Selections From Todays Turkish Press

The Turkish National Basketball Team, which rose to final in European Championship for the first time, was defeated by Yugoslavia in the European Basketball Championship with a score of 69-78 at the match played in Istanbul last night and won the silver medal. Spain Basketball Team became the third defeating Germany 99-90. /All Papers/

Sezer: "Chıldren Is The Future Of Our Country"

The new scholastic year begins today. Nearly 13 million students and 500,000 teachers will go to school after a three-month summer holiday. Issuing a message on the occasion of the beginning of 2001-2002 scholastic year, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer called on every Turkish citizen to support the efforts aiming at improving the educational conditions in Turkey. Stating that the initiatives to improve the educational conditions were investments in Turkey's future, Sezer said, "Turkish children should be educated as self-confident, responsible and socially active citizens with great awareness of universal values. He said that contributing to the efforts trying to eliminate Turkey's deficiencies in educational infrastructure was a duty of citizenship. Meanwhile, Parliamentary Speaker Omer Izgi pointed out that illiteracy constituted an obstacle against the efforts of modernization. He said, "The better the educational conditions are, the higher our expectations on Turkey's future can be." He added that they are determined to educate Turkish youth in accordance with the scientific and modern principles. Furthermore, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit reminded that the 8-year Compulsory and uninterrupted education resulted in a significant increase in the number of the girl students and increased the level of quality in the educational services. /Cumhuriyet/

Bahcelı: "We Can Overcome All Obstacles"

Speaking at the "720th Ertugrul Gazi Commemorating Ceremonies" at Sogut town of Bilecik, Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister Devlet Bahceli said if the country's potential is used effectively, the economic crisis will be overcome soon. Stressing Ertugrul Gazi, the father of the founder of the Ottoman Empire Osman Gazi had played a very important role in Turkish history, he said, " We should learn lessons from history." State Ministers Faruk Bal and Suayip Usenmez, Minister of Labor and Social Security Yasar Okuyan, the Minister of Culture Istemihan Talay, the leader of the Great Union Party Muhsin Yazicioglu and thousands of citizens attended the ceremonies. On the otherhand, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit issued messages to mark the Commemorating Ceremonies. /All papers/

Eu Demands Pressure On Denktas

Attending the meeting of EU countries' and candidates' Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Genval (Belgium) yesterday, Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said that the party who does not desire a permanent solution to the Cyprus issue must be determined very carefully. Cem met with EU Term President Belgium's Foreign Minister Louis Michel during the breakfast. They discussed the issues of Cyprus and European Security and Defense Identity (ESDI). During the meeting, Michel demanded Turkey to put pressure on Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas about returning to the proximity talks. Michel also requested Turkey to change her attitude on the ESDI since the EU would not alter its policies over the ESDI. Stating that EU must be aware of the fact that Greek-Cypriot side did not desire a permanent solution to the issue, Cem said that it was not correct to insist on resuming the proximity talks no matter what the conditions may be. He added that talks should begin with a new understanding and atmosphere. Cem also drew attention to the determination of the Turkish government on the foreseen constitutional amendments during the meeting. He also met with his British counterpart Jack Straw and discussed Turco-EU relations and Cyprus with him. Holding a press meeting yesterday night, Cem argued that Turkey's attitude was totally correct on the ESDI. /Cumhuriyet/

Denktas' Statement On The Proxımıty Talks

It was stated that Greek-Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides would travel to New York today upon the invitation of UN Secretary General Kofi Annan to resume the proximity talks. Stating that there was no proper platform to resume the talks, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas rejected the invitation to New York. Denktas said he was invited to a table where an understanding of partnership was absent. Clerides is expected to meet with Annan on September 12th and representatives of the UN Security Council's member countries during his visit to New York. Denktas said that they need to know the conditions and their status before the meetings but nothing was explained to them. /Cumhuriyet/

Busy Week Ahead For Constıtutıonal Court

The Constitutional Court will debate 21 appeals from President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and the main opposition True Path Party (DYP) for the cancellation of certain clauses of various laws on Sept. 12. The Constitutional Court delegation will carry out its preliminary studies on an appeal made by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer for the cancellation of an article relating to "the use of land, and construction projects and procedures" of the Technology Developing Regions Law. Yet another appeal Sezer made was for the cancellation of a law to amend the exploitation of immovable property under the Treasury and Value Added Tax (VAT) Law. The Constitutional Court will examine an appeal made by the DYP for the cancellation of a regulation under which Turkish citizens are charged $50 for going abroad, which was enforced on Aug. 1, 2001. /Turkish News/

Turk On The State Securıty Courts

Following the Chief Justice of the High Court of Appeals, Sami Selcuk's opening speech of the judicial year, the Minister of Justice, Hikmet Sami Turk, said organized crimes, banking and similar issues did not concern the State Security Court (SSC). Turk added, "The removal of the SSCs can be discussed. I think the SSCs can serve as a field of expertness." Turk answered the questions of journalists during the reception given in the honor of Karaelmas University in Zonguldak and said, "The SSC's tasks are about the crimes concerning terrorism and territorial unity and they should be limited with them. The SSCs have been envisaged by the Constitution. How can it be claimed that they are against the Constitution?" /Sabah/

Yucelen In Damascus

The Minister of the Interior, Rustu Kazim Yucelen, went to Damascus, Syria yesterday. Yucelen has not answered the questions of the journalists at Ataturk Airport concerning his visit. It was learned that Yucelen will sign an agreement of cooperation with the Syrian Minister of the Interior and exchange opinions regarding the extradition of criminals between the two countries. /Sabah/

Sener's Statement

The Deputy Chairman of the Justice and Progress Party (AKP), Abdullatif Sener, said the parties in power will give a test of sincerity during the voting of Koray Aydin's resignation from his post as a deputy with the claim of corruption. Sener said, "If this resignation is not accepted, it becomes clear that the parties in power, who have given the resignation petition, are only showing off. If they are sincere, then all the deputies of the parties in power will accept this resignation." /Sabah/

Chp Celebrates 78th Annıversary

The Republican People's Party (CHP) celebrated its 78th foundation anniversary yesterday. On the occasion of the day, party members, headed by the leader Deniz Baykal visited Ataturk's Mausoleum and laid a wreath. Baykal emphasized CHP's loyalty to Ataturk, his principles and targets in a statement he wrote in the Special Notebook. /Turkiye/

Mınıster Of Envıronment Vısıts Romanıa

Minister of Environment Fevzi Aytekin traveled to Bucharest as the official guest of his Romanian counterpart Aurel Konstantin to sign bilateral agreements and hold meetings on the protection of environment. Aytekin and Konstantin were reported to review the current cooperation between Turkey and Romania on the environmental issues and exchange information on the EU regulations during the meetings. /Cumhuriyet/

Kahkonen To Meet Oral

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Turkish Desk Chief, Juha Kahkonen, will meet the Minister of Finance, Sumer Oral, today. During the meeting the incomes and expenses performance concerning the Budget of the year 2001 will be discussed and preparations concering the Expenses Reform will be viewed. Kahkonen is also expected to meet the Chairman of the Executive Board of the Public Banks, Vural Akisik, today. During the contacts to be held between the IMF delegation and the officials from the Central Bank, the monetary program implementations, developments in the markets and the effects of the latest arrangements concerning the taxes will be discussed. In addition, the "Project for Determining the Administrative Obstacles before the Investments", which was prepared with the contribution of the World Bank and the Treasury in order to evaluate the atmosphere of investment in Turkey, will be promoted to the public today. /Hurriyet/

Cem On The New Perıod Of Polıtıcs

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, said the economic crisis in Turkey has damaged Turkey's image abroad and this has not affected the principles, direction and determination of the present foreign policies. Cem said, "Neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor I, have taken any step back in any issue in the foreign policy during the latest period and this is the best example of it." Cem delivered statements to the "Hurriyet" daily and added, "We should enter the process of membership negotiations with the European Union (EU) in the period 2001-2002. In addition, it is asked if Turkey and the EU are sincere as far as Turkey's membership is concerned. This is not sincerity, but a matter of mutual benefits. If the EU had not seen any benefit in this issue, it would not have made us a candidate of the EU. Turkey will bring the richness of a different culture and historical accumulation to the EU. The EU is getting "secular" with Turkey's membership because it will learn how to blend with a muslim country. In addition, we follow a policy of balance in the Middle East." /Hurriyet/

Prodı's Statement

The Chairman of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, stated that the Cyprus issue should be solved before the enlargement of the European Union (EU). This opinion, which was uttered for the first time by a high-ranking official within the EU, has contradicted the decision taken by the European Parliament last week. During the press conference held by the EU member and candidate countries' Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Genval, Belgium, Prodi answered the questions of the journalists and said, "We should try to reach a solution." The unofficial meeting of the 28 Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which was also attended by their Turkish counterpart, Ismail Cem, started with a working breakfast between Cem and the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louis Michel. In addition, the issue of the European Security and Defense Policy was on the agenda. /Hurriyet/

Turkısh-Armenıan-Azerbaıjanı Journalısts Meet In Yerevan

David Hovanissian, a key member of the Turkish-Armenian Reconciliation Commission, said on Sunday that Turkey was Armenia's biggest post-independence foreign policy problem. Hovanissian was talking at the opening of the second meeting of Turkish, Armenian and Azerbaijani journalists being held in the Armenian capital that was due to end on Tuesday. The meeting, which is trying to bring journalists from the three countries together to contribute to regional peace and stability, opened on Saturday. /Turkish News/

Tourısm Mınıster Tasar In Malatya

The Tourism Minister has said that Turkish tourism will develop with China's recommendation of Turkey being a country to be visited. At the opening of a hotel in Malatya, Tasar said that as a result of the bilateral meetings with China, the Chinese government had decided to recommend Turkey among the countries to be visited. Adding that Chinese people give more importance to cultural tourism, Tasar continued: "With visits by Chinese tourists, Turkish tourism will develop even more. We should make cultural tourism. We aim to increase Turkey's tourism income above exportation income." /Turkish Daily News/

Tasar: "Tourısm Is Our Hope"

The Minister of Tourism Mustafa Tasar said tourism sector will help the country to overcome the issues in economy. Stressing 8,147,983 tourists have visited Turkey in the first eight months of this year, Tasar said 1,600 million tourists have arrived in Turkey in August only. Adding a very comprehensive study has been begun to use all potential in tourism sector, Tasar said, "We will bring an understanding of four seasons-12 months tourism throughout the country." /Turkiye/

Tobb To Convene In Izmır

The Turkish Chambers and Stock Exchanges Union (TOBB) Industry Chambers Council will convene in Izmir today. The Minister of State for Economy Kemal Dervis is also expected to attend the meeting to be hosted by Aegean Region Industry Chamber. Economic issues will be debated at the meeting. /Turkiye/

Alpturk On Aycell

Turk Telecom's preparations about Aycell, the fourth GSM mobile phone system in Turkey, are continuing. Aycell will give service to 7 provinces and 1,5 million people are expected to use Aycell by next April. General Director of Turk Telecom, Ismail Hakki Alpturk, said the new system, which will bring inexpensive conversations on the mobile phone and improve the quality, will serve all Turkey next April. In addition, the preparations concerning the establishment of the infrastructure of the new system, are about to be completed. An investment of nearly 300 million US dollars is envisaged for the infrastructure and base stations of the new mobile phone system." /Sabah/

Treasury Bıddıng

The Treasury will organize a 105-days term Treasury bond bid tomorrow. The export date of the bonds to be sold by the Treasury through a bid was determined as September 12 and the repayment will be made on December 26, 2001. /Sabah/

Sudan Calls On Turkısh Busınessmen To Invest In Sudan

Sudan, which will soon be petroleum-rich, has called on Turkish businessmen to invest in Sudan, in what they call, "The country of opportunities." During the business trip, organized by the Aegean region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) to Sudan, businessmen from Izmir have found the opportunity to do business with Sudanese businessmen. At a meeting held by the Sudan Investment and Industry Ministry, Sudanese Minister of Finance, Abelrahim Hamdi, talking to the Turkish Daily News, said that they expected Turkish businessmen to make industrial investments in Sudan: "Turkey is an experienced country, and we are a new agricultural country. We need expertise and know-how, but we have begun to launch the infrastructure. Furthermore we have made some arrangements about investment encouragement and taxation, but we need more than this. We should inform Turkish investors that there are big opportunities in Sudan. For that reason EBSO's visit to Sudan is very important." /Turkish Daily News/

Promotıon Of Turkısh Economy

Turkey is launching a campaign to promote her economy today. A delegation consisting of representatives from the Treasury, the Central Bank and the Banking Supervision and Regulation Board will participate in a road show in Los Angeles today to inform investors about the Turkish economy. The delegation will hold other road shows in the finance centers of the US and Europe until September 20th. /Cumhuriyet/

Odtu Economy Congress Begıns

The international ODTU (Middle East Technical University) Economy Congress will begin today in Ankara. Many prominent economists including Federal Reserve Bank of New York Assistant Governor Kenneth Kuttner, World Bank Economist William Easterly and famous Marxist theoretician Ricardo Bellofiore will attend the congress to evaluate the current economic policies in Turkey. The congress will begin with the conference to be held by the Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti today. /Cumhuriyet/

"Turkısh Tourısm" Exhıbıtıon In Germany

With cooperation from the Turkey Researach Center (TAM) and Duisburg Public High School (Volkshochschule), a photographic exhibition named "Turkish Tourism" has opened in Duisburg. At the exhibition, photographs by Turkish Daily News correspondent and Tour News photographic director Halil Tuncer about Turkish tourism have been exhibited. Volkshochschule Manager Wolfgang Esch, who made a speech at the opening of the exhibition, stated that the exhibition showed the beauty of Turkey and wished for the Turkish and German nations to have close relations. Duisburg Foreigners Assembly President Niyazi Sahin said in his speech that during the 40th year of migration, Germans need information about Turks and Turkish tourism, and that Tuncer exhibited the cultural treasure of Turkey. Tuncer said that his photos showed the unknown cultural and historical face of Turkey and added that Turkey should be saved from its "sun and sea country" image. /Turkish Daily News/

The Worlds Oldest Boat

In Ödemiş, Izmir, architects Uğur Bengisu and his wife Rose Bengisu have discovered a boatwreck estimated to be 2600 years old in Gölcük Lake. The 4.5 meter long, 65 cm wide and 1 ton weight boat was brought to the Bodrum Underwater Archeology Museum. The curator of the museum Oguz Alpözen said: " The oldest wreck known so far was from the year 1400 BC in Kaş. It was a merchant ship. The boat that has been found in Gölcük is the world's oldest fishing boat known so far. It is about 2600 years old and from the Lidian period. The boat was made of chesnut tree by cartving it." /Hürriyet/

Turkey Comes Fırst In Medıterranean Games

Turkey became the first in the 14th Mediterranean Games held in Tunisia, with 26 gold, 10 silver and 9 bronze medales in Weight Lifting, Wrestling, Boxing and Swimming categories. /All Papers/

The Success Of Turkısh Rowers

As the 27th Balkan Rowing Championship wound down on Saturday, Turkey paddled its way to two gold, one silver and one bronze medal. /Turkish News/

A Step Ahead In Cyprus By Derya Sazak (Mıllıyet)

Columnist Derya Sazak comments on the amendments to the Constitution and the Cyprus poblem. A summary of his column is as follows: "The TGNA meetings on the amendments to the Constitution which will begin on 17 September are of great importance as they will influence Brusssels' report on Turkey to be presented in the Fall. The State Minister responsible for human rights Nejat Arseven stated that if the climate of conciliation seen in the Commission is reflected in the Constitutional Commission, these amendments will pass through the Turkish Grand National Assembly without having to resort to a referendum. In answer to the question if there would be an imposition on Cyprus following the acception of amendments to Constitution, Arseven said, "I believe it will be beneficial to review the Cyprus issue by all the sides within the framework of the EU once more. Turkey who wants to enter the EU, which is ready to abandon national monetary units, the most important symbol of sovereignty, will review the question rather differently. I believe an important step taken forward and a solution reached in Cyprus during the premiership of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit will bear great importance for our Government." An ANAP deputy Arseven's messages on Cyprus, following the debate Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz has started are interesting. It is reported that the military has presented a 26 page report on the amendments to the Constitution to the Prime Minister. On the other hand new arrangements have to be made on human rights violations in Turkey. A historical duty awaits the Turkish Grand National Assembly to increase the prestige of politics. If Turkey makes amendments to her Constitution she will make a great leap forward. The path to EU will be opened before us."