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Turkish Press Review, 01-02-01Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next ArticleFrom: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>CONTENTS
[01] 01.02.2001Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning[02] COUNCIL OF TURKISH CYPRIOT ORGANIZATIONS PROTESTS BRITISH GOVERNMENT[03] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[04] TURKEY'S CONTINUES TO TAKE MEASURESTurkey is continuing to take measures against France upon the approval of the so-called Armenian genocide bill. After the cancellation of the defense bids, Turk Telecom decided to exclude ALCATEL from the GSM 1800 bid. Turk Telecom Executive Council evaluated the proposals presented for the bid on the GSM 1800 technical infrastructure. The Council agreed to exclude French company ALCATEL from the bid. /Cumhuriyet/[05] FRANCE ALARMED BY THE CANCELLATION OF BIDSThe bids that were cancelled by Turkey due to French President Jacques Chirac's approval of the so-called Armenian genocide resolution alarmed France. France prefered to watch the harsh denouncement by Turkey concerning recent developments without making any comment. In a written statement, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported, "The French officials confirm their wish for the improvement of relations with Turkey in every field and for Turkey's rapprochement with the US." Meanwhile, the Armenian Administration announced its pleasure due to the approval of the bill. The French newspapers published many articles concerning the Armenian law and the cancellation of defense bids amounting to 8 billion US dollars. In the article published in 'Le Figaro' daily, entitled 'Ankara Punished France', it was stated that Turkey was retaliating against France. 'Liberation' daily, in an article, 'Ankara Chose to Fight' stated that the Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem had lost his confidence in France. /Aksam/[06] CEM HAS THE LAST WORDMinister of Foreign Affairs Ismail Cem said the final word concerning the new military purchases from France. Cem stated that some of Turkey's military purchases from France will be unthinkable from now on. Cem repeated his view that Turkey will not trust France concerning the economic decisions that effect her own security and strategic future and said, "As the government, we do not announce this issue with big campaigns. However, we have done what is necessary. Turkey cannot consult with France concerning a big communication system. It is out of the question that Turkey will make some of her purchases from France. A country who can treat Turkey in such an unfair manner might repeat that similar unfair behaviour towards Turkey in some vital issues that concern us in the future." Cem stated that Ankara supported the erection of the Algerian genocide monument and made warnings concerning terrorist attacks. Cem said, "This development might encourage the enmity towards foreigners. The security of the Turkish diplomats and the Turkish people is within the responsibility of France, where 300,000 Turks live." /Aksam/[07] COUNCIL OF TURKISH CYPRIOT ORGANIZATIONS PROTESTS BRITISH GOVERNMENTThe Council of Turkish Cypriot Organizations held a demonstration to protest the British government support of the allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide. The council is planning new protest activities against the British government. Chairman of the Council, Ahmet Nazim said new strong actions were necessary. Stating they sent letters to the British parliamentarians and received certain affirmative replies, Nazim said, "We will launch every necessary initiative to prevent the Armenians from attending the Holocaust Commemoration Day next year and to bring the genocide carried out against the Turkish Cypriots into the agenda." /Cumhuriyet/[08] SCHIFF AT THE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEEThe preparations to bring the allegations of the so-called Armenian genocide resolution back before the US Congress are continuing. Democratic Party member Adam Schiff, expected to be the speaker for a new Armenian bill, was elected as a member of the Foreign Relations Committe at the US House of Representatives. Armenian lobbies are pleased with Schiff's election. Stating he would serve the interests of the American people and work for human rights, Schiff said, "Being a member of the Committee will allow me to struggle for the recognition of the Armenian genocide in the US." /Milliyet/[09] KOCHARIAN: "ARMENIA HAS NO LAND DEMAND FROM TURKEY"Mehmet Ali Birand, the producer of a program broadcast on CNN Turk, interviewed Armenian President Robert Kocharian, who claimed that Armenians want only Turkish recognition of genocide and the opening of Ottoman archives. He said the Armenian state is neither in a position nor has an intention to demand compensation or land from Turkey. Kocharian added that descendants of those killed in 1915 may ask for compensation from Turkey. /All papers/[10] AMERICAN SUPPORT TO ARMENIAThe Daily Moscow Times stated Armenia has received a great amount of financial support from the US in recent years. The US Administration, which is willing to cut back the revenue for foreign aid, allocated $ 90 million for Armenia. The Moscow Times stated the US began to restore the buildings in certain Armenian villages. The close relations between certain members of the US Senate and Armenian lobbies is another important point emphasized by the Moscow Times. /Milliyet/[11] FRENCH MASSACRE IN ALGERIA IN 'LE MONDE'Newspapers published in France stated that the Turkish press continued to show reaction against the so-called Armenian genocide law in France. 'Le Monde' newspaper devoted wide coverage to the news in the Turkish press and to the series of articles by the Editor-in-Chief of the daily 'Turkiye', Kenan Akin, entitled 'The French Massacre in Algeria'. /Turkiye/[12] CEM'S STATEMENT ON CYPRUSMinister of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Cem, who met with the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's Special Envoy to Cyprus Alvaro De Soto the day before yesterday, said that the talks would continue only if the UN proposes more creative ideas. Cem stated, "We still believe in the Secretary General's good intentions. However, the meetings so far could not provide the conditions necessary for a just and equal peace. We want the UN to come to the discussion table with new and more creative ideas." /Cumhuriyet/[13] FRENCH DELEGATION VISITS THE PKK CAMP IN NORTHERN IRAQFrance, which approved the so-called Armenian genocide bill, is in close touch with the PKK terrorist organization now. In spite of the warning from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a French delegation visited the PKK's camp in Northern Iraq last week. It was stated that the French delegation, which included the Marseilles State's Deputy Chairman of Parliament, Juel Gutto, Manager of the Freedom Solidarity Organization, Resiemmer Durye and an official from the United Nation's High Commission, had visited the PKK's Makhmur camp in Northern Iraq on 20-25 November. It was also stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is aware of the French delegation's visit, has informed France concerning the actions of the camp through the United Nations (UN) Ankara representative. Officials stated that the militants in this camp include children who are trained and held by force. This camp is the center of PKK activities in Northern Iraq. /Aksam/[14] TURKEY AND IRAN TO BOLSTER COOPERATIONTurkey and Iran are seeking ways to bolster cooperation to upgrade railway, airway and maritime transportation. The Minister of Transportation, Enis Oksuz, who is in Iran to attend the second meeting of the Joint Transportation Commission has stated that it would be in the interest of both countries to cooperate on transportation. /All papers/[15] CEM TO GO TO MACEDONIAForeign Minister Ismail Cem will go to Macedonia today as the official guest of his Macedonian counterpart Srgjan Kerim. Cem and Kerim are expected to first discuss bilateral relations and then regional and international issues. /Turkish Daily News/[16] SECURITY FORCES DISCOVER PKK SHELTERSSecurity forces seized a large number of weapons of various types and equipment from shelters belonging to the PKK terrorist organization in operations carried out in southeastern Turkey. Security operations in the region are reported to be continuing. /All papers/[17] HIGH COURT OF APPEALS' NEW INITIATIVEWhen an answer was not received to the former Prosecutor Vural Savas' document concerning the change of regulation in the Virtue Party (FP) within seven months, the current Chief Republican Prosecutor of the high court of appeals, Sabih Kanadoglu went into action and sent a second document to the FP. Kanadoglu stated that if an answer is not received to this document within 45 days, a closing action will be brought against the FP. /Aksam/[18] HUNGER STRIKES AT EP'S AGENDAStating there were ongoing hunger strikes in the Turkish prisons at the EP's short term meetings in Brussels, certain European Parliament (EP) members demanded EP Chairman Nicole Fontaine, to launch an initiative against Turkey. Danish socialist party member, Pernille Frahm, claimed most of the prisoners in Turkey were on hunger strikes and there would be deaths in the following weeks. /Cumhuriyet/[19] TURKISH SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM RECEIVES PRAISE IN INDIAThe Turkish search and rescue team received praise from the Indian people. The Turkish team finally rescued a man in Anjar with the help of the Hungarian team. /Milliyet/[20] BUSINESS WORLD RECONCILES WITH FRANCETUSIAD and DEIK Turco-French Business Council delegations decided to continue the economic cooperation at the meeting held to reconcile after the approval of the so-called Armenian genocide bill. In the written statement by Turco-French Business Council delegations, French and Turkish businessmen said the cooperation between the private sectors of the two countries would continue. "The political crisis which adversely affects the economic relations should be overcome. The cooperation between French and Turkish businessmen should be maintained." said the statement. /Cumhuriyet/[21] THE SECOND TURKISH SENATOR IN BELGIUMBelgian Fleming Socialist Party (SP) decided to allocate the contigency chair, which was vacated at the Senate, to its member of Turkish origin, Fatma Pehlivan. Pehlivan will take the oath and start her duties today. A politician, Meryem Kacar, was chosen from the Greens Party and also entered the Senate. Thus, the number of Senators with Turkish origin increased to two. /Aksam/[22] GERMANY PRAISES TURKISH TOURISMSecretary General of Tour Operators Huseyin Baraner, stated Antalya will be the favorite holiday paradise in the 2001 holiday season. He said, "The European tourists now choose Antalya. In addition, `Turistik Aktuel', which is the biggest sector research magazine in Germany, published many articles praising Turkish tourism. This magazine wrote that most of the planes in Europe changed their routes to include Turkey. In the 2001 tourism season there will be an incredible increase in the number of tourists visiting Turkey." /Aksam/[23] ECEVIT GIVES REASSURANCES ON TELECOM SALEPrime Minister Bulent Ecevit yesterday dismissed reports that Turk Telecom privatization has been shelved and gave reassurances that the Telecom privatization will materialize in the coming months. The government has budgeted $3.4 billion for the Telecom sale proceeds for 2001. /All papers/[24] FOURTH SUPPLEMENTARY LETTER OF INTENT TO IMFThe Treasury sent the fourth supplementary letter of intent to the IMF within the framework of the struggling program against inflation. The letter of intent was prepared following the fifth review by the IMF delegation headed by Carlo Cottarelli between January 12 and 19 and it will be discussed by the IMF Executive Board during the first week of February. With the approval of the letter of intent, Supplemental Reserve Facility (SFR) worth $1.1 billion and the standby credit portion worth $300 million will be released. /Turkiye/[25] INTERNATIONAL AWARDS TO OSMANLI BANKA statement issued by Osmanli Bank announced that the bank has been awarded 'The Best Bond Clearing and Storing Bank in Turkey' by a survey of two foreign magazines.An agreement for the maintenance of 138 million Saudi Arabian Riyals in credit was signed yesterday between the Saudi Arabian Development Fund and the Treasury Undersecretariat. These credits will be used for the construction of the research medical facility of Kocaeli University, which was devastated by the 1999 earthquake. /Turkiye/ [26] TURPRAS TARGET FOR 2001: $10 BILLIONState oil refinery TUPRAS aims to process 11.5 % more crude oil and meet more than 80 % of the domestic oil demand in 2001, a high-level company official announced yesterday. Including the refinery output and imports, TUPRAS plans to market $10 billion worth of oil this year, 25.1 million tons of which will be sold in the domestic market and 1.1 million tons exported. /All papers/[27] COMPEX SUMMITTurkey's sixth dynamic Multi-media and Internet fair, COMPEX, will be opened in Istanbul today. During the fair which will last for three days, recent computer technologies will be exhibited. Many Turkish and foreign people are expected to visit the COMPEX 2001 Fair. /Star/[28] COMPETITION IN FLOWER PRODUCTIONA competition began between Turkish and Spanish flower producers because the extra production was put on the European market. Antalya Cut-Flower Exports Union Chairman Lutfu Gobus said the prices were discounted since the countries who produce flowers sent the extra production to the European markets. /Cumhuriyet/[29] TURKEY'S 2000 BUDGET BEATS TARGETSTurkey's central government budget beat the government's original targets in 2000; however analysts cautioned that it would be difficult to repeat such fiscal success in 2001 as the economy is slowing down and uncertainty remains on privatization proceeds. /All papers/[30] 'ATID EDI' IN TURKEYExperienced Director Informative (ATID EDI), which works as the mediator for the American Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (KOBI), came to Turkey for economic and commercial cooperation. The Company's Director to Israel, Ben Dansker, stated, "Our aim is to promote Turkey to the American KOBIs and to invest in Turkey. The bilateral meetings were held during the conference organized by the Association of Turco-American Businessmen. ATID EDI's report to Turkey is as follows: "American KOBIs do not know Turkey. This is our second visit to Turkey. Last year we met more than 100 companies and 25% of these meetings had positive results. We have signed agreements with two companies." /Aksam/[31] MESSE FRANKFURT'S NEW OFFICE IN TURKEY OPENEDDr. Michael Peters, Chairman of the famous promotions firm, Messe Frankfurt, made a speech during the press conference that was organized at Messe Frankfurt's office in Istanbul to mark its grand opening. He said, "The Turkish business world will be able to receive direct information about the Messe fairs thanks to this office. Most of these fairs are of the utmost importance for Turkish industry. This close relationship will create opportunities for us to develop new strategies to increase Turkish exports." /Aksam/[32] NEW BORROWING PROGRAM OF TREASURYThe Treasury shortened the terms of two bids that will be opened before payment of 4.3 quadrillion TL and decreased the term of a bid that will be opened in March from three years to 14 months. According to the borrowing program that was announced yesterday, the Treasury has not changed the term of the three months term bonds of 13 February but shortened the terms of the bids of 20 February. Treasury targets are a net borrowing amount up to 802 trillion TL in the three-months-terms bid. /Milliyet/[33] 'JOURNEY TO THE SUN' TO BE RELEASED IN NEW YORKThe Turkish movie, "Journey to the Sun" (Gunese Yolculuk) directed by Yesim Ustaoglu will be released in New York. It will be the third Turkish movie to be screened in New York. The movie tells the story of the friendship between a Turkish boy and a Kurdish boy. Ustaoglu stated she characterized a local story with a universal perspective. "Journey to the Sun" was awarded the Blue Angel Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. /Cumhuriyet/[34] VOA'S TURKISH SERVICE CONTINUES BROADCASTINGThe Turkish service of the VOA (Voice of America) will not be closed. The US Secretary of State prevented the service from being closed. However, the broadcasting period was reduced to 15 minutes from 45 minutes. /Cumhuriyet/[35] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...[36] CAUCASUS GAMES BY SEMIH IDIZ (STAR)Columnist Semih Idiz comments on Turco-Georgian relations. A summary of his column is as follows:"Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze's visit was widely covered by the Turkish press. However, I do not believe that its significance has been stressed as it should. To view this as only a protocol or regular visit would be wrong as it has an important background plan. Russia has not ended its ploys to regain its influence in the Caucasus. The tool of Russia in pursuing this policy is none other than Armenia who does not deny the fact. Yerevan states that the presence of Russian soldiers in her territory is a must against Turkish threat. Armenian Defense Minister Sergei Sarkisian repeated this argument only yesterday. However, it is doubtful if these troops are stationed in Armenia against an imaginary Turkish threat or to use Armenia as a stepping stone by Moscow in the Caucasus. Meanwhile Sarkisian has shown that Armenia does not have a clear idea on matters. He said that Armenian-NATO relations formed a guarantee for the security and independence of the country. Both Russia and NATO are guarantees? In fact, Russian Head of State, Putin's recent visit to Azerbaijan was concerned with the 'NATO' aspect of the matter. Putin was concerned over the fact that Azerbaijan is moving towards NATO and American camps. Therefore, with a visit to Baku he tried to regain Azerbaijan. He even apologized for the Azerbaijanis who were run over by the Soviet tanks and laid a wreath on the monument erected in memory of the fallen. Armenians were angered by this action. Armenian television said, 'Those Azerbaijanis were killing us, and Russians saved us from them. How can Putin apologize?' There is a fine point missed by Yerevan. Moscow is supicious of her closeness to both Russia, NATO and the US. Armenian Head of State Robert Kocharian's close ties with the Armenian community in the US increases this fear. Some Russians have already begun to say that such a policy would make Armenia the weakest point in the Caucasus policy. Therefore, I believe that Putin's historical visit to Azerbaijan passing under warm circumstances is in fact a warning to Armenia.Thus, Putin wants to say 'Do not automatically rely on me. I may withdraw my support in accordance with the games you are playing.' Another chain in the Caucasus games is Georgia. This small, frail and economically weak country is trying to hold her head high despite all. In doing so, she does not want to come under the wings of Russia saying, 'I have gained my independence and cannot jeopardize it once more.' Therefore, she is viewed suspiciously Russia who is trying to further weaken Geogia. First of all, Russia blamed Tblisi for supporting Chechnian guerillas. The Russians then tried to incite the minorities, which also closely concern Turkey against the Government. As if trying to split up the country, Moscow unexpectedly began to require visas for citizens living in certain regions of Georgia. This being the case, Shevardnadze wanted to draw Turkey, an important regional power, to his side. Ankara, even though she does not agree on the issue of minorities with Georgia, attaches great importance to these relations. The military aspect of the relations which came to the fore gained a meaning within the framework of the background plan I have tried to explain. In brief, the games over the Caucasus are continuing. It is not known how they will end." [37] ALL GOES ON AS BEFORE BY SAMI KOHEN (MILLIYET)Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the reactions to the approval of the bill on the so-called Armenian Genocide by France. A summary of his column is as follows:"Turkey has to be selective in determining short and long term strategies against the Armenian problem which has taken on an international dimension, in view of the new situation arising from the French approval of the so-called Armenian Genocide bill. If Ankara cannot select her aims and means in the fight against this campaign which has spread to a wide area, the steps taken will not give the desired result and may resul in a backlash against Turkey. Therefore, the response to be given to a negative stance taken by France or any other country should be based on pre-planned strategies, rather than a show of anger and retaliation. The measures to be taken against France, following the indignation shown by the whole nation should in fact hurt them or teach them a lesson. Just after the approval of the French National Assembly, people were inclined to bring measures which would not be of any use. At least, the general public has understood the nonsense of such practices. In fact, aside from a few tenders of great volume, economic measures will not shake the French economy. The important thing is to reduce the law accepted by France into a dead piece of paper. Such laws which do not have any importance are frequently forgotten. Certainly we have to show some reaction and respond by retaliatory measures. However, we have to correctly evaluate the role of the Armenian powers which worked for the approval of such resolutions and determine the strategy according to it. Those who closely follow the issue believe that although Yerevan is an important actor within the campaign, the real forces behind it are the radical Armenian organizations. In fact, even when Armenia was not independent, these organizations within the world Armenian community were continuing their campaigns against Turkey. Today, these radical Armenian groups in various countries stretching from Canada to Australia, the US to France are harping on the theme of genocide and trying to keep problem alive. From time to time, these groups help Yerevan with moral and material support. Certainly, Armenia is in cooperation with these groups. Therefore, the sincerity of Armenian President Kocharian's statement that Armenia does not have any territorial or compensation demands from Turkey is doubtful. Is he ready to reiterate these words in a more offical and binding manner? This is worth finding out." Turkish Press Review Directory - Previous Article - Next Article |
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