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Turkish Press Review, 01-12-06

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>

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

06.12.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] DENKTAS PRESENTS NEW VISION FOR CYPRUS
  • [02] GREEK AND TURKISH PRESS CAUTIOUSLY PRAISE NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON CYPRUS
  • [03] DE SOTO LOOKS TO JANUARY SUMMIT WITH HOPE
  • [04] US PLEASED BY CYPRUS NEWS
  • [05] POWELL VISITS TURKEY
  • [06] AFGHAN CONFERENCE IN GERMANY CONCLUDED; TURKEY'S ROLE IMPORTANT
  • [07] SEZER: "WOMEN ENRICH OUR POLITICAL LIFE"
  • [08] NEW PERIOD WITH THE TURKISH-EU RELATIONS
  • [09] ISTANBUL FORUM TO PROMOTE TURKEY IN EUROPE
  • [10] DGM LAW PASSES COMMISSION
  • [11] SHIP SINKS NEAR SINOP
  • [12] DERVIS: "TURKEY'S STANCE SPURRED QUICK IMF HELP"
  • [13] KAHKONEN: "CHANGE YOUR TAX SYSTEM"
  • [14] TURKEY AND THE NETHERLANDS SIGN PROTOCOL
  • [15] INCIRLIK AIRBASE READY FOR HOLLYWOOD STARS' VISIT
  • [16] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [17] FINALLY, A FEW ROSES ON OUR PATH BY TAHA AKYOL (SABAH)

  • [01] DENKTAS PRESENTS NEW VISION FOR CYPRUS

    Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas met yesterday with Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides in Lefkosha. Denktas reportedly put a new vision to solve the Cyprus problem. Denktas proposed to Clerides that a new government in Cyprus could be established in which both communities were given equal status and equal sovereignty and would be united as a single international entity. He also remarked pointedly that both sides were the owners of the island and that any decision reached at the end of the two leaders' meetings should be in accordance with the island's future. /Turkiye/

    [02] GREEK AND TURKISH PRESS CAUTIOUSLY PRAISE NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON CYPRUS

    Yesterday the Greek Cypriot, Turkish Cypriot and Greek press all praised new developments concerning the Cyprus issue, but all also retained a cautious tone in light of possible new problems which could play havoc with nascent positive period on the island. The Greek press called the recent meeting between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides "an unexpected development" but also a positive and productive one. Greek papers also characterized the meeting as a retreat from Turkey's traditional targets concerning Cyprus, adding that the new period would be fraught with new disputes and difficulties. For its part, the Turkish Cypriot press evaluated the developments as historic steps. Stating that following the meeting everyone was hopeful for a solution on the island, Turkish Cypriot newspaper said, "A new road, which will be riddled with difficulties, is being constructed in this very period." The Greek Cypriot press also appraised the meeting as a historic opportunity and called it "an unexpected love." /Cumhuriyet/

    [03] DE SOTO LOOKS TO JANUARY SUMMIT WITH HOPE

    Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Cyprus Envoy Alvaro de Soto said yesterday that during a planned January meeting of the island's two leaders the sides would focus on substantial issues. After meeting with Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, de Soto added that topics for the meeting would be determined after he meets with the Northern Cypriot President Rauf Denktas. /Türkiye/

    [04] US PLEASED BY CYPRUS NEWS

    Yesterday the US government signaled satisfaction with this week's summit of Cypriot leaders Rauf Denktas and Glafcos Clerides. US State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said "The US is very pleased with the news coming from Lefkosha, and we are very hopeful about the face-to-face meeting that the two leaders have planned for January. We expect that both leaders should be able to find a solution to the Cyprus problem." Reeker also said that the US would give its full support to the United Nations to reach a settlement in the divided island. /Turkiye/

    [05] POWELL VISITS TURKEY

    US Secretary of State Colin Powell yesterday paid his first visit to Turkey since his taking up the post earlier this year. Before beginning his official contacts, Powell visited Anitkabir, Ataturk's Mausoleum, and laid a wreath at the tomb of the Turkish Republic's founder. The Powell and his accompanying delegation visited Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, and finally received by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. During the meetings, the operations in Afghanistan, future peacekeeping forces planned in that country and the fight against terrorism were taken up. The situations in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) were also discussed. Concerning a possible strike on Iraq, Powell said that the US had suspicions that Iraq is producing weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorists. He added, "However, the US administration has not yet made a decision to strike Iraq." Meanwhile, it was reportedly decided during Powell's meetings that a Turkish commander would be appointed to lead peacekeeping forces in Afghanistan. /Turkiye-All Papers/

    [06] AFGHAN CONFERENCE IN GERMANY CONCLUDED; TURKEY'S ROLE IMPORTANT

    An agreement envisaging the formation of a temporary government in Afghanistan was signed by Northern Alliance delegation Chairman Yunus Kanuni, Italian delegation Chairman Seyit Hamit Geylani and Pesaver delegation Chairman Humayun Jair in Bonn, Germany yesterday. The signing ceremony was attended by Germany's Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and its Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, UN Special Representative to Afghanistan Lahdar Brahimi and his Deputy Fransc Vendrell. Under the agreement, a broad-based, temporary government with 30 members representing all the groups in the country will be established to replace the current Taleban regime. Turkey played an important part in terms of this successful nine-day Afghan conference. Turkey's role in a UN peace keeping force in the country and the suggestion that an important command within this force would be given to Turkey were both accepted, which helped lead to an agreement at the conference. A German observer speaking to Turkish daily Hurriyet said, "The Northern Alliance insisted that the UN peace keeping force be consisted of Muslim countries under Turkey's command. Then the other groups accepted this suggestion and thus, Turkey played a vital role in the agreement." /Hurriyet/

    [07] SEZER: "WOMEN ENRICH OUR POLITICAL LIFE"

    Turkey yesterday celebrated the 67th anniversary of Turkish women's suffrage and their right to be elected to public office by holding ceremonies to mark the occasion. In President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's message to honor the occasion, he said that it was an honor for Turkey to have granted women this right earlier than many other countries. "Modern Turkish women, who received their rights under the principles of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, are the symbol of modern Turkey," Sezer said. Sezer said that women enriched the national political life and had become a vital part of the economic, social and political fabric of the country. /Turkish Daily News/

    [08] NEW PERIOD WITH THE TURKISH-EU RELATIONS

    Recent developments concerning the Cyprus issue and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) have positively affected relations between Turkey and the EU. Meeting with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz yesterday in Brussels, EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenther Verheugen stated that the EU would prepare a new map and develop a new strategy for Turkey. Prior to his meeting with Verheugen, Yilmaz made a speech at a symposium held by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Remarking that 2002 would be a critical year for Turkish-EU relations, Yilmaz said that negotiations for Turkey's full membership should begin as soon as possible. In a press conference after his meeting with Verheugen, Yilmaz commented on recent developments concerning Turkish-EU relations. Remarking that recent developments concerning Cyprus and the ESDP had steered the sometimes-rocky Turkish-EU relationship back to a clearer path," Yilmaz said, "Never before have I seen such a positive atmosphere emerging between Turkey and the EU. Mr. Verheugen told me that the EU was planning to launch new initiatives to improve its relations with Turkey. He will visit Turkey in January and at that time we'll discuss the matter in detail." Even though previous EU summits disappointed Turkey, Yilmaz remarked, we have great expectations concerning the Laeken Summit. "I think that the atmosphere during the Laeken Summit will be charged with new promises and hopes," said Yilmaz. "I also hope that the EU will do its utmost to help Turkey in its fight against terrorism." /Sabah/

    [09] ISTANBUL FORUM TO PROMOTE TURKEY IN EUROPE

    The Istanbul Forum along with five-star hotels and travel agencies in the city will launch a promotional campaign in order to help Turkish tourism overcome its post-Sept. 11 economic slump. The Istanbul Forum will first invite members of the foreign press to the city and hold a number of activities to promote it. The Forum is also set to hold promotional activities in European cities such as Hamburg, London, Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Amsterdam. /Cumhuriyet/

    [10] DGM LAW PASSES COMMISSION

    The Turkish Parliament's Justice Commission, chaired by Acting Chairman Suhan Ozkan, convened yesterday. During the meeting, the State Security Courts (DGM) Law which had been earlier vetoed by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and returned to the Parliament, once again was taken up. Justice Minister Hikmet Sami Turk, who also attended the meeting, said that he didn't agree with the president's objections and asked that the law be passed just it was as before. After debates on the articles, the law was voted on and accepted in an altered form. /Turkiye/

    [11] SHIP SINKS NEAR SINOP

    A ship named Kernomore flying the Ukrainian flag sank yesterday due to a storm in the Black Sea some 60 miles from the shore at Sinop. Six of the crew of 21 is missing. Search and rescue teams are continuing their search for the missing crewmen. /Turkiye/

    [12] DERVIS: "TURKEY'S STANCE SPURRED QUICK IMF HELP"

    State Minister Kemal Dervis said yesterday that the International Monetary Fund had moved rapidly concerning additional financing for Turkey following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks added, "The IMF acted immediately and reached a decision about the law within a few weeks. In plain words, Turkey's foreign policy and its clear stance against terrorism facilitated this decision being made in such a short period of time." Dervis was in Brussels for a meeting of the EU Ministers for Economic Affairs and Finance (ECOFIN) and the EU candidate countries ministers and he made the comments at a press conference there, during which he praised the IMF's quick action on a new aid program. He added, "If the program had not been implemented seriously, we could not have gotten this support. Our status as a firm ally and a country which both reaches its economic targets and keeps its promises were preconditions for this decision." /Milliyet/

    [13] KAHKONEN: "CHANGE YOUR TAX SYSTEM"

    International Monetary Fund Turkey desk chief Juha Kahkonen said yesterday that certain changes to the organizational structure of the Turkish tax system were necessary and that the IMF would make a number of suggestions concerning these changes. Kahkonen, who is currently in Turkey for the preparation of the new stand-by program, visited Turkish Finance Minister Sumer Oral yesterday and told him about this IMF plan. During the meeting, Kahkonen declined to discuss the tax changes in detail, and both Kahkonen and Oral said it would be better if the Public Bid Bill and the Borrowing Bill were enacted as soon as possible. The results of implementing the 2001 budget were also evaluated and Kahkonen praised Turkey's financial performance. Reportedly, the IMF delegation also wants 100,000 state workers to be laid off. Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak reportedly made a suggestion that 61,566 workers be let go or retired, for an estimated savings of 1.5 quadrillion TL. /Hurriyet/

    [14] TURKEY AND THE NETHERLANDS SIGN PROTOCOL

    A protocol for a "joint working group" has been signed by the Turkish Labor and Social Security Ministry and the Dutch Social Work and Employment Ministry. In a ceremony held at the Labor and Social Security Ministry, the protocol was signed by Turkish Ministry Undersecretary Fikri Sahin and Dutch Ambassador Sjoerd Gosses on behalf of his country's Social Work and Employment Ministry. The joint working group will cooperate on issues such as the membership of organizations in the social field, immigration, employment politics, labor law, vocational training, social security and social welfare. The group will also carry out work to solve the problems of Turkish people living in the Netherlands. /Turkish News/

    [15] INCIRLIK AIRBASE READY FOR HOLLYWOOD STARS' VISIT

    Incirlik Airbase is in full operational readiness not for a war this time, but for hosting famous Hollywood stars. Hollywood luminaries such as Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Matt Damon will visit the airbase this week for holiday celebrations and to treat the troops to a showing of Steven Soderberg's new movie "Ocean's Eleven" in which they all featured. US officers at the base stated yesterday that everything was in order for the festive visit. /Cumhuriyet/

    [16] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [17] FINALLY, A FEW ROSES ON OUR PATH BY TAHA AKYOL (SABAH)

    Columnist Taha Akyol writes on a number of positive events. A summary of his column is as follows: "Recently, Denktas made a very positive and skillful diplomatic move on Cyprus and re-started the negotiation process with Clerides. Secondly, positive developments have taken place in Ankara concerning the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). The US and Britain found a formula which erased Turkish concerns. The positive results of these two developments are already beginning to emerge. In Brussels, Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz did his part to promote these developments. He requested a shorter 'road map' for Turkey's EU membership than the ones given to Bulgaria and Romania, and this suggestion was well received. During US Secretary of State Powell's visit to Turkey, the Afghanistan and terrorism issues were taken up. Cyprus and ESDP were not debated. Turkey asked for the loosening of quotas for more exports to the US and also asked for more support through channels such as the IMF. Denktas had been seen as a hawk, but then he suddenly became a dove. This change has influenced everyone and the climate on the island has been altered. Clerides saw that it was better to be an EU member by giving the guarantees Turks asked for, instead of having a problem on the EU accession process. The rule of the times is that rational solutions are much better than squabbles. Certainly, everything has just begun and no one can guarantee the result. However, if this trend continues, Turkey's economic improvement will be accelerated and the 'long and narrow road' to Europe will be shortened. If the direction of events continues in this manner, Turkey will be a country which attracts great interest both in its own region and in Central Asia. The joint ventures by Turks and Greeks will increase prosperity in the region. We hope that all these developments go result in the better."
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