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Turkish Press Review, 01-12-26

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> Press &amp; Information Turkish Press Turkish Press Review &gt;&gt; Foreign Press Guide Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning

26.12.2001


CONTENTS

  • [01] SEZER AND DENKTAS: MEN OF THE YEAR
  • [02] ISMET INONU COMMEMORATED
  • [03] ECEVIT: "TURKEY DIDN'T GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO IRAQ INTERVENTION"
  • [04] KIVRIKOGLU: "US INTERVENTION WOULD DESTROY IRAQ"
  • [05] TURKEY WANTS TO COMMAND PEACEKEEPING FORCE
  • [06] PARLIAMENT EXTENDS MANDATE OF NORTHERN WATCH
  • [07] GIL'S VISIT POSTPONED
  • [08] PASCU: "TURKISH-ROMANIAN RELATIONS VITAL FOR SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE"
  • [09] DEMIREL CRITIZES GOVERNMENT
  • [10] TURKEY TO SELL IRANIAN NATURAL GAS TO THE EU
  • [11] GAZIANTEP'S LIBERATION CELEBRATED
  • [12] NEW POLITICAL PARTY ESTABLISHED
  • [13] CHRISTMAS OBSERVED IN IZMIR
  • [14] SCIENCE, MATH STUDENTS RECEIVE HONORS
  • [15] RAIN, FLOODS PLAGUE TURKEY
  • [16] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...
  • [17] FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE EU BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)
  • [18] FREEDOM OF THOUGHT BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)

  • [01] SEZER AND DENKTAS: MEN OF THE YEAR

    The Association of Mediterranean Journalists announced the winners of the annual "Men of the Year" awards yesterday. Two of the awards in 16 different categories will be given to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Rauf Denktas. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27 in Ankara at the State Painting and Sculpture Museum. /Turkiye/

    [02] ISMET INONU COMMEMORATED

    Ismet Inonu, the second president of the Turkish Republic, was commemorated yesterday on the occasion of the 28th anniversary of his death. His son Erdal Inonu attended a number of panels as part of the commemoration. Among those attending a ceremony marking today at Anitkabir, Ataturk's mausoleum, were Presidential Secretary Ahmet Kemal Nehrozoglu on behalf of President Ahmet Necdet Sezer, Constitutional Court Chairman Mustafa Bumin, Deputy Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit, True Path Party (DYP) Ankara Deputy Saffet Arikan Beduk, Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) Secretary General Vahit Erdem, Inonu's elder son Omer Inonu and his daughter Ozden Toker, and many military officers and bureaucrats. During the ceremony, Nehrozoglu laid a wreath at Ataturk's tomb and a minute of silence was observed. Then the delegation proceeded to Inonu's tomb where Buyukanit, Omer Inonu and Ozden Toker laid a wreath. Officials from the Kemalist Ideology Association also visited Anitkabir. In a message sent to Inonu's children, Sezer praised Inonu's indelible contributions to the modern Turkish identity. Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit also sent a message saying that Inonu's guiding precept was to maintain Ataturk's revolution and principles and that he had put Turkish democracy and secularism onto a firm basis. /Cumhuriyet/

    [03] ECEVIT: "TURKEY DIDN'T GIVE GREEN LIGHT TO IRAQ INTERVENTION"

    Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit and Defense Minister Sabahattin Cakmakoglu yesterday denied a report by US magazine Newsweek that Turkey had said it would support US intervention in Iraq. In a statement, the two leaders asserted that Turkey had made no such pledge of support. Yesterday Ecevit also sent a letter to interim Afghan President Hamid Karzai, inviting him to come to Turkey. /Hürriyet/

    [04] KIVRIKOGLU: "US INTERVENTION WOULD DESTROY IRAQ"

    Speaking to reporters yesterday before President Ahmet Necdet Sezer's banquet for Qatar Prince Hamad Bin Halife El-Tani at Cankaya palace, Chief of the General Staff Gen. Huseyin Kivrikoglu said that US intervention would destroy Iraq. "During the Gulf War a decade ago Turkey faced problems in terms of trade and pipelines, and this time the establishment of an independent Kurdish state would only create even more problems," he remarked. "Not only Turkey but also the Arab countries, Russia and Iran are opposed to any operation against Iraq. The Arab countries would not be pleased to see an ethnic state established in their region." Kivrikoglu also addressed the issue of sending troops to Afghanistan, stating that there was a need to establish a peacekeeping force in the country time being such a force should be focused and limited to helping to support the new Afghan government. The United Nations will decide on the making of this force, he said, but Turkey hopes to lead it and the UN Security Council should not stand in the way of this wish. /Hürriyet/

    [05] TURKEY WANTS TO COMMAND PEACEKEEPING FORCE

    Turkey has reportedly officially conveyed a message to the US government saying that it is willing to take command of the Afghanistan peacekeeping force after Britain completes its term of leadership. Turkey's contribution to the peacekeeping force, and the exact number of soldiers and their function are currently under discussion and expected to be determined in the near future. /Turkiye/

    [06] PARLIAMENT EXTENDS MANDATE OF NORTHERN WATCH

    The Turkish Parliament approved Tuesday a government request to extend the mandate of Operation Northern Watch through the end of June. The mandate of the United States-led Northern Watch was to expire on Dec. 31. The force, comprised of Turkish, American and British forces, has the mission of patrolling the no-fly zone over northern Iraq. /Turkish Daily News/

    [07] GIL'S VISIT POSTPONED

    A visit by Israeli Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ambassador Avi Gil to Ankara, which was expected to begin yesterday, has been postponed. The visit has reportedly been set back because Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Perez needs Gil to be in Tel Aviv at present. Gil was expected to meet with Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Ugur Ziyal to discuss bilateral relations and the Middle East peace process. /Cumhuriyet/

    [08] PASCU: "TURKISH-ROMANIAN RELATIONS VITAL FOR SOUTHEASTERN EUROPE"

    Romanian National Defense Minister Ioan Mircea Pascu said yesterday that the Sept. 11 attacks had changed the views of Southeastern European countries on democracy. Southeastern Europe Defense Ministers (SEDM) process Term President Romania's Defense Minister Pascu made the remarks at SEDM meeting in Antalya, speaking to Turkish daily Cumhuriyet. Asked how he sees Turkish-Romanian relations, Pascu replied, "Our relations on the defense level are perfect. We also have firm cooperation on politics and the economy. We think that the Turkish-Romanian relations are of the utmost importance for stability in Southeastern Europe. Our military cooperation was facilitated by Turkey's support for Romania's bid to join NATO. We place great importance on our mutual cooperation as part of regional initiatives such as the SEDM and the BLACKSEAFOR as well." Asked what had changed in SEDM following the Sept. 11 attacks in the US, he said, "Following the saddening events of that day, the whole world felt their security tremble at the threat of terrorism. The countries of southeastern Europe think that we need a common approach to discuss the risks of security. The initiation we accepted in Antalya will bring forth new measures to fight terrorism and protect the security of our borders." /Cumhuriyet/

    [09] DEMIREL CRITIZES GOVERNMENT

    Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel yesterday criticized the government during an address to the National Agriculture Congress. Demirel said that the public had lost faith in Turkey's politicians, government and the opposition, but he implored the citizens never to lose faith in the future. He remarked that Turkey's democracy had seen great improvements over the last half-century, and said that an ailing political system was the cause of the nation's current woes. /All Papers/

    [10] TURKEY TO SELL IRANIAN NATURAL GAS TO THE EU

    State Minister Mehmet Kececiler said yesterday that Turkey was ready to sell Iranian natural gas to European countries. Kececiler, who is currently in Iran to attend a Turkey-Iran Joint Economic Commission (KEK) meeting, stated that Turkey was determined to develop its economic relations with Iran in all areas. Recalling an agreement signed with Iran in 1991 concerning the sale of Iranian natural gas to Europe, Kececiler said, "The sale of Iranian gas to Turkey has begun this month, but sales to Europe have yet to take place." He added, "Iranian natural gas should be sold to Europe, and we are ready to help Iran for it." /Turkiye/

    [11] GAZIANTEP'S LIBERATION CELEBRATED

    The 80th anniversary of Gaziantep's liberation from the occupation of enemy forces was celebrated yesterday. Before the celebrations at Istasyon Square, which were attended by Transportation Minister Oktay Vural, a minute of silence was observed at the Martyrs Monument in Yesilsu. Nearly 350 people whose names were engraved on the monument who were martyred during the occupation, and who were identified thanks to records at the Turkish Defense Ministry, were unveiled. Gaziantep Mayor Celal Dogan said the defense of his city by an outstanding handful of people had grown into an inspiring legend of courage. /Milliyet/

    [12] NEW POLITICAL PARTY ESTABLISHED

    A new political party calling itself the "Solution Party" (CP) was formally established yesterday. CP's founders went to the Interior Ministry and presented their petition of founding to General Secretary Mete Gurbuz. Solution Party's General Center takes place in Kecioren, Ankara. The headquarters of the new party was listed as the Kecioren district in Ankara. The CP is Turkey's 43rd political party, and no nationally recognized leaders are listed among its founders. /Milliyet/

    [13] CHRISTMAS OBSERVED IN IZMIR

    A Christmas ceremony was held at the historic Santa Maria Church in Izmir yesterday, on Dec. 25, the date Western Christians believe Jesus was born. Ezio Fierli, the priest at both Santa Maria and its sister Kizilkaya church, expressed his happiness at the gathering of so many people from Izmir, who he said have been keeping the brotherhood of world religions alive. In addition, other Christmas observances were held at the House of the Virgin Mary and at the St. Paulus Cultural Center in Ephesus. /Milliyet/

    [14] SCIENCE, MATH STUDENTS RECEIVE HONORS

    Eighteen students who earned degrees at the International Science Olympics, National Primary School Math Olympics and National Science Olympics received their certificates at the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey's (TUBITAK) Feza Gursey Hall yesterday. At the award ceremony, Education Minister Metin Bostancioglu said that students who received degrees at the International Science Olympics would be eligible for university admittance without taking an exam. Bostancioglu remarked that countries where science is valued highly write the screenplays for world history and that scientifically underdeveloped countries were but the actors in these screenplays. He added that in the year to come Turkey should encourage science more and produce more scientists. /Cumhuriyet/

    [15] RAIN, FLOODS PLAGUE TURKEY

    Bad weather continues to affect many parts of Turkey. Istanbul, which has been experiencing its coldest winter in recent years, saw a torrent of heavy rain yesterday supplant its snowfall. Heavy rain caused flooding in the city, and municipality and fire brigade teams continued rescue operations throughout the day. Additionally, many provinces including Icel, Antalya and Izmir in the Mediterranean and Aegean regions were affected by heavy rainfall, while snowfall wreaked havoc on the region of Thrace. /All Papers/

    [16] FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS... FROM THE COLUMNS...

    [17] FULL SPEED AHEAD FOR THE EU BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Sami Kohen writes on Turkish-EU relations. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "Encouraged by the recent Laeken summit Ankara has expedited its works to become a member of the EU. As expressed in the EU's Laeken declaration, Turkey has taken steps to show that it is getting closer to accession negotiations. Earlier this week, leaders of the coalition parties discussed the 'democratization package' prepared by the General Secretariat for EU Affairs and approved it. Now this package is being sent to parliament for the enactment of the harmonization laws required b the Constitutional amendments. The leaders have agreed to complete this process by March. In another development, an EU commission is being formed to expedite the works in the parliament. Secretary-General for EU Affairs Volkan Vural says that if the current continues the harmonization laws can be passed even before March is upon us . Vural believes that the Parliament will show the same determination as the government in passing these laws. Foreign Minister Ismail Cem has predicted that around this time of the year, during the EU's Copenhagen summit, the date for Turkey's membership could be announced. Cem's words show that Ankara has understood the necessity to race with the times. Over the next six months, Turkey must use Spain's EU Term Presidency to its advantage. If not, some results may be obtained during the Danish Presidency, which will follow it. Otherwise difficulties may arise during the term of Greece, which is to follow. Even though the leaders have agreed on a wide range of issues, two or three areas of disputes still remain. One is a suggestion to bring to court once again the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights. In a compromise, a decision on the issue was left to the Turkish Parliament. In the same vein, disagreement on an amendment to Article 312 of the Penal Code was dissolved by softening its wording. If Parliament approves the package without watering it down any more, and completes it by March - the deadline set for short-term commitments - we will have a number of important steps behind us."

    [18] FREEDOM OF THOUGHT BY TAHA AKYOL (MILLIYET)

    Columnist Taha Akyol writes on the agreement reached by leaders regarding changes to articles of the Turkish Penal Code concerning freedom of thought. A summary of his column is as follows:

    "The coalition leaders have agreed on the changes to the articles in the Turkish Penal Code (TCK) regarding freedom of thought. A ban on printed material was first imposed in 1901 when a bibliography of printed material and a list of banned material were issued during the reign of Abdulhamid II. In time, as literacy and the volume of printed writings increased, the number of banned materials increased accordingly. At present, however, the number of banned material is shrinking and in fact they are restricted to only court rules protecting the right to privacy and restraining praise for terrorism. Sometimes these bans do not have the desired effect. When the contents of the 'banned material' could not even be discussed, some outright lies were accepted as truth and the secessionist move in Turkey actually gained strength. But today, discussion and criticism form a much more effective response to baseless ideas. Turkey is trying to expand the freedom of thought by diminishing its list of banned material."

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