Selections From Todays Turkish Press
Leaders of the coalition government met yesterday to discuss cost-cutting measures meant to obtain its targeted public fiscal goals. According to the Prime Ministry Press Office, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit, deputy prime ministers Devlet Bahceli, Mesut Yilmaz and Husamettin Ozkan, as well as State Minister for the Economy Kemal Dervis attended the meeting. It said, " During the meeting, a full consensus was reached on the measures to be taken to achieve the targeted public fiscal goals. Details of these measures will be disclosed to the public within the week." /Turkiye/
REMEMBRANCE OF THE NOV. 12 EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Yesterday was the second anniversary of the 7.2 magnititute-earthquake of Nov. 12, 1999 in Bolu, Duzce and Kaynaslı. Remembrance ceremonies for the victims were held in the region. Despite the passage of full two years since the quakes, 41,000 earthquake survivors are still experiencing problems, especially with permanent housing remaining uncompleted for many. To mark the anniversary, President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said that Turkish nation has exhibited exemplary cooperation during the healing of its wounds. He added, "In an effort to respond to the rightful expectations of our citizens, Duzce will take its place among our developing provinces." /Turkiye/
PAPANDREOU: "WITHOUT CYPRUS WE WILL VETO THE EU ENLARGEMENT PROCESS"
Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou yesterday gave an ultimatum to the EU, saying that Greece would veto the EU enlargement process if Cyprus is not granted membership. Speaking to Greek daily Ta Nea, Papandreou said that "A decision was taken, at the Helsinki Summit [ in favor of Cyprus's EU membership] and if its membership is not accepted, Greece will veto the EU enlargement process." Papandreou's statement came on the heels of Turkish Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's statement that if Cyprus gains membership, Turkey would integrate with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) both in the economic and policital areas./Hürriyet/
CEM SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE UNITED STATES
Foreign Minister Ismail Cem was in New York yesterday to attend the United Nations General Assembly. His agenda was very busy, and he was planning to speak about the operations in Afghanistan and the Cyprus issue. However, soon after his arrival, a plane crash occurred in New York. While Cem was speaking about the Cyprus issue, the head of UN security Chief made an announcement concerning the incident from the building's internal address system. At that point Cem cut his speech short. During his abbreviated speech, Cem made warnings concerning the Cyprus issue and remarked that if the Greek Cypriot administration becomes a member of the European Union, there will be dangerous consequences for the two nations living on the island. Cem requested that "artificial solutions" not be imposed on the island. Cem said, "We will not allow the solutions that would make Turkish Cypriots a minority on the island." Cem was among the first foreign representatives to extend his condolonces to the American nation and to the relatives of those who lost their lives during the plane crash. /Sabah/
OUTLOOK FOR SECOND EU COMMISSION REPORT POSITIVE
A second report on Turkey's membership to EU will be discussed today at the European Union Commission. With the changes recently made in Turkey's constitution, this report is expected to be positive. CPS General Director Tulu Gumustekin, consultant to the Turkish private sector on the EU, said that changes made to the Constitution would positively affect the commission's view of Turkey, but the commission would also insist that the changes actually be implemented. The commission is also set to discuss human rights in Turkey as well as its current economic crisis. /Hürriyet/
DENKTAS WARNS OF POST-EU ACCESSION SCENARIOS OF GREEK CYPRIOTS
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas on Monday warned of dire post-European Union accession scenarios of the Greek Cypriot leadership. Greek Cypriot President Glafcos Clerides, on the other hand, turned down an offer of direct "heart-to-heart" made by Denktas, saying that such a process could be possible only after the Turkish Cypriot leader returned to the United Nations-sponsored negotiations process. Receiving a group of veterans from the 1974 Turkish intervention in Cyprus, Denktas said that in 1963 Greek Cypriots had launched a campaign of annihilation of their Turkish partners with the aim and intention of achieving union of the island with Greece (Enosis) and have never deviated from that goal. The Turkish Cypriot president said with the 1974 Turkish intervention, Turkey clearly told the Greek Cypriots that it wouldn't allow union of the island with Greece and would stand for the defense of the rights and liberties of the Turkish Cypriot people, as well as the legitimate rights of the island. But ever since 1974, Denktas said, Greek Cypriots have resorted to every means of achieving their aim of "Enosis". /Turkish Daily News/
IZVESTIA: "TURKEY HELPED IN NORTHERN ALLIANCE VICTORIES"
Prominent Russian daily Izvestia reported yesterday that the plans for recent Northern Alliance victories in Afghanistan had been drawn up by Turkish and American military experts. In an article entitled "Cooperation", the paper stated that two parties comprised the Northern Alliance forces, with Turkish and American experts and foreign commandos on one side, and volunteers of Arab origin on the other. Commenting on the fall of Mazar-e Sharif and Northern Alliance forces' recent announcement that they now control all of northern Afghanistan, Izvestia said, "The plans behind Northern Alliance forces' taking control of Mazar-e Sharif were prepared by Turkish and American experts, and the operation was carried out with the support of foreign commandos. Therefore, victory belongs to all of them." /Cumhuriyet/
TURKEY HELPS LAY GROUNDWORK FOR AFGHAN FUTURE
Turkey is currently taking part in the efforts to lay the groundwork for Afghanistan's future. While Foreign Minister Ismail Cem's contacts in New York are continuing, a US State Department delegation is reportedly expected to visit Ankara to discuss the issue in detail. Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu stated that the description of the Turkish units' mission in Afghanistan would not change. Furthermore, prominent US daily the Washington Post remarked this week that if the parties in Afghanistan fail to reach agreement on an alternative structure for their country the task might fall to the international community, and added that Turkey, Jordan and Bangladesh might contribute to this structure. In related news, a high-level Northern Alliance official announced that a meeting which had been planned to be held in Turkey might no longer be needed. Afghan opposition Charge d'Affaires in France Embassy to Paris, Mehrabuddin Mestan said, "The meeting might be held in Afghanistan. We might not need to meet in Turkey." /Cumhuriyet/
KOKSAL SAYS SEPT. 11 SHOWS EU NEEDS TURKEY
Turkish Ambassador To Paris Sonmez Koksal has said that Sept. 11 attacks on the US showed clearly how the EU and Turkey needed each other. Addressing a conference discussing the "Future of Europe," Koksal said that cultural and religious diversity was not a problem but rather an advantage for Turkey and its relations with the EU. He said Turkey's secular and democratic system model was appreciated as a success throughout the entire world, and indicative of the fact that Islam was not incompatible with the universal values of democracy and secularism. He criticized the EU's failure to fulfill some of its undertakings, especially those concerning financial assistance. "If the EU wants to have a trustworthy image, it should fulfill its financial responsibilities towards Turkey, just like it did vis-à-vis all other candidates," said Koksal. /Turkish News/
TURKISH GROUP ARRIVES IN GERMANY
Turkish-German Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman, Mujdat Karayerli, accompanied by a delegation, has arrived in Berlin, the Anatolia news agency reported on Monday. Karayerli, an Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) deputy for Afyon, said upon his arrival that an immigration bill prepared by the German government concerned Turkish people living in Germany. He also called on that the German Foreign and Interior ministry officials to improve relations between Turkey and Germany. Karayerli also remarked that the fight against terrorism could be won as long as it is an international effort, and said that Turkey and Germany should cooperate to that end. Additionally, Karayerli stated that the delegation would obtain information about the cost of a security package as well as the details of the immigration bills. The delegation is to return to Turkey on Nov. 15. /Turkish Daily News/
FUNERAL FOR DSP DEPUTY ATAHAN
Democratic Left Party (DSP) Hatay Deputy Namik Kemal Atahan who passed away over the weekend, was laid to rest yesterday following a commemorative ceremony held at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and his wife, deputy prime ministers Husamettin Ozkan, Devlet Bahceli, Mesut Yilmaz, as well as many parliamentarians attended the ceremony. /Turkiye/
CAKAN: "THERE IS NO ENERGY SHORTAGE"
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zeki Cakan said yesterday that there would be no energy shortage next year. Cakan left for Izmir yesterday to discuss energy problems. Answering reporters' questions, Cakan remarked that in 2002, power cuts would become a thing of the past in the wake of new investments. Stressing that no power and gas shortages would be experienced , Cakan pointed to the importance of the Blue Stream and Baku-Ceyhan Oil pipeline projects. He added, "If we had not not invested in these projects, we would have many difficulties in coming years." /Turkiye/
MERAL: " TURKEY IS UNDER IMF OCCUPATION"
Turkish Confederation of Labor Unions (Türk-Is) Chairman Bayram Meral keep yesterday that the IMF and the World Bank were controlling Turkey's economic policies and people working for these groups can be found working in the halls of the government. Meral charged that the government had abandoned the nation under "IMF economic occupation." He remarked that where as in 1919 foreign powers were unsuccesful in occupying Turkey, yet today Turkey is occupied economically by the IMF and the WB. Turkey is formulating its policies at the IMF's behest and this has caused Turkey's current economic crisis, he accused. Previously the IMF and WB were interfering in Turkish affairs from the outside but with the arrival of the Economy Minister Kemal Dervis, they now can easily control our government from the inside, he stressed. /Türkiye/
FRANCE-INTER RADIO LAUDS TURKISH SECULARISM
Radio station France-Inter yesterday lauded the secular system in Turkey by stating that Turkey exemplified a good example for other countries in the region since it, as a predominantly Muslim country, has been able to preserve secular and democratic principles. In a program on, the station pointed out that the world's only Muslim and secular country is Turkey, and it also praised the revolutionary innovations of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. /Cumhuriyet/
TURKEY AND MONGOLIA SIGN NEW MILITARY COOPERATION AGREEMENT
Turkey and Mongolia signed a defense industry cooperation agreement on Monday. Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu received Mongolian Defense Minister Gurragchaa Jugderdemid at his office. Cakmakoglu said he hoped that the agreement would pave the way for new developments and positive results in the defense industry between Turkey and Mongolia. He added that he and the Mongolian defense minister had exchanged views on military issues, and that the two countries has earlier signed agreements concerning military training technical and scientific cooperation as well as military training cooperation. /Turkish News/
COMMISSION LOOKS INTO AL QAIDA BUSINESS LINKS
A special Turkish commission has begun research into approximately 40 companies and and individuals with ties to Usama bin Laden's Al Qaida organization as reported by the US Treasury Department. This spring and this fall after the Sept. 11 attacks, the US supplied the names of 40 companies with alleged ties to Al Qaida and the Safron Corporation, which is owned by Laden's relative Sheikh Hasan bin Laden, with requests that the assets of these companies to be frozen. /Milliyet/
IMF DELEGATION DECIDES ON TURKEY'S NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL LOAN
The International Monetary Fund delegation, chaired by Turkey desk chief Juha Kahkonen, is continuing its 10th review in Ankara, and yesterday it officially determined that Turkey needs an additional loan for next year. This delegation's determination will appear in the report covering its 10th review. When the delegation reports Turkey's need for additional resources, official processes for the loan will begin. However, the amount of the loan will be made clear during the meetings of the G-7 countries, the IMF and the World Bank. /Milliyet/
ARCELIK ANNOUNCES INTENTION TO PURCHASE BRANDT
Turkish appliance maker Arcelik announced yesterday that it wanted to purchase all the shares of bankrupt French durable goods producer Brandt in the bid for the latter's sale. According to the "Echos" daily newspaper, 20 companies including Arcelik are vying to own Brandt. /Milliyet/
ILO: "TURKEY IS A DEVELOPED COUNTRY"
The International Labor Organization (ILO) has included Turkey in its list of developed countries in its just-released annual report. Up to now, Turkey has been considered a "developing country" by many international institutions. Since the report is the most comprehensive one prepared by the ILO, Turkey's inclusion in the developed countries list is considered an important development. /Cumhuriyet/
ASELSAN TO PRODUCE STINGER MISSILES
Turkey's Aselsan Electronic Industry and Trade Stock Company yesterday signed an 265-million dollar agreement with the Undersecretariat of the Defense Industry for the production of Stinger missile systems. The 148 systems including support equipment are scheduled to be delivered in 2003-2007. /Turkiye
FRENCH HONOUR MEDAL FOR SABANCI
French President Jacques Chirac will present Sakip Sabancı with the "Legion d' Honneur" this week for his contributions to Turco-French relations. Sabanci will be decorated with the medal in a ceremony on Nov. 16 to be held in the Elysse Palace. Sabanci exhibited his "Gold Letters" collection including very valuable calligraphic artwork in the Louvre last years. /Turkiye/
WHAT A WASTE... BY İLNUR ÇEVİK (TURKISH DAILY NEWS)
Editor İlnur Çevik comments on ongoing death fasts. A summary of his columns is as follows: "The dormitory system was exploited by various terrorist groups to set up training quarters for their followers. It is sad that these dormitories were not only used to keep the members of the terrorist groups together but to recruit new members in a prison system which cannot reform the inmates. At times the state used an iron fist to end the death fasts. That did not work. So the prison officials started sending the death fasters home. But that too did not work because the terrorist organizations were not really interested in saving people but opted to force the fasters to die. For the terrorist organizations the death of supporters was more valuable than them living. Isn't it sad that so many young people simply played into the hands of the terrorist leaders and lost their lives for nothing? The young people have to see that they are involved in an adventure to satisfy the whims of the Revolutionary People's Liberation Party-Front (DHKP-C) terrorist group leaders. So many young people are being wasted for nothing. It is time the families of these young people stopped playing into the hands of the terrorist groups and put an end to the carnage. The DHKP-C may be playing a propaganda war but it is clear no one in the world where there is a general fight against terrorism is in any mood to listen to this terrorist group. They have exploited young people who have been forced to continue their death fasts in the Kucuk Armutlu district of Istanbul. A police raid in Armutlu turned into a nightmare when the those guarding the fasters set themselves ablaze... For people died but the protestors claimed the police had shot these people and that they had not died because of the fire. However, forensic tests on the four bodies reportedly showed no shooting or stabbing wounds. It is high time that organizations such as the Human Rights Association (IHD) intervene and stop this carnage. No one should expect the state to restore the dormitory system which only served the terrorist groups... All that can be done is to introduce safeguards so that the cell system is not abused by the authorities."