Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
CONTENTS
The 16th meeting of the Islamic Conference Organization's (IKT)
Economic and Commercial Cooperation Permanent Committee (ISEDAK)
will begin in Istanbul today. The opening session will be chaired
by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, who is also the Chairman of
ISEDAK. Turkey will attend the meeting with a delegation chaired
by the State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli.
/Aksam/
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit leaves for Macedonia today to
participate in the Southeastern European Countries Cooperation
Process' unofficial summit of the head of states and governments.
The meeting will be held in Skopje, capital of Macedonia. Also
attending the meeting in addition to host country Macedonia are
Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,
Croatia and Yugoslavia. Premier Ecevit is also expected to hold
bilateral meetings with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski and
Romanian Head of State Emil Constantinescu. /Turkiye/
The Greek government is trying to have preconditions included in
to the Accession Partnership Document currently being prepared
with any requirements necessary for Turkey's full EU membership.
Greece wants new conditions regarding the Cyprus and Agean Sea to
be incorporated. Greece requests the inclusion of: "Turkey has a
great responsibility regarding the Cyprus issue. The island is
under occupation. A solution must be found in line with the UN
decisions" and "Turkey should resolve the existing disputes over
the Aegean with Greece in accordance with the decisions of the
International Court of Justice in Hague" as paragraphs into the
document. However, the EU Commission does not support the Greek
viewpoint. The Commission is aware of the Turkish government's
stance against these two conditions as they are outside the
framework of the Helsinki Accords. Diplomatic sources drew the
attention to the fact that the members of the EU would not allow
the Accession Partnership Document to become an "offending"
document. They said, "If the EU Commission accepted Turkey as a
full member in a short time, they would include those conditions
, but it is not the case. We may only face a condition stating
that "Turkey should constructively contribute to the solution of
the problems". /Milliyet/
Israeli Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Alon Liel, gave
information to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, on
the tension between Palestine and Israel and on Sarm El Sehy
Summit. Liel stated that if Palestine is announced as a State,
then necessary security measures will be taken for Israeli
citizens in West Seria and Gaza. He said they were hopeful about
bringing the violence to an end. Minister of Foreign Affairs
Ismail Cem and the Deputy Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal met Liel, who
had come to Turkey. After the meeting, Liel said he had discussed
the situation generally with Cem and would further investigate
the issues with the Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry, Faruk
Logoglu. /Cumhuriyet/
A lecturer at the Louisville University in the US, Prof. Justin
McCarthy, stated that the US Congress did the right thing
concerning the so-called Armenian genocide bill, adding,
"However, the US Congress should have rejected the bill not just
because of the political reasons, but because it is a lie."
/Cumhuriyet/
Russian Prime Minister Mihail Kasyanov, in Turkey for an official
visit, continued to meet with Turkish authorities yesterday. Mr.
Kasyanov met first with Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Cumhur Ersumer. During the meeting, Turkey's electricity and
additional natural gas imports from Russia were discussed. State
Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen visited Mr. Kasyanov. After the
meeting, Minister Yucelen said they agreed on payment of the $98
million-loan, given by Turkish Eximbank to Russia, which had
expired. Later, Premier Kasyanov proceeded to Samsun to observe
the construction work of the natural gas pipeline being built as
a part of the Blue Stream Pipeline Project. He also attended a
dinner in Istanbul organized by the Turco-Russian Business
Council. Addressing the businessmen, Mr. Kasyanov pointed out
they were in Turkey to further Turco-Russian economic relations
and said, "Turkish and Russian economies complete each other."
/Turkiye/
The Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok will arrive in Turkey on 30
October to pay an official visit. Kok will be received by the
President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and will meet the Prime Minister
Bulent Ecevit the same day. During the second day of his visit,
Kok will hold investigations in the earthquake-hit region and
meet with officials from the Foreign Economic Relations Council
(DEIK) and the Turkish Association of Industrialists and
Businessmen (TUSIAD). /Cumhuriyet/
State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen stated that a human rights
council will be established in every province and sub-provinces.
Yucelen said, "The citizens will be able to apply to this council
directly, which will be attended by all the non-governmental
organizations. We have prepared a circular for this purpose and
sent a copy of it to the provinces. We will hold a meeting on 10
December and give an end to the regional meetings. New officials
will be appointed to the Chairmanship of Human Rights, which was
established by decree with the power of law." /Aksam/
American Ambassador to Ankara, Robert Pearson, and the American
Deputy Commander to the European Forces, Carlton Fulford, visited
the Turkish Commander of Naval Forces, Admiral Ilhami Erdil.
Erdil delivered a speech at the beginning of this visit and said,
"The relations between the US and the Turkish naval forces have a
long past and these relations have developed very comprehensively
since 1946. Today we are strong allies just as we were 50 years
ago." /Cumhuriyet/
In the scope of the Phenix-II programme, the fourth of the Cougar
AS-532 general purpose helicopter, produced by cooperation of the
French firm Eurcopter, was delivered to the Turkish Air Force
Command. The programme foresees production of 30 helicopters.
/Cumhuriyet/
General Director of State Water Works (DSI), Dogan Altinbilek,
and the Chairman of Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP)
Administration, Olcay Unver, were elected as officials to the
Executive Board of the World Water Congress. During the meeting
of the Congress held in Marseilles October 18 and 19, Unver was
elected as the Accountant of the Executive Board and Altinbilek
was elected as the Chairman of Publishing Board. /Aksam/
A Turkish doctor living in the US, Kutluk Oktay, created a
medical miracle by proving that the egg production can continue
when the ovary is tranasported to another part of the body. The
results of the tests concerning the techniques developed by
Oktay, who works for Cornell University Hospital in New York, and
by Dr. Roger Gosden, were announced to the world. /Aksam/
The Turkish Republic identity numbers will be given from 28
October by the Central Population Administration System. This
implementation will make registering property, taxation, safety,
elections, education, health, military service, banking, social
security and services in other fields quicker, rational and
safer. /Hurriyet/
Foreign investors observing Istanbul Stock Exchange predict that
the stock exchange index will increase in the final months of
this year and the first quarter of next year. Deutsche Bank, in
its report, said that Moddy's will increase Turkey's credit grade
and that the 2001 budget will be approved by the IMF delegation.
The report said there were positive signs showing improvement in
the Turkish economy. /Milliyet/
The State Statistics Institute (DIE) announced that the capacity
usage rate, which was 68.8% last September, increased to 73.3%
for the same period for this year. According to the 'Monthly
Production Industry Tendency Questionare' carried out by the DIE,
50.5% of the offices expect an increase in production this year
whereas 11.1% of them expect a decrease. /Aksam/
The Leather Industrialists Sector Foreign Trade Company (DSD),
established as an enterprise of 139 leather firms, opened its
first shop abroad in the capital of Poland. The 1300 square shop
opened in the largest shoping center of Warsaw, is the biggest
leather shop in Europe. Turkish and Polish tradesmen met at the
opening ceremony. The shops named `Derri' is projected to open
chain stores in 5 different countries next year. /Hurriyet/
Turkey's exports to the United States showed the greatest
increase to September of this year. In nine months, the exports
to the US increased by $442.7 million, reaching a total of $2.19
billion. Exports to the Great Britain increased by $151.9 million
and to Iraq by $82.2 million. The exports to Germany, on the
other hand, decresed by $174.4 million. /Star/
One of the world's most prominent food fairs "SIAL 2000" is being
held in Paris. 41 Turkish firms are participating in the fair
this year. /Cumhuriyet/
Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor, Ali Mufit Gurtuna traveled to New
York to attend a meeting organized by the United Nations and the
Council of American Businessmen. Mr. Gurtuna said, "I will
explain the favourable investment conditions in Istanbul to the
financial circles." /Sabah/
The Bogazici University Engineering Club students will organize
an international contest. The aim of the contest by the
International Cultural and Academic Meeting of Engineering
Students (ICAMES) is to have students from all over the world get
to know each other's culture , to produce new projects and to
promote Turkey. The organization is to be sponsored by firms. The
contest will take place May 12-19, 2001. Invitation letters were
sent to 120 countries. /Milliyet/
Columnist Semih Idiz writes on Turco-Greek relations. A summary
of his column is as follows:
"The desire by certain writers in both the Turkish and Greek
press for a return to the past can be immediately felt. I believe
that those participating in the Turco-Greek Media conference held
two weeks ago in Istanbul should adopt a more cautious and more
journalistic style and I am not alone in this view.
Navy Forces Commander Admiral Ilhami Erdil, who described the
events occurring during the NATO manoeuvres as a 'crisis' holds
the same opinion. Erdil said, 'As members of the press, you are
closely following the issue. However, I believe you have to
consider the recent incidents within its context. The issue
should neither be exaggerated nor underrated." Thus, Admiral
Erdil, who assessed the situation with commonsense, stressed that
this crisis could be solved through a dialogue with Greece. He
added that no one should think the spring climate has given way
to winds of winter, as the countries will reach a joint decision
through negotiations... These problems cannot be overcome in a
day and should therefore be evaluated calmly.
If one of the most authoritative persons can hold this view, it
is unnecessary for others to be defenders of the issue. The
atmosphere in Athens is also interesting. Despite all that has
happened, the statements made by civilians are cautious. Foreign
Minister George Papandreou said one manoeuvre could not spoil the
rapprochement process which is still improving daily. The
Government Spokesman Dimitris Reppas holds the same opinion.
Harsh statements come from the military and through Defence
Minister Akis Cohacopoulos. Observers believe that this is a
result of the controversy the Greek military experienced with
NATO in the last manoeuvres. The truth of the matter cannot be
guessed at the moment, but there is a difference of style between
the civilians and the military in Greece. Everyone is aware that
rapprochement between Turkey and Greece, notwithstanding the
serious problems did not vanish as the NATO manoeuvre 'Destined
Glory' revealed. Once more the points of disagreement unchanged
for 20 years, have surfaced. Admiral Erdil pointed out the
necessity of providing a convenient atmosphere to discuss the
priorities.
The recent events have shown that not everyone believes the
rapprochement process has failed and mandating a return to the
old days. The hawks in both countries are arguing, and it is seen
that they are at odds with the important sections in their own
countries. In fact, neither Turks nor Greeks favour any more
fights.
Neither Turkey nor Greece have lost ground from through the
rapprochement process in the Aegean or Cyprus. The latest crisis
in NATO has led to the surfacing of a situation known by all.
Neither side gained anything by it, nor did they lose anything.
The situation is rather different regarding the other manoeuvre
by Greece and Greek-Cypriot Administration. I believe that this
the Achilles' heel in Turco-Greek relations. No side has been
able to overcome the psychological barrier which would allow the
other side to come near. If the Greek-Cypriot anti-aircraft guns
have locked onto Turkish jets as rumoured, this is an effort to
increase the tension in the region and even a provocation. The
Turkish-Cypriot side's reply should have stated that this was a
very dangerous move which not becoming gentleman, instead of
responding to it with harsh statements.
Turkish and Greek people have shown that they were not born
enemies. The politicians, military and diplomats have to respect
their feelings and act in accordance with the newly found
friendship. If it is desired to take the clock back it can be
done overnight. However, no one would be the better for it. In
short, the recent problems should be assessed as an indication of
what should be done in the future."
Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna writes on the document prepared by the
European Union for Turkey. A summary of his column is as follows:
The European Union presented a 24 page document called 'The Road
Map for Turkey' to Ankara October 13. We must accept the
document no later than 15 December 2000 in order to begin
membership negotiations with the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister Yilmaz has had important meetings on the
issue in Brussels. The EU's Road Map for Turkey was formulated
following lengthy negotiations with us. Offensive expressions
were either taken out of the text or softened. The document will
be officially announced on November 8. There is nothing in the
document which should unnerve us. Certain conditions which are
implemented in all democracies, are requested to be accepted. For
years, we claim that we must accept these norms and in fact some
of it has been adopted. However, our slowness has handicapped us
in catching up with the times and has delayed the implementation
of many of the conditions.
This slowness, indifference, and procrastination has led the
country to suffer great damages, and as a result, Turks were left
deprived of many benefits in the world. A mistake, made 22 years
ago in not entering the Common Market with Greece, Portugal, and
Spain has left us behind. We cannot afford a second mistake. The
Turkish people will lose all hope in its leaders. People will not
vote for those who repeat the same mistake twice.
When the Road Map is published on November 8, there will be those
who will view it with suspicion. That we know for sure."
FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
SEZER TO OPEN 16TH MEETING OF ISEDAK
PRIME MINISTER ECEVIT TO ATTEND BALKAN SUMMIT
GREECE WANTS NEW CONDITIONS FOR THE ACCESSION PARTNERSHIP
DOCUMENT
ISRAEL INFORMS TURKEY
MCCARTHY'S STATEMENT
RUSSIAN PRIME MINISTER HOLDS MEETINGS
DUTCH PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT TURKEY
YUCELEN'S STATEMENT
PEARSON AND FULFORD VISIT ERDIL
COUGAR HELICOPTER DELIVERED
WORLD WATER CONGRESS
TURKISH DOCTOR'S SUCCESS
NEW IDENTITY NUMBER
DEUTSCHE BANK HOPEFUL ABOUT TURKISH STOCK EXCHANGE'S FUTURE
TURKEY'S PRODUCTION INCREASES
THE FIRST 'DERRI' OPENED IN WARSAW
USA IS THE BIGGEST MARKET FOR TURKEY'S EXPORTS
TURKISH FOOD FIRMS IN PARIS
ISTANBUL MAYOR VISITS NEW YORK
BOGAZICI UNIVERSITY TO ORGANIZE PROJECT CONTEST
FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
DO NOT TAKE UP ARMS IMMEDIATELY BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)
ROAD MAP FOR TURKEY BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)