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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-12

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

12.04.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] ECEVIT: "I WILL NOT RESIGN"
  • [02] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY
  • [03] BUDGET LAW AMENDED
  • [04] TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROPOSAL FROM ISRAEL
  • [05] CLASH BETWEEN POLICE AND TRADESMEN
  • [06] LE MONDE: THE US CANNOT IGNORE TURKEY
  • [07] ISMAIL CEM TO TRAVEL TO SKOPJE
  • [08] ERDIL MEETS WITH CHINESE CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF
  • [09] KAVAN MEETS BAHCELI AND CEM
  • [10] TURKEY AND TRNC SEEK FOR A NEW STRATEGY ON THE CYPRUS ISSUE
  • [11] DENKTAS MEETS AUSTRIA'S FOREIGN MINISTER
  • [12] BERLIN ADMINISTRATION TO ARMENIAN LOBBIES: "DO NOT SCRATCH OLD WOUNDS"
  • [13] BARZANI TO VISIT ANKARA
  • [14] DERVIS MEETS WITH SOROS' REPRESENTATIVES
  • [15] ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL LAW ENACTED
  • [16] WORLD BANK'S REPORT
  • [17] WORLD BANK MAY DOUBLE FINANCIAL SECTOR LOANS
  • [18] TISK SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT
  • [19] HEALTH MINISTRY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES' MEETING WILL SET FOREIGN CURRENCY RATE
  • [20] CAY FLIES TO KYRGYZSTAN
  • [21] PARDON FOR THE ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS
  • [22] MEASURES AGAINST LIVESTOCK AND MEAT SMUGGLING
  • [23] EASTERN ANATOLIA AND SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGIONS' RECORD IN EXPORTS
  • [24] FIRST FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
  • [25] TURKISH-ITALIAN PARTNERSHIP IN TEXTILES
  • [26] MOON AND STARS PROJECT
  • [27] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [28] GOVERNMENT SCENARIOS BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)

  • [01] ECEVIT: "I WILL NOT RESIGN"

    Yesterday, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit answered government critics during his speech at the Democratic Left Party (DSP) group meeting. Regarding the calls for the government's resignation, Ecevit said, "For the time being, I do not believe searching for new government models will be beneficial for the country. That's why I will continue doing my duty." Stressing he is not interested in holding down to his seat. Ecevit said he had resigned by his own free-will from previous elected-positions, and if he deems it necessary, he will resign soon. Additionally, replying to journalists questions on a cabinet revision, Ecevit said the topic should be evaluated by all coalition leaders. Regarding yesterday's clashes during demonstrations the Premier said even if the actions began with goodwill, everyone should be careful of the provocateurs. Ecevit also said Turkey is passing through a very sensitive period and asked for the demonstrations to end. /Turkiye/

    [02] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED FRIDAY

    State Minister for the Economy, Kemal Dervis, said the economic program will be announced Friday. Negotiations with the IMF delegation on economic targets and budget's size were prolonged. Dervis spoke at the parliament yesterday during the debate on a bill proposing an amendment to the budget law. Dervis said the supplementary budget should be adopted before the fall. Dervis said problems have increased and the economy can not reach sustainable growth, therefore radical solutions are needed instead of short-term solutions. Dervis said, "We aim to implement a more effective monetary policy, to have an effective Central Bank and a strong Treasury. The economic balances have been turned upside down. We could not reach a new equilibrium. For this reason, the proposal for a supplementary budget should be made in the second half of the year, so that we can make the necessary economies. Nevertheless, it should be adopted before the fall." /Milliyet/

    [03] BUDGET LAW AMENDED

    The Turkish Grand National Assembly adopted a bill ensuring the financial liabilities of state-owned banks and the banks controlled by the Savings Insurance Fund(MSF) will be transferred to the Treasury. The $13 billion in duty losses from these banks will be covered by the budget. Around $3 billion from the budget will be given to the banks to support their capital. The banking department of Emlakbank will be merged with Ziraatbank. /Milliyet/

    [04] TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROPOSAL FROM ISRAEL

    Israeli Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Shimon Peres, told Economics Minister Kemal Dervis that Israel could provide Turkey with technical assistance. Peres left Ankara yesterday after his meeting with Dervis. Peres and Dervis discussed the recent economic crisis and the new economic program. Peres gave information on the economic program used by Israel to get out of their economic crisis with a 400% inflation rat in 1984. Proposing technical assistance to Turkey, Peres said, "The most important motive for the economic program is to receive support from all groups of the society. You must take the necessary measures and stay in contact with the trade unions, industrialists and non-governmental organizations." /Cumhuriyet/

    [05] CLASH BETWEEN POLICE AND TRADESMEN

    The official demonstration by the Ankara Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Artisans turned into a violent mass riot yesterday. After the police did not let protester groups march towards the Turkish Parliament building, the demonstration turned into a violent mass protest and many protesters, reporters and policemen were wounded during the clashes. At least 202 people, including 137 police officers, were treated at local hospitals. The groups, shouting slogans against the government threw, stones at public buildings on their way to Kizilay Square after the police had dispersed the crowd upon the arrival of gendarmerie as reinforcements. Police use tear gas and fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd. Some reporters were also injured by the stones and rods thrown at them. Ankara Governor Yahya Gur evaluated the incidents as a "street movement and riot" and prohibited any demonstrations in Ankara for a month. He said the decision was made for the sake of the integrity and security of the whole nation. Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan denounced the violence and said illegal terrorist groups might have infiltrated the demonstration. There were also anti-government demonstrations in Izmir, Istanbul and Konya yesterday. /Cumhuriyet/

    [06] LE MONDE: THE US CANNOT IGNORE TURKEY

    The prominent French Daily Le Monde said Turkey needed a political overhaul to overcome the crisis and reach a permanent solution. Pointing to the IMF and World Bank support for Turkey, the paper said, "What lies behind this international support to Turkey is the country's strategic importance to the US. The IMF's statement promising new credits is the clear implication. The US attaches great importance to the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline as well as to military bases within the boundaries of Turkey that can be used in the operations against Iraq. Washington wants to establish a controlling mechanism by using Turkey over both Caucasus oil and natural gas and the two important powers of the region, Russia and Iraq. That's why the US will never ignore Turkey." /Cumhuriyet/

    [07] ISMAIL CEM TO TRAVEL TO SKOPJE

    Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will travel to Skopje, Macedonia, today to attend the Southeastern Europe Foreign Ministers Meeting. The meeting to be hold with the initiatives of the US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, will begin late afternoon today. In addition to Turkey, the US, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia, Slovenia, and Greece will participate in the meeting. /Turkiye/ $19.5 BILLION SAVINGS BY THE ARMED FORCES" The Office of the Chief of the General Staff announced the postponement of 32 weapons procurement projects, totaling $19.5 billion, within the strategic targets plan. The announcement said, "The Turkish Armed Forces(TSK) is aware that countries lacking a strong armed forces as a deterrent do not have a chance to survive. Similarly, economically weak countries cannot have a strong armed forces. The TSK will continue its efforts to modernize its defense systems and increase its strength while having to minimize its capabilities and economize in its budget." /Milliyet/

    [08] ERDIL MEETS WITH CHINESE CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF

    Naval Forces Commander Ilhami Erdil, currently in China, had a meeting with Chinese Chief of General Staff Fu Quanyou on Wednesday. Erdil said high-level contacts between China and Turkey increased the level of cooperation between the two nations, and added Turkey attached great importance to China as it plays an important role both in its region and in the world. /Turkish News/

    [09] KAVAN MEETS BAHCELI AND CEM

    Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli met with Czech Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Jan Kavan, currently in Turkey on an official visit. No explanation concerning the meeting at the Prime Ministry was given. Kavan also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem. In a statement, Cem said, "There are good relations between Turkey and the Czech Republic. I hope to join them in the European Union soon." /Star/

    [10] TURKEY AND TRNC SEEK FOR A NEW STRATEGY ON THE CYPRUS ISSUE

    Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are seeking to form a new strategy as the Greek Cypriot Administration's EU membership was recently brought to the international agenda. TRNC President Rauf Denktas is expected to arrive in Turkey today. Denktas will meet with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer today. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will hold contacts April 16-17 in the TRNC. Foreign Ministry Deputy Spokesman Huseyin Dirioz said Turkey was concerned over the pressure on Washington by Greek lobbies arguing that Greek Cypriots were exposed to human rights violations on the island. /Cumhuriyet/

    [11] DENKTAS MEETS AUSTRIA'S FOREIGN MINISTER

    Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas met with Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrano Waldner in Lefkoshe yesterday. Waldner was visiting the island to participate in the departure ceremony for Austrian soldiers. During the meeting, Denktas said the EU should not accept Greek Cypriot's membership before reaching a solution on the island. Waldner also said EU membership could be a good opportunity for both Turkish and Greek Cypriots. /Turkish Daily News/

    [12] BERLIN ADMINISTRATION TO ARMENIAN LOBBIES: "DO NOT SCRATCH OLD WOUNDS"

    Referring to the attempts Armenian lobbies to have a so-called Armenian genocide bill approved in the Federal Parliament, representatives of the German government stated it is the duty of historians and international jurists to evaluate such allegations and incidents, not the politicians. The Armenian lobbies had previously applied to the Federal Parliament for the recognition of their allegations. However, German government authorities said, "Armenia should not ignore her current political interest by getting stuck on a past issue. Germany is aware, by her own historical experiences, that living peacefully with neighboring countries is much more important for the peace and stability of the region. That's why the Federal Government desires to contribute to the peace, but not to scratch old wounds." /Cumhuriyet/

    [13] BARZANI TO VISIT ANKARA

    Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) leader Massoud Barzani is expected to visit Ankara at the end of April for high-level tasks with Turkish authorities in a bid to evaluate the latest developments in the region. Barzani's visit comes at a time when the two warring Kurdish factions, namely the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), have made attempts to rebuild their relations. Barzani's visit is particularly important as the new US administration has tightened its grip on Iraq in a bid to end the Saddam regime. The Bush Administration has made it clear they would empower the Iraqi National Congress to fight more effectively against Saddam, and asked its allies to support the new policy to which Turkey has responded cautiously. Washington has also voiced its concern over the border trade between Turkey and Iraq. The KDP controls the border trade and profits most from the trade. /Turkish Daily News/

    [14] DERVIS MEETS WITH SOROS' REPRESENTATIVES

    Economics Minister Kemal Dervis met yesterday with three representatives of the famous speculator George Soros. Soros manages investment funds amounting to about $100 billion. Canadian economist Michel Chossudovsky pointed out that Soros earned millions of dollars due to the economic crisis in Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/

    [15] ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL LAW ENACTED

    The Economic and Social Committee, formed to create economic and social policies and to ensure social consensus and cooperation, was activated. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Ministers, three bureaucrats, nine Ministers and representatives from seven non governmental organizations will have duties in the Council. Some of the authorities and duties of the Council are as follows; carrying out works to ensure the concerned sections of society's participation in the formation of the government policies; extending opinions during the preparation of draft laws, development plans and annual programs. The Council convenes by a written request of one third of its members or at the invitation of the Prime Minister once every three months. /Star/

    [16] WORLD BANK'S REPORT

    In its Global Development Finance 2001 report the World Bank drew a positive picture for the future of the Turkish economy despite her recent economic crisis. The report issued in Washington, said the Turkish economy will shrink this year due to the economic crisis, but will grow next year as exports increase with the TL's loss in value. The report also said by implementing new beneficial programs, investor trust in Turkey will increase, the related increase in exports will put the Turkish economy back on track. /Turkiye/

    [17] WORLD BANK MAY DOUBLE FINANCIAL SECTOR LOANS

    The World Bank may double the amount of financial sector adjustment loans (FSAL) it is planning to give Turkey for banking sector reforms. The business network CNBC-E reported yesterday. The World Bank would add another 750 million US dollars to the first tranche of the FSAL of an equal amount, provided that a restructuring plan covering state banks is accelerated. A financial sector team from the World Bank, headed by Lalit Raina, is continuing its talks with the Turkish government in Ankara. The team is scheduled to leave next week. /Turkish Daily News/

    [18] TISK SUPPORTS GOVERNMENT

    The Chairman of the Turkey Employers Union Confederation(TISK), Refik Baydur, said the TISK continues to support the government. The resignation of the government is useless at this stage. Baydur met yesterday with Deputy Prime Minister Husamettin Ozkan and Mesut Yilmaz. Baydur said he conveyed the complaints emanating from the closure of shops due to the crisis. /Milliyet/

    [19] HEALTH MINISTRY AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES' MEETING WILL SET FOREIGN CURRENCY RATE

    The Health Ministry and Pharmaceutical Industry Employers Union will meet for the second time to set the foreign currency rate for drug bids, the Anatolia news agency reported on Wednesday. The Turkish pharmaceuticals sector has been experiencing a shortage in imported medication since government declared its decision to float the Turkish Lira in February. Turkey has abandoned its controlled foreign currency regime, the centerpiece of an 10 billion US dollars IMF-backed reform program, and floated the lira in a dramatic bid to curb a financial crisis racking the country. The increase in foreign currency rates has caused a shortage in the imported drug market, which accounts for around 25-30 percent of the Turkish pharmaceuticals market. /Turkish Daily News/ TURKEY SELLS 345,00 TONS OF GRAIN IN EXPORT TENDER The Soil Products Office(TMO) sold a total of 345,000 tons of grains at an export tender yesterday, traders said. The Soil Products Office sold 45,000 tons of red milling wheat, 100,000 tons of each of durum wheat, white milling wheat and white feed barley. TMO has put up the export tender to sell a total of 630,000 tons, including 325,000 tons of red milling wheat, 105,000 tons of white milling wheat, 100,000 tons of durum wheat and 100,000 tons of white feed barley. /Turkish Daily News/

    [20] CAY FLIES TO KYRGYZSTAN

    State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay flew to Kyrgyzstan to take part in the Turkish-Kyrgyz Joint Economic Commission (KEK) meeting to be held between April 11-14 in Bishkek. Before his departure, Cay said a KEK meeting between the two countries had not been held since 1997 and therefore, this meeting would be important. He said Turkey's export to this country had decreased from 50 million US dollars to 20 million US dollars in recent years because of the economic crisis in Russia and the Far East. He said a protocol will be signed at the end of the meetings. /Turkish Daily News/

    [21] PARDON FOR THE ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTIONS

    In order to finance the new economic program, a pardon will be applied for the buildings constructed illegally or on the land owned by the Treasury. Kemal Dervis and Finance Minister Sumer Oral met yesterday to handle the issue. Land owned by the Treasury upon which illegal buildings were constructed will be sold to the owners of those buildings, especially in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir. Around $10-12 billion will be obtained by the Treasury, excluding the 25 % share going to the Municipalities. /Milliyet/

    [22] MEASURES AGAINST LIVESTOCK AND MEAT SMUGGLING

    A bill allowing the seizure of livestock and dairy products illegally brought into the country has been accepted by Parliament's Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Affairs Commission. Under the proposed Livestock Health and Sanitation Law, livestock and livestock products that have entered the country illegally will first be examined by veterinarians, then handed over to the Finance Ministry to be sold. Animals that are not certified as healthy will be destroyed without compensation. /Turkish News/

    [23] EASTERN ANATOLIA AND SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGIONS' RECORD IN EXPORTS

    Export unions in the Eastern and Southeastern Anatolian Regions broke a record for their increase in exports the first quarter of this year. There has been a 54% increase for the Southeastern Anatolia Region and a 41.4% increase for the Eastern Anatolia Region. /Cumhuriyet/ ISTANBUL STOCK EXCHANGES INCREASE BY 345 POINTS The Istanbul Stock Exchanges (IMKB) went up by 345 points. At the closing bell yesterday, the IMKB-100 index was up 8,657 points, an increase of 4.16% and the operation volume was 252 trillion 720 billion TL. /Star/

    [24] FIRST FLOATING HOSPITAL FOR THE EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

    Istanbul Governorship and Turkish Directorate General of Maritime Managements (TDI) initiated a joint work to turn TDI's "M_F Tekirdag" ferry into a floating hospital the earthquake victims. Istanbul Disaster Management Center Governor, Erkan Akol, said they agreed with the TDI to allocate the ferry to the Provincial Administration. /Cumhuriyet/

    [25] TURKISH-ITALIAN PARTNERSHIP IN TEXTILES

    Despite the economic crisis in Turkey, foreign investment in Turkey continues. A leading Italian textile firm, Brooksfield, added to its chain of shops around the world by opening a new shop in Istanbul. Brooksfield Italy Executive Board Chairman, Guido Andrea Monasterolo, said for the time being they will sell classic and sport collections for men. Beginning next year they will start selling women's collections. /Turkiye/

    [26] MOON AND STARS PROJECT

    A group of Turkish art lovers in New York, best known for their organization of the "Mayfest" ( a culture and art festival organized in every May), established a foundation to improve the cultural relations between Turkey and the US. The foundation's aim, named the "Moon and Stars Project", is to support Turkish arts and inform the US Turkish community about artistic activities taking place in Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/

    [27] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [28] GOVERNMENT SCENARIOS BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)

    Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna writes on the recent developments taking place in Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows: "Whatever the causes of the crisis, the responsibility lies with the Government not the people. However, the Government must continue working until everything calms down. With a Government crisis, the dimensions of the present economic crisis will deepen. Usually, in such periods eccentric people come forward and make suggestions which provoke the people and are not of any use. They have no vote potential, nor do they have the capacity to propose sound suggestions. The intentions of those who put forth new projects which would only humiliate Turkey in 2001 are not clear. We do not believe those who threw stones at the police and press members have anything to do with the tradesmen or artisans holding their demonstration. The previous day concessions which could not be ignored were made to tradesmen and artisans. No doubt they are in dire straits. However, all sections of the society are suffering from the situation. It is very difficult to govern by a tripartite Coalition, even in the West. Therefore, there is no need to consider a five -party government termed the 'National Coalition'. It would not work and, in any case, is against the principles of democracy. This does not mean that the present Government should go on as it has been. Its mistakes, the foot dragging (as though unaware of the importance of times fleeting passage) the preparations for a disscussion on the regime have all erased the possibility of the Government carrying on its duties. Most of the Coalition Ministers have lost their functions as they are not adequately qualified for the job and blunder too often. Even before the crisis, the need for revision was often expressed. Maybe these suggestions were interpreted as pressure by Prime Minister Ecevit who therefore resisted. However, politics is an art of far-sightedness. At present, an immediate revision in the Cabinet is necessary. The number of ministers should be reduced by half. Only then can trust in the Government be revived. Otherwise, a new Coalition Government with the same partners, but a different Prime Minister, will be formed."
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