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Turkish Press Review, 02-07-02

Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: Turkish Directorate General of Press and Information <http://www.byegm.gov.tr>

<LINK href="http://www.byegm.gov.tr_yayinlarimiz_chr_pics_css/tpr.css" rel=STYLESHEET type=text/css> <map name="FPMap1"> </map> <map name="FPMap1"></map> Press &amp; Information Turkish Press Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

02.07.2002

FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…

CONTENTS

  • [01] LEADERS VOW TO CONTINUE GOVERNMENT UNTIL 2004
  • [02] BAHCELI: “WE WON’T NEGOTIATE ON DEATH PENALTY”
  • [03] YILMAZ: “TURKEY CAN BE A EU MEMBER IN 2010”
  • [04] CILLER: “A DATE FOR ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DETERMINED”
  • [05] TURKEY SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT
  • [06] DENMARK ASSUMES EU TERM PRESIDENCY
  • [07] DENMARK APPOINTS CYPRUS REPRESENTATIVE
  • [08] ANAP CHAIRMANSHIP BOARD TO CONVENE
  • [09] VERHEUGEN: “THERE IS NO CALENDAR SPECIFIED FOR TURKEY’S MEMBERSHIP”
  • [10] FINANCIAL TIMES REPORTS ON TURKEY’S POLITICS, ECONOMY
  • [11] SOKMENOGLU: “MOTHER TONGUES ISSUE COULD SPLIT THE COALITION”
  • [12] NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN TURKEY, TOURISM REVENUES ON THE RISE
  • [13] TURSAB: “OUR WORLD CUP VICTORY PROMOTED TURKEY IN JAPAN”
  • [14] TIM CHAIRMAN: “OUR FOOTBALL TEAM CAN SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE ECONOMY”
  • [15] FEDEX CONTRIBUTES TO TURKISH TOURISM
  • [16] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…
  • [17] NO TIME LEFT BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
  • [18] RESULTS OF THE SUMMIT BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

  • [01] LEADERS VOW TO CONTINUE GOVERNMENT UNTIL 2004

    The coalition government leaders chaired by Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit met yesterday at the Residence of the Prime Ministry. Present at the nearly three-hour meeting were Deputy Prime Ministers Devlet Bahceli, Mesut Yilmaz and Husamettin Ozkan. After the meeting, Ecevit, standing with the other leaders, told reporters that they had had a very fruitful meeting and discussed Turkey’s major issues in depth. “We reiterate that our government doesn’t want early elections and that we will remain on duty until 2004,” the premier said. A joint press statement also said that the leaders were agreed on holding elections at the normally scheduled date, April 2004. Regarding Turkey’s European Union membership bid, the statement said, “The current government has implemented most of the short-term commitments to harmonize with EU laws. Preparations will be carried out speedily for the remainder. Following their completion, Parliament will be called to an extraordinary session.” /All Papers/

    [02] BAHCELI: “WE WON’T NEGOTIATE ON DEATH PENALTY”

    Following yesterday’s leaders’ summit at Prime Ministry Residence, Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli convened top party officials to discuss the summit. “We are all determined to maintain the coalition government, but the other coalition partners cannot count on our support for an agreement to abolish capital punishment,” said Bahceli. “The other partners must reach an arrangement with the opposition, if they can.” He added that no MHP deputies would serve on a parliamentary commission to discuss the death penalty issue. /Sabah/

    [03] YILMAZ: “TURKEY CAN BE A EU MEMBER IN 2010”

    Answering a motion of a Justice and Development Party Deputy Nurettin Aktas, Deputy Prime Minister and Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz said yesterday that his party and ministry were working hard for Turkey’s European Union membership. He stated, “Everyone who is in favor of Turkey’s taking steps for the EU membership should support these efforts, not hinder them.” Yilmaz also remarked that the EU accession process was obvious and that if Turkey solves its problems quickly and picks up the pace on reforms, it can be included in the EU expansion wave in 2007. He added, “In this case Turkey will be a EU member in 2010.” /Sabah/

    [04] CILLER: “A DATE FOR ELECTIONS SHOULD BE DETERMINED”

    True Path (DYP) leader Tansu Ciller yesterday evaluated Monday’s leaders’ summit and stated that a date for elections should be determined. Determining a date for elections was more important than what type of government should lead the country into elections, Ciller said. Ciller also said that after determining a date for elections, study should continue for Turkey’s European Union harmonization laws. /Star/

    [05] TURKEY SUPPORTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

    An International Criminal Court (ICC) was officially established yesterday in The Hague, the Netherlands. The ICC is considered the missing link in the international legal system, as the International Court of Justice in The Hague deals only with case between states, not individuals. The ICC is designed to deal with individual responsibility for crimes against humanity such as genocide and war crimes. The ICC has essential aims in line with the United Nations’ basic goal of securing universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals throughout the world, such as ending impunity, remedying the deficiencies of ad hoc tribunals, taking over when national criminal justice institutions are unwilling or unable to act, and to deterring future war criminals. Turkey had previously announced that it supported the establishment of an international criminal court. However, due to certain domestic judiciary hitches, Turkey is late in signing the Rome Statute of the ICC. /Cumhuriyet/

    [06] DENMARK ASSUMES EU TERM PRESIDENCY

    The European Union’s term presidency passed yesterday from Spain to Denmark. Denmark’s Ambassador to Turkey Christian Hoppe said that Turkey should put to good use the positive atmosphere of last month’s Seville summit, adding, “Obtaining a date from this December’s Copenhagen summit is within Turkey’s power.” Hoppe also said that Turkey had taken very important steps, but there are still some political criteria that should be fulfilled. Hoppe reiterated the European Union’s stance that abolishing the death penalty was a requirement for EU accession. /Star/

    [07] DENMARK APPOINTS CYPRUS REPRESENTATIVE

    The European Union’s new Term President Denmark is preparing to establish new diplomatic contacts vis-a-vis Cyprus, one of the most debated issues for the EU. The Danish Foreign Ministry recently appointed a veteran diplomat, Knud V. Johansen, as the country’s Cyprus representative. Danish Foreign Minister Stig Moller, who is currently visiting Washington, is expected to discuss the Cyprus issue with United States officials there. He is scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Colin Powell tomorrow. /Cumhuriyet/

    [08] ANAP CHAIRMANSHIP BOARD TO CONVENE

    The Motherland Party (ANAP) Chairmanship Board will convene today to evaluate Monday’s leaders’ summit, the “political uncertainty” issue and economic issues as well as work to enact certain European Union harmonization laws. In addition, ANAP leader Mesut Yilmaz’s summer program will also be scheduled. Yilmaz is expected to tour the country through the summer and also to meet with non-governmental organizations (NGOs). /Turkiye/

    [09] VERHEUGEN: “THERE IS NO CALENDAR SPECIFIED FOR TURKEY’S MEMBERSHIP”

    European Union Commissioner Responsible for Enlargement Guenther Verheugen said yesterday that a calendar had not yet been specified for Turkey’s EU full membership. In an interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Verheugen said that at this December’s Copenhagen summit, it would be out of the question to give a specific date for beginning membership negotiations with Turkey, even if it takes a positive stance on the Cyprus or NATO-European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) issues. “Our commission is against bargaining with a political aim,” said Verheugen. Stressing that the Greek Cypriot administration would join the EU whether or not a settlement was reached for the island as a whole, he claimed that the key to a solution was in Turkey’s hands. /Turkiye/

    [10] FINANCIAL TIMES REPORTS ON TURKEY’S POLITICS, ECONOMY

    British daily the Financial Times reported yesterday that Turkey’s economy is in jeopardy at least partially due to political uncertainty centered around the health problems of Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit. The newspaper quoted Economy Minister Kemal Dervis as saying that early elections would not be a “misfortune,” but could instead solve the nation’s uncertainty. The daily also reported that most of Turkey’s political and business leaders wanted Ecevit to step down, pointing to Foreign Minister Ismail Cem as the best candidate to replace him. /Turkiye/

    [11] SOKMENOGLU: “MOTHER TONGUES ISSUE COULD SPLIT THE COALITION”

    During a visit yesterday to Social Democratic Peoples’ Party (SHP) leader Murat Karayalcin, acting Parliament Speaker Murat Sökmenoglu said that if the coalition partners came to an agreement on abolishing capital punishment, then Parliament could hold an extraordinary session this summer. But Sokmenoglu, a member of coalition party the Nationalist Action Party (MHP), added that if a deal were reached to allow teaching and broadcasting in mother tongues, the MHP could leave the coalition. /Sabah/

    [12] NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN TURKEY, TOURISM REVENUES ON THE RISE

    According to a recent report prepared by the Turkish Union of Travel Agencies (TURSAB), the number of foreign tourists who visited Turkey in the first five months of this year, reached some 3.5 million, an increase of 3.59% compared to the same period in 2001. The report also noted that tourism revenues had also increased by 15% when compared to last year. /Cumhuriyet/

    [13] TURSAB: “OUR WORLD CUP VICTORY PROMOTED TURKEY IN JAPAN”

    Turkish Association of Travel Agencies (TURSAB) Chairman Basaran Ulusoy, currently visiting Japan in the leadup to 2003’s “Year of Turks” in that country, said yesterday that Japanese tourists loved cultural tourism and that they spent an average of $1,500 every year on travel. “Turkey’s success in the World Cup was a big boost for Turkey in Japan,” he added. “They aren’t even sorry that the Turkish National Football Team beat their national team. We are holding very fruitful meetings with Japanese travel agencies, the media and Parliament members.” Stating that he would go travel to South Korea, China and Australia in 10 days, Ulusoy added, “Other teams established by the TURSAB administration have started to work in Europe and Iran. Talha Gorgulu from TURSAB went to Poland as well. We are working as a team in Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. Mustafa Kutluoglu is continuing his efforts in Iran. In addition, additional meetings have started in France and Belgium. We are aiming to boost the number of last- minute reservations in Europe to visit Turkey.” /Hurriyet/

    [14] TIM CHAIRMAN: “OUR FOOTBALL TEAM CAN SET AN EXAMPLE FOR THE ECONOMY”

    Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM) Chairman Oguz Satici said yesterday that the nation’s economic leaders and institutions should take the Turkish National Football Team’s World Cup success as a model. Recalling how the team had placed number three last week in the prestigious international competition, Satici said that people could succeed in anything so long as they work in unity and cooperation. “Our national football team could have won the World Cup overall, but the important thing here is that it showed us what a team can accomplish,” he added. “This attitude should set an example for THE economic leaders and institutions in Turkey.” /Aksam/

    [15] FEDEX CONTRIBUTES TO TURKISH TOURISM

    The Turkish office of leading international package delivery company Federal Express has begun a program to put stickers promoting Turkey on packages it carries, then delivering them to points worldwide and raising the nation’s profile. FedEx Turkey head Serdar Yanasan said that state authorities had given a great deal of support to the program aimed at promoting Turkey. Yanasan added, “The Tourism Ministry opened its photo archives to us so we can use these for the stickers. We also received a special award for contributions to tourism.” /Hurriyet/

    [16] FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS… FROM THE COLUMNS…

    [17] NO TIME LEFT BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Turkey’s EU full membership bid and the stand of the government on the issue. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “Turkey has entered into the new six-month EU presidency term of Denmark, which succeeded Spain, in a more uncertain and even pessimistic atmosphere. This negative picture has nothing to do with Danish stand. In fact, this northern European country sincerely wants a date to be given to Turkey for its accession negotiations at the Copenhagen summit in December. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller’s statements published in the Turkish press are clear and binding indications of this positive approach. However, they are also warning in nature. They said that they would support Turkey for the setting of a date for the beginning of accession negotiations at the Copenhagen summit. However, this also depends on Turkey’s own efforts. If Ankara implements the basic criteria, this process can begin. Otherwise, if Turkey cannot show this determination and comply with the criteria, the expected positive decision from the Copenhagen summit won’t come. The Danish are giving these messages to encourage Turkey to step up its efforts and remind them that it takes two to tango. Unfortunately, towards the end of the Spanish term presidency, Turkey failed to do this dance as it should have done. When the most critical six months of the year are entered, the climate in Ankara seems to go against all expectations. The coalition government is divided on how to act regarding the basic criteria. All minds are hung upon a few sensitive matters. The Parliament was expected to pass reform bills as soon as possible, but instead began its summer recess. And now there is talk of change in government and even of early elections. Considering all these circumstances, is it possible for Ankara to ask for a date for full membership from Europe? In October, the Progress Report which will influence this decision will come up. Before then Turkey has to show some progress not only on these few sensitive matters but also in complying with the basic political criteria. If not, no decision regarding a date will come from the Copenhagen summit. When the situation in Ankara is considered, we can say that this is what is going to happen. It is even difficult to expect the politicians to use the six months before us well. What can the Foreign Ministry do in such a political atmosphere? At the most, it can continue to defend the issue to the end, issue messages to the EU administrations and the leaders of the member countries. However, if there is no change in internal dynamics, nothing can be expected from the efforts directed towards foreign countries. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem will go to Berlin today to meet with his German counterpart. In the coming weeks, more visits of this nature will follow. It is not official as yet, but EU President Commissioner Romano Prodi is expected to come to Ankara on July 18. This will be the first visit of a commission chairman ever paid to Turkey in 40 years. The statements made at the various farewell dinners given in honor of Nihat Akyol who will be returning to Turkey, completing his post as ambassador by the EU, has demonstrated the importance given to Turkey. However, to get the desired result by turning these words into action is in the hands of Turkish politicians. There is almost no time left for them to show this will.”

    [18] RESULTS OF THE SUMMIT BY FIKRET BILA (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Fikret Bila wrote on the results achieved by the leaders’ summit held at the Prime Ministry Residence yesterday. A summary of his column is as follows:

    “We can say that important results were achieved by the leaders’ summit held at the Prime Ministry Residence after a long interval. It seems that the summit has clarified many points characterized by the public as ‘uncertainty.’ The first result coming out of the summit was that the government is going to carry on its duties, and the three leaders of the coalition government reiterated their resolve on the issue. The three leaders decided to downplay the issues creating dispute and tension and instead focus on problems agreed upon. Therefore, Ecevit, Bahceli and Yilmaz agreed to leave aside such issues as the abolition of the death penalty, allowing broadcasting and teaching in Kurdish, and Cyprus. They decided to to work to resolve other issues which were placed among the middle-term commitments during their work throughout the summer. On issues of contention like the setting of a date for accession negotiations for EU membership, it was stressed that the EU should give more time to Turkey and that this was not a satisfactory reason to dissolve the government. The leaders’ summit also decided to convene the Council of Ministers, Higher Planning Council, and similar meetings periodically. In case Prime Minister Ecevit’s health did not permit his attendance, Deputy Prime Minister Bahceli would chair these meetings. All these meetings would be held with or without the attendance of the prime minister. This decision may be made to end the speculations centered on Ecevit’s health and to inject confidence into the markets. Thus the climate of uncertainty and the criticism leveled against the government will be eliminated. Another important decision taken at the leaders’ summit was to hold an economy summit as soon as possible. State Minister responsible for Economy Kemal Dervis, Treasury Undersecretaary Faik Oztrak, Central Bank Governor Sureyya Serdengecti and Banking Regulatory and Supervision Board (BDDK) Chairman Engin Akckoca will participate in this summit, which will also be attended by the prime minister and his deputies. The leaders also decided to work on erasing an early elections expectation from the minds of people. We can say that, following the leaders’ summit yesterday, the government will pass on to a working system not dependent on Prime Minister Ecevit’s health.”

    ARCHIVE

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