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Turkish Press Review, 01-10-19
From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>
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Press
& Information
Turkish
Press
Foreign
Press in Turkey
Turkish
Press Review >>
Press
Guide
Summary of the political and economic
news in the Turkish press this morning
19.10.2001
CONTENTS
[01] SEZER RECEIVES ECEVIT
[02] SEZER TO VISIT PAKISTAN
[03] SEZER GOES TO ISTANBUL
[04] ECEVIT: "LAND OPERATION IN AFGHANISTAN IS A
MUST"
[05] STRAW: THE BAN FOR PKK WILL CONTINUE
[06] CEM'S PRESS CONFERENCE
[07] MINISTER OF INTERIOR'S STATEMENT
[08] COMMITTEE VISITS PARTIES
[09] HUSEYIN ARI RESIGNS FROM AKP
[10] PRESSURE ON TURKEY CONTINUES
[11] FILE ON RADICAL ISLAM PRESENTED TO EUROPEAN
COUNTRIES
[12] US CONGRESS PRAISES TURKEY
[13] ADDITIONAL US SUPPORT
[14] ALGAN MEETS IZGI
[15] 10% RAISE IN CIVIL SERVANTS' SALARIES
[16] DEMIREL ASKS FOR ELECTION
[17] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT APPROVED
[18] THE TURKS OF AFGHANISTAN: TALEBAN AND BIN LADEN ARE
THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM
[19] AFTERMATH OF SEPTEMBER 11 TO BE DISCUSSED IN PANEL
[20] GARANTI AND OSMANLI BANKS MERGE
[21] TURKISH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE
[22] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS...
[23] EUROPE NEEDS TURKEY BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)
[01] SEZER RECEIVES ECEVIT
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met with President
Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday to solve the referendum issue.
Reportedly, during the 20min.-meeting, Ecevit asked the President if
he can take back the referendum decision and sent the 27th Article to
the Parliament. However, Sezer replied that the decision cannot be
taken back but if the Parliament amends the article 86 of the
Constitution and send it to him , he will do what is required soon. On
the other hand, a meeting will be held in the Presidential Palace
today and Sezer's views regarding the issue are expected to be
expressed during this meeting. /Turkiye/
[02] SEZER TO VISIT PAKISTAN
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer is set to head for
Pakistan, after his phone diplomacy that followed attacks on the
United States. The President's visit is scheduled for October 25.
Sezer will meet his Pakistani counterpart Perves Musharraf during his
two-day visit. The visit is deemed important in showing Turkey's
support for Pakistan. The visit to Pakistan was first debated at a
recent security summit attended by the Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
and Chief of General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu. Sezer made the
decision to visit Pakistan after this meeting and set the date. Sezer
and Musharraf will have discussions on the US-led operation in
Afghanistan and the developments that could follow it. The President
will return to Turkey on October 26. /Turkish News/
[03] SEZER GOES TO ISTANBUL
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer has gone to Istanbul
to attend the opening ceremony of the Islamic Conference Organization
Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee's (ISDEK) 17th
meeting. The Presidential Press Office stated that the meeting would
take place at the Marmara Hotel on Oct. 20. President Sezer would be
giving the opening address in his capacity as the term chairman of
ISDEK. /Turkish Daily News/
[04] ECEVIT: "LAND OPERATION IN AFGHANISTAN IS A
MUST"
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said that land
operation in Afghanistan was a must and added that it was necessary to
cooperate with the Afghan opposition groups to be successful. Speaking
in the Democratic Left Party's group meeting yesterday, Ecevit said
that since carrying out a land operation only with foreign forces
would be very hard, the US forces must cooperate with the anti-Taleban
groups. Stating that there was great rivalry between the opposition
groups in Afghanistan, Ecevit said that he believed Turkey might
mediate between these forces to gather them against Taleban. Ecevit
said that opposition groups in Afghanistan also expected Turkey to act
as a mediator. /All Papers/
[05] STRAW: THE BAN FOR PKK WILL CONTINUE
British Minister of Foreign Affairs Jack Straw who
paid a one-day visit to Ankara met with Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit
yesterday. Responding to questions posed by journalists, Straw said an
operation to Iraq in the scope of the Afghanistan operation is out of
question. He also added that their ban on the terrorist PKK
organization's activities in Britain will continue. Pointing to
Turkey's experience in the fight against terrorism, Straw said,
"After the Sep. 11 terrorist attack on the US, we respect
Turkey's stance on terrorism." Following his meeting with Ecevit
, Straw received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. Reportedly, during
the meeting the constitutional amendments were taken up and Straw
expressed his pleasure for the amendments. /Turkiye/
[06] CEM'S PRESS CONFERENCE
Holding a press conference after his meeting with
his British counterpart Jack Straw, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said
that the future of Afghanistan would be guaranteed by sustaining
security for every ethnic group in the country. Responding a question
if Turkey will send troops for a land operation in Afghanistan, Cem
said, "Turkey might undertake a mission for the future of
Afghanistan. After the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, Turkey
might be responsible for protecting the peace in the country. He
pointed out that the changes in the Afghan Administration might take
place gradually. He added, "Turkey might participate in a peace
force where peace is established and needed to protected in
Afghanistan." /Sabah/
[07] MINISTER OF INTERIOR'S STATEMENT
Minister of the Interior, Rustu Kazim Yucelen, said
the violation of human rights were investigated immediately and added,
"Those who are detained at the police-stations and Directorates
of Security are under the responsibility of the state." Yucelen
added, "It was determined that a total of 12,735 personnel
tortured and badly treated detainees between 1995 and 2001 and
administrative and legal investigations were started for these people.
Yucelen answered the Deputy Chairman of the Felicity Party (SP) Mehmet
Bekaroglu's questions concerning the claims on torture. Yucelen said
there was not a systematic torture in Turkey and expressed the opinion
that a libel and slander campaign was being carried out concerning
torture in Turkey. /Hurriyet/
[08] COMMITTEE VISITS PARTIES
An all-party committee was visiting the opposition
parties yesterday in an effort to forge a preliminary consensus on an
14-article amendment package ahead of parliamentary debates. The
Reconciliation Committee, headed by Yuksel Yalova of the coalitian
partner Motherland Party (ANAP), visited True Path Party (DYP) leader
Tansu Ciller, Justice and Development Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip
Erdogan and another opposition Felicity Party (SP) leader Recai Kutan.
Yalova said that the committee was set to take up the 14-article
package, which will complete the 34-article package approved by
Parliament two weeks ago. During the meeting, Ciller expressed their
support to the President for his referendum decision. Three of the
leaders vowed their full support for the new reform package. /Turkish
News/
[09] HUSEYIN ARI RESIGNS FROM AKP
Justice and Development Party (AKP) Konya Deputy
Huseyin Ari resigned from his party yesterday. After his resignation,
AKP's number of deputies in Parliament decreased to 51. /Turkiye/
[10] PRESSURE ON TURKEY CONTINUES
The pressure over Turkey concerning the European
Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) is increasing. A delegation
including high-level British officials will visit Turkey next week to
hold meetings with the Turkish officials on the issue. Stating that
the importance of the ESDP has increased after the September 11th
attacks, certain circles believe that a more flexible approach should
be adopted towards Turkey's stance and others claim that the process
should be completed at all costs, despite Turkey's opposition.
/Cumhuriyet/
[11] FILE ON RADICAL ISLAM PRESENTED TO EUROPEAN
COUNTRIES
Turkey has sent a file to the European countries,
which covers information about the illegal activities of certain
radical Islamic groups which are active in Europe. Stating these
groups defend their arguments showing the human rights as an excuse,
the file stated that these groups hold activities which target Turkey.
The file said, "These groups are sending money, which they earn
through so-called legal businesses in Europe, to Turkey in illegal
ways to support radical Islamic groups. Since certain people who have
already been convicted for their illegal activities in Turkey are not
extradited to Turkey, they are continuing their activities in Europe.
As these groups are granted the right to give religious lectures in
certain educational institutions in Europe, they have the opportunity
to train Turkish people in Europe in accordance with the principles of
Radical Islam." /Cumhuriyet/
[12] US CONGRESS PRAISES TURKEY
In a report prepared by the Research Centre of the
US Congress, Turkey was considered to be one the leading countries
among others countries who support the fight against terrorism. In the
report, it was stated that Turkey had suggested the use of eight
headquarters including Incirlik, she had opened the air base for use
and that she supported the 5th Article of NATO. The report also stated
that the Turkish Grand National Assembly's (TGNA) support for the
Northern Allience. /Milliyet/
[13] ADDITIONAL US SUPPORT
The US Administration decided to exert its
influence over the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World
Bank concerning the ensurance of an additional finance for Turkey.
According to the circles close to the White House, Ankara's support to
the US in the fight against terrorism played a key role in this
decision following the terrorist attack against the US on September
11. The decision was taken by the Vice President, Dick Cheney, White
House National Advisor of Security, Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of
State, Colin Powell, Secretary of Treasury, Paul O'Neill and the
Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld during a luncheon. According to
this, it was decided that Turkey's need for an additional finance aid
should be met in spite of the IMF's dragging its feet and that they
will start initiatives. It was stated that during the meeting, Prime
Minister Bulent Ecevit's stance concerning the support to the US
within the framework of the operations in Afghanistan and concerning
the latest terrorist attacks were appreciated. /Hurriyet/
[14] ALGAN MEETS IZGI
Higher Election Board (YSK) head Tufan Algan said
Parliament was planning to cancel an unpopular amendment to raise
deputies's salaries in order to avoid a fresh controversy between the
President and the Government.Speaking to reporters after a three-hour
meeting with Parliamentary Spaeker Omer Izgi, Algan said the YSK and
Parliament were looking for way out to avoid keeping the public busy
with the controversy. He said, "Izgi told me that a solution to
the issue would be sought in Parliament." /Turkish News/
[15] 10% RAISE IN CIVIL SERVANTS' SALARIES
The government established a 10% increase in civil
servants salaries in the 2002 budget. Accordingly, the monthly salary
coefficient will rise from 24,920 to 27,420 in January. /Turkiye/
[16] DEMIREL ASKS FOR ELECTION
The ninth President Suleyman Demirel said yesterday
that early elections could be held anytime, adding that there was no
need for a referendum to spark this process. Spaeking to reporters
after paying a visit to Davutpasa Campus of Yildiz Technical
University, Demirel said, "The President has the authority to
submit an article from or the whole of an amendment package to
referendum. Now, this is the judicial aspect of the issue. The
political aspect of the issue is different. There is also an
administrative aspect. I have nothing to say about the political
aspect of the matter." He added, "If a referendum is held
and if the results are negative, that would not be good for the
government. But it is the government which may or may not interpret
this as a vote of confidence." /Turkish News/
[17] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT APPROVED
The Parliament International Relations Committee
has approved the agreement by which 6.6 billion cubic meters of
natural gas will be transferred from Azerbaijan to Turkey every year.
The agreement says that ownership and proprietorship rights of the gas
are transferred to Turkey as the gas crosses the border with Georgia.
In addition, any gas surplus in Turkey's requirements may be exported
to third party countries. /Turkish Daily News/
[18] THE TURKS OF AFGHANISTAN: TALEBAN AND BIN LADEN ARE
THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM
Associations established by the Turks of
Afghanistan made a common statement in Istanbul and expressed their
anger towards the Taleban and Osama bin Laden. Delivering a speech on
behalf of the associations that are active in Turkey, Eurasia Turkish
Associations Federation Chairman Hakan Yavuz Demir said that the
Taleban and the Al Qaeda organizations were criminal organizations
that were established to harm Islam and were at the service of
international interest groups. /Turkish Daily News/
[19] AFTERMATH OF SEPTEMBER 11 TO BE DISCUSSED IN PANEL
The Association of National Security and
Strategical Research (UGSAD) will hold a panel to discuss developing
events after the terrorist attacks in the United States, Anatolia news
agency reported on Thursday. The panel discussions will start on
October 24 in Ankara with the participation of retired General Kemal
Yavuz, journalist Mehmet Ali Kislali, and retired Ambassador Inal
Batu. It will be chaired by Ankara Universtiy Faculty of Political
Science Professor Hasan Koni. UGSAD Chairman Irfan Celik said in his
statement regarding the panel that a turning point had occurred after
September 11, and added: "The new world order concept is being
rearranged. The probability of spreading operations in Afghanistan to
other locations, such as Iraq, increase Turkey's importance. Recent
developments will be discussed in the panel by elite strategies from
Turkey." /Turkish News/
[20] GARANTI AND OSMANLI BANKS MERGE
Chairman of the Executive Board of Dogus Holding
Company, Ferit Sahenk, who has united Garanti Bank and Osmanli Bank,
said they were open for foreign partnership proposals. Sahenk holding
a press conference with the General Directors of the two banks
concerning the merge between Garanti Bank and Osmanli Bank recalled
that before September 11, Garanti Bank's decision to be a partner of
Intesa was approved by the bank's council of partnership and added,
"However, none of us would have predicted a plane would hit the
Twin Towers on September 11 but we will continue to work. Our dialogue
with Intesa will continue. However, it is our right to take decisions
and implement them in accordance with the developments. In addition,
we will evaluate all the proposals coming from the other huge banks in
the world. Meanwhile, General Director of Garanti Bank, Ergun Ozen,
said this merge will provide them with savings amounting to 148
million US dollars annualy. /Milliyet/
[21] TURKISH PROMOTION CAMPAIGN IN FRANCE
A new campaign to promote Turkey as a country with
touristic, historical and cultural with touristic, historical and
cultural wealth has been initiated in France. As part of the campaign
a 20-second promotion film is being screened 300 times a day on a huge
screen at the Montparnasse Tower in Paris. /Turkish Daily News/
[22] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS...
[23] EUROPE NEEDS TURKEY BY FERAI TINC (HURRIYET)
Columnist Ferai Tinc writes on Turkey's importance
for Europe. A summary of her column is as follows: "The previous
night important messages were issued at the congress and meeting
center called 'Noble Concert' in Brussels. Upon the initiative of
Turkey's Ambassador to the European Union Nihat Akyol, a foundation
was established to improve communication and the understanding between
the EU and Turkey entitled 'Turkey -Europe Foundation.' It aims to
form a civilian platform to enhance the communication channels in
politics, business, culture and art and the mass media. The Foundation
will be chaired by Belgian politician Baron Daniel Cardon de
Lichtbuer. The EU Commissioner responsible for enlargement, Gunther
Verheugen expressed his support for the foundation with the statement
'Europe needs Turkey.' The EU which included Turkey into the
enlargement process with the decision taken at the Helsinki Summit, is
faced with new evaluations following the terrorist attack on the US on
September 11. It is not clear how much these evaluations will affect
European reluctance for Turkey's full membership, but in Brussels
there are those who feel they have to adopt new approach towards
Turkey. This new approach is reflected in Verheugeun's statement made
the previous night. "It has been understood that both Turkey and
the European Union need each other. Turkey is indispensable for the
European Union as Europe is indispensable for Turkey. Turkey's
importance does not stem from her being a role model for other Muslim
countries with the reforms she has gone through provided by the
Republic under the leadership of Ataturk. Her strategic importance is
not the issue either. Turkish-European relations gain importance in
order to show that the argument concerning the clash of civilizations
is not true.' Verheugen added that an important opportunity was seized
at the moment as the raprochement between Europe and Turkey will
contribute to the world peace. He said, 'Differences in our cultures
will prove that this is not a disadvantage but advantage.' The
enactment of quick and determined amendments to the Constitution is
received positively in Brussels. Verheugen said that the enactment of
the amendment package in such a short time even surprised him.
However, he believes that the enactment of these reforms are not
enough and the adaptation laws required to implement them have to be
passed from the parliament soon. He added that some steps should be
taken regarding the Cyprus problem, that the ESDI was nearing a
solution and that Turkey had to continue carying out the economic
reforms. All is well said, but will these favorable expressions be
reflected in the progress report to be completed next month. If they
are left on paper, and there are no initiatives which will carry
Turkey towards negotiations they will be meaningless. The new
situation arising after September 11 has increased the sensitivity
towards what Turkey has to say. Europe is ready to listen more than
ever."
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