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Turkish Press Review, 01-04-18
From: Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs <http://www.mfa.gov.tr>
Summary of the political and economic news in the Turkish press this morning
18.04.2001
CONTENTS
[01] ECEVIT PLEASED OVER MARKETS' POSITIVE REACTION TO THE
ECONOMIC PROGRAM
[02] CEM'S CLEAR MESSAGE ON CYPRUS ISSUE
[03] BAHCELI ASKS FOR SACRIFICE
[04] WALKER TO VISIT TURKEY
[05] US SPOKESMAN OF STATE BOUCHER'S STATEMENT ON TURKEY'S
ECONOMIC PROGRAM
[06] CAVIT CAGLAR ARRESTED IN US
[07] TAM DIRECTOR SEN'S STATEMENT ON SAVINGS OF TURKS
ABROAD
[08] POLITICAL CRITERIA CHAPTER OF NATIONAL PROGRAMME TO
BE DISCUSSED
[09] TURKEY DELIVERS NOTE TO BAKU
[10] CILLER TO VISIT PRESIDENT TODAY
[11] TURKEY IN DELICATE SITUATION AS TENSION RISES IN
MIDEAST
[12] HEALTH MINISTRY FIXES NEW PRICE
[13] BORON: TURKEY'S FORTUNE
[14] TUSIAD INSISTS ON CABINET REVISION
[15] CSFB DIRECTOR LISTS CRUCIAL STEPS FOR TURKISH
PROGRAM
[16] US ADMINISTRATION DISCUSS ECONOMIC CRISIS IN TURKEY
[17] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY-SYRIA
[18] DERVIS TO ATTEND TEXTILE SEMINAR IN ANTALYA
[19] PROTECTION OF INVESTORS IN STOCK EXCHANGE
[20] MCCORMICK: "WE SUPPORT TURKEY"
[21] KOC: "THIS PROGRAM IS OUR LAST CHANCE"
[22] LESS INTEREST RATE IN YESTERDAY'S BOND BIDDING
[23] FIVE STAR HOTEL INSTEAD OF OTTOMAN CITADEL
[24] BILD CALLS ON GERMANS TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY
[25] TURKISH FIRMS IN BAGHDAD
[26] A NEW TERRORIST ORGANIZATION UNCOVERED
[27] TURGUT OZAL'S DEATH ANNIVERSARY
[28] ON-LINE LIBRARIES
[29] WORLD BOOK AND INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS DAY IN TURKEY
[30] "EXCAVATION AND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM" TO
BEGIN TOMORROW
[31] EARTH DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN CORUM
[32] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS...
[33] HOW DOES EU VIEW THE CRISIS? BY SAMI KOHEN
(MILLIYET)
[01] ECEVIT PLEASED OVER MARKETS' POSITIVE REACTION TO THE
ECONOMIC PROGRAM
Prime Minister Bulent Ecevit said the positive
reaction by the markets to the declaration of the new economic program
was an important development. He added they expected more positive
developments in the future. Ecevit said, "People were expecting a
positive development. The government kept his promise, and gave a
credible and satisfactory message to the people. Trust between the
government and the people is very important. The positive reaction by
the markets show that the Turkish people have confidence in their
government. I believe we will see more positive developments in the
future." Replying to a question about the tense debates in the
Council of Ministers, Ecevit said, "The basic aim of Cabinet
meetings is to debate. It's natural that certain debates may cause
tension. Despite the tension, parties always reach a consensus. Debate
does not mean a crisis. Unfortunately, people outside the Cabinet tend
to exaggerate the tension which is normal during our meetings."
/Cumhuriyet/
[02] CEM'S CLEAR MESSAGE ON CYPRUS ISSUE
During his meetings in the Turkish Republic of
Northern Cyprus (TRNC), Foreign Minister Ismail Cem said if the Greek
Cypriot Administration's EU membership is approved, there will be no
alternative for the TRNC except to integrate with Turkey. The Turkish
side will never back away from its proposal to establish a
confederation on the island, Cem said, "Turkey and the TRNC will
overcome all problems together." There were two important issues
discussed during Cem's visit to the TRNC. First, was the economic
crisis in Turkey and the TRNC. Second, was the Greek Cypriot
Administration's EU membership application. Cem met with TRNC
President Rauf Denktas, Prime Minister Dervis Eroglu, NGO
representatives and opposition parties. His message on both issues was
very clear. He said Turkey would do her utmost not to allow the
negative consequences of the recent economic crisis affect the TRNC,
and planned to allocate $90 million to the TRNC from the additional
budget to be prepared in June. He also met yesterday with Turkish
Peace Forces Commander Sukru Sarisik, Republican Assembly Chairman
Ertugrul Hasiboglu and Deputy Prime Minister Mustafa Akinci. He is
expected to meet with President Denktas again today. /Cumhuriyet/
[03] BAHCELI ASKS FOR SACRIFICE
The Nationalist Action Party (MHP) leader, State
Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Devlet Bahceli, said,"The
main objective of the economic program is to provide relief for the
people and to establish society's trust. Citizens should not hesitate
to make sacrifices in the long term. However, these sacrifices should
be fair." Addressing MHP parliamentarians in a party group
meeting, Bahceli evaluated the economic program. Stressing the first
item on society's agenda was a quick end to the crisis, Bahceli said,
"Stemming from a culmination of problems over the years, the
economic crisis unfortunately has also had social effects." He
added, "The positive reactions from both international and
domestic circles to the program, increases our hopes for the
future." Bahceli also emphasized the necessity of privatization
saying, " In order rid ourselves of the inefficient and wasteful
structure, privatization is a must." /Turkiye/
[04] WALKER TO VISIT TURKEY
The US Assistant Secretary for the Near East
Affairs, Edward Walker will visit Ankara April 20. Walker is expected
to discuss the US embargo on Iraq with Turkish officials. /Cumhuriyet/
EUROPEAN COUNCIL DONATES EURO 13 MILLION TO TURKEY
The European Council will donate 13 million Euros
to Turkey to implement the "Support for Quality Infrastructure
Project." The Treasury Undersecretariat and Turkish partners in
the projects, the Foreign Trade Undersecretariat, and the Turkish
Quality Association signed the finance agreement for the project
yesterday. /Cumhuriyet/
[05] US SPOKESMAN OF STATE BOUCHER'S STATEMENT ON TURKEY'S
ECONOMIC PROGRAM
The US Department of State said the US
Administration was pleased that Turkey declared the basic outline of
her new economic program. US State Department Spokesman Richard
Boucher in the press conference held yesterday said, "We know the
Turkish government is working on a law package for significant
economic reforms. We provided Turkey with $2.8 million in
international and military education this year. We have also declared
our support for Turkey's new economic program." /Cumhuriyet/
[06] CAVIT CAGLAR ARRESTED IN US
Former deputy Cavit Caglar, who was sought after on
an Interpol red bulletin for corruption at Egebank and Etibank, was
arrested in New York. Turkish authorities applied for Caglar's
extradition. There are two arrest warrants for Caglar in Turkey.
/Milliyet/
[07] TAM DIRECTOR SEN'S STATEMENT ON SAVINGS OF TURKS
ABROAD
The Turkish Researches Center (TAM) Director, Faruk
Sen, said if the necessary guarantees were given to the Turks living
abroad, DM 5 or 6 billion could enter the country by the end of this
year. He announced the results of the report titled "The Economic
Crisis and Possible Contributions of Turks Living in Germany to
Turkey". Sen said the report was presented to the relevant
authorities. According to the report, about 3.4 million Turks living
in the EU countries have DM 164 billion in savings. /Cumhuriyet/
[08] POLITICAL CRITERIA CHAPTER OF NATIONAL PROGRAMME TO
BE DISCUSSED
The Political Criteria of the National Programme,
the sub-category most likely to be hotly debated, will be discussed by
the politicians to determine a common stance on the issues. Many
ministers and authorities from the Turkish Parliament will attend a
meeting to be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Mesut Yilmaz. Possible
constitutional amendments and necessary regulations will be debated
during the meeting. The functions and structure of the National
Security Council (MGK) will also be discussed. A decision to begin
clarifying the functions of the MGK is expected to be made. Among
those attending the meeting are Ministers of State Faruk Bal, Rustu
Kazim Yucelen, Hasan Gemici, Minister of Justice Hikmet Sami Turk,
Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan, Minister of Labor and Social
Security, Yasar Okuyan. /Cumhuriyet/
[09] TURKEY DELIVERS NOTE TO BAKU
Ankara sent a note of protest to Baku because a
fountain built by the Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate was
destroyed. It was reported the Baku Execution Chairmanship destroyed
the fountain, built in Martyrs Alley, without informing the Turkish
Embassy in Azerbaijan. /Sabah/
[10] CILLER TO VISIT PRESIDENT TODAY
The Chairman of the True Path Party (DYP) Tansu
Ciller will visit President Ahmet Necdet Sezer today. It was reported
Ciller would request support from Sezer on bills presented to
Parliament by the DYP on elections, Capital Market Council and
political parties. /Sabah/
[11] TURKEY IN DELICATE SITUATION AS TENSION RISES IN
MIDEAST
As the tension escalates in the Middle East after
Israel bombed Syrian targets in Lebanon, killing three Syrian
soldiers, Turkey faces a tough situation as a country which has been
pursuing the role of mediator in the Peace Process. While the Foreign
Ministry issued a statement on Monday calling on all parties for
restraint, experts argue Turkey will have a hard time in the region as
long as the tension escalates. Even though Turkey has good, friendly
relations and is trusted by both Palestinians and Israelis, experts
say the space for Turkey's diplomatic initiatives will be dramatically
limited if the situation worsens. /Turkish Daily News/
[12] HEALTH MINISTRY FIXES NEW PRICE
Health Minister Osman Durmus said Tuesday his
ministry has decided to abandon the earlier policy of fixing the
dollar rate at TL 820,000 for imported medicines, and would now follow
the Central Bank foreign currency rate. The Ministry fixed the rate in
order to prevent an increase in the prices of imported medicines after
the government's decision to float the Turkish lira in February.
Durmus also said they had decided to increase the prices of all drugs
by six percent. /Turkish Daily News/
[13] BORON: TURKEY'S FORTUNE
State Minister for Privatization, Yuksel Yalova
said Turkey has a boron reserve of $1 trillion. He said, "Let's
look at this reserve together with commercial lawyers, and find a way
to use this resource for society's prosperity. It can be Turkey's
salvation. Our national income per capita can increase from $3,000 to
$33,000." Stating Turkey has the world's largest boron reserve
Yalova said, "It is a very strategic raw material. Some people
say it must be under state monopoly, and they may be right, but let's
put a question mark next to it for review." /Turkiye/
[14] TUSIAD INSISTS ON CABINET REVISION
The Association of Turkish Industralists and
Businessmen (TUSIAD) said a Cabinet revision is necessary. A written
statement issued by TUSIAD said the economic program, declared April
14, is a good beginning for a solution to the economic problems which
have culminated in the past ten years. Stressing they share the
correct evaluations made by economic bureaucrats, the statement
emphasized the importance of hard work by the Turkish Grand National
Assembly (TGNA) and the Government to carry out the foreseen reforms.
TUSIAD said their insistance on political reform and Cabinet revision
will continue. The statement also said TUSIAD will declare its next
evaluation following clarification of foreign sources. /Turkiye/
[15] CSFB DIRECTOR LISTS CRUCIAL STEPS FOR TURKISH
PROGRAM
Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) Director for
Mediterranean Markets, Afa Boran, said foreign investors would be
following three developments in the economy closely: Political support
for the program, the rollover of domestic debt in the short term, and
the restructuring of state banks, private news channel NTV reported
Tuesday. The measures proposed in the economic program shouldn't
remain just on paper, but must be put into force as legal regulations
as soon as possible, said Boran. "The duty here belongs to
politicians," Boran stated. "The program's success depends
on political support. The first test will be on the bills waiting in
Parliament." /Turkish News/
[16] US ADMINISTRATION DISCUSS ECONOMIC CRISIS IN TURKEY
At Thursday's US National Security Council meetings
held with State, Defense and Treasury Department Secretaries, Turkey's
economic crisis was brought to the agenda. The second high-ranking
officials in the related departments attended the meeting in order to
give information on Turkey's condition. /Milliyet/
GEMICI :SHCEK PROVIDES CARE IN 82 CITIES
State Minister Hasan Gemici said the Social
Services and Child Care Institution (SCHEK) was the most basic social
service institution in Turkey. He participated in the opening ceremony
of a dinner hall at the Gazi Girls Vocational School, saying SHCEK was
established through a personal order of Ataturk himself in 1921.
"This institution is providing services in 81 cities across
Turkey," Gemici stated. /Turkish News/
[17] RAPPROCHEMENT BETWEEN TURKEY-SYRIA
A cooperation agreement for military education will
be signed with Syria. Syrian officers will be educated in Turkish
military academies. Another important development regarding the
rapprochement in the relations is the invitation of Syrian President
Besar Assad by President Ahmet Necdet Sezer. /Hurriyet/
[18] DERVIS TO ATTEND TEXTILE SEMINAR IN ANTALYA
State Minister for the Economy, Kemal Dervis will
participate in a seminar held by the Textile Employers Union in
Antalya. The problems of the textile sector will be discussed at the
seminar, including the conditions of the two million unemployed
textile workers. Ministers Yasar Okuyan, Ahmet Kenan Tanrikulu and
Mehmet Kececiler will also participate in the seminars. /Star/
[19] PROTECTION OF INVESTORS IN STOCK EXCHANGE
The head of the Capital Market Board, Dogan
Cansizoglu, said preparations for a new regulation regarding the
Central Registration Institution(MKK) have been completed. The MKK
will supervise the Fund for Investors Protection(YKF). YKF will
prevent possible losses by investors if the financial situation of
brokerage firms deteriorates. The fund will guarantee up to $9,750 of
the deliverance liabilities of the brokerage firms to the investors.
/Star/
[20] MCCORMICK: "WE SUPPORT TURKEY"
The Head of the International Chamber of
Commerce(ICC), Richard D. McCormick, said he is optimistic about
Turkey's future. McCormick said, "Turkey is going through a hard
period. At the ICC we support Turkey on every platform. If reforms are
implemented on time, Turkey will move past this hardship."
/Hurriyet/
[21] KOC: "THIS PROGRAM IS OUR LAST CHANCE"
The head of Koc Holding, Rahmi Koc, said he
supports the economic program announced by State Minister for the
Economy Kemal Dervis. Koc said, "This program is our last chance
and should not fail in anyway." Koc believed foreign assistance
will be obtained. Koc said, "This assistance will not be
limitless and without conditions, rather some performances will be
taken into consideration." /Milliyet/
[22] LESS INTEREST RATE IN YESTERDAY'S BOND BIDDING
At yesterday's bidding, $675 million in state bonds
were sold with a 119.8 % compound interest rate over an eight-month
period. /Milliyet/
[23] FIVE STAR HOTEL INSTEAD OF OTTOMAN CITADEL
Saudi Arabian authorities are planning to ruin the
Ciyad Citadel in Mecca and construct a five star hotel in its place.
The Citadel, constructed in 1781 and completely renovated in 1884 by
the Ottomans, was one of the three citadels constructed to save Mecca,
the holy city. Reportedly, Saudi King Fahd approved the hotel project
to be constructed on the ruins of the citadel. Initiatives by Turkish
Foreign Affairs officials to preserve the ruins of the historical
citadel are continuing. /Turkiye/
[24] BILD CALLS ON GERMANS TO TRAVEL TO TURKEY
The Bild, an esteemed German newspaper, issued an
article on Turkey. Praising Turkey for its diverse tourism centers,
the newspaper called upon its readers to spend their vacation in
Turkey. In particular, the beauty of Bodrum, Marmaris, Kalkan, Kemer
and Side was emphasized in the article as ideal sites for a holiday.
/Turkiye/
[25] TURKISH FIRMS IN BAGHDAD
160 Turkish firms are expected to attend the
"Turkish Export Products Fair" in Baghdad May 7-11 by the
Forum Fair and Development Company. The fair will be held on a 5
thousand square meters area. Turkish firms will display various
products from food to construction material, from machines to
automotives, from cleaning materials to furniture. /Turkiye/
[26] A NEW TERRORIST ORGANIZATION UNCOVERED
A new terrorist organization was discovered in
Diyarbakir. 26 members of the Kurdistan Revolution Party in its
establishment stage, were captured. Some of those arrested had left
the PKK terrorist organization. /Star/
[27] TURGUT OZAL'S DEATH ANNIVERSARY
A commemoration ceremony was held at Turgut Ozal's
grave in Topkapi, Istanbul, the eighth president, on the eighth
anniversary of his death. Deputy Prime Minister and the head of the
Motherland Party(ANAP), Mesut Yilmaz, said the underlying reasons for
the economic crisis was the move away from implementing Ozal's reform
methods. /Hurriyet/
[28] ON-LINE LIBRARIES
Culture Minister Istemihan Talay said an on-line
network system will be established among the Provincial Public
Libraries. Talay said "By implementing this system, people will
benefit from having Internet access at the libraries." /Hurriyet/
AUSTRALIAN TOURISTS IN APRIL 25 ANZAC DAY
An Austrian tourist group of 800 will come Turkey
for the April 25th, Anzac Day on "Aegean I" cruise ship.
This year 25,000 Australian tourists are expected to visit Turkey
through the Compas Holiday company. /Milliyet/
[29] WORLD BOOK AND INTELLECTUAL RIGHTS DAY IN TURKEY
April 23 is the UNESCO World Book and Intellectual
Rights Day. This year it will be celebrated in Turkey. Panels and
various acvities will be organized on the 23rd under the sponsorship
of the Dogan Media Group. /Hurriyet/
[30] "EXCAVATION AND RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM" TO
BEGIN TOMORROW
"The Middle Age and Turkish Period Excavations
and Research Symposium", held by the Art History Department at
Hacettepe University, begins tomorrow. The Symposium is financially
supported by the Prime Ministry Promotion Fund Council. /Cumhuriyet/
[31] EARTH DAY TO BE CELEBRATED IN CORUM
The April 22 Earth Day, which has been celebrated
since 1970, in support of the attempts to protect the environment,
will be celebrated in Corum. Non-governmental organizations will meet
in Corum to discuss environmental issues. /Cumhuriyet/
[32] FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE COLUMNS...FROM THE
COLUMNS...
[33] HOW DOES EU VIEW THE CRISIS? BY SAMI KOHEN
(MILLIYET)
Columnist Sami Kohen writes on the reactions of the
US and the EU to the economic program announced by the Minister for
Economy, Kemal Dervis. A summary of his column is as follows:
"When the first signs of crisis erupted in Turkey, the expected
support came from the US. However, the EU did not comment on the
situation until long after. At this stage when the support must be
turned into financial assistance, the US Administration showed its
favorable reaction immediately. However, there is still no news from
the EU. According to the words of a European diplomat 'it is expected
at any moment'. The reason for this delay is explained by the US'
being a country whereas the EU is comprised of 15 countries.
Therefore, Washington can decide and act much quicker. In the EU
decisions and actions take time. The diplomats of EU countries in
Turkey suggested their governments issue a declaration supporting the
Turkish program. This weekend, the Finance Ministers of the EU member
and candidate countries will meet in Malmo, Sweden. The situation in
Turkey, and her expectations, will be discussed during this meeting.
We shall see what kind of response will come out from the EU front.
The officials in Europe agree with their counterparts in the US that
Turkey must be supported in order to overcome this crisis. However, as
an official pointed out, the EU is not the IMF. It does not have the
necessary instruments to extend immediate financial help. If it
decides to support Turkey, the EU member countries can either help
through the G-7 or via private banks. It is more difficult for the EU
to provide support in comparison to the US. However, it is not
impossible. Turkey is an important country for the Europeans, if not
as important as for the US. The belief that the EU should help Turkey
in this hour of crisis is widespread. However, the Europeans are more
sensitive to the issue that Turkey should work through the problems
burdening her in this crisis -such as economic and political reforms-
than the Americans. A European diplomat said this economic program was
an historic opportunity for Turkey to implement the reforms expected
of her. They should be carried out in conjunction with the National
Programme submitted to the EU. The Europeans also discuss the deaths
occurring from the hunger strikes in Turkish prisons. Both problems
paint a gloomy picture of Turkey. It is unfortunate to not be able to
end these tragedies, when Turkey is in need of foreign support the
most. Most EU officials view the situation in Turkey by considering
these two issues together, and believe the relationship between
political and financial issues cannot be ignored."
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