TIME IS RUNNING SHORT BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
President Ahmet Sezer vetoed the government decree allowing the
bodies of the leader of the Nakshibandiyya Order, Esad Cosan and
his son-in-law, Prof. Ali Yucel Uyarel to be buried in the garden
of Suleymaniye Mosque. Sezer returned the decree back to the
government, explaining his reasons in a three page paper. The
President stated the decree contradicted the law on
municipalities, on the protection of historical heritage, on
public health, and the regulation on cemeteries. Additionally,
Sezer said the decree also contradicted Article 10 of the
Constitution which underlines the principle of equality for all
Turkish nationals. /Cumhuriyet/
The leaders of the coalition government placed the Turkish
economy on the table for discussion yesterday. Representatives
from all sectors conveyed their troubles to leaders and also
presented proposals for solutions. Following the five-hour plus
meeting, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said, "The meeting was very
fruitful. We know there are problems in real and banking sectors.
We shall do what we must." /Turkiye/
Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, who has
never been abroad saying 'If it becomes too necessary, then I
will visit abroad', will go to Turkmenistan on 17 February.
Bahceli preferred Turkmenistan for his first trip abroad. Bahceli
accepted the invitation of Saparmurat Turkmenbasi and will sign
many cooperation agreements mostly on health and energy during
his 4 day visit. /Aksam/
Croatian President Stipe Mesic stated in a press conference
yesterday that he believed the Cyprus problem could be solved
within a United Europe, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue
rather than interference by other countries or institutions. He
said, " All problems, including Cyprus and Bosnia-Herzegovina,
can be solved within the scenario of a United Europe." Mesic said
they discussed Turco-Croatian relations, the latest developments
in the region, and the prevailing conditions in the Yugoslavia
during the meetings. Thanking Turkey for her support during
Croatia's integration period to NATO and Europe, Mesic said, " I
am sure this visit is very important, not just for Croatia, but
also for the whole region." /Cumhuriyet/
The Caucasus, with its rich underground resources, currently the
focal point for strategic maneuverings is leading to polarization
in the region. The existence of a tripartite strategic
partnership among the Republic of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia,
backed by the US, is creating another partnership in response
among Iran, Armenia and Greece, backed by the Russian Federation.
The intense polarization is growing among these groups. While the
tension between Turkey and Armenia continues due to the
allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide, the Russian
Federation is increasing its pressure on Azerbaijan and Georgia
who want to establish good relations with NATO. /Cumhuriyet/
The Ministry of National Defense prohibited French ALCATEL Space
Industries and Matra Marconi Space companies from participating
in any defense bids for one year. According to the decision
published in the Official Gazette, these countries would not be
able to participate in any defense bids. /Sabah/
Radical nationalist Russian parliamentarian, Aleksandr
Mitrafanov, tried to establish an international commission which
would make Turkey pay compensations for so-called genocide
victims. /Milliyet/
Volkan Vural, the Turkish Prime Ministry's Secretary General for
European Union (EU), said they had completed the preparation of
the National Program and were waiting for the government's
political decision. Speaking at a conference titled "Turkey on
the Way to the EU" organized by the Marmara Groups in Istanbul,
Vural said the program was composed of 1,500 pages and related to
all parts of life. "The EU membership issue is the most important
event in Turkey's history after the Republican Revolutions," said
Vural. "EU membership is Turkey's target, not the EU's. We see
the EU membership bid as a tool to catch up with developed
civilizations. Briefly, Turkey should carry out all these reforms
not only for EU membership, but also to create a powerful
country." /Turkish Daily News/
Twelve nations will take part in what NATO is calling the world's
largest anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Ionian Sea east of
Sicily February 15-18. Submarines from Germany, Greece, Italy,
Spain, Turkey and the United States are scheduled to participate
in the exercise, named DOGFISH 2001, NATO said Wednesday. Other
alliance members will participate with marine patrol aircraft.
/Turkish Daily News/
British journalist and writer Andrew Mango said during his speech
at the Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission, some prejudices
exist towards Turkey in Europe. Mango said, "Turkey is regarded
as if it was a person, and ordered to do this and not to do that.
But, this country has a parliament. The Turkish parliament should
put forth the national will against the pressures and demands
coming from the EU." Mango said, "There exist prejudices
accumulating for years. This is particularly obvious with the
Armenian issue. People get information from the books slanted
against Turkey. Those books claim 1.5 million Armenians were
killed. There may not have been that many Armenians living at
that time. In order to change these assertions, you should
express yourself more. Working groups should be established for
this aim. Express yourself especially in the European countries'
parliaments and give the required information." Mango said the
difficulties in using archives should be alleviated. /Hurriyet/
Israeli Chief of General Staff Shaul Mofaz will visit Turkey next
week. The latest developments in the Middle East Peace Process,
issues on military cooperation and Israeli companies' situations
in the defense bids will be the main points on the meetings
agenda. Mofaz's visit is important in the sense that it will take
place soon after the government changes in the Israel. Mofaz is
expected to meet with Chief of General Staff Huseyin Kivrikoglu
and high-level defense authorities. Diplomatic sources stated
Israeli companies are hopeful about the satellite bid amounting $
250 million after the agreement with ALCATEL was canceled in
response to the France's approval of the so-called Armenian
genocide bill. Another important bid Mofaz is expected to discuss
with the Turkish officials is for the modernization of M 60
tanks. Meanwhile, Turkish Air Forces Commander General Ergin
Celasin will visit Tel Aviv between February 24-27. /Cumhuriyet/
Palestine Head of State, Yaser Arafat, said the continuation of
the Middle East peace process depends on Israel. At a meeting
with Turkish journalists, stressing they follow a "wait and see"
policy, Arafat said the Palestinian side is insistent on
continuation the peace process. Replying to question, "Will you
shake Sharon's hand since he has refused to shake your hand?",
Arafat said, "Do not forget, I shook Rabin's hand at the White
House, we are not involved as persons but as the Israeli
government and nation." Upon the recall of Saron's plans over
Jerusalem, Arafat said, "I will accept what the Turkish people
accept." He added these plans will be approved not only by the
Palestinians but also by Arab World, Islamic countries,
Christians and the United Nations. /Turkiye/
Chief of the Gendarmerie General Staff, Lieutenant General Yusuf
Soybas, returned to Turkey from England yesterday. It was claimed
that Soybas and the accompanying delegation went to England as
part of the White Energy Operation but these claims were denied
by the Secretary General of Chief of the Gendarmerie General
Staff. /Aksam/
The Istanbul-Cairo flight of 2,515 km, which was completed by the
Turkish pilots in 1914 at the risk of their lives, will be
repeated after a break of 87 years. Turkish Radio and Television
Corporation (TRT) will telecast the flight, which will be
realized on 15 May-18 June 2001 with the planes of the time
period, under the title of 'Golden Wings'. It will be filmed as a
3 part documentary. The 'Golden Wings' project, will be carried
out with the cooperation between TRT and the Air Forces Command
was promoted with a ceremony organized at the 11th Air
Communication Main Headquarter Command's facilities. The ceremony
was attended by the Secretary General of Presidency Kemal
Nehrozoglu, State Minister Rustu Kazim Yucelen, Minister of
National Defense Sabahattin Cakmakoglu, Minister of Communication
Enis Oksuz, Secretary General of National Security Council
General Cumhur Asparuk, Commander of Land Forces General Hilmi
Ozkok, Commander of Sea Forces Admiral Ilhami Erdil, General
Director of TRT Yucel Yener, Chairman of The Supreme Radio and
Television Board (RTUK) Nuri Kayis and many other guests. /Aksam/
The notorious terrorist Usame Bin Ladin, wanted in the US, will
use the IBDA-C for its terrorist actions to be carried in Turkey.
Bin Ladin called for all Islamic terrorist organizations in
Turkey, mostly the IBDA-C, to increase their terrorist actions.
Bin Ladin ordered the IBDA-C to 'destroy, frighten, kidnap'.
Ladin's declaration was issued on the web page of IBDA-C. /Aksam/
A statement issued by the General Staff press office announced a
military agreement regarding the "removal of antipersonnel mines"
was signed between Turkey and Georgia on January 29, the Anatolia
news agency reported. The agreement envisages the clearance or
demolition of mines along the border of the two countries and the
establishment of a bilateral regime to prevent these mines from
being used as border protection in the future. /Turkish Daily
News/
Turkey's top banking authority has issued regulations on internal
management systems. This will enable them to determine capital
adequacy requirements to reflect market risks. The regulations
were published in the Official Gazette and went into effect
yesterday. They require banks to set up appropriate internal
inspections and risk management systems by January 1, 2002. The
Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency said the transition
period could be extended one time for six months in exceptional
cases providing the banks present justifiable excuses. Banks
shall keep adequate capital for all sorts of inherent risks, the
regulations said. The regulations are binding for Turkey-based
bank branches, and special finance institutions. The regulations
define ways to manage basic risks faced by banks, which include
credit and market risks, risks relating to the inability to
conclude a mutual transaction, and those stemming from the
inadequate knowledge of regulations, liquidity risk and
operational risk. /Turkish Daily News/
The IMF director in Europe, Michael Deppler, praised the efforts
of the government for his disinflation program. Deppler said
there is not much deviation from the targets defined by the Fund.
Deppler said it is necessary to bring Telekom into position, so
it can easily be sold. "The international telecommunication
sector is weak and it may be difficult to sell Telekom nowadays.
Turkey will sell Telekom, but if it could not, it would not have
much dramatic fiscal repercussions./Milliyet/
The 'Draft Law of Eliminating Some Funds', which the government
plans to carry out in the additional letter of intent given to
the International Monetary Fund was presented to the Spokesman of
the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). The removal of 24
funds is envisaged with this draft law. Among the funds to be
removed are the Farming and Formation of Cooperation Center for
Student Selection and Placement (OSYM), Preventing the
Environment Pollution, Developing the Traffic Services,
Strengthening the Justice Organization Fund. /Aksam/
Turkmen, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Kazakh and Tajik Ambassadors to
Ankara visited the Mayor of Ankara, Melih Gokcek. Gokcek, stating
cooperation should be made in every field in the Turkish world,
suggested organizing a 'Turkish Olympics'. Gokcek said, "Let us
organize an Olympics with at least 8-10 branches. There are
facilities in Ankara to implement this organization. Turkmen
Ambassador Nur Muhammed Hamanov wanted Gokcek to organize
entertainment evenings on behalf of the Turkish-speaking
Republics. The other Ambassadors requested him to solve the
problems of the students who came to Ankara from their countries.
/Aksam/
The International Institute of Finance (IIF) announced more
direct and indirect foreign investments would be made in Turkey
this year compared to last year. The report, titled "Capital
Inflow to the Developing Markets" prepared by the IIF, said
around $166 billion private capital would inflow to developing
markets, including Turkey, as the US Federal Bank dropped the
interest rates. According to the report, direct portfolio
investments totaling $300 million last year, may increase this
year tenfold, reaching $3 billion. /Milliyet/
ERDEMIR's Chairman Sener Macun said they would make investments
totaling $ 120 million this year. ERDEMIR, which endorsed one
billion dollars in 2000, keeps the same number as a target for
this year. Macun stated they would aim to produce a total of $
3.1 billion in 2001. /Sabah/
Turkey's fourth largest oil company Opet established a
partnership with Enron. The partnership ratio was announced as
8.95 %. Enron Europe Deputy Chairman, Lloyd Wantscheck, said, "We
believe in Turkey's future, this partnership is a clear signal."
/Hurriyet/
Two ships collided at the entrance of the Istanbul strait
yesterday. The crew of both ships were rescued. This is the 323rd
accident occurring in the straits during the last four years.
/Milliyet/
Soil will be taken from the Anzac Memorial to be placed at the
New Zealand Memorial to be constructed in Canberra, Australia.
According to the Secretariat General of the Land Forces Command,
the New Zealand government will take soil from the Anzac Memorial
in Gallipoli at a ceremony. /Turkiye/
Journalist and writer Ahmet Kabakli died yesterday due to heart
failure. /Milliyet/
Turkish fashion designers were successful in the biggest fashion
fair of the world in Dusseldorf, Germany. In the opening fashion
show, the creations of Turkish fashion designers Hakan Yildirim
and Yesim Chambrey exhibited with Turkish models. The number of
visitors to fair reached 52.000. Turkish designers left their
marks on the fair. /Sabah/
Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the debates regarding Cyprus and
Turco-Greek relations at the Wiltonpark conference. A summary of
his column is as follows:
"Many of Turkey's problems have been discussed at the historical
Wiston House since Monday. Among the problems discussed were
Cyprus and Turco-Greek relations. Guests from both sectors in
Cyprus discussed the problem in light of opinions expressed by
the speakers. The speeches of some speakers who hold official
titles have revealed facts which should be clearly known in
Turkey.
One viewpoint holds that, the EU will admit the Greek Cypriot
Administration into the Union, as a full member together with the
other candidates waiting in line, whether or not Greek-Cypriot
and Turkish-Cypriot sectors are unified. The decision concerning
the issue will be made at the end of 2002. These countries will
be a full member at the beginning of 2003 or 2004. Despite the
prevailing belief in Turkey that the EU will not admit
Greek-Cypriot Administration which ignores the divided situation
on the Island. However, Turkish diplomats closely concerned with
the issue believe the EU is determined to make the Greek-Cypriot
Administration a member. The idea that the EU will not admit just
the Greek-Cypriot Administration is not valid any more. Turkish
diplomats must base their policy on the probability of her
admittance. The general public should also be made aware of the
situation, otherwise there will be great disappointment and
tension between Turco-EU relations.
The message clearly conveyed is that time is running short for a
solution.' There is only a two-year period of time for
Greek-Cypriot Administration's membership. Do not expect the EU
to delay membership just because no agreement has been reached on
the issue. This decision is closely concerned with the internal
structure of the EU and therefore, it is necessary to meet around
a table. However, the Turkish side is bringing new conditions and
not coming to the negotiation table. There is no reason to not
begin negotiations based on UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's
opinion. The Turkish side can oppose the ideas she does not like.
All of them are open to discussion. It is time to get into
essence of the problem, leaving the debates over style aside.
Let's use this opportunity.'
Certainly there are many things to be said in favor of or in
opposition to these arguments. The representatives of the
concerned parties and the participants in the conference have
expressed their opinions on the matter. Certainly, this is not a
matter to be solved here. However, it shows the tendency of the
EU to admit the Greek-Cypriot Administration into the Union
whatever the result may be. Some say, if the EU admits the
Greek-Cypriot Administration, it will find Turkey against this
decision, the Island will continue to be divided, and the TRNC
will integrate with Turkey. Ankara may desist from her desire to
be a member of the EU. Can Turkey take this risk? Where would
such a radical change in policy take Turkey? We have to consider
and discuss all probabilities."
