenary Session yesterday. More than one KHKs may be enacted to reduce te extreme pay differences between the salaries of civil servants. /Cumhuriyet/

    [10] BULGARIAN CITIZENS TO ENTER EU COUNTRIES WITHOUT VISA

    People holding a Bulgarian passport were given the right to enter the EU countries (except for Britain and Ireland) without needing a visa yesterday. Turks with Bulgarian citizenship will also have the above-mentioned right. /Sabah/

    [11] EIGHTH PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY OZAL TO BE COMMEMORATED

    The Motherland Party (ANAP) organized ceremonies commemorating the eighth anniversary of former President Turgut Ozal's passing away. ANAP Chairman Mesut Yilmaz will visit Ozal's tomb. /Sabah/

    [12] CIVIL AVIATION BILL IN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

    Minister of Transportation Enis Oksuz and Minister of State Yuksel Yalova have agreed upon the Civilian Aviation Bill. The bill was sent to the Council of Ministers. The Ministry of Transportation will be responsible for determining flight schedules. /Sabah/

    [13] US HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TEAM VISITS ISTANBUL AND ADANA

    The US Consulates in Istanbul and Adana announced today the arrival of an 11-member United States European Command(EUCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Team. The team will discuss local disaster management capabilities in cooperation with Turkish authorities. Particular focus will be placed on earthquake and maritime-related emergencies. The team includes US military and civilian experts in several fields related to disaster response and preparedness, including search and rescue, fire fighting, infrastructure, non-governmental organizations, public health, communications, maritime disaster, and hazardous materials handling. /Turkish Daily News/

    [14] KOC TO SPONSOR FIRST CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENT CONVENTION

    Koc Holding has contributed $50,000 to assist in the organization of the first Children's Environment Convention. The donation was given at a ceremony attended by Environment Minister Fevzi Aytekin and Koc Holding Executive Board member Alpay Bagriacik. The convention will be held May 31-June 2 in Istanbul under the auspices of Koc Holding, the Istanbul Governorate, and the Sisli Municipality. At the signing ceremony Aytekin said the convention aimed to make children conscious of the environmental problems that are increasing daily. /Turkish News/

    [15] CENSURE MOTIONS ABOUT ECEVIT AND OZKAN REJECTED

    The censure motion introduced by the True Path Party(DYP) against Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit was rejected by the Turkish Grand National Assembly(TGNA). The investigation motion against Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan was also rejected at yesterday's session. /Hurriyet/

    [16] GOKCEK IN THE US

    Ankara Metropolitan Mayor Melih Gokcek traveled to the US for contacts on the subway and light-rail transportation systems. Gokcek will also meet with the Mayor of Washington D.C. /Hurriyet/

    [17] ANZAC COMMEMORATION DAY

    The 86th anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces in the First World War at Canakkale (Gallipoli) will be celebrated with ceremonies April 25. Thousands of tourists are expected to attend the ceremonies commemorating the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day. /Cumhuriyet/ NEW HOPES FOR TURKISH ECONOMY IN 2002 The World Bank foresees Turkish economy will leap in 2002. A report titled "The Finance of Global Development" by the Bank said international financial transfers play an important role in the economies of the developing countries. Regarding the crisis in Turkey the report said, "The reason for the crisis, both in Argentina and Turkey are internal in nature. But, the worsening international economic environment has increased the existing pressure on individual economies. This year, Turkey's output is expected to shrink, but the economy will boom in 2002. The implementation of new policies, an increase in its competitive power, and securing the confidence of investors in Turkey will result in a leap in the Turkish economy. /Milliyet/

    [18] TREASURY BONDS WITH LONGER DUE DATES AND LOWER INTEREST RATES

    The Treasury extended the due date for the newly issued bonds and decreased their interest rates. The Treasury sold around $ 668 million six-month bonds with a 148 % compound interest rate. /Milliyet/

    [19] IMPLEMENTATION OF BAND SYSTEM IN EXCHANGE RATES WAS INTRODUCED

    During meetings with IMF officials, the implementation of an exchange rate band system, instead of floating exchange rates, was discussed. The results of a 50-day implementation of a floating exchange rates system was discussed at the meetings. The officials suggested a continuation of this system will not lead to economic stability in the country. According to the new band system, the Central Bank will intervene in monetary markets only if the currency rates falls beyond the upper and lower limits of this band. /Milliyet/

    [20] NATURAL GAS EXPLORATION AT ISKENDERUN BAY

    The Turkish Oil Company(TPAO) and El Paso Production Company will begin natural gas explorations at three points in Iskenderun Bay in June. El Paso Director Lorry Holey said three wells will be drilled at a cost of $10 million. Holey said, "If natural gas is found, an investment of $300-400 billion will be made for establishing drilling sites." Natural gas will be collected at a station in Mersin and distributed to Ankara and neighboring provinces. /Hurriyet/

    [21] UNDERSECRETARY BOLSTERS EXPORT SECTOR

    The export sector has the full support of the government and if more funds are transferred to Eximbank, the sector may exceed its year-end export target of $30 billion, said Foreign Trade Undersecretary Kursat Tuzmen in Kuwait yesterday. Tuzmen and the Turkish business delegation went to the Gulf as part of Turkey's drive to increase its trading volume with countries in the region. The undersecretary said Turkey now has a golden opportunity to increase its exports, and it should not be missed. He stressed that funds allocated for supporting exports would soon come back, and that exports were the best way to get through the economic crisis. /Turkish News/

    [22] YALOVA: SPEED UP THE TRANSITION

    State Minister Yuksel Yalova said his purpose was not only to privatize Turkish Airlines (THY), but also remove the indirect tax on Turkey's 65 million people emanating from THY's losses. Yalova met with a Turkish Industrialists' Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD) delegation, including the Association's Chairman Tuncay Ozilhan, in Ankara yesterday. He said the privatization of Turk Telekom and THY were key points in Turkey's economic program. He added the privatization of these institutions would also speed up the democratization process in Turkey. /Turkish News/

    [23] AKBANK FINANCES DERINER DAM

    Akbank and ABN AMRO ensured a $330-million syndicated loan for the Deriner Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) Project. The loan will have a six year maturity date and be used for the construction of the Deriner Dam and HHP planned for completion in 2005. The dam, to be constructed on Coruh river, will be Turkey's highest and the world's fifth highest dam. /Turkiye/

    [24] TOURISM MINISTRY WEBSITE AWAITS TRAVEL AGENCIES

    Turkish Travel Agencies Union (TURSAB) members will appear free on the Tourism Ministry's official website "www.turizm.gov.tr" after it has been updated. The website will be in five languages, Turkish, French, German, English and Russian. The site will also include Turkey's tourism inventory and information on tourism companies. /Turkish News/

    [25] AWARD TO EPHESUS EXCAVATION DELEGATION

    Austrian President Thomas Klestil presented a Science and Art Honorary Title to the Head of the Ephesus Archaeology Excavation Delegation, Prof. Friedrich Krizinger. Speaking at the award ceremony, Austrian Education, Science and Culture Minister Elisabeth Gehver said the honorary title was presented to Prof. Krizinger for his extraordinary work and success in the Ephesus excavation project, and on protection for the region called "Yamac Evler". /Cumhuriyet/

    [26] EXHIBITION FOR TURKISH DIPLOMAT

    A photograph exhibition titled "A Visa for Life" to promote Turkish diplomat Selahattin Ulkumen, responsible for saving the lives of a Jewish group during World War II, will open at the University of Hartford in Connecticut State, US. Ulkumen was the Consul to Rhodes in 1944. After the Gestapo arrested 1800 Jews on the island, he demanded that German Commander General Von Kleeman free those Turkish citizens who had also been captured by the Nazis. In his speeches he gave after the incident, Ulkumen said he knew that not all of the people he saved were Turkish, but he helped the others on humanitarian grounds. /Cumhuriyet/

    [27] TURKISH THEATRE FESTIVAL IN AMSTERDAM

    The Netherlands Turkish Theatre Festival, organized annually by the Turkish-Netherlands Theatre Foundation, will take place this year in Amsterdam April 17 to 23. "Oyuncu" (The Player), "Her Sey Sahane" (Everything is Great), "Huysuz Ihtiyar" (Grouchy Old Man), "Zapt-u Rapt" and "Sen Sakrak" (Merry) will be be performed at this year's festival. /Cumhuriyet/

    [28] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [29] HOW WILL IT BE? BY OKTAY EKSI (HURRIYET)

    Columnist Sami Kohen comments on the recent developments in Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows: " Clearly, Turkey will carry out a restructuring program. This restructuring will take place in all fields such as politics, economy, taxation, education and legal system. She will implement the expectations of the European Union as expressed in the Accession Partnership Document whether she likes it or not. However, an exact starting date cannot be given. All developments point towards such a start. In my opinion, the three leaders must revise the Cabinet for beginners. If there is no revision in the Cabinet, the Government may collapse. Therefore, revision is the most logical choice so the Government can keep any future developments under control. If we assume that there are to be no Cabinet revisions, the outcome will be no different. Turkey will enter a process of a great change. If the Government persists in its policies, not only the Cabinet, but the future of the regime will come under fire. Everyone in Turkey is aware of these probabilities, but no one is taking any action to prevent it. Reportedly, chairman of the Nationalist Action Party, Devlet Bahceli, addressed his parliamentary group saying they had to come out with a restructuring and change policy before the nation and the world. He went on to say there was harmony among the Coalition partners, the will to carry out social evolution, and the power to solve the issues within the democratic system. He added this was the only way to create an atmosphere of trust in the country. Thus, the Nationalist Action will have to abandon its demands on the following issues: They will not say freedom of expression should be expanded but when people begin to express themselves in the language of their choice they should be banned. 2- The party can no longer say capital punishment should be abolished, but first Ocalan must be executed.3-Torture should be banned, but it should be accepted that sometimes the security forces can go beyond the call of duty.4- Human rights should be respected, but when sacrifice is necessary, the public should economize not the State.5-The Civil Code should be changed, but women should follow the men a step behind.6-The judicial system must be independent, but control of the situation should be left in their hands.7- The number of the civil servants should be decreased, but no NAP partisans should be laid off.8- We may enter the European Union, but not under their terms. Everyone should ask themselves if he_she is ready to accept these conditions. Nothing will change if we accept them or not, but if we are smart enough we will carry out all of them by our own free will."
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