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Turkish Press Review, 08-02-21Turkish 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 morning21.02.2008CONTENTS
[01] ERDOGAN HOSTS LUNCHEON FOR NEW AMBASSADORIAL APPOINTEESPrime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday hosted a luncheon for newly appointed Foreign Ministry ambassadors. Speaking at the luncheon, Erdogan stated that Turkey’s aim was to make progress and gain momentum in its European Union accession process, adding, “I believe that you will counter initiatives meant to block or delay this process.” /Aksam/[02] NSC TO MEET TODAYThe National Security Council (NSC) will hold its first meeting of the year today at the Cankaya Presidential Palace. During the gathering, top officials chaired by President Abdullah Gul will discuss the fight against terrorism. The General Staff is expected to brief the council on continuing operations to eliminate PKK militants in northern Iraq. In addition, recent developments in Iraq, the newly independent Kosovo, and events in the Balkans, as well as the Cyprus issue and relations with the European Union, will be taken up. /Turkiye/[03] PARLIAMENT PASSES NEW FOUNDATIONS LAWDespite a hail of criticism from opposition parties, the controversial new Foundations Law was passed overwhelmingly by Parliament yesterday by a vote of 242-72. The law had been sent back to Parliament last year for reconsideration by then President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. In a written statement, European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn welcomed the development, calling it a test of how much value Turkey places on guaranteeing rights and freedoms. /Milliyet/[04] COURT OF APPEALS HEAD: “I DON’T SEE THE REGIME AS BEING UNDER THREAT”Court of Appeals head Hasan Gerceker yesterday said that the powers of legislation, law enforcement and the judiciary are not unlimited. At a meeting with reporters in his office, Gerceker said, “I cannot say that I see Turkey’s regime as being in danger,” adding, “Neither as an individual nor as the head of the Court of Appeals could I say such a thing. There’s no such thing as ‘such a scenario will never occur’ [the regime will never be threatened]. I don’t think such a discussion is timely.” Gerceker also said that from time to time he would make statements to the public about such issues, but not often. /Cumhuriyet/[05] BABACAN STRESSES CONTINUED ENERGY COOPERATION WITH RUSSIAForeign Minister Ali Babacan, on a visit to Moscow, said yesterday that Turkey places great importance on energy cooperation with Russia. Speaking to reporters after meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, Babacan said that Russia and Turkey are two key energy hub countries, as both transfer petroleum and natural gas to other markets, adding that their work in energy complements each other. For his part, Lavrov said that they had affirmed their intention to boost bilateral relations. After completing his contacts, Babacan returned to Turkey. /Turkiye/[06] US DEFENSE SEC’Y TO VISIT TURKEY NEXT WEEKUS Defense Secretary Robert Gates will visit Turkey next Tuesday and Wednesday as the guest of his Turkish counterpart Vecdi Gonul. US officials described Gates’ visit as a part of continuing cooperation against the terrorist PKK. /Aksam-Cumhuriyet/[07] TUSIAD: “EU MEMBERSHIP IS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE FOR TURKEY”European Union membership is Turkey’s only path, as any other goal is out of the question, said Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association (TUSIAD) head Arzuhan Dogan Yalcindag yesterday. “Turkey’s future lies within Europe,” she told a meeting in the Netherlands on investment opportunities in Turkey. Yalcindag touted the nation’s remarkable economic growth and success in recent years, adding that marshalling its infrastructure, dynamic population and other advantages will lead to even further gains. Turkey deserves full EU membership, she stressed. /Hurriyet/FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… [08] WHAT DID TOPBAS SUGGEST TO NOVELLI?BY MELIHA OKUR (SABAH)Columnist Meliha Okur comments on economic ties between Turkey and France. A summary of her column is as follows: “We set out on our journey of globalization while countering the argument of a clash of civilizations. Our walk is continuing with the hope of an alliance of civilizations. Secular yet Muslim Turkey, at the heart of the issue, is always being tested and trying to explain its cultural richness. For me, the Louvre’s current exhibit art of from three Islamic art capitals " Istanbul, Isfahan and Delhi " is a prime example of this. Istanbul’s Sakip Sabanci Museum cooperated with the Louvre to make this show possible. Over 200 distinguished works from the Ottoman, Iranian Safavid and Indian Mughal empires are being shown at the exhibit, which was opened by President Abdullah Gul. Sabanci Holding Board Chairman Guler Sabanci, Sakip Sabanci’s widow Turkan Sabanci, and Akbank Chairman Erol Sabanci and his wife showed a special interest in Gul and his wife. French Foreign Trade Minister Herve Novelli was also at the opening and tried to promote a spirit of rebirth in the two countries’ ties, but in vain, because French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s stance bothers the Turkish public. France is losing money in Turkey, unable to gain a foothold in many areas, particularly defense contracts. Novelli has lobbied scores of Turkish institutions and cities with about 40 businessmen, including the Greater Istanbul Municipality. When I saw Istanbul Greater Municipality Mayor Kadir Topbas at the opening, I asked him what France had asked of him. Topbas told me that it was interested in areas like transportation, water, finance, nuclear power, and natural gas. The Istanbul Gas Distribution Industry and Trade Company will soon be privatized. Other companies may also be involved. Topbas told me he told Novelli that he has 23 companies and suggested founding a joint company to invest in third countries together. Isn’t that interesting?” Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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