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Turkish Press Review, 01-06-04Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning04.06.2001CONTENTS
[01] ECEVIT: " A NEW GATE WILL BE OPENED AT THE IRAQI BORDER"Visiting Sirnak yesterday to see the latest developments in the Basagac Merkezkoy Project, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit replied to the questions posed by the reporters on the plane. Stating that Iraq's resuming of oil exports is a positive sign, Ecevit said a new border gate will be opened to increase oil imports from Iraq. He added, "There might be an increase in the oil prices if the UN Security Council does not find a solution which is also satisfactory for Iraq. This, of course, negatively affects our economy. Turkey is the country, mostly interested in Iraq. Therefore the changes in the sanctions on Iraq should better be discussed with us before they are taken up at the UN Security Council." /Cumhuriyet/[02] RUMSFELD IN ANKARAUS Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, arrived in Ankara last night for an official visit. Rumsfeld, paying his first official visit abroad to Turkey following his appointment to the post, will meet today with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Minister of National Defense, Sabahattin Cakmakoglu and Foreign Minister Ismail Cem as well as Second Chief of the General Staff, Yasar Buyukanýt. During the meetings, the topics such as missile defense system, planned to be established by the US Administration and European Security and Defense Policy are expected to be discussed. /Turkiye/[03] BAHCELI: "REVISION IS UNNECESSARY"Speaking to the Turkish press after the 22nd meeting of Turkish Federation in Oberhaussen, Minister of State and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said that there was no need for revision in the government. He said, "Some circles are trying to make use of certain problems within the government by presenting those problems as if there were a serious crisis. The proposals for a revision in the government have political intentions. Revision is unnecessary." Traveling to France after Germany, Bahceli attended the fifth Turkish Federation Council meeting. Criticizing France who approved of the so-called Armenian genocide bill, Bahceli said, "It is weird and extraordinary to bring past issues related to other countries onto the top of the parliamentary agenda after distorting the historical facts." Stating no Parliament in the world had the right to distort the historical facts regarding another country, Bahceli said such behavior would only mean putting obstacles in the way of sustaining global peace and stability and betraying the universal values which were sublimed in the new times. /Cumhuriyet/[04] ANNAN TO GIVE CYPRUS REPORTTurkey has conveyed her policy concerning the working parameters of the U.N. peace keeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) to the U.N. Secretariat by saying that it fully supported the ideas put forward by Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President , Rauf Denktas. In a letter sent by Turkey's Permanent Representative to the U.N., Umit Pamir, to the U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, it was said that an agreement showing working conditions and responsibilities of UNFICYP on the Island should be approved by the two sides. Recalling that the U.N. had not signed an agreement drawing up the framework of UNFICYP operations within the TRNC so far, Pamir drew attention to the fact that Turkey and the TRNC's view did not include the latest two U.N. Security Council resolutions. Stating that Annan will give his annual report regarding the extension of UNFICYP's time in Cyprus on Monday, Pamir asked Annan to include Turkey and TRNC's views in the new report. /Turkish Daily News/[05] DERVIS MEETS WITH KAHKONENState Minister for the Economy, Kemal Dervis, met with the new IMF Chief of Turkey Desk Juha Kahkonen yesterday. The IMF delegation met with Dervis to discuss the supplementary budget, tobacco law and the widespread use of tax identity number. The IMF delegation worked in the Treasury Under-Secretariat and the Central Bank on Saturday and will meet with other Ministers today. /Milliyet/[06] KIVRIKOGLU TO VISIT SOUTH KOREAChief of General Staff, Huseyin Kivrikoglu, will visit South Korea as part of his Far Eastern trip. Gen. Kivrikoglu will discuss the production of the simulators needed for the CN-235 CASA air planes. Havelsan started a project on the production of these simulators and Turkey wants to sell them also to South Korea. /Milliyet/[07] DENKTAS: "ANY DEAL SHOULD SATISFY BOTH SIDES"Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas said that any agreement reached between the two sides over the future status of Cyprus should satisfy both sides. Speaking at a foundation-laying ceremony in the TRNC on Saturday, Denktas said that Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz, leader of Motherland Party (ANAP), had boosted the morale of Turkish Cypriots by the statement he made during his recent visit to this country. He called on the Greek Cypriots to "lay down their arms and be friends with us." /Turkish News/[08] IRAQ RESUMES OIL PUMPINGIraq has resumed it oil pumping from Kirkuk to Ceyhan Yumurtalik within the scope of UN resolutions. Iraq had stopped pumping oil two days ago and had explained its reason as insufficient resources. Iraq began pumping oil yesterday without any explanation. /Cumhuriyet/[09] BAR-NER: "PERSUADE ARAFAT TO STOP VIOLENCEIsraeli Ambassador to Ankara, Uri Bar-Ner, said they did not view Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat's statement on the recent violence in the region as satisfactory. Bar-Ner said ," We are fed up with such statements. All he says is "I'll do the best I can." We want concrete steps. We'll wait for a while to test their sincerity." Stating they appreciate Turkey's attempts to prevent tension from escalating, Bar-Ner said, "There is one thing Turkey can do today. To persuade Arafat to accept the cease-fire and to stop violence." Arguing Arafat is the sole responsible for terrorism in the region, terrorist organizations such as Islami Cihad and Hamas were supported by the Palestinian Administration. /Cumhuriyet/[10] TURKISH-KAZAKH ECONOMIC COMMISSION GATHERSThe Turkey-Kazakhstan Mixed Economic Commission (MEC) second term meeting will be held in Kazakhstan's capital, Astana today. State Minister Abdulhaluk Mehmet Cay will head the Turkish delegation and Kazakhstan Deputy Prime Minister Imangali Tasmaganbetov will head the Kazakh delegation. The Foreign Trade Undersecretariat has issued a statement saying that trade and commercial connections between the two countries would be evaluated in the meeting. The foreign trade volume between Turkey and Kazakhstan had improved by 18 percent last year, when compared to 1999, and had reached $462 million. /Turkish News/[11] GOOD NEWS FOR QUAKE VICTIMSIt was reported that the houses which were built with the World Bank loan will be handed over one month earlier than expected. According to a statement by project manager from Tepe Group, Halis Gokbulut, the construction of houses has ended and works to overcome infrastructural deficiencies are continuing. /Cumhuriyet/[12] INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE COUNCIL TO CONVENE"CIRIEC International Science Council Meeting," arranged by Turkish Co-Operatives Institute, will take place in Ankara on June 4. According to a statement made by Turkish Co-Operatives Institute, a meeting attended by 12 members from the European countries and representatives from the Turkish Agriculture Credit Co-Operatives Central Union, and Panobirlik will take place in Ankara. /Turkish News/[13] TURKISH WATER SALE SYMPOSIUMAt a symposium in Jerusalem, the import of Turkish water to Israel was discussed. Turkish and Israeli officials attended the symposium which was organized by the Institute for Advanced Strategic and Political Studies. Turkish Ambassador to Tel Aviv, Ahmet Uzumcu, said Turkey does not plan to profit from water sale to Israel, but added that it is essential to maintain the necessary amount of money for operating the water facilities in Manavgat. Uzumcu added that Turkey evaluates water as a potential tool for stability in the region. /Turkish Daily News/[14] GERMAN'S INVESTMENT IN TURKEYGerman P and T Technology Company, based in Hamburg with a Turkish partner, signed agreements with eight Turkish firms to realize a $1.2 billion-investment in Turkey in five years. Chairman of the company, Jens Peters said they aimed at selling energy to Europe through Turkey with their wind energy investments in Turkey. /Turkiye/TREASURY TO SELL 3-MONTH BILLS The Treasury is scheduled to hold the first bidding in June this week. It planned to borrow a minimum amount of TL 100 trillion. The bills are value dated June 6 and the redemption is scheduled for Sep. 5. /Turkiye/ [15] TURKEY'S LOBBY INITIATIVE IN EUROPETurkey, not included in the EU enlargement programs, is beginning a new lobby activity to overcome European conservative circles' opposition. Recently, Turkey has signed an agreement with WMP Eurocom lobby company, based in Berlin, Germany. Former German Foreign Minister, Hans-Dietrich Genscher, former Chief of the General Staff, Klaus Naumann, former ZDF Chief, Klaus Bresser and Central Bank former Governor, Karl Otto Pöhl, are among the advisors of the company. /Hurriyet/[16] JOINT EXERCISE IN KONYAAn Israeli newspaper, Haaretz, said Turkey, Israel and the US will carry out a joint air-exercise in Konya this month. It stated the exercise will begin on June 17 and last two weeks. Meanwhile, Israeli Air Force Commander, Dan Halutz, arrived in Ankara yesterday to participate in ceremonies to mark Turkish Air Forces' 90th Anniversary. /Hurriyet/[17] INTERNATIONAL ASPENDOS FESTIVAL BEGINSThe 8th International Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival will take place between June 9-July 7 in Aspendos Theatre. The Ankara State Opera and Ballet will open the festival with its performance of Verdi's 'Aida' opera. /Cumhuriyet/[18] [TURKISH-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP IMPROVESCertain activities to promote cultural and commercial features of Turkey were carried out in Saitama and Gifu, Japan. Among the activities are Turkish folk dance shows and exhibitions of Turkish handicrafts and seminars to Japanese businessmen about the commercial opportunities of Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/[19] TURCO-RUSSIAN AGREEMENT APPROVEDThe Turkish-Russian Industry and High Technology Transfer Working Group Fourth Term Agreement has been approved. According to the agreement, Turkey and Russia will develop joint projects within the scope of high tech events both in military and civil industry fields. Turkey is interested in laser technology, medical equipment and technology, machine manufacturing and heavy machinery. Russia will provide support to Turkey in contacting with other Russian industrial companies for such topics. The Russian side also has a great interest in developing space studies with Turkey. Turkey offered to establish two sugar factories. Turkey and Russia will cooperate in ship construction, electronics, cigarette production, train construction, leather and paper industries and agricultural machinery. /Turkish News/[20] PANEL ON STATE-OWNED BANKSThe Foundation of the Treasury Under-Secretariat and Mulkiyeliler Foundation will hold a panel titled "The Past, Present and Future of State-owned Banks" on June 7 in Ankara. /Sabah/[21] MEETING OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONSAnkara Chamber of Trade(ATO) will hold a meeting with the representatives of 300 non-governmental organizations on June 30 to offer solutions to the existing problems. Chambers of Trade and Industry, Employee Confederations, Employers Associations, Foundations and Unions will attend the meeting. /Sabah/[22] INFLATION IN MAY IS LESS THAN IN PREVIOUS MONTHSThe rapidly increasing rate of inflation following the devaluation in February entered a downward trend in May. Wholesale Price Index(WPI) and Consumer Price Index(CPI) are 6.3% and 5.1% respectively in May. According to the figures announced by the State Institute of Statistics(DIE), five-month inflation rates are 40.5% in WPI and 28.3% in CPI. /Milliyet/[23] HSCB WILLING TO PURCHASE BANKS IN THE FUNDDuring the visit of Istanbul Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna in Paris, the Vice-President of the financial group HSCB, Henri Des Deserts, said it is time to make medium-term investments in Turkey and that they are considering to purchase two banks under the Savings Deposit Insurance Fund(TMSF). /Milliyet/[24] TURKEY EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS FOUNDATION OPENS AN EDUCATION PARK IN ANKARATurkey Education Volunteers Foundation(TEGV) opened another eduction park in Etimesgut, Ankara yesterday. The chairman of the TEGV, Ibrahim Betil, said the park constitutes an important part of the project "Education Opportunity for 1 Million Children". The education activities in this park will be carried out by the volunteers. /Milliyet/33,000 TOURISTS IN A DAY IN ANTALYA Yesterday, 150 air planes carrying 33,000 tourists landed in Antalya. Airport representatives said they had taken the necessary measures for the comfort ot the passengers. Five million tourists are expected to come to Turkey this year. /Milliyet/ [25] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS[26] TURKEY'S ROLE IN NEW DEFENCE STRUCTURE BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)Columnist Ferai Tinc writes on the visit of US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld to Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:"The first official talks between the new US Administration and Turkey will be held by Defense Ministers. The US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is in Turkey today. The decision of Secretary of Defense, who rolled up his sleeves to carry out the over ambitious agenda to begin his official contacts in Ankara today, reveals that Turkey's role would not change in the post Soviet era. There are important issues to be discussed in Rumsfeld's program. One of them is to ask for Turkey's approval for the use of NATO capabilities by the EU within the framework of common foreign and defense policies after smoothing the final hitches. However, it is only one of the priorities of US Secretary of Defense. The other is the Missile Defense Shield Project. This is the most controversial project of the Bush Administration. The EU is keeping a certain distance regarding this project, which is presented as the 'new defense structure of the US and her allies'. Last month US Secretary of State Colin Powell could not convince the allies to write in the final communiqué that the intercontinental ballistic missiles developed by North Korea, Iran and Iraq posed a common threat. Following the meeting Powell said that it might take some time to convince the allies. However, this is a road of no return. Even though the new Chairman of Senate Arms Services Committee Carl Levin is expected to seriously oppose the project, which he believes will constitute a security risk by encouraging nuclear armament, the missile defense shield has entered the program of the Administration. Even Russia has changed her attitude. Turkey is expected to support this project. Turkey's support is of significance particularly during the discussions in NATO. In an organization where the method of convincing is of importance, Turkey can best explain the security risks in Europe, as a country who is closely following the developments in the region. The second and most important issue of all is Turkey's opening up her territory to defense shield and deploying the missiles targeted at her neighbors. As the new defense structure is getting clearer, Turkey's new role is emerging. However, without evaluating our gains and losses during the Cold War era, understanding the new role or making new bargains are not possible. If civil society is not strong in Turkey today, and does not have the influence to affect or control politics the reason lies in the fact that every act of opposition was labeled and suppressed as communism during the Cold War era. If Turkey is having a hard time to change her ways at a time when change is considered to be a must, it should be known that the seeds of resistance were sown during the Cold War. Therefore, Turkey should consider the security role cast for her in the light of this first experience." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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