Selections From Todays Turkish Press

The Parliament finished the complete overhaul of the civil code on Thursday and set the stage for a brand new relationship between men and women in Turkey. The 75-year-old civil code which gave the upper hand to men was scrapped and women were given equal rights and responsibilities with men. However, married men still hold the upper hand at least until January 2003 in holding on to the wealth of the family acquired during marriage. Men married before next year will still hold onto the family assets while women and men married after January1, 2002, will have equal rights on the wealth acquired during marriage. Women's associations vehemently oppose special privileges for men married before 2002 and say either President Ahmet Necdet Sezer should veto the article or the Constitutional Court should annul it. The Civil Code which consists of 1,030 articles was debated in 10 main sections in Parliament for an entire month. The opposition Felicity Party (SP) opposed the bill and tried to block it. In the final vote on Thursday, the SP was the only part to vote against the new civil code. The most-debated article of the code was its clause on how married couples would share the wealth of the family. The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) is a senior coalition partner, and the SP joined forces to secure a one-year delay in the application of equal sharing of family wealth for couples married before January 2002. the law bringing equality in sharing family wealth will be valid for couples married after the new year. Couples married before 2002 will have a year to decided which form of family wealth-sharing they will opt for from now on. But the men will still own the family wealth for any assets required before 2002. Under the new law, such married couples will be required to opt for one of four options. They will either agree to share the family wealth or share the house, the car and the money they earned. The third option will be to allow the couples to keep assets registered separately in their own names. The fourth option is to make a premarital contract and specify the conditions of sharing the family wealth. Parliament is expected to debate a new law next week consisting of 25 articles on the application of the new civil code. The new law ends the supremacy of men in several fields. In the new code men are no longer the masters of the family. Women and men will have equal say and responsibilities in the family. The old code allowed men to select where the family would live. Now couples will decide jointly where to reside. The legal minimum age for marriage will be 18 rather than 17 for men and 15 for women as in the old system. Married woman will be able to use their maiden surnames along with their new surnames. Men will be able to change their surnames to the surname of their wish through a court decision. Couples will be free to take up any jobs or professions they want. However, they will be required to take into account any job's benefit for the family and ensure that it does not bring discomfort or complications to either of the spouses. Children born out of marriage will have he same rights as children born in marriages. They will have equal rights regarding inheritance. The right to adopt a chilled has been expanded. The minimum age for a couple for a couple adopting a child has been lowered from 35 to 30 and couples who do not have children will also be allowed to adopt. Divorce cases will be held behind closed doors when one of the spouses requested. If couples separate for six months, one of the parties can automatically apply to the court for a divorce. Man will also be eligible for alimony. If divorcing couples cannot agree on how to split their wealth on who will have custody of the children, the judge will make the decision. Surgical sex changes will be subject to court approval. Those who are over the age of 18, single, who obtain a special health report, who have transsexual tendencies and whose reproductive system is deficient may be allowed to have a sex changed. Even then the approval of a doctor will be sought. /Turkish Daily News-All Papers/

ECEVIT: "THE FARMERS ARE THE MASTERS OF THE NATION"

Addressing yesterday's Democratic Left Party (DSP) group meeting, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit replied to recent criticisms from Motherland Party (ANAP) Deputy Chairman Erkan Mumcu. Recalling Ataturk's famous saying, "The farmers are the masters of the nation," Ecevit said, "Some people cannot understand the true meaning of this remark." Concerning criticisms of the village-city project, which is a development project proposed for rural areas, Ecevit pointed to the first example of the project in the Black Sea district of Mesudiye. He praised what had been achieved in Mesudiye, and said that as a result of the project is work, the district would go through a serious transformation within a year. "There are always some people who try to put obstacles in front of the development of villages and villagers," Ecevit remarked. /Turkiye/

CONSTITUTIONAL COURT HOLDS UP GOVERNMENT DECISION ON SENDING TROOPS

Turkey's Constitutional Court yesterday affirmed the government's stance on sending troops abroad and foreign troops staying on Turkish soil. Rejecting an appeal made by the Felicity Party ( SP ) representatives, the court held up a decision taken by the Parliament on sending troops to other countries to take part in conflicts or peacekeeping missions. /Hürriyet/

CILLER: "EARLY ELECTIONS ARE NEEDED"

True Path Party (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller charged yesterday that Turkey's recent economic crisis in Turkey stemmed from political and administrative causes rather than economic ones, and added that to overcome this situation, a new Political Parties and Elections Law should be passed and early elections should be held soon. Speaking at the Civil Initiative Platform meeting held by the DYP in Ankara with the attendance of various nongovernmental organizations' representatives, Ciller compared national economic data for 1994 and 2001, and pointed out that Turkey is the country which owes the largest national debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Ciller claimed that Turkey's biggest problem was inadequate production, and inconnection with that, inadequate exports. /Turkiye/

TURKEY'S CONCERNS OVER ISRAEL-PALESTINIAN RELATIONS

This week Turkey expressed its concern over continuing struggles between Israel and the Palestinians and requested that both parties work to reach an agreement and establish peace in the region as soon as possible. Turkey has been pleased with US Secretary of State Colin Powell's recent efforts and stated that it would do its utmost to contribute to such efforts to peace. Powell said this Monday that peace negotiations could not go forward so long as the violence in the Middle East continued and announced that he would send retired Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni to the region as his special adviser. "The Sharm el-Sheikh Fact-finding Committee Report and Tenet Plan are guides underlining all elements necessary for sustaining peace in the region," said a Turkish Foreign Ministry statement. "Turkey supports the US efforts and requests that the Palestinians and Israel act as responsible parties in the interest of both their own peoples and the region. They should take steps to break the vicious circle created by ongoing violence and the lack of mutual trust in the Middle East. We call on both parties to do their best for peace and stability. As in the past, Turkey will continue to contribute to peace efforts." /Cumhuriyet/

CYPRUS SUMMIT AT PRIME MINISTRY

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem, Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal and a number of high-level officials held a meeting yesterday at the Prime Ministry to evaluate the Cyprus issue. A meeting to be held between Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President and Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides on Dec. 4 was discussed during the meeting. Politicians stressed that Turkey should not make any concessions on its basic arguments about Cyprus. In related news, President Rauf Denktas is expected to visit Ankara this weekend to meet with President Ahmet Necdet Sezer prior to his visit to Rome for a conference. The Cyprus issue will also be taken up today at a closed parliamentary session. /Cumhuriyet/

CLERIDES: "IT'S TIME FOR BARGAINING"

Greek Cypriot leader Glafcos Clerides said yesterday that he expected his Turkish Cypriot counterpart Rauf Denktas to abandon his "traditional approaches," and in lieu of than expressing his views, to put forward some ideas to bargain for a settlement on the eastern Mediterranean island. In remarks to leading Turkish Cypriot newspaper "Kibris", Clerides claimed that up to now Denktas has been attending talks with only one idea in mind: To explain the Turkish Cypriot position. The Greek Cypriot leader said it was now high time to open bargaining for a settlement. The United Nations secretariat has announced that Alvaro de Soto, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's special envoy, will be traveling to the Cyprus on Dec. 2 to attend the scheduled Dec. 4 Denktas and Clerides summit meeting. /Turkish Daily News/

DEMIREL: "DON'T LOSE EU TARGET"

Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel said yesterday that in order for Turkey to become a full EU member it should continue to pursue the membership process "without sulking" and should abide by the Copenhagen criteria. After attending a meeting of the Balkans Political Club in Brussels, Demirel briefed reporters at the airport before leaving Belgium. On the matter of the European Security and Defense Policy ( ESDP ), Demirel said that Turkey was completely in the right but would have to use diplomacy and politics well in order to succeed in turning conditions to its favor. /Turkish News/

EU SYMPOSIUM BEGINS

A symposium on "A Cultural Approach towards The European Union" organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts began in Istanbul yesterday. State Minister Nejat Arseven remarked at the symposium that Turkey must join the EU and should show its resolve to the European countries. "The EU is aware of both the positive steps Turkey has taken and the shortcomings it still has. The EU's stance should not be considered as negative," he added. Meanwhile, Turkish Secretary-General for EU Affairs Volkan Vural said that Turkey should refrain from biased and emotionally charged discussions since the cultural dimension of Turkish-EU relations is a sensitive issue. "If we join the EU, we can promote our culture in Europe," said Vural. "What the EU expects from the candidate countries is not to change their religions or languages, but just to comply with the Copenhagen criteria." /Cumhuriyet/

IRAQ ASKS TURKEY TO KEEP ITS ATTITUTE TOWARDS "SMART SANCTIONS"

Iraq requested yesterday that Turkey continue its current attitudes towards what the US administration has called "smart sanctions." Iraqi Foreign Minister Naci Sabri said that the United Nations Security Council would discuss the 11th term of Iraq's oil-for-food program and that he expected the same attitude from Turkey toward this project as in previous years. Sabri said that the "smart sanctions" harm not only Iraq but also its neigbours, Turkey particular. /Turkish News/

ENVIRONMENT MINISTER PUSHES FOR CLEAN INVESTMENTS

Environment Minsiter Fevzi Aytekin said yesterday that the world had seen dramatic environmental developments of late, and that therefore all of Turkey's new investments should be "environmentally friendly" and incorporate emission control systems. "Unfortunately Turkey becomes more like a deseert with each passing day. This summer we faced a terrible drought," he observed. "Imagine a temperature increase of 4.5 degrees Celsius. All segments of society must work for Turkey's future. From now on Turkey should prepare comprehensive projects, because the European Union and UN will give loans for projects which are environmentally friendly. Companies must prepare environmental impact plans before the main investment, in order to receive loans." /Turkish News/

DOGAN MEETS WITH SAKSKOBURGGOTSKI

Bulgarian Prime Minister and former Bulgarian King Simeon Sakskburggotski met yesterday with Dogan Holding Executive Board Chairman Aydin Dogan in Sofia. Sakskoburggotski issued a call for Turkish businessman to invest in Bulgaria. He added that Turkey and Bulgaria were on the same path towards the European Union and that his country would provide facilities for companies who want to invest in Bulgaria. For his part, Dogan said, "We are ready to invest, and we're ready to cooperate with Bulgaria in order to forge stronger financial ties between Turkey and Bulgaria." Additionaly Dogan remarked that his company wants to invest in the media, tourism and energy sectors. /Milliyet/

EUROPEAN INVESTMENT BANK: "WE'RE READY TO TAKE A ROLE IN TURKEY"

European Investment Bank Deputy Chairman Ewald Nowotny said yesterday that the bank was planning to increase its investments in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries. We are ready to take a role in Turkey by working with other European Union-based companies, he declared. Nowotny also stated that the bank would increase loans to non-EU countries. /Milliyet/

OYAK MAKES OPERATIONAL REPORT PUBLIC FOR FIRST TIME

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) Solidarity Institution, OYAK, has made its operational report public for the first time ever. OYAK Executive Board Chairman Y. Selcuk Saka, a retired general, said that making the report covering the year 2000 public would provide better recognition and understanding of the institution, and would allow the market to review information about the institution's performance. OYAK General Director Serif Coskun Ulusoy said that the goal of his administration was to make it one of the most modern, efficient and profitable institutions in Turkey. For that reason, the OYAK management team is continuously following investments in the finance, telecommunications, energy, housing, and retail sectors. OYAK reportedly earned TL 287 trillion in gross profits last year and has a total of TL 643.17 trillion in assets and 12,572 employees. /Turkiye/

OGER: "THIS WAS A GOLDEN YEAR FOR TURKISH TOURISM"

Oger Tours Chairman Vural Oger yesterday characterized this year as a "golden era" for Turkish tourism, calling it a "real miracle." Turkey comes right behind Spain, the leading tourism nation, he added, rivals Italy and Greece have lagged behind Turkey this year. "Turkey is now in Europe's tourism champions league," he boasted. "Although the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States had an impact on tourism throughout the world, Turkey overcame this crisis with minimal damage" /Turkish News/

GONEN ELECTED TO KIZILAY AND RED CROSS EXECUTIVE BOARD

Turkish Kizilay (Red Crescent) Director General Ertan Gonen was elected to the International Red Crescent-Red Cross Federation's Executive Board during the federation's recent plenary session held in Cenevre. He will hold the post for four years. /Turkiye/

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH RUSSIA BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

Columnist Sami Kohen comments on Turco-Russian relations. A summary of his column is as follows: "Last week Foreign Minister Ismail Cem signed an 'action plan' in New York with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov. This plan entitled 'From Bilateral Relations to Multi-dimensional Partnership' is envisaged for Eurasia. Turkey and Russia will not only sustain bilateral relations but also work together in Asia. They will raise their present relations to a 'strengthened constructive partnership level'. This accord shows that Turco-Russian relations have really improved. The action plan has three dimensions. First of all, the two countries are expected to cooperate in the political arena in Eurasia. A consultation mechanism will be established with this aim and it is expected to begin its activities as a joint committee at the beginning of the year. This aim will be to discuss various problems regarding Eurasia, determine joint strategies and search for solutions jointly, and contribute to calm and peace in the region. Certainly, the developments in Afghanistan have increased the importance of such cooperation. Secondly, an economic partnership is proposed in Eurasia. There are many things Turkey and Russia can accomplish in Central Asia in addition to trade relations. Thirdly, this action plan lays the foundation for the fight against terrorism. The mutual support and working hand-in-hand of the two countries carries great importance when fighting international terrorism has gained such priority. As foreign observers point out, both Russia and Turkey have great influence in Eurasia. It is in the benefit of both countries to use this influence harmoniously. It is also true that Ankara and Russia do not always see eye-to-eye on every issue. However this is not an obstacle to establishing a new mentality in the Eurasian platform. Both Ankara and Moscow are aware that even though they may think differently on certain issues, their interests lie in solving problems and carrying out projects together."

SOLUTION IN CYPRUS BY ALI SIRMEN (CUMHURIYET)

Columnist Ali Sirmen writes on the Cyprus problems and offers his suggestions regarding the issue. A summary of his column is as follows: "Today, Cyprus is not the most difficult problem awaiting a solution in the international arena. It is clear that a solution to the problem should be introduced in stages, and that relations could be improved in time as the feeling of confidence between the two communities grows stronger. It is not impossible to see the sides on Cyprus wanting to live together. The only condition is that neither party should try to eliminate the other or to ignore its presence. Turkish side should look for such a guarantee in any formula for a solution. Everyone is aware that there can be no 'ethnic cleansing' at present. The point to stress is that no party should be left crippleld through economic or financial means. Measures must be taken to avoid such a situation. Therefore, if the leaders of the two sides in Cyprus meet around a table there is no reason not to open up a path for solution. However, it is wrong to assume that the problem will be solved only through the efforts of the two sides on the island. The same efforts should be extended on both sides of the Aegean and their effects should be seen on Cyprus. Unfortunately, the statement of the EU that it will admit the Greek Cypriot administration it recognizes as the legal government of the island to the Union has led that administration to ask why they should make any concessions since de facto solution would be introduced by their EU admission anyhow. The admittance of the Greek Cypriot administration to an organization where all of the guarantor powers are not admitted is a violation of law as it ignores the London and Zurich agreements which are still valid. While issuing signals to one-side for admittance, the EU is urging Turkey to solve the Cyprus issue and then ask for membership. It should not be assumed that if the Cyprus problem is solved Turkey then would be admitted to the Union. No responsible diplomat or a statesman can act under such a presumption. However, it is time for Turkey to present new policies. Even though thiis may not actually be the case, TRNC President Denktas seems to be the greatest obstacle in the way of a solution. Denktas must change his image and launch new initiatives which will display the true intentions of the opposite side, and Ankara should help Denktas in this process. It should be borne in mind that neither abandoning Cyprus to the EU nor blocking Turkey's road to EU constitute a solution.."