LESSONS TO LEARN BY EMIN COLASAN (HURRIYET)
In his interview with the CNN International reporters, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said he shared the grief of American people. He stated that Turkey alwalys fought against terrorism together with NATO. Terrorism has no religion or nationality. Terrorism is just what it is. The stance you have against it is important." /Milliyet/
Speaking yesterday night on TRT 2, Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said he could not conceive that any state could have carried out the terrorist attack on the Unites States on Tuesday. Noting that Turkey and the rest of the world would now experience a few hardships, Ecevit said: "There is no reason for the people to panic at this stage. There is no possibility of any friction that could spread to this region. There is no such evidence." Noting that some circles had been pointing the finger at the Middle East, Ecevit said: "The US has declared a war, but it is not yet clear with whom it is going to fight. The target is unknown..." Speaking about the uncertainties that surrounded everything, Ecevit then said, "This was probably the most terrifying incident in the history of mankind. It looked like it was aimed at the US, but it was in fact like a declaration of war against peace, humanity and the entire world." On the subject of prevention of terrorism, Ecevit said new strategies had to be drawn up by all nations that rejected terrorism. /Turkish Daily News/
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, considered the terrorist attacks against the US as murders carried out against all humanity and said, "This is the fight between democracy and terrorism and the struggle between the wise and fanatic. We believe that this fight will be won by our side. Turkey will be the biggest obstacle before those who want to divert this fact to a wrong path such as a fight between the religions. Turkey has been defending the decision by NATO and she has been telling it in all the NATO meetings. We believe that this decision is beneficial for NATO and all NATO-member nations. Security has utmost importance. In these new conditions, the security of the Turkish people is more important than everything." Cem added that they had held a meeting yesterday with the officials from the General Staff and said, "We consider the cooperation and solidarity within the state as an indispensable condition for a life with minimum problems." /Hurriyet/
Following the terrorist attack organized against the US, the Middle East and the regions centered in the Near East, where the radical Islam is seen, began to attract the attentions. Meanwhile, there is a busy traffic in Ankara. During the meeting chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, and the Second Chief of the General Staff, General Yasar Buyukanit, the issues concerning the use of Incirlik Air Base by others and the landing of planes, who arrive in the air base without permission, have been discussed. In addition, it was stated that the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and the US were in cooperation to follow the activities of the Radical Islamic organizations in the country. /Hurriyet/
Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader and the Deputy Prime Minister, Devlet Bahceli, said the "cowardly attack" organized against the US has displayed once more that the most important problem of today was terrorism. Bahceli gave a banquet to the Ambassadors of the Central Asian Republics to Turkey, which have gained their independence with the disintegration of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republic, yesterday in Ankara. In his speech, Bahceli said that Turkey had been affected by terrorism seriously and added, "The last attack organized against the US shows that the regional and global cooperation should be increased to continue a more effective fight against terrorism in the international arena. /Hurriyet/
According to a statement issued by the US Embassy to Ankara, all the public services, including the visa operations, which were stopped to be given due to the terrorist attack organized against the US, will begin to be given again at the US Embassy to Ankara and the US Consulate to Istanbul and Adana as from today. /Hurriyet/
The flags were hoisted at half-mast yesterday in the Incirlik Air Base, where high level security measures were taken after the terrorist attacks in the US. It was stated that the US was planning to send reinforcements to Incirlik. Meanwhile, CNN International stated that Incirlik Air Base was expected to be used in possible US retaliation operations. /Cumhuriyet/
Ankara is pleased with the NATO decision to invoke Article V, which is the North Atlantic Treaty's mutual defense clause saying that if one member state is under attack all other member nations would defend it. Turkey's NATO Permanent Representative Ambassador Onur Oymen, "We have always called for terrorist activities to be included within the Article V." It was stated that Turkey, who has been fighting against terrorism for years, will receive more support from the European countries after NATO's invoking of Article V. Oymen said, "We have always stated that an attack does not only mean a country's intrusion to another country's territory but it also covers terrorist attacks which is an international problem. That's why NATO's invoking of Article V is very important for us." NATO's decision is of great importance for Turkey who has been fighting against PKK terrorism but not receiving much support from the European countries. /Cumhuriyet/
Following the terrorist attack organized against the US, the Belgian radio and television channel, RTBF, described the subject of terrorism and the situation in Turkey concerning the issue. In the program, it was recalled that Turkey had been fighting against terrorism for many years and Turkey was considered as the "most sensitive and experienced country" in Europe as far as terrorism is concerned. It was stated that 30,000 people have died due to terrorism and that a bombing attack was organized in Istanbul a few days ago. During the program, it was pointed out that a positive answer was not received from Europe about the problem of terrorism up to now. In addition, NATO's decision to invoke the fifth article following the attack against the US and to get in union against terrorism were discussed. Experts recalled that Turkey wanted to put the issue of terrorism within the agenda of the NATO but she had been left alone in her effort many times. However, it was also pointed out that the tragic incident experienced by the US showed that Turkey was right. /Hurriyet/
The scheduled meeting between UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and Greek Cypriots leader Glafkos Clerides was cancelled due to the terrorist attack incidents in the US. Clerides, waiting for the meeting in Canada for two days, will return the Island tomorrow. Reportedly, Annan and Clerides are expected to come together at the first UN's General Assembly meeting. Previously, Annan had invited the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas and Greek Cypriot leader Glafkos Clerides to New York on Sep. 12 to hold meetings for a settlement in Cyprus. However, Denktas rejected the invitation as the ground for the meetings was not established yet. /Turkiye/
Evaluating NATO's latest decision regarding the assaults on New York and Washington, within the scope of Article 5, regulating collective security, Turkey's Permanent Representative to NATO, Onur Oymen, said that the decision was a historic one. Ambassador Oymen said that NATO member countries will decide on how to assist the US in its retaliation against the assailants, if it is proved that the attack was launched by an outside power. Turkey is one of the 19 members of NATO. Members agreed that the attacks against the US are those which require a collective retaliation of NATO, at the end of a meeting of the permanent representatives in Brussels on Wednesday. /Turkish News/
Justice and Progress Party (AKP) leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan received Russian Ambassador to Ankara Alexander Lebedev at his office yeterday. Erdogan and Lebedev discussed the bilateral relations between Turkey and Russia Before the meeting, referring to the terrorist attack in the US, Erdogan said, "I believe it would be very wrong to accuse anyone, any organization or any state for the attack without evidence." /Turkiye/
Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Deniz Baykal said yesterday that they condemned the terrorist attack launched against the US, and added, "It would be a grave mistake to turn terrorism into a matter of civilizations or religions. Speaking to reporters about the terrorist attack against the US, he said that the incident proved that terrorism could transform at times into an unimaginable threat with an inconceivable extent, and added, "This is why politicians should stay away from using people as a political tool and refrain from involving people in political struggles. Everyone should be aware by now that terrorism is something which cannot be excused any means." /Turkish News/
The Directing Committee responsible for the development of the fight against corruption in Turkey began its contacts. The delegation chaired by the Chairman of the Prime Ministry's Inspection Council, Osman Nuri Oduncu, visited the Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA), Omer Izgi. The delegation will visit the President Ahmet Necdet Sezer today. /Sabah/
The former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger stated that in the struggle against terrorism great importence has to be given to the political and secret service works besides military opperation. Kissinger cited Turkey's arrest of Abdullah Ocalan as an example. Kissinger continued and said that the U.S. will have to take action against the countries which give shelter to the terrorist groups and that this is the only way to prevent terrorism. Kissinger added that a U.S reaction is inevitable in a short time of period. /Milliyet/
Anti-terrorist police in Gaziantep have captured Hizbullah terrorists including the so-called military wing commander for the Kiziltepe-Mazidag-Derik region. Briefing journalists yesterday, Gaziantep Chief of Police Ali Kalkan said the operation had been called "Kayaonu" (Rock Face) and had resulted in the capture of people known either to be in the organization's military wing or to have aided and abetted Hizbullah terrorists. The operation had involved identifying the suspects, working out their movements and then moving in to detain them and seize their weapons. /Turkish Daily News/
The Belgian Council of State has reached a decision that Fehriye Erdal, one of the assassins in the Ozdemir Sabanci case, would be tried in the Belgian courts for the crimes she committed in Turkey. The Council stated that the weapon used in Sabanci's assassination fit the definitions of the Anti-terror Law. The decision , which is very important for Turkey since it is the first decision in favor of Turkey concerning a terrorism trial, is expected to set an example for others. Judge De Wolf said, "This is a serious crime. We must punish the assassins." /Milliyet/
Led by the head of the Constitutional Court, Mustafa Bumin, the Constitutional Court Committee is expected to visit the head of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Luzuis Wildhaber, and representatives of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Germany within the next two weeks. Strasbourg being their first stop, members of the committee will attend the Klashnikov/Russian Federation trial as observers and will then be informed on the Human Rights Document Archive System (HUCOC) website later on. Round table meetings are to be held with judges from the European Court after visiting officials concerned with human rights. /Turkish Daily News/
The Minister of State for Economy Kemal Dervis, The Treasury Undersecretary Faik Oztrak, the Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti, State Banks' Chairman of the Joint Executive Board Vural Akisik and the Istanbul Stock Exchange Market Osman Birsen, as well as IMF Turkey Desk Chairman Juha Kahkonen will meet with British businessmen in London on Sep. 18 to inform them about Turkish economy and recent developments. /Turkiye/
The Minister of States Kemal Dervis, Tunca Toscay and the Minister of Finance Sumer Oral met yesterday. Reportedly, basic figures and principles for the budget of the year 2002 and the content of the Letter of Intent to be given to IMF, were discussed during the meeting. On the other hand the IMF delegation is expected to leave Turkey tomorrow. /Turkiye/
The Central Bank stated that the negative effects of the recent terrorist attacks in the US on the Turkish economy and international financial markets began to diminish. The Bank said that a relative balance was maintained in the markets with cautious attitudes of the investors. Chairman of the Eczacibasi Holding Executive Council, Bulent Eczacibasi said that Turkey must show her determination to fight against terrorism in all international platforms. He said, "It seems that imbalances will continue for a short period in all markets around the world. However, I believe negative effects will not last long." Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Industrialists and Businessmen Association (TUSIAD) Executive Council, Omer Sabanci said that the recent terrorist attacks in the US would not lead to considerable problems in the Turkish economy. Stating that 80 % of the Turkey's total foreign trade business was done with the EU countries, Sabanci said," There was no panic in the Turkish financial markets during the first day of the incident. I think this is a positive signal. Meanwhile, Chairman of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce's Executive Council Mehmet Yildirim said, "As long as the IMF's support continues, there will be no significant problem for Turkish economy." /Milliyet/
A memorial graveyard has been established to commemorate the murder of 98 Turks by Armenian gangs in Oba, Igdýr in 1919. Igdýr Governor Mustafa Tamer spoke of the tragic incident at the opening ceremony, saying: "98 Turks were forced into a room by Armenian gangs on Sept. 13, 1919, and burnt to death. We have established this graveyard to prove that this incident has not been forgotten." /Turkish Daily News/
The international investment and advising institution, Schroder Salomon Smith Barney (SSSB), stated that Turkey would have met all the main performance criteria by the end of September. According to the evaluation made by the SSSB, the performance criteria required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had been met by Turkey. It was added that the statement, which announced that more Petrol Ofisi and Tupras shares will be privatized, was a positive one. /Sabah/
Turkish companies have proven to be a great success at a Health Fair in Baghdad, earning tenders worth $ 65 million. The Health Fair was coordinated by the Foreign Trade Undersecratary between Sept. 10-14 upon the request of the Iraqi Health Ministry. /Turkish Daily News/
The 70th International Izmir Fair (IIF), which was organized by the Izmir Fair Services Culture and Art Affairs Trade Inc. (IZFAS), was visited by over 1.5 million people while creating a trade volume of TL 86.5 trillion, IZFAS General Manager Feyzi Hepsenkal said. Hepsenkal stated that the fair, which was open between August 26 and September 10, ended successfully. /Turkish Daily News/
Gendarmeries of Turkey and Burkina Faso have signed an agreement aiming to cooperate in the field of education. Chief of the Gendarmerie, Aytac Alman, spoke before the signing ceremony and said he believed this cooperation would have fruitful results. /Turkish Daily News/
Professor Aysin Bakkaloglu from Hacettepe University's Faculty of Medicine has been chosen as the first Turkish member of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association. The World Pediatric Nephrology Congress was held in Seattle on Sep. 1-5, and membership elections were carried out at a meeeting prior to the congress. /Turkish News/
Columnist Fatih Altayli comments on the terrorist attacks in the USA and says that terrorism cannot be justified. A summary of his column is as follows:
"It is claimed that the 'radical terrorist' Usame Ben Laden, who was trained by the Americans and has turned on them, has close ties with Abdullah Ocalan, the chieftain of the PKK terrorist organization. If this allegation proves to be right, Turkey's call for 'universal cooperation against terrorism' which has been going on for years is once more justified. Terrorism has no religion, language or ideology. Terror equals terror.Whatever their aims, so-called ideologies may be, terrorists are all fostered by the same source. The only action they are engaged in is harming innocent people. Terrorism should never be justified and its reasons tried to be understood. Wherever it comes from no one deserves to be faced with terrorism.
Columnist Emin Colasan comments on the terrorist attacks in the US and draws attention to the imminent danger of oil tankers passing through the Bosphorus. A summary of his column is as follows:
"We have to draw lessons from the incidents which happened in the US. The strongest buildings of the world collapsed when three planes slammed into them. Fires broke out, towers collapsed and Pentagon was in ruins. These were known as the indestructible buildings of the world. Each of the planes probably had 30 or 40 tons of fuel at the most. Even this amount of oil sufficed to turn these buildings into rubbles. Let's take a look at the Turkish Straits. In compliance with the Montreux Agreement signed in 1936 civilian vessels are permitted to pass through the Straits both during war and peace. At present, hundreds of ships are passing through these Straits every day. There are giant oil tankers among them. Every one of these tankers has tens of thousands of tons of fuel. The kind of fuel they carry range from oil, diesel, to LPG. Some are 200 meters long. Today all crude oil and petroleum products from Russia and Romania are carried through the Straits by giant tankers. The Turkish Straits have turned into an oil road. When Montreux Agreement was signed in 1936 there was no such traffic. The ships were smaller and tankers were not even in sight. Therefore Istanbul and Turkey were not under any danger. However the conditions have changed now and we are still watching idly as everyday many oil tankers are passing through the Straits in compliance with the Montreux Agreement. Let us suppose that an act of terrorism was carried out while such a tanker was passing through the Istanbul Strait. Let us assume that the tanker was shot by a missile from the shore in 50 meters range or the tanker collided with another ship and exploded. Hundreds of people will die, fires will break out and all hell will break loose and we shall experience a far graver danger than that of the Marmara earthquake. What shall we do then? Who will pay the moral and material indemnities? That is why Turkey has to launch an initiative to bring the Montreux Agreement into the agenda of the world. The attack against the US sets an example. If 100 tons of fuel turn the strongest buildings into rubble, we shall be roasted and left under the burnt rubbles. The negotiation process will be a hard and long one. However, if we do not open a 65 year old international agreement to discussion we will have prepared the way for a disaster."
