Selections From Todays Turkish Press

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Gunther Verheugen yesterday released the annual progress reports on 13 countries. In the fourth progress report on Turkey, the commission expressed its satisfaction at recent Constitutional amendments as well as its expectation that these amendments be implemented. On the other hand, Turkey's steps taken on human rights were found inadequate in the report. Meanwhile, Turkey's EU Permanent Representative Ambassador Nihat Akyol said Ankara that did not agree with certain remarks in the report, adding, "However, the report is a document stating the commission's views and one cannot expect Turkey to share the exact same views." /Turkiye/

VERHEUGEN WARNS TURKEY

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Guenter Verheugen said yesterday that the most important issue between Turkey and EU are the Cyprus problem and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). The Cyprus problem could cause an unprecedented crisis between Turkey and the EU, he warned. He also remarked that recent statements by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Foreign Minister Cem concerning Cyprus were putting Turkey in a risky position, because in his view Turkish Cypriots are against EU membership without any solution./Hürriyet/

DENKTAS: "CYPRUS CANNOT BE A CRITERIA FOR EU MEMBERSHIP"

Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas asserted yesterday that Cyprus issue could not be a criteria for the Turkey's EU membership. He said, " If it is a criteria, which it is not, why they don't tell the Greek Cypriots, who raised the matter and who are the side which tried to take the island by terrorism, 'find a solution to the problem, then come'," Reiterating that Turkish forces came to the island in 1974 in order to prevent the slaughter of Turkish Cypriots, Denktas said, "We will not give them the opportunity to resume the slaughter." /Turkiye/

BAHCELI DENOUNCES THE EU

Devlet Bahceli, deputy prime minister and Nationalist Action Party (MHP) chairman, remarked in his address at the MHP group meeting yesterday that the issue of Cyprus had nothing to do with Turkey's EU membership process. Denouncing the EU by arguing that it was always putting new obstacles in the way of Turkey's accession process, Bahceli said, "I really wonder what the connection is between the Copenhagen Criteria and the Greek Cypriot administration's admittance to the EU, which has become a logistic center for international terrorism." Bahceli stated that Turkey would not assume the role of a second-class country both within in the EU and the European Defense and Security Policy (ESDP). Remarking that the EU was still keeping its conservative stance concerning its relations with Turkey and the Cyprus issue, Bahceli claimed that no matter how many important steps Turkey took in its accession period, the EU did missed no opportunity to develop new strategies against Turkey. "Turkey is in favor of a permanent and just peace on Cyprus and it can't make any concessions on the issue," said Bahceli. He called on the EU to assume clearer and more sincere policies concerning its relations with Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/

YILMAZ: CRITICS OF EU ARE RIGHT

Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday that EU was right in a recent report to criticise Turkey on human rights and democracy. The report is based on objective data and its criteria are outlined in the report, he stressed. Yılmaz addressed the Cyprus problem by saying that Turkey can't by itself reach a solution. Turkey has taken a number of important steps in its way to EU membership, but as yet it has been unable to meet the Copenhagen criteria, he argued./Hürriyet/

WALL STREET JOURNAL CRITICIZES THE EU

In an editorial prominent US daily the Wall Street Journal characterized the EU's refusal to admit Turkey's as a "scandal". Stressing the fact that Turkey greenlighted the US request to use Turkish airbases for its operations against terrorism in a mere 15 minutes, the paper remarked that it was high time for the Western countries to make pay-back. "Turkey has suffered some $40 billion in losses since the Gulf War. Turkey has serious concerns about a post-Saddam Iraq where an independent Kurdish state might be established. Such a state would surely demand territory from Turkey. Therefore, Turkey's concerns must be eased." Stating that Turkey was the first country which early in the 20th century recognized Afghanistan's presence, the Journal said, "Turkey would contribute greatly to sustain stability in Afghanistan in the postwar period. A peacekeeping force led by Turkey would render the UN mission in post-Taleban Afghanistan easier. However, Turkey needs more support from the West. The US must ensure its long-term support to Turkey concerning both the war against terrorism and other issues related with the Middle East." /Cumhuriyet/

MUSHARRAF STOPS OVER IN TURKEY

Pakistani head of state Pervez Musharraf made a stop over in Turkey yesterday on his way to return to his country after attending UN meetings in New York. Musharraf and Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met briefly at Ataturk Airport in Istanbul and then held a joint press conference. Answering journalists' questions, Musharraf called for a UN peace keeping force in duty in Kabul, one that includes Turkish soldiers. Stressing that the seizure of Kabul by the Northern Alliance was a very important development, Musharraf said, "However, Kabul should be a city free from soldiers. This is necessary for the security of its civilians." He also remarked that a new administration, a broad-based one representing all groups should be established in Afghanistan soon. Ecevit expressed his satisfaction at having a chance to meet with Musharraf in Turkey and noted that Musharraf had told him his views on recent developments. /Turkiye/

TURKISH SOLDIERS ON THE AGENDA AGAIN

After the Northern Alliance's capture of Mezar-ı Serif and Herat ad the Taleban's subsequent withdrew from Kabul, some 40% of Afghanistan's territory belongs to the opposition. Now it is expected that Turkish soldiers will perform important duties in the northern half of the country. US sources reported that a plan to give the duty of training and coordination to a unit of 90 specail forces Turkish soldiers was still in effect. It was remarked that the Turkish soldiers, who will arrive in the country at a later date, might also coordinate humanitarian aid transport operations during the winter. US diplomats requested that an international peacekeeping force be established in order to provide protection in Kabul and reported that an "Islamic force" might be established under the leadership of Turkey and with the participation of Muslim countries such as Bangladesh and Indonesia. Ankara has welcomed this idea, a stance echoed by US Secretary of State Colin Powell who also emphasized that participation in this force would be optional. /Milliyet/

BELGIUM ALLOWS PKK-AFFILIATED MEETING

Over fervarent objections from Turkey, Belgium has decided not to block a meeting of the so-called Kurdistan National Congress (KUK), a group affiliated with the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Reportedly, during the meeting to be held on Nov. 15-17 in Brussels, the establishment of a so-called Kurdish government in exile, relations with European countries, presidential elections and activities in Turkey will be discussed. /Milliyet/

ECEVIT RECEIVES 12 NEWLY APPOINTED AMBASSADORS

Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit received 12 newly appointed Turkish ambassadors at the Prime Ministry yesterday. Filiz Dincmen, Turkey's new representative for its Vatican Embassy, Fugen Ok for its Copenhagen Embassy, Tevfik Okyayuz for its Zagreb, Yugoslavia Embassy, Numan Hazar for its European Council Permanent Office, Bilge Cankoray for its Kiev, Ukraine Embassy, Bozkurt Aran for its UNESCO Permanent Office, Nezihi Ozkaya for its Muskat, Oman Embassy, Feryal Totur for its Jakartan, Indonesia Embassy, Aysenur Alparslan for its Santiago, Chile Embassy, Celalettin Kart for its Beirut, Lebanon Embassy, Selah Korutur for its Tunis, Tunisia Embassy and Hasan Gogus for its New Delhi, India Embassy. /Turkish Daily News/

CAKMAKOGLU: "LAND OPERATION IS IN NEAR FUTURE"

Answering journalists' questions concerning Afghanistan, Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu said yesterday, "Recent developments show us that the power of the Northern Alliance has increased and that a land operation is imminent." Cakmakoglu also noted that the departure date for Turkish special troops to Afghanistan was not yet clear. /Turkiye/

GENERAL YALMAN VISITS CHINA

Gendarmerie General Commander Gen. Aytac Yalman, whose visit to China is continuing yesterday visited Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Chi Haotian and Public Security Minister Xu Yongyue in Beijing. During his visits, both sides said that they were happy with the progress of relations between the two countries and added that they would like to see these relations improve. Gen. Haotian stated that China wanted to give support to Turkey in its struggle against terrorism. Yalman and his delegation will next visit Shangai where they will visit its District Police Center. /Turkish Daily News/

ROGOZIN: "A LIST OF CHECHEN MILITANTS WILL BE PRESENTED TO TURKEY"

Dimitri Rogozin, Chairman of the Russian Duma's Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday visited the opening of a photo exhibition given by the Turkish Democracy Foundation and also answered reporters' questions. Rogozin said that a list of Chechen militants who had taken refuge in Afghanistan would be presented to the Turkish government. /Cumhuriyet/

GERMANY TO DEPORT EXTREMIST MURDER SUSPECT

Hasan Pala, one of the followers of the so-called "Caliph" Metin Kaplan, son of Cemalettin Kaplan, is expected to be deported from Germany within one month. The Augsburg city administration has demanded that Pala be deported from Germany as soon as possible. In 1996 Pala was implicated in the murder of Dr. Ibrahim Sofu an opponent of Metin Kaplan. Officials stated that efforts were continuning to complete deportation procedures./Turkish News/

TASAR TAKES TRIP TO MERRY OLD ENGLAND

Tourism Minister Mustafa Tasar on Tuesday arrived in London for the World Tourism Fair, which is considered one of the most important events in the tourism sector. Minister Tasar promised foreign tour operators that Turkey would back them up during these difficult times. Tasar released a statement after his meetings with British tourism operators saying that there were no capacity problems in Turkey. /Turkish News/

YOUNG TURKS OFF TO EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

Three young Turkish students have been invited to participate in the European Youth Summit to be held in Brussels on Dec. 1-3. According to the Foreign Ministry, the three students will be chosen by the Ankara branch of the European Commission. The summit is to be held at the European Parliament building in Brussels and will be broadcast live on TV and the Internet for EU member and candidate states. It was also stated that Turkish broadcasting and advertising companies will be invited to participate in a competition intented to promote the euro./Turkish News/

IMF'S ADDITIONAL FINANCE SOURCE

Reportedly, a consensus has been reached on the amount of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s additional financing to Turkey. The IMF will not postpone the repayment of Turkey's 5 billion dollar loan, but will ensure an additional 10 billion dollar source at the beginning of next year. During meetings with the IMF, a 10 billion dollar finance deficit was predicted in the Turkish economy by 2002 and the IMF committed to close the deficit with a new loan of the same amount. State Minister for Economy Kemal Dervis will lobby at the World Bank and IMF annual meetings to be held this Nov. 17-18 in Ottowa, Canada. According to an agreement with the IMF, the 3.2 billion dollar loan which was foreseen to be released in September will be extended to Turkey at the beginning of December. The loan will be decided upon during the IMF Executive Board's meeting. An IMF delegation headed by Turkey Desk Chief Juha Kahkonen will arrive in Ankara at the same time. The delegation is scheduled to stay through Dec. 17 and to hold meetings to establish the conditions for the additional loan and a loan envisaged for November. Accordingly, later the 3.2 billion dollar loan to be extended at the beginning of December, and the 3.2 billion dollar standby loan will be released at the beginning of January. At the beginning of next year, IMF loans totaling 13 billion dollars will be granted to Turkey. Together with the 10 billion dollar additional loan, Turkey will be the IMF's largest single borrower. Turkey is to repay its 30 billion dollar debt within 7-8 years. /Turkiye/

CHHIBBER: "WORLD BANK SUPPORT WILL CONTINUE"

In his address at a meeting entitled "Independent Councils and Market Economy Arena" at the Bilkent Hotel, World Bank Turkey Director Ajay Chhibber stated that the World Bank would continue to support structural and institutional reforms in the country and added that meetings concerning the delivery of the rest of its Financial Sector Adjustment Loans (FSALs) were still continuing. Chhibber also stressed the necessity for independent regulatory councils, especially for the banking and energy sectors. /Cumhuriyet/

TURKISH-GERMAN COOPERATION COUNCIL MEETING TO BE HELD IN ISTANBUL

The 8th term meeting of the Turkish-German Council will be held in Istanbul on Nov. 15-16. According to the Foreign Ministry, Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal and German Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Gunter Pleuger will chair the meeting. Besides ministry officials, private sector and institution representatives will also attend the meeting, where issues such as bilateral relations, the European Union, regional and international issues will be discussed. At the end of the meeting, which Turkey's Berlin Ambassador Osman Koruturk and Germany's Ankara Ambassador Rudolf Schmidt will also attend, Ziyal and Plauger are to sign a protocol and take part in a joint press conference. /Turkish Daily News/

US-TURKEY BILATERAL QUALITY BILL REACHES PARLIAMENT

A bill stipluating acceptance of an agreement between Turkey and the United States on bilateral quality guarantees has been presented to Parliament. The bill says that the law indictment that the agreement is for the benefit of Turkey and has importance in putting Turkey among developed Western countries which apply their quality administration principles at the same level as the United States. /Turkish Daily News/

BEKO RECEIVES AWARD FROM JAPAN

Beko Electronic has become the first Turkish company to receive a "perfection award" from Japan. This award is given to companies which implement the Total Productivity Management (TPM) standards in the best possible way, and Beko received this year's honor on Nov. 6 at a ceremony held in Japan. Beko was checked three times by the Japanese Institute of Plant Management (JIPM) before receiving the award. /Milliyet/

LET IT END BY SEDAT SERTOGLU (TURKISH NEWS)

Columnist Sedat Sertoglu comments on the need to resolve the Cyprus issue. A summary of his columns is as follows: "The subject is Cyprus. A solution must now be found to this problem, which has created just as many problems for the European Union as it has for Turkey. Turkey must not say, 'I refuse to take even one step back from my current position,' nor must the EU and the United Nations insist on the logic of The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) making all the concessions. Both sides need to make concessions. There is a need for a powerful third name to revolve the dispute between the two sides on the island in an honorable manner. If such a name does emerge, it could do so from the United States. It would help if Foreign Minister Ismail Cem stood up and told the Turkish nation what price it would have to pay, and for everybody to act in line with that. After months of refusing my suggestion that he should meet face-to-face with Glafcos Clerides, leader of the Greek Cypriots, during the UN talks, TRNC President Denktas last week sent a message to Clerides suggesting they do just that. Why now? Turkey should lay its cards on the table and identify what has to be done and what concessions need to be made, prepare a plan of resolution and give it to the UN secretary-general. Because the lack of a solution to the Cyprus question is threatening to damage Turkey's own interests."