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Turkish Press Review, 01-03-13

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>

Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

13.03.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT WITH AZERBAIJAN
  • [02] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE READY NEXT WEEK
  • [03] IMF: "NOW IT'S TURKEY'S TURN, WE ARE WAITING FOR THE PROGRAM"
  • [04] US OPPOSITION AGAINST IMF
  • [05] ECEVIT: "NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE BANKS"
  • [06] NEWSWEEK: "IF TURKEY MANAGES TO DECREASE INFLATION, HYPERINFLATION PROBLEM WILL END IN THE WORLD"
  • [07] PAPANDREOU'S STATEMENT ON CYPRUS' EU MEMBERSHIP
  • [08] DENKTAS: WE WILL NOT CONSIDER EU MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT CERTAIN GUARANTEES
  • [09] ARMENIANS' ANOTHER ATTEMPT
  • [10] ANKARA DISCUSSES THE BALKAN ISSUE
  • [11] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN IRAN AND RUSSIA
  • [12] ILHAM ALIYEV MEETS LOGOGLU
  • [13] DERVIS TO TAKE HIS OATH
  • [14] VIRTUE PARTY DELIVERS ITS ADDITIONAL DEFENCE PAPER
  • [15] YILMAZ TO VISIT SLOVAKIA
  • [16] BAHCELI'S STATEMENT ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESOURCES
  • [17] FEHRIYE ERDAL TRIAL
  • [18] COVELIERS: "FEHRIYE SHOULD BE PUNISHED"
  • [19] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH NATIONAL ANTHEM
  • [20] CANAKKALE SEA VICTORY'S 86TH ANNIVERSARY
  • [21] BORROWING PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 16
  • [22] ZIRAAT BANK AND EMLAK BANK TO MERGE
  • [23] UNDERSECRETARY TUZMEN: COMMERCIAL RELATIONS ARE GROWING
  • [24] ERDEMIR'S NEW INITIATIVE
  • [25] TNT-KOC PARTNERSHIP
  • [26] WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET
  • [27] THE ARTICLE ON TINC IN 'THE GUARDIAN'
  • [28] ISTANBUL TO BE TESTED FOR OLYMPICS 2008
  • [29] MARDIN THIRD MOST PROTECTED CITY AFTER JERUSALEM AND VENICE
  • [30] A RECIPE FOR SALVATION BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)

  • [01] NATURAL GAS AGREEMENT WITH AZERBAIJAN

    Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev and President Ahmet Necdet Sezer signed the agreement for delivery of natural gas from Azerbaijan. At the first stage, 2 billion cubic meters of gas will be delivered annually, gradually increasing to 6 billion cubic meters. The agreement, valid for 15 years, has two main conditions. First, parties will simultaneously construct the natural gas pipelines and Baku-Ceyhan oil pipelines. Second, parties will commit themselves to assist the efforts of Turkmenistan if she decides to activate her trans-Caspian natural gas project. Sezer and Aliyev signed 9 separate agreements, including the two concerning the energy projects. Two presidents also discussed the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh. During his five-day visit in Turkey, President Aliyev will deliver a speech in the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). Aliyev will also meet the ninth President, Suleyman Demirel, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli and Mesut Yilmaz. /Milliyet/

    [02] ECONOMIC PROGRAM TO BE READY NEXT WEEK

    Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz stated the framework of the new economic program would be drawn next Thursday, and that it would be announced to the public Monday. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli said there was no need to be pessimistic. Before the banquet given by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in honor of Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev, Chief of the General Staff, General Huseyin Kivrikoglu, answered questions from journalists and said, "I do not know whether the issue of the short-term military tax is included in the new economic package." /Aksam/

    [03] IMF: "NOW IT'S TURKEY'S TURN, WE ARE WAITING FOR THE PROGRAM"

    The International Money Fund (IMF) announced it will facilitate the efforts of State Minister Responsible for Economic Affairs, Kemal Dervis, to normalize the economic conditions in Turkey. IMF External Relations Director, Thomas Dawson said it would be too early to talk about the type of assistance to be given unless Turkey refines its economic program. Dawson said, "We have great confidence in Kemal Dervis and believe that he and Turkey will design and successfully implement the economic program. Kemal Dervis is known and well-appreciated in the IMF and the World Bank circles and has international respect. This will facilitate his efforts for a start." /Milliyet/

    [04] US OPPOSITION AGAINST IMF

    The latest problems in the Turkish economy and the abandonment of the economic program supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after 14 months, increased US opposition to the World Bank and the IMF. Chairman of the Advisory Council, Allan H. Meltzer, presented a report criticizing the IMF and the World Bank to the US Congress. He gave a speech at the US Congress' Economic Committee saying the operations to rescue Turkey and Argentina proved there were a lot of things to do. /Hurriyet/

    [05] ECEVIT: "NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE BANKS"

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said there is no need to worry about the conditions of the banks. Ecevit said, "Our work on the national economic program will continue for a couple more days. We are discussing the main points of the program, especially the problems regarding the banks. However, I assure you there is no reason for depositors and entrepreneurs to worry. The indicators are positive." In the meantime, the decrees regarding the assignment for the posts of Treasury Undersecretary and Head of Banking Supervision and Regulation Board (BDDK) will be sent to the President after the oath of Kemal Dervis at the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). /Milliyet/

    [06] NEWSWEEK: "IF TURKEY MANAGES TO DECREASE INFLATION, HYPERINFLATION PROBLEM WILL END IN THE WORLD"

    "Newsweek" stated Turkey is the last largest economy fighting against hyperinflation. An article analyzing the current economic situation in Turkey said, "If this struggle is successful, in fact it will, this will be the last victory in the global fight against hyperinflation." The article written by Fareed Zakaria, said the stabilization program prepared by the IMF proved unsuccessful. /Milliyet/

    [07] PAPANDREOU'S STATEMENT ON CYPRUS' EU MEMBERSHIP

    Visiting the Greek-Cypriot Administration, Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou stated the EU has begun necessary legal studies to accept Greek Cypriot Administration's membership whether or not the Cyprus problem is solved. He said after the Greek-Cypriots' full EU membership is accepted, the way to the EU for Turkish Cypriots will also open. /Sabah/

    [08] DENKTAS: WE WILL NOT CONSIDER EU MEMBERSHIP WITHOUT CERTAIN GUARANTEES

    President Rauf Denktas of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Monday that European Union membership carries the risk of depriving Turkish-Cypriots of their rights and property. He added, "We will not consider EU membership without certain guarantees." Denktas said at his regular weekly meeting with Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu and Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci that Greek Foreign Minister George Papandreou had called on Turkish-Cypriots to 'enter the EU hand-in-hand." Denktas continued: "If EU norms are going to be applied, which is something the Greeks want, they think they will have the chance to return to Girne. But we will, by no means, consider EU membership without certain guarantees to secure our property and rights." /Turkish News/

    [09] ARMENIANS' ANOTHER ATTEMPT

    Paruyr Hayrikyan, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of the Armenian Head of State Office, asked for the annulment of the 1921 Kars Treaty, claiming Armenia gave her territory, namely Kars, Ardahan and Nahcivan, to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Starting a campaign for this purpose, Hayrikyan called upon all of the political parties in Armenia for their support. /Turkiye/

    [10] ANKARA DISCUSSES THE BALKAN ISSUE

    Turkish officials are continuing to meet with Albanian officials to end Albanian terrorist activities in the Balkans. Deputy Undersecretary Ambassador Yigit Alpogan met with Albanian Foreign Minister Pellumb Xhufi yesterday. Term President of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, will arrive in Turkey tomorrow. /Cumhuriyet/

    [11] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN IRAN AND RUSSIA

    Iranian President Muhammed Hatemi traveled to the Russian Federation yesterday for a 4-day official visit. Although the declared aim of Hatemi's Russia visit is to improve the commercial and technical cooperation between the two countries, military issues are expected to top the meeting's agenda. It was stated the US Administration was observing the developments very closely as it considers the recent rapprochement extraordinary and worrisome. Iranian President Hatemi first met with Russian Head of State Vladimir Putin. The two leaders signed an agreement foreseeing an improvement in bilateral relations, with mutual non-aggression pacts. Additionally, the two countries are seen as likely to form a block opposing Turkey over the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project. /Cumhuriyet/

    [12] ILHAM ALIYEV MEETS LOGOGLU

    Ilham Aliyev, son of Azeri President Haydar Aliyev, visited Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Faruk Logoglu. Ilham Aliyev arrived in Ankara with his father yesterday and met with Logoglu for about a half an hour. Following the meeting, Ambassador Logoglu recalled that Ilham Aliyev was a member of the Azeri Parliament, as well as the head of the national oil company. He added that they had a fruitful meeting. /Turkiye/

    [13] DERVIS TO TAKE HIS OATH

    After completing his contacts in the US, State Minister Kemal Dervis returned to Ankara to take his oath at the Plenary Session of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA). Dervis, who will go to the Plenary Session for the first time, will be sworn in according to the 81st Article of the Constitution. After taking his oath, Dervis will take his place among the Ministers. /Aksam/

    [14] VIRTUE PARTY DELIVERS ITS ADDITIONAL DEFENCE PAPER

    The time given to the Virtue Party (FP) for delivery of the "additional defense" report to the Constitutional Court is up. A FP deputy from Kahramanmaras, Mustafa Kamalak, submitted the 40-paper report to the Constitutional Court yesterday. /Turkiye/

    [15] YILMAZ TO VISIT SLOVAKIA

    Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz will travel to Slovakia March 15 at the invitation of his Slovakian counterpart, Pavol Hamzik. Yilmaz and Hamzik will discuss topics related to the two countries' EU membership. /Sabah/

    [16] BAHCELI'S STATEMENT ON FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESOURCES

    Chairman of the Nationalist Action Party and Deputy Prime Minister Devlet Bahceli stated there were four main foreign currency resources: "First, exports, second tourism, third foreign capital investing and producing in Turkey and fourth is the savings of Turkish workers abroad. It is estimated the savings from Turkish workers in Germany is DM 100 billion. Certain measures are necessary for at least a portion of these savings to come to Turkey." /Sabah/

    [17] FEHRIYE ERDAL TRIAL

    Belgian Public Prosecutor Philippe Meire presented his opinion to the Council of State saying Fehriye Erdal could be tried in Belgium for the Sabanci assassination. Meire stated that the Belgian courts had the authority to undertake the trial according to the European Convention of Anti-Terrorism, even though the crime was committed in Turkey. He added this issue was within the authority of the Constitution. The Council of State will examine whether Fehriye Erdal can be judged or not for the crimes she committed in Turkey on 15 March. /Hurriyet/

    [18] COVELIERS: "FEHRIYE SHOULD BE PUNISHED"

    A Belgian Parliamentarian from the Liberal Party (VLD), Hugo Coveliers, said Fehriye Erdal, one of the culprits in the Sabanci Assasination, should be punished. Prior to the March 15 suit by the Sabanci family, Coveliers, (the only Belgium parliamentarian not supporting Erdal), said, "I am sorry for the murder of three innocent people. The case was taken up only with political concerns. Is not killing a crime by itself? If Belgium does not extradite Erdal to Turkey, then, aside from her crimes in Belgium, she should be tried for the crimes she committed in Turkey." /Turkiye/

    [19] 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF TURKISH NATIONAL ANTHEM

    The 80th Anniversary of the Turkish National Anthem was celebrated yesterday at the II National Assembly building. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Culture Istemihan Talay said, "Since the TGNA is the place where our War of Independence began and ended with a victory, we all need to experience the atmosphere here." The Turkish Writers Union Association also held a ceremony marking the anniversary. /Cumhuriyet/

    [20] CANAKKALE SEA VICTORY'S 86TH ANNIVERSARY

    Ceremonies for the 86th anniversary of the Canakkale Battle Victory began yesterday and will last till March 18. Speaking at the initial ceremony, Canakkale Provisional Governor Suleyman Kamci, said the Canakkale Battles hold a significant place in world history. /Cumhuriyet/

    [21] BORROWING PROGRAM TO BE ANNOUNCED ON MARCH 16

    The Treasury said the borrowing program for March will be announced after negotiations with the banks. According to the announcement the Treasury obtained $3.2 billion minus-interest surplus. /Milliyet/

    [22] ZIRAAT BANK AND EMLAK BANK TO MERGE

    One of the most important regulations of the economic program is to be made in public banking. Within the framework of new regulations, Emlakbank and Ziraat Bank will merge. An accelerated privatization program will also be implemented in the banking sector within a year. Additionally, a 20% share of Vakifbank will be sold. /Sabah/

    [23] UNDERSECRETARY TUZMEN: COMMERCIAL RELATIONS ARE GROWING

    Foreign Trade Undersecretary Kursad Tuzmen said through Turkey's trade volume with her neighbors, an opportunity for additional exports amounting $500-600 million will emerge. Tuzmen said improving commercial relations with her neighbors was Turkey's new strategy. /Cumhuriyet/

    [24] ERDEMIR'S NEW INITIATIVE

    Eregli Iron and Steel Factories (ERDEMIR) signed a Acidification Lines Project Contract, costing $25,800,000 with expected completion within 22 months. ERDEMIR Directorate General stated they signed the contract together with Mitsu Co. Limited Company/Japan, Nippon Steel Corp./Japan, Deltan Brands Inc./the US and Gemont_Turkey. _Cumhuriyet/

    [25] TNT-KOC PARTNERSHIP

    TNT Logistics and Distribution Company, jointly established by the world's huge logistics company, TNT Logistics and Koc Holding in Turkey, became active. TNT Logistics and Distribution Company, established last November, aims at presenting integrated logistic solutions with advanced technology to the Turkish market and providing the enterprises with cost advantage, productivity and a competitive edge. /Hurriyet/

    [26] WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS MEET

    Female parliamentary deputies from the Turkish Parliament attended the Second European-Mediterranean Women Parliamentarians Forum in Malta over March 1-3 and said the meeting was of great help in promoting Turkey. At a press conference they said the effects of globalization on women was discussed. /Turkish Daily News/

    [27] THE ARTICLE ON TINC IN 'THE GUARDIAN'

    'The Guardian', which is among the most respected daily newspapers in England, published articles by four female columnists from three continents making the 8 March World Women's Day. The Guardian chose Ferai Tinc, a columnist from the Turkish 'Hurriyet' daily as 'one of the four leading female authors in the world'. The article discussed the lives of the writers in their respective countries as a way of commemorating the day. The article was about the conditions of women in Australia, India, Hong Kong and Turkey. /Hurriyet/

    [28] ISTANBUL TO BE TESTED FOR OLYMPICS 2008

    Istanbul, a candidate city for the Olympics 2008, will be tested in eight days by 17 IOC members. To get ready, Istanbul is being decorated with 2008 Olympics flags and posters. These 17 experts will tour sports facilities, hotels, metro and hospitals in Istanbul and examine whether or not Istanbul is technically ready for the Olympic games. They will also investigate the people's approach towards the Olympics. /Hurriyet/

    [29] MARDIN THIRD MOST PROTECTED CITY AFTER JERUSALEM AND VENICE

    Istanbul Technical University has started work on the "Project of Urban Renovation" which will make Mardin the third most protected city in the world. The Culture Ministry declared Mardin a protected zone, and non-governmental organizations have begun attempts to make UNESCO recognize Mardin as the third protected city, after Jerusalem and Venice in the world. /Turkish Daily News/

    FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [30] A RECIPE FOR SALVATION BY YILMAZ OZTUNA (TURKIYE)

    Columnist Yilmaz Oztuna comments on the recent economic crisis and the plans to overcome it. A summary of his column is as follows: "The Government must announce the new economic plan, explain it thoroughly, implement it immediately, refrain from idle talk, and obtain concrete results. The stock exchange index should increase, fresh cash should enter the country, Turkey's rating should be upgraded, the inflation target should not be forgotten and the economy should be invigorated. The trials of corruption should be completed as soon as possible without any sensational demonstration, and the amounts stolen from the state must absolutely be returned to the Treasury. If these measures are not taken the Government must resign. However, these measures are not sufficient by themselves. State reforms should be announced and implemented immediately. Otherwise, the economy and democracy which have certain shortcomings in Turkey, will go bankrupt altogether. The Turkish nation will be deprived of human rights and sink into poverty. Extraordinary solutions which cannot be explained by democracy may be displayed. Turkey will be left out the civilized world and will be excluded from many international organizations. State reform should start with the Turkish Grand National Assembly which is the highest organization of the State, and continue in the Council of Ministers. Then, amendments to the Constitution should be made , and changes to the election and political parties laws. The nation should be freed of State Economic Enterprises and State banks which have turned into places most suitable for conducting corrupt activities. Legislative and Executive powers, which have regained their credibility and legal authority, will be of an impeccable example to the judicial power. More reforms could be made. These arrangements are already mentioned in the Copenhagen Criteria. These arrangements made by both Latvia and Slovakia can also be made by Turkey. The issue at hand is the success of the Republic of Turkey. Radical changes cannot be accomplished not only in Turkey but also in many other parts of the world, at any time, with people who do not believe in reforms or understand them. Societies who are not able to develop are those who could not carry out such reforms. Politicians and people who do not believe in, or cannot accomplish them, should stay away from politics and administration. Those who seem to know it all are people who have accomplished the least. A revision is necessary in the cabinet. A new mentality, a new program and a new budget are required. Kemal Dervis is the correct choice. However, it is not enough."
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