"EU urges Turkey to keep up momentum on reform
ANKARA, Feb 28 (Reuters) Luxembourg, holder of the European Union's rotating presidency, urged Turkey today not to lose the momentum of reforms aimed at preparing the country for eventual EU membership.
Turkish media and EU diplomats have recently accused the government of dragging its feet over preparations for starting EU entry talks in October. They say Ankara has done little since winning a date for talks at an EU summit last December.
''We cannot just lean back and wait for things to happen. We have to work,'' Luxembourg's Deputy Foreign Minister Nicolas Schmit told a news conference after talks in Ankara, tacitly reinforcing the view that Turkey could do more."
More:deepikaglobal.com - World News Detail
Monday, February 28, 2005
Letter from Turkey by David Harris AJC Executive Dir.
"The European Union's invitation to Turkey last week to open negotiations for membership is truly momentous. No, this isn't hyperbole. If anything, it's an understatement.
After more than four decades of hemming and hawing about what to do regarding Turkey, the EU has finally decided to take the plunge. The path ahead isn't likely to be short, much less simple. Many things can still happen that could complicate, even derail, the process, but a threshold has been crossed, and there's really no going back.
Letter from Turkey by David Harris AJC Executive Director
After more than four decades of hemming and hawing about what to do regarding Turkey, the EU has finally decided to take the plunge. The path ahead isn't likely to be short, much less simple. Many things can still happen that could complicate, even derail, the process, but a threshold has been crossed, and there's really no going back.
Letter from Turkey by David Harris AJC Executive Director
EU warns Turkey that talks hinge on quick recognition of Cyprus
"EU warns Turkey that talks hinge on quick recognition of Cyprus
By Graham Bowley International Herald Tribune
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
LONDON The European Union warned Turkey on Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join the Union in October.
The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3 this year.
'The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible,' said Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU presidency. "
More:EU warns Turkey that talks hinge on quick recognition of Cyprus: printer friendly version
By Graham Bowley International Herald Tribune
Tuesday, March 1, 2005
LONDON The European Union warned Turkey on Monday that it must recognize Cyprus soon if it wants to begin talks to join the Union in October.
The view reflects mounting concern within the EU that Turkey may not meet its promise to tacitly recognize Cyprus, which was the condition agreed to by EU leaders last December for talks to begin on Oct. 3 this year.
'The member states of the European Union expect Turkey to sign the protocol regarding the adaptation of the Ankara agreement as soon as possible,' said Jean-Claude Juncker, prime minister of Luxembourg, which currently holds the EU presidency. "
More:EU warns Turkey that talks hinge on quick recognition of Cyprus: printer friendly version
VOA News - Turkey Pledges EU-Minded Reforms
"Turkey Pledges EU-Minded Reforms By VOA News
28 February 2005
Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to meet standards for European Union membership, after critics said momentum toward that goal had slowed.
Following meetings Monday in Ankara with EU diplomats, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul denied that Turkish commitment to joining the Union is lagging."
More:VOA News - Turkey Pledges EU-Minded Reforms
28 February 2005
Turkey has reaffirmed its commitment to meet standards for European Union membership, after critics said momentum toward that goal had slowed.
Following meetings Monday in Ankara with EU diplomats, Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul denied that Turkish commitment to joining the Union is lagging."
More:VOA News - Turkey Pledges EU-Minded Reforms
PKK can not reside in Iraq: Caferi
"PKK can not reside in Iraq: Caferi
The terrorist group must either give up its campaign targeting Turkey or leave Iraq, Caferi said.
February 28� The terrorist group the PKK would not be allowed to remain on Iraqi soil, the leading candidate for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq said Sunday."
More:PKK can not reside in Iraq: Caferi
The terrorist group must either give up its campaign targeting Turkey or leave Iraq, Caferi said.
February 28� The terrorist group the PKK would not be allowed to remain on Iraqi soil, the leading candidate for the position of Prime Minister of Iraq said Sunday."
More:PKK can not reside in Iraq: Caferi
JTW News - Turkey's Mission To EU: To Present Turkey In Correct Form
"Turkey�s Mission To EU: To Present Turkey In Correct Form
An interview in a Turkish newspaper reflects the Turkish businessmen's approach to the Turkey-EU relations.
Turkey must change �the disturbed Turkish image in Europe citizens� heads. To realize this Mehmet Eksi claims there is a need for a long-term and various projects those not only prepared for touristy advertisement. �If a comprehensive presentation campaign is realized, Turkey would win even EU doesn�t accept to Turkey� says Mehmet Eksi, who is the director of Whichcontent Limited Building Project company. �We must show our similarities properly just like our differences. If an example is needed, Islam in Turkey must be explained to the Europeans in the form of European perception not ours. We must explain that secularism (laic) has a strong structure in Turkey. Because the secularism which has a strong hold in the EU, consists an important part of Europe countries.
Adile Sumer
JTW Bureau/Ankara"
JTW News - Turkey�s Mission To EU: To Present Turkey In Correct Form
An interview in a Turkish newspaper reflects the Turkish businessmen's approach to the Turkey-EU relations.
Turkey must change �the disturbed Turkish image in Europe citizens� heads. To realize this Mehmet Eksi claims there is a need for a long-term and various projects those not only prepared for touristy advertisement. �If a comprehensive presentation campaign is realized, Turkey would win even EU doesn�t accept to Turkey� says Mehmet Eksi, who is the director of Whichcontent Limited Building Project company. �We must show our similarities properly just like our differences. If an example is needed, Islam in Turkey must be explained to the Europeans in the form of European perception not ours. We must explain that secularism (laic) has a strong structure in Turkey. Because the secularism which has a strong hold in the EU, consists an important part of Europe countries.
Adile Sumer
JTW Bureau/Ankara"
JTW News - Turkey�s Mission To EU: To Present Turkey In Correct Form
JTW News - Only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events
"Only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events
Turkish Ambassador to Germany Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik said on Saturday, 'only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events.'
Irtemcelik released a statement about a draft resolution, which will be submitted to the German federal parliament in April by CDU/CSU group under the title of 'commemoration of Armenians on the 90th anniversary of their relocation and massacre on April 24th, 1915 - Germany should contribute to provide peace between Turks and Armenians'."
More:JTW News - Only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events
Turkish Ambassador to Germany Mehmet Ali Irtemcelik said on Saturday, 'only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events.'
Irtemcelik released a statement about a draft resolution, which will be submitted to the German federal parliament in April by CDU/CSU group under the title of 'commemoration of Armenians on the 90th anniversary of their relocation and massacre on April 24th, 1915 - Germany should contribute to provide peace between Turks and Armenians'."
More:JTW News - Only historians have the right to make decisions about historical events
Turkish Daily News - Rising nationalism by Dogu Ergil
Turkish Daily News - Rising nationalism: "Rising nationalism
Monday, February 28, 2005
Opinion by DOGU ERGIL
DOGU ERGIL
Anyone who has been educated in Turkey has been raised and trained to be a nationalist rather than a citizen equal in legal status, free in choice and empowered by the will to participate in public policy. In fact, citizenship is acquired or paid for by being an obedient subject to the national state. Hence the perception of the nation is larger than life and, until recently, has been labeled a �sacred entity� in the preamble of the Turkish Constitution. The wording has been changed but the ideological baggage still lingers, just as it does in nationalistic behavior. "
Monday, February 28, 2005
Opinion by DOGU ERGIL
DOGU ERGIL
Anyone who has been educated in Turkey has been raised and trained to be a nationalist rather than a citizen equal in legal status, free in choice and empowered by the will to participate in public policy. In fact, citizenship is acquired or paid for by being an obedient subject to the national state. Hence the perception of the nation is larger than life and, until recently, has been labeled a �sacred entity� in the preamble of the Turkish Constitution. The wording has been changed but the ideological baggage still lingers, just as it does in nationalistic behavior. "
JTW News - Denktas: 'Talat's mission is to preserve TRNC's independence''
"Denktas: 'Talat's mission is to preserve TRNC's independence''
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas has stated that the mission of TRNC's Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat is to preserve the country's independence at all costs. ''Talat should not support nor tolerate any motives that would hurt the independence of Turkish Cypriots,'' said Talat.
President Denktas was in Izmir today (Thursday) to attend a meeting, titled ''Recent Developments Pertaining to Cyprus,'' and sponsored by the Turkish Aegean Young Businessmen Association (EGIAD)."
More:JTW News - Denktas: 'Talat's mission is to preserve TRNC's independence''
President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas has stated that the mission of TRNC's Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Talat is to preserve the country's independence at all costs. ''Talat should not support nor tolerate any motives that would hurt the independence of Turkish Cypriots,'' said Talat.
President Denktas was in Izmir today (Thursday) to attend a meeting, titled ''Recent Developments Pertaining to Cyprus,'' and sponsored by the Turkish Aegean Young Businessmen Association (EGIAD)."
More:JTW News - Denktas: 'Talat's mission is to preserve TRNC's independence''
JTW News - Turkey complains EU about Armenia�s �Chernobyl to be� Nuclear Reactor
"Turkey complains EU about Armenia�s �Chernobyl to be� Nuclear Reactor
The Armenian nuclear reactor in Medzamor can be the next Chernobyl according to Turkey and EU. Medzamor plant which is 16 km away from Turkish Armenian border is among the five most dangerous nuclear plants in the world. Plant�s Armenia-1 and Armenia-2 units were reported to have problems. The same plant was shutdown in 1988 due to a powerful earth quake in the Spitak region of Armenia. The nuclear facility is on the Eastern Anatolia fault. "
More:JTW News - Turkey complains EU about Armenia�s �Chernobyl to be� Nuclear Reactor
The Armenian nuclear reactor in Medzamor can be the next Chernobyl according to Turkey and EU. Medzamor plant which is 16 km away from Turkish Armenian border is among the five most dangerous nuclear plants in the world. Plant�s Armenia-1 and Armenia-2 units were reported to have problems. The same plant was shutdown in 1988 due to a powerful earth quake in the Spitak region of Armenia. The nuclear facility is on the Eastern Anatolia fault. "
More:JTW News - Turkey complains EU about Armenia�s �Chernobyl to be� Nuclear Reactor
JTW News - France to Pave Way for Vote on EU
"France to Pave Way for Vote on EU
By Allan Little
BBC News, Paris
Both houses of the French parliament meet in joint session on Monday to approve a change to the constitution.
The change will pave the way for a referendum later this year on the European constitution.
A three-fifths majority is needed to change the French constitution before France can ratify the EU document.
But support for the new treaty is so widespread among France's governing elite that a sufficient majority in both houses is practically certain."
More:JTW News - France to Pave Way for Vote on EU
By Allan Little
BBC News, Paris
Both houses of the French parliament meet in joint session on Monday to approve a change to the constitution.
The change will pave the way for a referendum later this year on the European constitution.
A three-fifths majority is needed to change the French constitution before France can ratify the EU document.
But support for the new treaty is so widespread among France's governing elite that a sufficient majority in both houses is practically certain."
More:JTW News - France to Pave Way for Vote on EU
EUobserver.com:No 'fatigue' between Turkey and the EU
"No 'fatigue' between Turkey and the EU
28.02.2005 - 17:57 CET | By Lucia Kubosova
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Ankara and Brussels have denied claims that there has been 'some fatigue' or 'not a good atmosphere' between the EU and Turkey, as suggested by a Luxembourg Presidency official.
Speaking to the NTV channel prior to his meeting with Turkish representatives on Monday (28 February) in Ankara, Nicolas Schmit, the Luxembourg Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, raised doubts about Ankara's determination to join the union, saying, 'after the Brussels summit there has been some fatigue'.
'We cannot say there is a very good atmosphere in EU-Turkey relations', he added.
However, both the European Commission's spokesperson and a Turkish spokesman have denied that the climate has changed between Brussels and Ankara since the EU summit in December, where Turkey was given the green light for EU talks to start on 3 October.
'Our foreign minister made it clear after talking to Mr Schmit that there had not been such a situation', Engin Solakoglu from the Turkish Mission told the EUobserver."
mORE:No 'fatigue' between Turkey and the EU
28.02.2005 - 17:57 CET | By Lucia Kubosova
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - Ankara and Brussels have denied claims that there has been 'some fatigue' or 'not a good atmosphere' between the EU and Turkey, as suggested by a Luxembourg Presidency official.
Speaking to the NTV channel prior to his meeting with Turkish representatives on Monday (28 February) in Ankara, Nicolas Schmit, the Luxembourg Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs, raised doubts about Ankara's determination to join the union, saying, 'after the Brussels summit there has been some fatigue'.
'We cannot say there is a very good atmosphere in EU-Turkey relations', he added.
However, both the European Commission's spokesperson and a Turkish spokesman have denied that the climate has changed between Brussels and Ankara since the EU summit in December, where Turkey was given the green light for EU talks to start on 3 October.
'Our foreign minister made it clear after talking to Mr Schmit that there had not been such a situation', Engin Solakoglu from the Turkish Mission told the EUobserver."
mORE:No 'fatigue' between Turkey and the EU
JTW News - German Christian Democrats Abuses the Armenian Issue to Prevent Turkey's EU Bid
"German Christian Democrats Abuses the Armenian Issue to Prevent Turkey's EU Bid
Christian Democrats Submits 'Armenian Motion' to Parliament
Jan Soykok (JTW), 28 February 2005 - Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) who oppose Turkey's European Union (EU) membership have once again brought the so-called Armenian 'genocide' allegation to the top of the agenda in Germany. "
mORE:JTW News - German Christian Democrats Abuses the Armenian Issue to Prevent Turkey's EU Bid
Christian Democrats Submits 'Armenian Motion' to Parliament
Jan Soykok (JTW), 28 February 2005 - Germany's Christian Democrats (CDU) who oppose Turkey's European Union (EU) membership have once again brought the so-called Armenian 'genocide' allegation to the top of the agenda in Germany. "
mORE:JTW News - German Christian Democrats Abuses the Armenian Issue to Prevent Turkey's EU Bid
Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
"Turkey's EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
There is still no hint as to who will head up Turkey�s accession talks team, with Gul saying the Prime Minister will name the chief negotiator when the time is right.
March 1� Turkey�s accession talks would be facilitated if the chief negotiator on the Turkish side was a political figure, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday."
More:Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
There is still no hint as to who will head up Turkey�s accession talks team, with Gul saying the Prime Minister will name the chief negotiator when the time is right.
March 1� Turkey�s accession talks would be facilitated if the chief negotiator on the Turkish side was a political figure, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday."
More:Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
albawaba.com middle east news information::Turkey: Official rate of unemployment hits 10%
"Turkey: Official rate of unemployment hits 10%
28-02-2005 , 09:41
Turkey's rate of unemployment amounted to 10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004 (October, November, December). The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) has announced the total employment was estimated at 21.8 million people, and the employment rate was estimated as 43.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004.
According to TurkishPress website, the total unemployment was estimated as 2.4 million people, and the rate of unemployment became 10 percent for the same period.
According to the results of the Household Labor Force Survey, total labor force participation rate was 48.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004. "
albawaba.com middle east news information::Turkey: Official rate of unemployment hits 10%
28-02-2005 , 09:41
Turkey's rate of unemployment amounted to 10 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004 (October, November, December). The State Institute of Statistics (DIE) has announced the total employment was estimated at 21.8 million people, and the employment rate was estimated as 43.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004.
According to TurkishPress website, the total unemployment was estimated as 2.4 million people, and the rate of unemployment became 10 percent for the same period.
According to the results of the Household Labor Force Survey, total labor force participation rate was 48.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2004. "
albawaba.com middle east news information::Turkey: Official rate of unemployment hits 10%
Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
"Turkey's EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
There is still no hint as to who will head up Turkey�s accession talks team, with Gul saying the Prime Minister will name the chief negotiator when the time is right.
March 1� Turkey�s accession talks would be facilitated if the chief negotiator on the Turkish side was a political figure, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday."
More:Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
There is still no hint as to who will head up Turkey�s accession talks team, with Gul saying the Prime Minister will name the chief negotiator when the time is right.
March 1� Turkey�s accession talks would be facilitated if the chief negotiator on the Turkish side was a political figure, Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday."
More:Turkey�s EU negotiator likely to be a politician: Gul
Telegraph | News | 'How many more women have to die before this society wakes up?'
"'How many more women have to die before this society wakes up?'
By Tony Paterson
(Filed: 27/02/2005)
Shortly before nine o'clock one Monday evening earlier this month, Hatin S�r�c� left her five-year-old son asleep in their small apartment in the Tempelhof district of Berlin and made her way to a bus stop in the main Oberlandgarten Strasse.
Minutes later, a volley of pistol shots rang out but no one came to help Mrs S�r�c�, 23, who was of Turkish origin. A bus driver discovered her body, with multiple wounds to the head and chest, about 40 minutes later and called the police."
More:Telegraph | News | 'How many more women have to die before this society wakes up?'
By Tony Paterson
(Filed: 27/02/2005)
Shortly before nine o'clock one Monday evening earlier this month, Hatin S�r�c� left her five-year-old son asleep in their small apartment in the Tempelhof district of Berlin and made her way to a bus stop in the main Oberlandgarten Strasse.
Minutes later, a volley of pistol shots rang out but no one came to help Mrs S�r�c�, 23, who was of Turkish origin. A bus driver discovered her body, with multiple wounds to the head and chest, about 40 minutes later and called the police."
More:Telegraph | News | 'How many more women have to die before this society wakes up?'
JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
"US&Turkish Relations
Yasin Dogan
Columnist Yasin Dogan comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
�Last week Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush held a short meeting at the NATO summit in Brussels. As far as we know, Erdogan neither asked to see Bush nor sought an appointment with him. Rather, their meeting was an unplanned encounter. "
More:JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
Yasin Dogan
Columnist Yasin Dogan comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
�Last week Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush held a short meeting at the NATO summit in Brussels. As far as we know, Erdogan neither asked to see Bush nor sought an appointment with him. Rather, their meeting was an unplanned encounter. "
More:JTW Comment - US&Turkish Relations
JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
"Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
Ferai Tinc
Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:
“A problem in Brussels has blown up into a crisis. The Cyprus issue is the reason for this crisis. As Turkey put the brakes on the Cyprus issue, the European Union and NATO can’t make strategic decisions. I wrote yesterday that although it seemed to have softened with US President George W. Bush’s visit, the conflict between Europe and the US hasn’t been solved completely. The US wants to continue its strategic relations with Europe under the umbrella of NATO, whereas a group of European countries want to transform this into bilateral relations. Brussels favors holding discussions with Washington outside NATO."
More:JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
Ferai Tinc
Columnist Ferai Tinc comments on relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey. A summary of her column is as follows:
“A problem in Brussels has blown up into a crisis. The Cyprus issue is the reason for this crisis. As Turkey put the brakes on the Cyprus issue, the European Union and NATO can’t make strategic decisions. I wrote yesterday that although it seemed to have softened with US President George W. Bush’s visit, the conflict between Europe and the US hasn’t been solved completely. The US wants to continue its strategic relations with Europe under the umbrella of NATO, whereas a group of European countries want to transform this into bilateral relations. Brussels favors holding discussions with Washington outside NATO."
More:JTW Comment - Relations between Europe, NATO and Turkey
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - For Iraqi Kurds and Turks a new rapport is unavoidable
"For Iraqi Kurds and Turks a new rapport is unavoidable
By Hiwa Osman
Commentary by
Monday, February 28, 2005
Turkey will receive good news and bad news when a new government is formed in Iraq. The good news is that Jalal Talabani, a long-time friend of Turkey who understands its importance in the Middle East, will be the president. But the bad news is that as a Kurd he cannot do much about Turkish-Iraqi-Kurdish relations.
The recent statements from Ankara regarding the city of Kirkuk and their fear of Kurds oppressing Turkmen there have sent a strong message to Iraqi Kurdistan that Turkey's 'Kurdophobia' has not subsided, despite repeated Kurdish reassurances that Kurds have no intention to 'Kurdisize' the city of Kirkuk. For the Iraqi Kurd leadership, Kirkuk has a Kurdish character. This means it is part of a geographical region called Kurdistan, but does not mean it is exclusively Kurdish. The demographic makeup of the region of Kurdistan includes Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Assyrians - and so does Kirkuk."
More:The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - For Iraqi Kurds and Turks a new rapport is unavoidable
By Hiwa Osman
Commentary by
Monday, February 28, 2005
Turkey will receive good news and bad news when a new government is formed in Iraq. The good news is that Jalal Talabani, a long-time friend of Turkey who understands its importance in the Middle East, will be the president. But the bad news is that as a Kurd he cannot do much about Turkish-Iraqi-Kurdish relations.
The recent statements from Ankara regarding the city of Kirkuk and their fear of Kurds oppressing Turkmen there have sent a strong message to Iraqi Kurdistan that Turkey's 'Kurdophobia' has not subsided, despite repeated Kurdish reassurances that Kurds have no intention to 'Kurdisize' the city of Kirkuk. For the Iraqi Kurd leadership, Kirkuk has a Kurdish character. This means it is part of a geographical region called Kurdistan, but does not mean it is exclusively Kurdish. The demographic makeup of the region of Kurdistan includes Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs and Assyrians - and so does Kirkuk."
More:The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - For Iraqi Kurds and Turks a new rapport is unavoidable
Americans To Drink Turkish Coffee
"Americans To Drink Turkish Coffee
By Ercan Baysal
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
Taking its name from the coffee-addicted hero of Hermann Melville's famous novel Moby Dick, Starbucks Coffee is now to promote Turkish coffee all around the world.
Founded in Seattle in 1971, the company plans to offer its customers Turkish coffee at about 9,000 sales points, from North America to the Middle East. The Turkish Director of the company Kilic Aslanturk says that they aim to make coffees in line with Turkish tastes, which they have presented to customers in Turkey, as well as worldwide tastes that do not change. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022816978)
By Ercan Baysal
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
Taking its name from the coffee-addicted hero of Hermann Melville's famous novel Moby Dick, Starbucks Coffee is now to promote Turkish coffee all around the world.
Founded in Seattle in 1971, the company plans to offer its customers Turkish coffee at about 9,000 sales points, from North America to the Middle East. The Turkish Director of the company Kilic Aslanturk says that they aim to make coffees in line with Turkish tastes, which they have presented to customers in Turkey, as well as worldwide tastes that do not change. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022816978)
War for Water
"War for Water
By Shah Abdul Halim
Feb 27, 2005, 11:31
....The Kurdish region in Turkey is straddle on both sides by the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. The region is rich in water resources. The previous government of Turkey, due to internal pressure of the pro-western Turkish army and at the behest of US-Israel, began an unprecedented $25 billion waterworks project to secure control, through a series of dams and hydroelectric plants, of both vitally important rivers.
Israel believes an ultra-secular Turkey might be interested to share water of this region with Israel with direct pipeline. The plan also includes a symbolic distribution of water to Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians to appease the Arabs of the region and to camouflage real intention of diverting Kurdi-Turkish water to Israel. US after the occupation of Iraq, however, gave up the initial plan to create an independent Kurdish state by slashing a part of Iraq, Syria and Turkey because of the fear that sunni dominated Kurdish state might work against the Israel-US interest in the region. Such a government might threaten, if not nullify, Turkish control of the waterworks and consequently, of the Tigris and Euphrates. Israel-US also is not feeling very comfortable with the current Turkish Government of Tayep Erdogan which is basically committed to protect Muslim interests. Israel is now apprehending that its hope to get water from mainland Turkey through pipeline might not materialize as long as the current political leadership is in power in Turkey."
More:War for Water
By Shah Abdul Halim
Feb 27, 2005, 11:31
....The Kurdish region in Turkey is straddle on both sides by the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers. The region is rich in water resources. The previous government of Turkey, due to internal pressure of the pro-western Turkish army and at the behest of US-Israel, began an unprecedented $25 billion waterworks project to secure control, through a series of dams and hydroelectric plants, of both vitally important rivers.
Israel believes an ultra-secular Turkey might be interested to share water of this region with Israel with direct pipeline. The plan also includes a symbolic distribution of water to Syria, Jordan and the Palestinians to appease the Arabs of the region and to camouflage real intention of diverting Kurdi-Turkish water to Israel. US after the occupation of Iraq, however, gave up the initial plan to create an independent Kurdish state by slashing a part of Iraq, Syria and Turkey because of the fear that sunni dominated Kurdish state might work against the Israel-US interest in the region. Such a government might threaten, if not nullify, Turkish control of the waterworks and consequently, of the Tigris and Euphrates. Israel-US also is not feeling very comfortable with the current Turkish Government of Tayep Erdogan which is basically committed to protect Muslim interests. Israel is now apprehending that its hope to get water from mainland Turkey through pipeline might not materialize as long as the current political leadership is in power in Turkey."
More:War for Water
The Sampson Independent:Turkey's water system rules tweaked; town's trash problem discussed
"Turkey's water system rules tweaked; town's trash problem discussed
TURKEY - Water service regulations, town cleanup, a financial report, a recreation park, and a salute to Salemburg were among the topics tackled Thursday night when the Turkey Board of Commissioners met at the town hall.
Thursday night's meeting was rescheduled from the previous Thursday's regular monthly meeting, which had to be canceled when no one but mayor Michael Cottle showed up."
More:The Sampson Independent
TURKEY - Water service regulations, town cleanup, a financial report, a recreation park, and a salute to Salemburg were among the topics tackled Thursday night when the Turkey Board of Commissioners met at the town hall.
Thursday night's meeting was rescheduled from the previous Thursday's regular monthly meeting, which had to be canceled when no one but mayor Michael Cottle showed up."
More:The Sampson Independent
HoustonChronicle.com - Turkish cartoonists draw prime minister's lawsuits
"Turkish cartoonists draw prime minister's lawsuits
Leader responds to artists' criticism as he tries to get nation into EU
By AMBERIN ZAMAN
Los Angeles Times
ANKARA, TURKEY - This nation's best-known political cartoonists gathered in Istanbul last week to protest legal action taken by the prime minister against artists who criticized him through their work."
More:HoustonChronicle.com - Turkish cartoonists draw prime minister's lawsuits
Leader responds to artists' criticism as he tries to get nation into EU
By AMBERIN ZAMAN
Los Angeles Times
ANKARA, TURKEY - This nation's best-known political cartoonists gathered in Istanbul last week to protest legal action taken by the prime minister against artists who criticized him through their work."
More:HoustonChronicle.com - Turkish cartoonists draw prime minister's lawsuits
Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk :: from www.uruknet.info :: news from occupied Iraq
"Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk
Turkish Daily News
ANKARA � February 25, 2005
The Kurdish governor of Kirkuk has issued a circular declaring Kurdish the official language in the disputed oil-rich city in northern Iraq, said a news report yesterday.
Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa's order came as Osman Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq, was visiting northern Iraq for talks with Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
The decision may lead to tension among the city's ethnically diverse population. The circular makes Kurdish the official language not only in Kirkuk city but also in all districts, some of which are populated exclusively by non-Kurdish communities such as the Turkmen, reported the private Mak Ajans."
More:Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk :: from www.uruknet.info :: news from occupied Iraq
Turkish Daily News
ANKARA � February 25, 2005
The Kurdish governor of Kirkuk has issued a circular declaring Kurdish the official language in the disputed oil-rich city in northern Iraq, said a news report yesterday.
Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa's order came as Osman Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq, was visiting northern Iraq for talks with Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
The decision may lead to tension among the city's ethnically diverse population. The circular makes Kurdish the official language not only in Kirkuk city but also in all districts, some of which are populated exclusively by non-Kurdish communities such as the Turkmen, reported the private Mak Ajans."
More:Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk :: from www.uruknet.info :: news from occupied Iraq
Turkish Daily News - Ankara welcomes the big screen
"Ankara welcomes the big screen
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The 16th International Ankara Film Festival promises film lovers a magnificent 10 days
ELIF KARADENIZLI
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
One of the most important cultural activities of the capital city, reuniting Ankara residents with art and culture, the International Ankara Film Festival (IAFF) is opening its doors for the 16th time this year. The festival, in which the most successful of Turkish movies and documentaries will compete for a number of awards, also offers a selection of movies from around the world.
The embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, India, Iran, Switzerland, Canada and Greece along with the British Council, the French Culture Center, the Goethe Institute and the Italian Culture Center are all sponsors of this year's festival. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara welcomes the big screen
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The 16th International Ankara Film Festival promises film lovers a magnificent 10 days
ELIF KARADENIZLI
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
One of the most important cultural activities of the capital city, reuniting Ankara residents with art and culture, the International Ankara Film Festival (IAFF) is opening its doors for the 16th time this year. The festival, in which the most successful of Turkish movies and documentaries will compete for a number of awards, also offers a selection of movies from around the world.
The embassies of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, India, Iran, Switzerland, Canada and Greece along with the British Council, the French Culture Center, the Goethe Institute and the Italian Culture Center are all sponsors of this year's festival. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ankara welcomes the big screen
Boston.com / News / Local / Coffee, coffee everywhere
"Coffee, coffee everywhere
February 27, 2005
...Since 1773, when patriotic Colonists eschewed tea after the Boston Tea Party, coffee has energized breakfast. Originally native to Ethiopia, then smuggled into Arabia and then to Turkey, the hot beverage became a Muslim delight. The first coffee shop opened in Turkey in 1475, and for years Turkish law permitted any husband to divorce his wife if the household ran out of coffee. Blessed by the Pope in 1600 as a heavenly drink, it arrived in the New World in 1607, courtesy of Captain John Smith, one of the founders of Virginia. Europeans enjoyed it in coffeehouses, the first established in Italy in 1645 and another seven years later in London."
More:Boston.com / News / Local / Coffee, coffee everywhere
February 27, 2005
...Since 1773, when patriotic Colonists eschewed tea after the Boston Tea Party, coffee has energized breakfast. Originally native to Ethiopia, then smuggled into Arabia and then to Turkey, the hot beverage became a Muslim delight. The first coffee shop opened in Turkey in 1475, and for years Turkish law permitted any husband to divorce his wife if the household ran out of coffee. Blessed by the Pope in 1600 as a heavenly drink, it arrived in the New World in 1607, courtesy of Captain John Smith, one of the founders of Virginia. Europeans enjoyed it in coffeehouses, the first established in Italy in 1645 and another seven years later in London."
More:Boston.com / News / Local / Coffee, coffee everywhere
Turkish Daily News - Committee pushes Britain for active Cyprus role
"Committee pushes Britain for active Cyprus role
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The British House of Commons committee says Turkey should withdraw some of its troops from Turkish Cyprus to assist a solution on the disputed island
FATMA DEMIRELLI
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Britain, as a veto-holding member of the U.N. Security Council and a guarantor power in Cyprus that will hold the presidency of the EU as of July 2005, is in a unique position to assist in finding a solution for the disputed island, a committee of British lawmakers said in a report, further urging that the British government make the solution of the Cyprus issue a priority in 2005."
More:Turkish Daily News - Committee pushes Britain for active Cyprus role
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The British House of Commons committee says Turkey should withdraw some of its troops from Turkish Cyprus to assist a solution on the disputed island
FATMA DEMIRELLI
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Britain, as a veto-holding member of the U.N. Security Council and a guarantor power in Cyprus that will hold the presidency of the EU as of July 2005, is in a unique position to assist in finding a solution for the disputed island, a committee of British lawmakers said in a report, further urging that the British government make the solution of the Cyprus issue a priority in 2005."
More:Turkish Daily News - Committee pushes Britain for active Cyprus role
Turkish Daily News - Turkish-US ties under spotlight
"Turkish-US ties under spotlight
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Ankara focuses on official statements rather than on a simmering media debate
ELIF �NAL ARSLAN
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Turkish authorities appeared to be keeping a cool head in the face of a feverish domestic debate over whether the traditionally close Turkish-U.S. ties had hit a serious snag owing to the fact that mutual trust between the two NATO allies had turned into public resentment.
According to officials close to both Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his confidante, Foreign Minister Abdullah G�l, there has been no erosion of faith between Ankara and Washington, and, to the contrary, progress was made during a recent visit to Ankara by the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish-US ties under spotlight
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Ankara focuses on official statements rather than on a simmering media debate
ELIF �NAL ARSLAN
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Turkish authorities appeared to be keeping a cool head in the face of a feverish domestic debate over whether the traditionally close Turkish-U.S. ties had hit a serious snag owing to the fact that mutual trust between the two NATO allies had turned into public resentment.
According to officials close to both Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his confidante, Foreign Minister Abdullah G�l, there has been no erosion of faith between Ankara and Washington, and, to the contrary, progress was made during a recent visit to Ankara by the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish-US ties under spotlight
The theatre of the absurd
"The theatre of the absurd
By Nicos Rolandis
DURING the past 45 years a political theatre has been unfolding in Cyprus, alternating between drama and comedy. It is a theatre of the absurd, which has transformed a country � that could well have been the Switzerland of the eastern Mediterranean � into a partitioned island, with occupying forces, refugees, lost properties, settlers, unfulfilled dreams and an uncertain future.
I recall all of this now that the powerful (and reasonably moderate) Talat wants, in the wake of his election victory, to sit down and talk with us about a solution, but we are saying �No, we won�t talk, we want to talk to Erdogan� (yet for so many years we had no problem talking with the intransigent Denktash). But Erdogan doesn�t wish to talk to us. And while this theatre of the absurd drags on, we can recall the past and the six acts of our 45-year-old farce.
Act I (1960-1974)
In 1960 we began with the Zurich-London agreements and cries of �Victory!� In 1963 we forgot all about this and tried to scupper the victory agreements. Thus began the process of partition. There followed a state of chaos for about 10 years, with lack of democracy, alternating between the goals of �Independence� and �Enosis,� with anti-western fervour, nationalist conspiracies, coup attempts and the possibility of a Turkish invasion. In September 1972 Makarios arbitrarily rejected a compromise settlement, one that was very positive for our side and would have prevented the tragedy of 1974 (see Glafcos Clerides� book My Testimony, Volume 3, page 203). There followed the coup and the Turkish invasion."
More:The theatre of the absurd
By Nicos Rolandis
DURING the past 45 years a political theatre has been unfolding in Cyprus, alternating between drama and comedy. It is a theatre of the absurd, which has transformed a country � that could well have been the Switzerland of the eastern Mediterranean � into a partitioned island, with occupying forces, refugees, lost properties, settlers, unfulfilled dreams and an uncertain future.
I recall all of this now that the powerful (and reasonably moderate) Talat wants, in the wake of his election victory, to sit down and talk with us about a solution, but we are saying �No, we won�t talk, we want to talk to Erdogan� (yet for so many years we had no problem talking with the intransigent Denktash). But Erdogan doesn�t wish to talk to us. And while this theatre of the absurd drags on, we can recall the past and the six acts of our 45-year-old farce.
Act I (1960-1974)
In 1960 we began with the Zurich-London agreements and cries of �Victory!� In 1963 we forgot all about this and tried to scupper the victory agreements. Thus began the process of partition. There followed a state of chaos for about 10 years, with lack of democracy, alternating between the goals of �Independence� and �Enosis,� with anti-western fervour, nationalist conspiracies, coup attempts and the possibility of a Turkish invasion. In September 1972 Makarios arbitrarily rejected a compromise settlement, one that was very positive for our side and would have prevented the tragedy of 1974 (see Glafcos Clerides� book My Testimony, Volume 3, page 203). There followed the coup and the Turkish invasion."
More:The theatre of the absurd
Where to now for the north?
"Where to now for the north?
By Simon Bahceli
The coming months will test Talat�s mettle
WHILE last Sunday�s election result was clearly a victory for Mehmet Ali Talat and his Republican Turkish Party (CTP), it fell short of being a victory for Turkish Cypriots seeking a dismantling of the status quo in the north.
�It is a victory for the CTP,� says independent researcher Mete Hatay. �But they did not get their votes from the other side of the coin; they got them from the BDH and others on the left�.
The Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH), led by former north Nicosia mayor and staunchly pro-solution Mustafa Akinci, lost three seats in last week�s election. His former ally Huseyin Angolemli, leader of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) and Izzet Izcan, leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) also lost their seats.
The CTP now hold 24 seats in the north�s 50-seat �parliament� � a rise of six seats on its pre-election position. "
More:Where to now for the north?
By Simon Bahceli
The coming months will test Talat�s mettle
WHILE last Sunday�s election result was clearly a victory for Mehmet Ali Talat and his Republican Turkish Party (CTP), it fell short of being a victory for Turkish Cypriots seeking a dismantling of the status quo in the north.
�It is a victory for the CTP,� says independent researcher Mete Hatay. �But they did not get their votes from the other side of the coin; they got them from the BDH and others on the left�.
The Peace and Democracy Movement (BDH), led by former north Nicosia mayor and staunchly pro-solution Mustafa Akinci, lost three seats in last week�s election. His former ally Huseyin Angolemli, leader of the Communal Liberation Party (TKP) and Izzet Izcan, leader of the United Cyprus Party (BKP) also lost their seats.
The CTP now hold 24 seats in the north�s 50-seat �parliament� � a rise of six seats on its pre-election position. "
More:Where to now for the north?
Two years on but 20 years in the past
"Two years on but 20 years in the past
PRESIDENT PAPADOPOULOS swept to power two years ago as the candidate of a three-party coalition and promising to bring �big and substantive change�. The �government of change�, as it called itself, completes two years in power this week, but will have little cause to celebrate. Papadopoulos may have seen off the Annan plan last April, thanks to a partisan and deeply divisive campaign, but he has not had an easy ride since, despite the Republic becoming a full member of the EU.
In fact membership has not been the panacea everyone had been expecting, with the Commission forcing the government to make a series of concessions to the Turkish Cypriots that would have been inconceivable a couple of years ago. There have been ongoing rows with the Commission, the government threatening to take it to European Court over plans for direct trade with the north, but on other issues � individuals entering Cyprus through illegal ports and crossing south � it has been forced to abandon its old positions. "
More:Two years on but 20 years in the past
PRESIDENT PAPADOPOULOS swept to power two years ago as the candidate of a three-party coalition and promising to bring �big and substantive change�. The �government of change�, as it called itself, completes two years in power this week, but will have little cause to celebrate. Papadopoulos may have seen off the Annan plan last April, thanks to a partisan and deeply divisive campaign, but he has not had an easy ride since, despite the Republic becoming a full member of the EU.
In fact membership has not been the panacea everyone had been expecting, with the Commission forcing the government to make a series of concessions to the Turkish Cypriots that would have been inconceivable a couple of years ago. There have been ongoing rows with the Commission, the government threatening to take it to European Court over plans for direct trade with the north, but on other issues � individuals entering Cyprus through illegal ports and crossing south � it has been forced to abandon its old positions. "
More:Two years on but 20 years in the past
'EU Members Should Check Their Approach to Refugee Question'
"'EU Members Should Check Their Approach to Refugee Question'
By Metin Arslan
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
The Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity For Oppressed People (MAZLUMDER) has published a report, which was funded by the European Union, about the refugee problem in Turkey.
Representatives of the EU, United Nations and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey attended the meeting. In his speech, the chairman of Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity For Oppressed People, Ayhan Bilgen said that the refugees fleeing totalitarian politics and economical crises is a common problem throughout the world."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716953)
By Metin Arslan
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
The Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity For Oppressed People (MAZLUMDER) has published a report, which was funded by the European Union, about the refugee problem in Turkey.
Representatives of the EU, United Nations and the Grand National Assembly of Turkey attended the meeting. In his speech, the chairman of Organization of Human Rights and Solidarity For Oppressed People, Ayhan Bilgen said that the refugees fleeing totalitarian politics and economical crises is a common problem throughout the world."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716953)
noticias - IRAQ: Turkish delegation visits Kurdish leader in Iraq
"IRAQ: Turkish delegation visits Kurdish leader in Iraq
ANKARA - A Turkish delegation has expressed fears of Kurdish expansion across the frontier in northern Iraq in discussions with Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, a senior government sources said Friday.
Talabani, who is seeking the Iraqi presidency, received the Turkish delegation led by ambassador Osman Korturk at his headquarters near Sulaymaniyah and discussed 'several issues of common interest,' according to the source, who asked not to be identified. "
More:noticias - IRAQ: Turkish delegation visits Kurdish leader in Iraq
ANKARA - A Turkish delegation has expressed fears of Kurdish expansion across the frontier in northern Iraq in discussions with Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani, a senior government sources said Friday.
Talabani, who is seeking the Iraqi presidency, received the Turkish delegation led by ambassador Osman Korturk at his headquarters near Sulaymaniyah and discussed 'several issues of common interest,' according to the source, who asked not to be identified. "
More:noticias - IRAQ: Turkish delegation visits Kurdish leader in Iraq
Reuters AlertNet - Global anti-smoking pact goes into effect
"Global anti-smoking pact goes into effect
27 Feb 2005 11:17:35 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA, Feb 27 (Reuters) - A global treaty aimed at dissuading children from smoking and helping adults kick the habit came into force on Sunday with the United Nations saying it could save millions of lives.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) applauded the strong warnings on cigarette packages and the eventual ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship laid down in the the world's first international public health treaty.
....Douglas Bettcher, treaty coordinator, was upbeat. "We are happy to report that industry is not winning this game."
Some of the largest tobacco growers -- India, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey -- as well as cigarette producing countries such as Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey are among those which ratified have the treaty, he said."
More:Reuters AlertNet - Global anti-smoking pact goes into effect
27 Feb 2005 11:17:35 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Stephanie Nebehay
GENEVA, Feb 27 (Reuters) - A global treaty aimed at dissuading children from smoking and helping adults kick the habit came into force on Sunday with the United Nations saying it could save millions of lives.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) applauded the strong warnings on cigarette packages and the eventual ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship laid down in the the world's first international public health treaty.
....Douglas Bettcher, treaty coordinator, was upbeat. "We are happy to report that industry is not winning this game."
Some of the largest tobacco growers -- India, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey -- as well as cigarette producing countries such as Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Turkey are among those which ratified have the treaty, he said."
More:Reuters AlertNet - Global anti-smoking pact goes into effect
JTW News - Kretschmer: Turkey's EU Momentum was Lost after December 17
"Kretschmer: Turkey's EU Momentum was Lost after December 17
By Omer Sari, Murat Kaban
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
The European Union (EU) Turkey Representative, Ambassador Hansj�rg Kretschmer has said that there has been a stagnation in Turkey since the December 17 Summit and it was necessary to speed up the reform process."
More:JTW News - Kretschmer: Turkey's EU Momentum was Lost after December 17
By Omer Sari, Murat Kaban
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
The European Union (EU) Turkey Representative, Ambassador Hansj�rg Kretschmer has said that there has been a stagnation in Turkey since the December 17 Summit and it was necessary to speed up the reform process."
More:JTW News - Kretschmer: Turkey's EU Momentum was Lost after December 17
Turkey Accepts a Federal Structure in Iraq
"Turkey Accepts a Federal Structure in Iraq
By Salih Boztas
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey has officially accepted the establishment of a federal structure in Iraq. Officials including Turkey's Special Envoy to Iraq, the General Staff, National Intelligence Branch and representatives Foreign Affairs Ministry have accepted the federalism article, the most important article in the Iraqi Temporary Administrative Law that until today had not officially been accepted. An official statement released today says: 'We respect the decisions of the Iraqis. We will not object if the majority of Iraqis demand federalism.' "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716960)
By Salih Boztas
Published: Sunday 27, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey has officially accepted the establishment of a federal structure in Iraq. Officials including Turkey's Special Envoy to Iraq, the General Staff, National Intelligence Branch and representatives Foreign Affairs Ministry have accepted the federalism article, the most important article in the Iraqi Temporary Administrative Law that until today had not officially been accepted. An official statement released today says: 'We respect the decisions of the Iraqis. We will not object if the majority of Iraqis demand federalism.' "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716960)
The Australian: Turkey's European dream faces reality of North Cyprus [February 28, 2005]
"Turkey's European dream faces reality of North Cyprus
Nicolas Rothwell in Lefkosa, Cyprus
February 28, 2005
THE campaign was tight and fought over grand issues. The election was held in free and fluent fashion, in a country struggling for its future under ambiguous circumstances.
Emotions were intense, the turn-out high. Yet not a single international observer jetted in to watch last week's polls in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.
Image is something of a problem for this tiny sliver of a statelet – a small part of a small island, and recognised as independent only by the country that set it up, Turkey."
More:The Australian: Turkey's European dream faces reality of North Cyprus [February 28, 2005]
Nicolas Rothwell in Lefkosa, Cyprus
February 28, 2005
THE campaign was tight and fought over grand issues. The election was held in free and fluent fashion, in a country struggling for its future under ambiguous circumstances.
Emotions were intense, the turn-out high. Yet not a single international observer jetted in to watch last week's polls in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of North Cyprus.
Image is something of a problem for this tiny sliver of a statelet – a small part of a small island, and recognised as independent only by the country that set it up, Turkey."
More:The Australian: Turkey's European dream faces reality of North Cyprus [February 28, 2005]
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Ankara Complains about Medzamor Power Plant to EU
"Ankara Complains about Medzamor Power Plant to EU
By Foreign News Services
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
The Medzamor Nuclear power plant located 16 kilometers from the Turkish-Armenian border is remarked to pose more of a threat to Turkey.
Watching the developments closely, Ankara has concerns about a possible Chernobyl like disaster at any time. The subject has also been brought to the attention of the European Union (EU). "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716945)
By Foreign News Services
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
The Medzamor Nuclear power plant located 16 kilometers from the Turkish-Armenian border is remarked to pose more of a threat to Turkey.
Watching the developments closely, Ankara has concerns about a possible Chernobyl like disaster at any time. The subject has also been brought to the attention of the European Union (EU). "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022716945)
Ottoman Dynasty 's Private Belongings on Sale
"Ottoman Dynasty 's Private Belongings on Sale
By Ali Ihsan Aydin
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Some of the private belongings that witnessed the final years of the Ottoman dynasty will be sold in Paris. More than 150 pieces belonging to the eldest daughter of the Sultan Abdulhamit II, Ayse Sultan (Osmanoglu), will be sold at an auction on March 8. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022616948)
By Ali Ihsan Aydin
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Some of the private belongings that witnessed the final years of the Ottoman dynasty will be sold in Paris. More than 150 pieces belonging to the eldest daughter of the Sultan Abdulhamit II, Ayse Sultan (Osmanoglu), will be sold at an auction on March 8. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022616948)
FT.com / World / Europe - German Turks mine a rich cultural seam of migrant life
"German Turks mine a rich cultural seam of migrant life
By Bertrand Benoit
Published: February 24 2005 02:00 | Last updated: February 24 2005 02:00
To German television audiences, the young man bent over a newspaper at Sale e Tabbachi, a posh Italian restaurant in Berlin, is Mustafa, the son of a Turkish farmer who left home in 1969 for a backbreaking job in a Cologne coal mine.
In real life, the 26-year-old is Erhan Emre, an actor. The gold rush that drove his real-life parents and thousands of other Anatolian villagers to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s is the backdrop for Zeit der W�nsche (Time of Wishes), atelevision drama aired last month on ARD, Germany's main state-owned channel."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - German Turks mine a rich cultural seam of migrant life
By Bertrand Benoit
Published: February 24 2005 02:00 | Last updated: February 24 2005 02:00
To German television audiences, the young man bent over a newspaper at Sale e Tabbachi, a posh Italian restaurant in Berlin, is Mustafa, the son of a Turkish farmer who left home in 1969 for a backbreaking job in a Cologne coal mine.
In real life, the 26-year-old is Erhan Emre, an actor. The gold rush that drove his real-life parents and thousands of other Anatolian villagers to Germany in the 1960s and 1970s is the backdrop for Zeit der W�nsche (Time of Wishes), atelevision drama aired last month on ARD, Germany's main state-owned channel."
More:FT.com / World / Europe - German Turks mine a rich cultural seam of migrant life
JTW News - The "Turkish Model" for Iraq?
"The 'Turkish Model' for Iraq?
Turkey opens a fresh page on Iraqi policy. A Turkish envoy headed by Osman Koruturk, Turkish Special Representative to Iraq, held a meeting with Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani the previous day in Suleimania, Northern Iraq. The meeting atmosphere was reportedly warm and friendly more than expected. Talabani, one of the strong candidate for Iraqi Presidency, told that he shares the same concerns with Turkey on the future of the country and the region. He maintains that their priority is to establish a secular and democratic system in Iraq. He also specifically emphasised that their role model is secular and democratic Turkey."
More:JTW News - The "Turkish Model" for Iraq?
Turkey opens a fresh page on Iraqi policy. A Turkish envoy headed by Osman Koruturk, Turkish Special Representative to Iraq, held a meeting with Kurdish leader Jalal Talabani the previous day in Suleimania, Northern Iraq. The meeting atmosphere was reportedly warm and friendly more than expected. Talabani, one of the strong candidate for Iraqi Presidency, told that he shares the same concerns with Turkey on the future of the country and the region. He maintains that their priority is to establish a secular and democratic system in Iraq. He also specifically emphasised that their role model is secular and democratic Turkey."
More:JTW News - The "Turkish Model" for Iraq?
Turkish Daily News - Sarkozy's formula: Turkey's EU bid vs. EU integration
"Sarkozy's formula: Turkey's EU bid vs. EU integration
Saturday, February 26, 2005
'As Europe integrates further, the possibility of Turkey joining will decrease.' says French leader Sarkozy
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Nicolas Sarkozy, new leader of the ruling French Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), has speculated that support for the European Constitution would be a facilitator that would decrease Turkey's chances of gaining full European Union membership.
Delivering a public speech earlier this week, Sarkozy, who is lining himself up to be President Jacques Chirac's successor, said Europe should have set borders and that Turkey's integration with the EU was not a good idea, the Anatolia news agency reported."
More:Turkish Daily News - Sarkozy's formula: Turkey's EU bid vs. EU integration
Saturday, February 26, 2005
'As Europe integrates further, the possibility of Turkey joining will decrease.' says French leader Sarkozy
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Nicolas Sarkozy, new leader of the ruling French Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), has speculated that support for the European Constitution would be a facilitator that would decrease Turkey's chances of gaining full European Union membership.
Delivering a public speech earlier this week, Sarkozy, who is lining himself up to be President Jacques Chirac's successor, said Europe should have set borders and that Turkey's integration with the EU was not a good idea, the Anatolia news agency reported."
More:Turkish Daily News - Sarkozy's formula: Turkey's EU bid vs. EU integration
Turkish Daily News - Turkey to accelerate EU preparations in March
"Turkey to accelerate EU preparations in March
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Chief negotiator is expected to be announced in the coming days, and talks with EU on Cyprus protocol will start next month
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
European Union aspirant Turkey plans to speed up its efforts in preparation for upcoming accession talks with the 25-nation bloc, contrary to accusations claiming the process has not progressed since the Dec. 17 meeting.
One issue of central importance for the negotiation preparations is the creation of a team to coordinate the talks. Foreign Minister Abdullah G�l said late Thursday that the team would be formed soon, before a delegation of EU officials visit Ankara early in May."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey to accelerate EU preparations in March
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Chief negotiator is expected to be announced in the coming days, and talks with EU on Cyprus protocol will start next month
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
European Union aspirant Turkey plans to speed up its efforts in preparation for upcoming accession talks with the 25-nation bloc, contrary to accusations claiming the process has not progressed since the Dec. 17 meeting.
One issue of central importance for the negotiation preparations is the creation of a team to coordinate the talks. Foreign Minister Abdullah G�l said late Thursday that the team would be formed soon, before a delegation of EU officials visit Ankara early in May."
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey to accelerate EU preparations in March
AzerTAj | VICTIMS OF KHOJALI TRAGEDY COMMEMORATED IN ANKARA
"VICTIMS OF KHOJALI TRAGEDY COMMEMORATED IN ANKARA
[February 26, 2005, 15:56:09]
A ceremony devoted to 13th anniversary of Khojali tragedy was held at the Culture, Language and History institution after Mustafa Kamal Atraturk in Ankara. Renowned Turkish politicians, men of science and culture, members of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Friendship Society, compatriots living here, and students attended the action, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara.
The visitors with a minute of silence have revered memory of the victims massacred in Khojali in 1992. Then, was read out the Address by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion and a documentary demonstrated. "
More:AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC
[February 26, 2005, 15:56:09]
A ceremony devoted to 13th anniversary of Khojali tragedy was held at the Culture, Language and History institution after Mustafa Kamal Atraturk in Ankara. Renowned Turkish politicians, men of science and culture, members of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Friendship Society, compatriots living here, and students attended the action, organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ankara.
The visitors with a minute of silence have revered memory of the victims massacred in Khojali in 1992. Then, was read out the Address by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the people of Azerbaijan on this occasion and a documentary demonstrated. "
More:AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC
Turkey to Involve more Actively in UN Peace Force
"Turkey to Involve more Actively in UN Peace Force
By Foreign News Services
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey, which was selected as the general secretariat of the 57-member the Organization of Islam Conference (OIC) for the first time, is now preparing a thorough advertising campaign in order to become a member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022616933)
By Foreign News Services
Published: Saturday 26, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey, which was selected as the general secretariat of the 57-member the Organization of Islam Conference (OIC) for the first time, is now preparing a thorough advertising campaign in order to become a member of the United Nations (UN) Security Council."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022616933)
Turkey plans Cyprus talks with EU
"Turkey plans Cyprus talks with EU
TURKISH Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was quoted yesterday as saying Ankara would hold talks in early March with the European Union on the thorny issue of signing a protocol extending its customs union to Cyprus.
Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. But Ankara cannot begin its own talks in October to join the EU without first signing the customs union protocol.
“Negotiations on the customs union protocol begin at the start of March. Our friends will head for Brussels in a few days’ time,” the Radikal daily quoted Gul as saying.
EU diplomats say Turkey had been expected to sign the protocol by now and that Ankara was dragging its feet over a pledge it made at last December’s historic summit which set October 3, 2005, as the date for the launch of its accession talks.
The Referans daily said the talks on the protocol could last two months."
Turkey plans Cyprus talks with EU
TURKISH Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was quoted yesterday as saying Ankara would hold talks in early March with the European Union on the thorny issue of signing a protocol extending its customs union to Cyprus.
Turkey does not recognise the Republic of Cyprus. But Ankara cannot begin its own talks in October to join the EU without first signing the customs union protocol.
“Negotiations on the customs union protocol begin at the start of March. Our friends will head for Brussels in a few days’ time,” the Radikal daily quoted Gul as saying.
EU diplomats say Turkey had been expected to sign the protocol by now and that Ankara was dragging its feet over a pledge it made at last December’s historic summit which set October 3, 2005, as the date for the launch of its accession talks.
The Referans daily said the talks on the protocol could last two months."
Turkey plans Cyprus talks with EU
Friday, February 25, 2005
EUROPA - The European Union in 2020 � Still strong or long gone?
"Danuta H�BNER
Member of the European Commission responsible for Regional Policy
The European Union in 2020 � Still strong or long gone?
Seminar at the University of Sussex
Sussex University, 25 February 2005.
.....The other countries in south-eastern Europe will join in the following years. But of course a massive change will occur as the Union grows to absorb Turkey and possibly Ukraine by around 2015. These two countries would add around 125 million citizens to the Union, bringing the total population to around 635 million or 40% more than today.
The power of attraction of the Union to neighbouring states is proving enormous. Only the very rich, Norway and Switzerland, or the very independent, Russia and perhaps the United Kingdom, seem to be able to resist this temptation. Enlargement is indeed the Union’s best developed policy.
But enlargement puts the existing policies of the Union under considerable pressure. Almost all future enlargements will be to countries which are poorer and more agricultural than the EU-25. Yet the two main elements of the expenditure side of the EU budget are the structural funds and the CAP. With unchanged policies the budgetary requirements in an EU of 34, including Turkey and Ukraine, would rise considerably. Yet even today the Member States are having difficulty in accepting the Commission’s relatively modest proposal in the Financial Framework 2007-2013 to raise spending to 1.14% of Gross National Income over that period. Something will have to give. Either the level of spending through the EU budget will have to rise sharply or policies will have to change significantly.
Every enlargement brings changes to foreign policy and a future enlargement to Turkey and Ukraine would bring new countries into the EU’s direct neighbourhood: Georgia, Armenia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This would impact seriously on our foreign policy as we would be drawn in directly to the situation in the Middle East and the Caucasus. There is a difference between classic foreign policy and neighbourhood policy."
More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases
Member of the European Commission responsible for Regional Policy
The European Union in 2020 � Still strong or long gone?
Seminar at the University of Sussex
Sussex University, 25 February 2005.
.....The other countries in south-eastern Europe will join in the following years. But of course a massive change will occur as the Union grows to absorb Turkey and possibly Ukraine by around 2015. These two countries would add around 125 million citizens to the Union, bringing the total population to around 635 million or 40% more than today.
The power of attraction of the Union to neighbouring states is proving enormous. Only the very rich, Norway and Switzerland, or the very independent, Russia and perhaps the United Kingdom, seem to be able to resist this temptation. Enlargement is indeed the Union’s best developed policy.
But enlargement puts the existing policies of the Union under considerable pressure. Almost all future enlargements will be to countries which are poorer and more agricultural than the EU-25. Yet the two main elements of the expenditure side of the EU budget are the structural funds and the CAP. With unchanged policies the budgetary requirements in an EU of 34, including Turkey and Ukraine, would rise considerably. Yet even today the Member States are having difficulty in accepting the Commission’s relatively modest proposal in the Financial Framework 2007-2013 to raise spending to 1.14% of Gross National Income over that period. Something will have to give. Either the level of spending through the EU budget will have to rise sharply or policies will have to change significantly.
Every enlargement brings changes to foreign policy and a future enlargement to Turkey and Ukraine would bring new countries into the EU’s direct neighbourhood: Georgia, Armenia, Syria, Iraq, and Iran. This would impact seriously on our foreign policy as we would be drawn in directly to the situation in the Middle East and the Caucasus. There is a difference between classic foreign policy and neighbourhood policy."
More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases
JTW News - New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange
"New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange
One of Europe's leading international exchange institutions, Euroclear Bank, has included New Turkish Lira (YTL) in its exchange and transfer systems."
More:JTW News - New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange:
One of Europe's leading international exchange institutions, Euroclear Bank, has included New Turkish Lira (YTL) in its exchange and transfer systems."
More:JTW News - New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange:
JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Hail to the Columnist!
"US-Turkish Relations: Hail to the Columnist!
Fehmi Koru
By Fehmi Koru
We all write for a purpose. The purpose of a columnist is to affect the thoughts and actions of the others. If I knew nobody would care enough to react to what I write, I would not go on taking all the trouble. I spend half of my time collecting material for my columns, the other half is spent to put those material to good use. I would not survive as a columnist if I stop getting reaction to my articles.
With this in mind, I had watched the developments surrounding Robert L. Pollock's piece in The Wall Street Journal on Turkey with envy. After a one-day visit to Ankara accompanying Undersecretary of Department of Defense Douglas Feith, he diagnosed our country's sickness. The title of his article 'The Sick Man of Europe --Again' accused us, the Turks, of being mad. Mr. Pollock, the journalist, is nowhere to be seen in that piece; Mr. Pollock the polemicist as an arm of the US government is very much evident. "
More:JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Hail to the Columnist!
Fehmi Koru
By Fehmi Koru
We all write for a purpose. The purpose of a columnist is to affect the thoughts and actions of the others. If I knew nobody would care enough to react to what I write, I would not go on taking all the trouble. I spend half of my time collecting material for my columns, the other half is spent to put those material to good use. I would not survive as a columnist if I stop getting reaction to my articles.
With this in mind, I had watched the developments surrounding Robert L. Pollock's piece in The Wall Street Journal on Turkey with envy. After a one-day visit to Ankara accompanying Undersecretary of Department of Defense Douglas Feith, he diagnosed our country's sickness. The title of his article 'The Sick Man of Europe --Again' accused us, the Turks, of being mad. Mr. Pollock, the journalist, is nowhere to be seen in that piece; Mr. Pollock the polemicist as an arm of the US government is very much evident. "
More:JTW Comment - US-Turkish Relations: Hail to the Columnist!
Turkish bakery adds to perplexing aid efforts in Indonesia's Aceh
"Undeterred by the fact that Acehnese people do not normally eat bread, the bakery has joined one of several unusual and often perplexing contributions to the operation to help survivors of the December 26 disaster.With Scientologists offering therapeutic massage, Norwegian troops leading Chinese T'ai Chi classes and others providing yoga sessions, some of the assistance may seem out of place in Aceh, a conservative Islamic region.
Wiping sweat from his flour-smudged face, Ulqur from Istanbul and his colleagues are adamant that 7,000 loaves handed out daily by the Turkish "Free Bread for Aceh" programme are doing some good. After their rescue and medical treatment, "the second thing they need is this," Turkey liaison officer Feridun Albayrak pointed to his stomach.That may be more important than the others."The bakery opened for business without much fanfare on Monday night, a week after a freighter loaded the eight-foot high oven, mixers, kneaders, trays and water purifiers set sail from a Turkish port.Like the rest of Indonesia, Aceh's survivors are more accustomed to rice or noodles. But the Turks are unperturbed, planning to double their output within two weeks when the rest of the bakers arrive to run the oven 24 hours a day.Turkish bread "is healthy food," Albayrak said.Unlike the other foreign governments and agencies who are here in Aceh province for the short term, "we will be running this bakery for six years," Albayrak said, an operation expected to cost millions of dollars.Turkish bakers, who will rotate out every 45 days, will hire more local staff, eventually training them to take over."
Turkish bakery adds to perplexing aid efforts in Indonesia's Aceh
Wiping sweat from his flour-smudged face, Ulqur from Istanbul and his colleagues are adamant that 7,000 loaves handed out daily by the Turkish "Free Bread for Aceh" programme are doing some good. After their rescue and medical treatment, "the second thing they need is this," Turkey liaison officer Feridun Albayrak pointed to his stomach.That may be more important than the others."The bakery opened for business without much fanfare on Monday night, a week after a freighter loaded the eight-foot high oven, mixers, kneaders, trays and water purifiers set sail from a Turkish port.Like the rest of Indonesia, Aceh's survivors are more accustomed to rice or noodles. But the Turks are unperturbed, planning to double their output within two weeks when the rest of the bakers arrive to run the oven 24 hours a day.Turkish bread "is healthy food," Albayrak said.Unlike the other foreign governments and agencies who are here in Aceh province for the short term, "we will be running this bakery for six years," Albayrak said, an operation expected to cost millions of dollars.Turkish bakers, who will rotate out every 45 days, will hire more local staff, eventually training them to take over."
Turkish bakery adds to perplexing aid efforts in Indonesia's Aceh
European and Pacific Stars & Stripes:Antalya, Turkey, offers friendly people and beautiful landscapes
"Antalya, Turkey, offers friendly people and beautiful landscapes
By Mark White, Stripes Travel reader
Stripes European Travel, Thursday, February 24, 2005
My first notions about Turkey were that it is a faraway land with an exotic culture, food, music and people. But after my second vacation there, I learned it is also a place of friendly people and glorious weather.
And one of the best things about it is that is not far away. It is only 3� hours of flying time from Berlin, where I live. No more long, boring plane rides � it takes six hours of flying time to reach the Canary Islands and eight to get to New York. "
More:European and Pacific Stars & Stripes
By Mark White, Stripes Travel reader
Stripes European Travel, Thursday, February 24, 2005
My first notions about Turkey were that it is a faraway land with an exotic culture, food, music and people. But after my second vacation there, I learned it is also a place of friendly people and glorious weather.
And one of the best things about it is that is not far away. It is only 3� hours of flying time from Berlin, where I live. No more long, boring plane rides � it takes six hours of flying time to reach the Canary Islands and eight to get to New York. "
More:European and Pacific Stars & Stripes
Telegraph | News | Cypriots are reunited over the card table
"Cypriots are reunited over the card table
By Amberin Zaman in Nicosia
(Filed: 26/02/2005)
Aleksis Dimitriades stumbled out of the Saray casino in Nicosia. 'I just lost thousands of pounds,' he said. Mr Dimitriades is among hundreds of Greek Cypriots who cross daily into Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus to gamble in casinos that are officially banned on their side of the island.
Outraged Greek Cypriot authorities accuse them of shoring up the Turkish Cypriots' tottering economy. 'They are seen as traitors,' said a Western diplomat."
More:Telegraph | News | Cypriots are reunited over the card table
By Amberin Zaman in Nicosia
(Filed: 26/02/2005)
Aleksis Dimitriades stumbled out of the Saray casino in Nicosia. 'I just lost thousands of pounds,' he said. Mr Dimitriades is among hundreds of Greek Cypriots who cross daily into Turkish-controlled northern Cyprus to gamble in casinos that are officially banned on their side of the island.
Outraged Greek Cypriot authorities accuse them of shoring up the Turkish Cypriots' tottering economy. 'They are seen as traitors,' said a Western diplomat."
More:Telegraph | News | Cypriots are reunited over the card table
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, meets with the President of Turkey
"Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, meets with the President of Turkey [24 Feb On 24 February 2005, Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, met with the President of Turkey Ahmet Necdet Sezer as part of his visit to Turkey. During the meeting, the officials expressed their satisfaction with the friendly relations between both countries and noted the large potential for cooperation in the future. The President expressed his satisfaction with Latvia's decision to open its embassy in Ankara and mentioned Turkey's plan to open its embassy in Riga in the second half of the current year. The President stressed that the opening of diplomatic missions evidence to the successful cooperation and the wish to deepen cooperation in various fields in the future."
More:Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, meets with the President of Turkey
More:Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia: Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Artis Pabriks, meets with the President of Turkey
Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Novel Exposes U.S.-Turkey Alliance Fears
"Novel Exposes U.S.-Turkey Alliance Fears
Friday February 25, 2005 7:16 PM
By LOUIS MEIXLER
Associated Press Writer
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - In one of Turkey's best-selling thrillers, U.S. troops in northern Iraq open fire on a group of Turkish commandos, setting off a war between the NATO allies.
The book is ``Metal Storm,'' and although pure fiction set in the year 2007, it highlights the deep fears many Turks harbor that the U.S. invasion of Iraq will put the decades-long allies on a collision course. "
More:Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Novel Exposes U.S.-Turkey Alliance Fears
Friday February 25, 2005 7:16 PM
By LOUIS MEIXLER
Associated Press Writer
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - In one of Turkey's best-selling thrillers, U.S. troops in northern Iraq open fire on a group of Turkish commandos, setting off a war between the NATO allies.
The book is ``Metal Storm,'' and although pure fiction set in the year 2007, it highlights the deep fears many Turks harbor that the U.S. invasion of Iraq will put the decades-long allies on a collision course. "
More:Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Novel Exposes U.S.-Turkey Alliance Fears
BBC NEWS | Europe | Santa Claus statue row in Turkey
"Santa Claus statue row in Turkey
Residents of the Turkish province of Antalya have held a rally to denounce the removal of a statue of St Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus.
Local authorities replaced the statue of the saint holding a Bible with a plastic Santa-Claus.
The statue was a donation from Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has sent a complaint to the Turkish president.
St Nicholas lived in the town of Demre - then known as Myra - in Antalya in the 4th Century.
He is believed to have performed miracles to help poor chidren.
People in many Orthodox Christian countries, including pre-Bolshevik thanked St Nicholas for bringing Christmas presents to children. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Santa Claus statue row in Turkey
Residents of the Turkish province of Antalya have held a rally to denounce the removal of a statue of St Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus.
Local authorities replaced the statue of the saint holding a Bible with a plastic Santa-Claus.
The statue was a donation from Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has sent a complaint to the Turkish president.
St Nicholas lived in the town of Demre - then known as Myra - in Antalya in the 4th Century.
He is believed to have performed miracles to help poor chidren.
People in many Orthodox Christian countries, including pre-Bolshevik thanked St Nicholas for bringing Christmas presents to children. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Santa Claus statue row in Turkey
Turkish Daily News - Business world unites under TURKONFED
"Business world unites under TURKONFED
Friday, February 25, 2005
Various sectors gather to speak with one strong voice
Istanbul � Turkish Daily News
Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation (TURKONFED) Chairman Enis �zsaruhan said, speaking at a press conference introducing the newly inaugurated organization, 'We are hoping that this confederation will be a strong force much sought after on the business front, one that will be active in accordance to needs, encompassing all sectors and the entirety of Anatolia, and one that stays clear of political influences.' "
More:Turkish Daily News - Business world unites under T�RKONFED
Friday, February 25, 2005
Various sectors gather to speak with one strong voice
Istanbul � Turkish Daily News
Turkish Enterprise and Business Confederation (TURKONFED) Chairman Enis �zsaruhan said, speaking at a press conference introducing the newly inaugurated organization, 'We are hoping that this confederation will be a strong force much sought after on the business front, one that will be active in accordance to needs, encompassing all sectors and the entirety of Anatolia, and one that stays clear of political influences.' "
More:Turkish Daily News - Business world unites under T�RKONFED
Minister slams deputy over Turkish reinforcements
"Minister slams deputy over Turkish reinforcements
DEFENCE Minister Koullis Mavronikolas yesterday censured an opposition deputy who suggested that reports about the reinforcement of the Turkish occupying forces were being leaked by the government in an attempt to create impressions.
DISY deputy Costas Constantinou suggested that the occupying forces were merely replacing their armaments and that the matter was leaked by the government in an attempt to make political gains.
Speaking before the House Defence Committee yesterday, Constantinou said he was expressing his personal opinion based on information he had that the Turkish army was rotating its units.
In an effort to turn the tables, Constantinou accused the government of not doing enough to reinforce the National Guard."
More:Minister slams deputy over Turkish reinforcements
DEFENCE Minister Koullis Mavronikolas yesterday censured an opposition deputy who suggested that reports about the reinforcement of the Turkish occupying forces were being leaked by the government in an attempt to create impressions.
DISY deputy Costas Constantinou suggested that the occupying forces were merely replacing their armaments and that the matter was leaked by the government in an attempt to make political gains.
Speaking before the House Defence Committee yesterday, Constantinou said he was expressing his personal opinion based on information he had that the Turkish army was rotating its units.
In an effort to turn the tables, Constantinou accused the government of not doing enough to reinforce the National Guard."
More:Minister slams deputy over Turkish reinforcements
Turkish Daily News - New university to change mentality, end brain drain
"New university to change mentality, end brain drain
Friday, February 25, 2005
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the establishment of TOBB�s University of Economy and Technology constitutes an important step in changing the mentality that the state alone should find solutions for Turkey�s problems. TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu stresses that the university will turn the brain-drain problem in Turkey�s favor "
More:Turkish Daily News - New university to change mentality, end brain drain
Friday, February 25, 2005
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan says the establishment of TOBB�s University of Economy and Technology constitutes an important step in changing the mentality that the state alone should find solutions for Turkey�s problems. TOBB President Rifat Hisarciklioglu stresses that the university will turn the brain-drain problem in Turkey�s favor "
More:Turkish Daily News - New university to change mentality, end brain drain
Turkish Daily News - An open letter to Robert L. Pollock
"An open letter to Robert L. Pollock
Friday, February 25, 2005
Opinion by David Judson
DAVID JUDSON
Dear Robert,
First, my apologies for a somewhat late response to your piece of last week, �Islamism and leftism add up to anti-American madness in Turkey.� I was out of town last week, busy with a set of seminars in Trabzon, Ordu and Samsun that we are conducting as Turkey's national business newspaper. Back in Istanbul today, I had the chance to read not only your original piece but also the question-and-answer you conducted with our reporter, Mustafa Akyol. Thank you for setting aside time for Mustafa. I also read the lengthy series of reactions to your piece posted on The Wall Street Journal's Web site. "
More:Turkish Daily News - An open letter to Robert L. Pollock
Friday, February 25, 2005
Opinion by David Judson
DAVID JUDSON
Dear Robert,
First, my apologies for a somewhat late response to your piece of last week, �Islamism and leftism add up to anti-American madness in Turkey.� I was out of town last week, busy with a set of seminars in Trabzon, Ordu and Samsun that we are conducting as Turkey's national business newspaper. Back in Istanbul today, I had the chance to read not only your original piece but also the question-and-answer you conducted with our reporter, Mustafa Akyol. Thank you for setting aside time for Mustafa. I also read the lengthy series of reactions to your piece posted on The Wall Street Journal's Web site. "
More:Turkish Daily News - An open letter to Robert L. Pollock
Turkish Daily News - Ayse Ozgun: Orhan Pamuk vs. Michael Moore
"Ayse Ozgun: Orhan Pamuk vs. Michael Moore
Friday, February 25, 2005
Author Orhan Pamuk never escapes the spotlight, thanks to his controversial and off-the-wall comments. One of his latest remarks came in response to a question from a foreign reporter. 'I feel I'm being interviewed by a Turkish journalist,' he said. What did Pamuk mean by this comment? He probably meant that Turkish journalists always ask stupid questions and therefore he mistook the foreign reporter for a Turk when he asked a question as stupid as those asked by Turkish reporters. Nice! "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ayse �zg�n: Orhan Pamuk vs. Michael Moore
Friday, February 25, 2005
Author Orhan Pamuk never escapes the spotlight, thanks to his controversial and off-the-wall comments. One of his latest remarks came in response to a question from a foreign reporter. 'I feel I'm being interviewed by a Turkish journalist,' he said. What did Pamuk mean by this comment? He probably meant that Turkish journalists always ask stupid questions and therefore he mistook the foreign reporter for a Turk when he asked a question as stupid as those asked by Turkish reporters. Nice! "
More:Turkish Daily News - Ayse �zg�n: Orhan Pamuk vs. Michael Moore
Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: US: Can you hear what you are saying?
"Mehmet Ali Birand: US: Can you hear what you are saying?
Friday, February 25, 2005
While it was not discussed separately at the Brussels summit, anti-Americanism across allied countries was one of the most talked-about issues.
Americans are aware international public opinion is against them. They know the number of NATO allies in Europe that are against them is constantly increasing. However, they don't care about it that much. They just express their displeasure about it and leave it at that. They don't get as aggressive as they did when they faced down Turkish anti-Americanism. They don't express their anger at their other allies that openly. So why was Washington's reaction to Turkish anti-Americanism so harsh? "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: US: Can you hear what you are saying?
Friday, February 25, 2005
While it was not discussed separately at the Brussels summit, anti-Americanism across allied countries was one of the most talked-about issues.
Americans are aware international public opinion is against them. They know the number of NATO allies in Europe that are against them is constantly increasing. However, they don't care about it that much. They just express their displeasure about it and leave it at that. They don't get as aggressive as they did when they faced down Turkish anti-Americanism. They don't express their anger at their other allies that openly. So why was Washington's reaction to Turkish anti-Americanism so harsh? "
More:Turkish Daily News - Mehmet Ali Birand: US: Can you hear what you are saying?
Turkish Daily News - Armenian genocide allegations spark fury in Strasbourg meetings
"Armenian genocide allegations spark fury in Strasbourg meetings
Friday, February 25, 2005
CDU leader Merkel is to introduce a proposal to the German parliament for Turkey's recognition of so-called Armenian genocide
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The so-called Armenian genocide overshadowed the 53rd meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary Commission in Strasbourg as French right-wing deputy Jacques Toubon sparked harsh reactions from Turkish deputies when he displayed Turkey's recognition of the so-called genocide as a condition for its membership to the European Union. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Armenian genocide allegations spark fury in Strasbourg meetings
Friday, February 25, 2005
CDU leader Merkel is to introduce a proposal to the German parliament for Turkey's recognition of so-called Armenian genocide
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
The so-called Armenian genocide overshadowed the 53rd meeting of the Turkey-European Union Joint Parliamentary Commission in Strasbourg as French right-wing deputy Jacques Toubon sparked harsh reactions from Turkish deputies when he displayed Turkey's recognition of the so-called genocide as a condition for its membership to the European Union. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Armenian genocide allegations spark fury in Strasbourg meetings
Turkish Daily News - Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk
"Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk
Friday, February 25, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Kurdish governor of Kirkuk has issued a circular declaring Kurdish the official language in the disputed oil-rich city in northern Iraq, said a news report yesterday.
Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa's order came as Osman Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq, was visiting northern Iraq for talks with Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)."
More:Turkish Daily News - Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk
Friday, February 25, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Kurdish governor of Kirkuk has issued a circular declaring Kurdish the official language in the disputed oil-rich city in northern Iraq, said a news report yesterday.
Kirkuk Governor Abdurrahman Mustafa's order came as Osman Korut�rk, Turkey's special envoy to Iraq, was visiting northern Iraq for talks with Jalal Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)."
More:Turkish Daily News - Kurdish declared official language of Kirkuk
Turkish Daily News - Pollock: A friend of Turkey
"Pollock: A friend of Turkey
Friday, February 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Robert Pollock, the author of an editorial in last week's Wall Street Journal that led to controversy and heated debate due to its blunt description of a �poisonous atmosphere' that is disintegrating U.S.-Turkish relations, said he had gone beyond his original intentions."
More:Turkish Daily News - Pollock: A friend of Turkey
Friday, February 25, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Robert Pollock, the author of an editorial in last week's Wall Street Journal that led to controversy and heated debate due to its blunt description of a �poisonous atmosphere' that is disintegrating U.S.-Turkish relations, said he had gone beyond his original intentions."
More:Turkish Daily News - Pollock: A friend of Turkey
'No Confirmation of Turkish Arms Transfer to N. Cyprus'
"'No Confirmation of Turkish Arms Transfer to N. Cyprus'
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
The US Department of State says it has no knowledge of reports that Turkey is transferring arms purchased from the US to northern Cyprus.
At a daily press conference at the State Department, reporters asked if the US was aware of the latest arms transfer from Turkey to Cyprus, which violates the terms of their agreement. The State Department issued a written statement in response that there is no information to confirm this claim. It was stated that the US has been opposing armament of the island and supports a solution based on the Annan plan that will bring the Cyprus issue, and its security problems, to a conclusion. "
ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516889)
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
The US Department of State says it has no knowledge of reports that Turkey is transferring arms purchased from the US to northern Cyprus.
At a daily press conference at the State Department, reporters asked if the US was aware of the latest arms transfer from Turkey to Cyprus, which violates the terms of their agreement. The State Department issued a written statement in response that there is no information to confirm this claim. It was stated that the US has been opposing armament of the island and supports a solution based on the Annan plan that will bring the Cyprus issue, and its security problems, to a conclusion. "
ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516889)
caf� babel, European current affairs magazine : comment and analysis from Europe
"Democracy and Islam are two of a kind
In an interview with caf� babel, MEP Cem Ozdemir suggests that Turkey�s accession to the EU will help Turkish immigrants overcome problems they have faced integrating into current member states
Cem Ozdemir, a German of Turkish origin and member of the European Green Party, is fighting for Ankara�s integration into the European Union in the near future. Not all Turks, however, are in favour of the proposal, with Turkish organisations in Germany criticising the changes that Turkey is currently making. "
More:caf� babel, European current affairs magazine : comment and analysis from Europe
In an interview with caf� babel, MEP Cem Ozdemir suggests that Turkey�s accession to the EU will help Turkish immigrants overcome problems they have faced integrating into current member states
Cem Ozdemir, a German of Turkish origin and member of the European Green Party, is fighting for Ankara�s integration into the European Union in the near future. Not all Turks, however, are in favour of the proposal, with Turkish organisations in Germany criticising the changes that Turkey is currently making. "
More:caf� babel, European current affairs magazine : comment and analysis from Europe
'Turkey must Accept Sevres and Genocide'
"'Turkey must Accept Sevres and Genocide'
By Cihan News Agency, Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
French diplomat Jacques Toubon has told the Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission that Turkey should accept the Armenian Genocide and the Treaty of Sevres."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516901)
By Cihan News Agency, Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
French diplomat Jacques Toubon has told the Turkey-European Union (EU) Joint Parliamentary Commission that Turkey should accept the Armenian Genocide and the Treaty of Sevres."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516901)
Turkish-American Partnership for Eurasia
"Turkish-American Partnership for Eurasia
By Foreign News Services
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey and the US have made an agreement to form a permanent 'consulting forum' on Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia in the frame of dual 'strategic partnership'."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516904)
By Foreign News Services
Published: Friday 25, 2005
zaman.com
Turkey and the US have made an agreement to form a permanent 'consulting forum' on Russia, Caucasus and Central Asia in the frame of dual 'strategic partnership'."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022516904)
EUbusiness - Kurdish ex-lawmakers plead innocent in Turkey retrial
"Kurdish ex-lawmakers plead innocent in Turkey retrialDocument Actions 25/02/2005
Four Kurdish former lawmakers, including award-winning human rights activist Leyla Zana, pleaded innocent and asked for a fair hearing Friday in a high-profile retrial for alleged links with armed Kurdish rebels. 'I reject the accusations,' Zana told the court in Ankara in her first defence argument in the trial. 'The trial should be fair and in line with the decision of the (Turkish) appeals court and the European Court of Human Rights.' Her colleagues and co-defendants -- Hatip Dicle, Selim Sadak and Orhan Dogan -- also pleaded not guilty. The court set the next hearing for April 22 after the defence team asked for more time to present their view on how the retrial should be conducted in light of recent legal amendments aimed at drawing Turkey closer to the European Union. "
More:EUbusiness - Kurdish ex-lawmakers plead innocent in Turkey retrial
Four Kurdish former lawmakers, including award-winning human rights activist Leyla Zana, pleaded innocent and asked for a fair hearing Friday in a high-profile retrial for alleged links with armed Kurdish rebels. 'I reject the accusations,' Zana told the court in Ankara in her first defence argument in the trial. 'The trial should be fair and in line with the decision of the (Turkish) appeals court and the European Court of Human Rights.' Her colleagues and co-defendants -- Hatip Dicle, Selim Sadak and Orhan Dogan -- also pleaded not guilty. The court set the next hearing for April 22 after the defence team asked for more time to present their view on how the retrial should be conducted in light of recent legal amendments aimed at drawing Turkey closer to the European Union. "
More:EUbusiness - Kurdish ex-lawmakers plead innocent in Turkey retrial
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Post Editorial:Why does debt-ridden Turkey want to join EU?
"Why does debt-ridden Turkey want to join EU?
DR. A.H. JAFFOR ULLAH
I wrote an article in the past entitled 'Turkey's bid to join EU greeted with a cold embrace by many member nations.' In my article, I quoted National Public Radio (NPR)'s Marketplace news program on Turkey's bid to join the EU. The correspondent from London had mentioned that the GDP of Turkey is about one-tenth that of the average GDP of Euro-15 (fifteen nations included in the EU). My critics have pointed out that I erred a big time and the real GDP of Turkey is about one-third that of the EU nations. Dr. Habib Siddiqui also wrote a rejoinder in the NFB Readers' Opinion column pointing out that the GDP comparison that I made was wrong and it should be one-third that of the EU nations. His source of information is CIA World book or something like that. I started pondering why is it that the NPR correspondent who makes a living as a financial reporter would make such a blunder. Therefore, I started probing the nominal GDP figure of Turkey in the databank provided by various credible sources such as World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc. And I am glad that I did it. There is no one GDP number that economists will agree. The GDP figure depends on who collects and interprets the data. I have to say this much that most economists will agree that World Bank's data are as good as they come. "
More:Post Editorial
DR. A.H. JAFFOR ULLAH
I wrote an article in the past entitled 'Turkey's bid to join EU greeted with a cold embrace by many member nations.' In my article, I quoted National Public Radio (NPR)'s Marketplace news program on Turkey's bid to join the EU. The correspondent from London had mentioned that the GDP of Turkey is about one-tenth that of the average GDP of Euro-15 (fifteen nations included in the EU). My critics have pointed out that I erred a big time and the real GDP of Turkey is about one-third that of the EU nations. Dr. Habib Siddiqui also wrote a rejoinder in the NFB Readers' Opinion column pointing out that the GDP comparison that I made was wrong and it should be one-third that of the EU nations. His source of information is CIA World book or something like that. I started pondering why is it that the NPR correspondent who makes a living as a financial reporter would make such a blunder. Therefore, I started probing the nominal GDP figure of Turkey in the databank provided by various credible sources such as World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), etc. And I am glad that I did it. There is no one GDP number that economists will agree. The GDP figure depends on who collects and interprets the data. I have to say this much that most economists will agree that World Bank's data are as good as they come. "
More:Post Editorial
balkanalysis.com - Behind the Turkish Boycott in Macedonia: Interview with Kenan Hasipi
"Macedonia: Behind the Turkish Boycott in Macedonia: Interview with Kenan Hasipi
Posted on Thursday, February 24 @ 15:00:00 EST by CDeliso
Kenan Hasipi, the 50 year-old leader of the Turkish Democratic Party (TDP), has been making waves recently with his party�s decision to boycott the upcoming local elections in the municipality of Vrapciste, which is slated to be combined with a neighboring Albanian one (Negotino). We spoke with him Wednesday in a special interview that covered everything from why the TDP will boycott and the precedents on which their fears are based, to Hasipi�s political prognoses for Turkish candidates in other municipalities as well as his thoughts on the future of Macedonia�s Turkish population. "
More:balkanalysis.com - Behind the Turkish Boycott in Macedonia: Interview with Kenan Hasipi
Posted on Thursday, February 24 @ 15:00:00 EST by CDeliso
Kenan Hasipi, the 50 year-old leader of the Turkish Democratic Party (TDP), has been making waves recently with his party�s decision to boycott the upcoming local elections in the municipality of Vrapciste, which is slated to be combined with a neighboring Albanian one (Negotino). We spoke with him Wednesday in a special interview that covered everything from why the TDP will boycott and the precedents on which their fears are based, to Hasipi�s political prognoses for Turkish candidates in other municipalities as well as his thoughts on the future of Macedonia�s Turkish population. "
More:balkanalysis.com - Behind the Turkish Boycott in Macedonia: Interview with Kenan Hasipi
How Can We Improve Relations?
"How Can We Improve Relations?
BYEGM: 2/24/2005
BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- ’There’s no tension between Turkey and the US on the level of our leaders,’ said Egemen Bagis, a foreign policy advisor to the prime minister, during yesterday’s banquet organized by the Turkish-American Business Councils. ‘As this week’s meeting between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush in Brussels showed, these leaders have a sincere dialogue. Recent communication problems shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. While solving the current sensitive problems, we all should look ahead in light of the strategic importance of our relations.’ He signalled that there is no crisis or tension in Turkish-US relations on the governmental level and that both sides were determined to continue their dialogue and relations. During yesterday’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, Erdogan’s remarks echoed those of Bagis."
More:How Can We Improve Relations?
BYEGM: 2/24/2005
BY SAMI KOHEN
MILLIYET- ’There’s no tension between Turkey and the US on the level of our leaders,’ said Egemen Bagis, a foreign policy advisor to the prime minister, during yesterday’s banquet organized by the Turkish-American Business Councils. ‘As this week’s meeting between Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President George W. Bush in Brussels showed, these leaders have a sincere dialogue. Recent communication problems shouldn’t be blown out of proportion. While solving the current sensitive problems, we all should look ahead in light of the strategic importance of our relations.’ He signalled that there is no crisis or tension in Turkish-US relations on the governmental level and that both sides were determined to continue their dialogue and relations. During yesterday’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) parliamentary group meeting in Ankara, Erdogan’s remarks echoed those of Bagis."
More:How Can We Improve Relations?
Europe's rising class of believers: Muslims | csmonitor.com
"Europe's rising class of believers: Muslims
By Peter Ford | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
...Being religious at all, however, is unusual in European life. Though Muslims make up only 3 percent of the British population, more people attend Friday prayers than go to Sunday church, a recent survey found.
That scares many Europeans who fear that Europe could soon lose its Christian identity. The prospect of Turkey joining the European Union (EU) in 10 years' time, which would add an expected 83 million Muslims, deepens their fear.
"Europe is becoming Islamicized," warned Fritz Bolkestein a few weeks before he left his job as the EU's competition commissioner last December, noting that the two biggest cities in his native Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, will be minority European within a few years."
More:Europe's rising class of believers: Muslims | csmonitor.com
By Peter Ford | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
...Being religious at all, however, is unusual in European life. Though Muslims make up only 3 percent of the British population, more people attend Friday prayers than go to Sunday church, a recent survey found.
That scares many Europeans who fear that Europe could soon lose its Christian identity. The prospect of Turkey joining the European Union (EU) in 10 years' time, which would add an expected 83 million Muslims, deepens their fear.
"Europe is becoming Islamicized," warned Fritz Bolkestein a few weeks before he left his job as the EU's competition commissioner last December, noting that the two biggest cities in his native Netherlands, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, will be minority European within a few years."
More:Europe's rising class of believers: Muslims | csmonitor.com
Turkish Prime Minister's Lawsuits Draw Cartoonists' Ire
"Turkish Prime Minister's Lawsuits Draw Cartoonists' Ire
Some fear an erosion of free speech after two artists are fined for satirical drawings.
By Amberin Zaman, Special to The Times
ANKARA, Turkey � This nation's best-known political cartoonists gathered in Istanbul on Wednesday to protest legal action taken by the prime minister against artists who criticized him through their work.
Members of the Turkish Cartoonists Assn. accuse Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to stifle free expression even as Turkey is preparing to launch talks to win membership in the European Union."
More:Turkish Prime Minister's Lawsuits Draw Cartoonists' Ire
Some fear an erosion of free speech after two artists are fined for satirical drawings.
By Amberin Zaman, Special to The Times
ANKARA, Turkey � This nation's best-known political cartoonists gathered in Istanbul on Wednesday to protest legal action taken by the prime minister against artists who criticized him through their work.
Members of the Turkish Cartoonists Assn. accuse Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of trying to stifle free expression even as Turkey is preparing to launch talks to win membership in the European Union."
More:Turkish Prime Minister's Lawsuits Draw Cartoonists' Ire
New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange
"New Turkish Currency Enters European Exchange
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Thursday 24, 2005
zaman.com
One of Europe's leading international exchange institutions, Euroclear Bank, has included New Turkish Lira (YTL) in its exchange and transfer systems.
Euroclear Bank provides services for exchange of securities, stocks and bonds by participant members, keeping exchange bonds, lending and borrowing stocks, and transfer between main currency units."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022416877)
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Thursday 24, 2005
zaman.com
One of Europe's leading international exchange institutions, Euroclear Bank, has included New Turkish Lira (YTL) in its exchange and transfer systems.
Euroclear Bank provides services for exchange of securities, stocks and bonds by participant members, keeping exchange bonds, lending and borrowing stocks, and transfer between main currency units."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022416877)
EUbusiness - Critics fear Turkey's Eurodrive may be idling
"Critics fear Turkey's Eurodrive may be idlingDocument Actions 24/02/2005
EU-member diplomats and the opposition in Ankara say they fear the Turkish government may have lost some of its drive after the relief of obtaining a date -- October 3 -- for the start of membership talks with the European Union. Despite his roots in Islamic fundamentalist politics, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said since coming to power in 2002 that EU membership was a top priority of his government, and he made good on his promise by wrangling a starting date for accession talks at the EU summit on December 17. Erdogan and his ministers were obviously relieved by their success at clearing a major hurdle on the way to bringing Turkey, an overwhelmingly Muslim but secular country of 71 million, into the European bloc. "
More:EUbusiness - Critics fear Turkey's Eurodrive may be idling
EU-member diplomats and the opposition in Ankara say they fear the Turkish government may have lost some of its drive after the relief of obtaining a date -- October 3 -- for the start of membership talks with the European Union. Despite his roots in Islamic fundamentalist politics, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said since coming to power in 2002 that EU membership was a top priority of his government, and he made good on his promise by wrangling a starting date for accession talks at the EU summit on December 17. Erdogan and his ministers were obviously relieved by their success at clearing a major hurdle on the way to bringing Turkey, an overwhelmingly Muslim but secular country of 71 million, into the European bloc. "
More:EUbusiness - Critics fear Turkey's Eurodrive may be idling
BakuTODAY.net:Turkish television releases documentary on Khojaly
"Turkish television releases documentary on Khojaly
The Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) group of companies has released a documentary on the Khojaly massacre. The film will be broadcasted on Thursday, the TRT representative in Baku Abdulhamid Avsar told a news conference on Wednesday.
The documentary based on archive materials describes the atrocities committed against Azerbaijanis by Armenian aggressors in the Khojaly District on February 26, 1992, said Avsar. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
The Turkish Radio and Television (TRT) group of companies has released a documentary on the Khojaly massacre. The film will be broadcasted on Thursday, the TRT representative in Baku Abdulhamid Avsar told a news conference on Wednesday.
The documentary based on archive materials describes the atrocities committed against Azerbaijanis by Armenian aggressors in the Khojaly District on February 26, 1992, said Avsar. "
More:BakuTODAY.net
JTW Comment - Black Spots On Azerbaijan's History: Khojaly Genocide
"Black Spots On Azerbaijan's History: Khojaly Genocide
Adil Baguirov
By Adil Baguirov
The nation challenging the tide of past decades of tragedies and setbacks. In one night, according to the official account, 613 people were brutally killed, out of which over to 250 were women, children, and elder.
Khojaly tragedy was continuation in the string of massacres and slaughters against the Azerbaijani people perpetrated over the centuries, especially accelerating in the bloodiest of all, the 20th.
Over the years of aggression and occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Armenia became somewhat comfortable and even started to extend the 'olive branch', hoping that Azerbaijan will forget and forgive the past, and move on - like many times in the past. "
More:JTW Comment - Black Spots On Azerbaijan's History: Khojaly Genocide
Adil Baguirov
By Adil Baguirov
The nation challenging the tide of past decades of tragedies and setbacks. In one night, according to the official account, 613 people were brutally killed, out of which over to 250 were women, children, and elder.
Khojaly tragedy was continuation in the string of massacres and slaughters against the Azerbaijani people perpetrated over the centuries, especially accelerating in the bloodiest of all, the 20th.
Over the years of aggression and occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Armenia became somewhat comfortable and even started to extend the 'olive branch', hoping that Azerbaijan will forget and forgive the past, and move on - like many times in the past. "
More:JTW Comment - Black Spots On Azerbaijan's History: Khojaly Genocide
Turkish Daily News - Business and labor join hands for EU
"Business and labor join hands for EU
Thursday, February 24, 2005
The social wing of the Economic and Social Council yesterday urged the government to urgently take the necessary steps to complete the preparations for EU negotiation process
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB), Turkish Tradesmen's and Artisans' Confederation (TESK), Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB) and labor and employers' unions, which met in Ankara yesterday, called upon the government to take urgent steps in order to complete preparations for the European Union negotiation process, taking into consideration the related social aspects."
More:Turkish Daily News - Business and labor join hands for EU
Thursday, February 24, 2005
The social wing of the Economic and Social Council yesterday urged the government to urgently take the necessary steps to complete the preparations for EU negotiation process
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB), Turkish Tradesmen's and Artisans' Confederation (TESK), Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB) and labor and employers' unions, which met in Ankara yesterday, called upon the government to take urgent steps in order to complete preparations for the European Union negotiation process, taking into consideration the related social aspects."
More:Turkish Daily News - Business and labor join hands for EU
Turkish Daily News - Erdogan denies respite in EU talks preparations
"Erdogan denies respite in EU talks preparations
Thursday, February 24, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday dismissed criticism from the opposition that his government was acting slowly in preparation for upcoming accession talks with the European Union.
�The EU (accession process) is one of the issues that are on the government's agenda all the time,� Erdogan told a meeting of his Justice and Development Party (AKP). �Turkey's EU membership is not a mere issue of foreign policy for us.�"
More:Turkish Daily News - Erdogan denies respite in EU talks preparations
Thursday, February 24, 2005
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday dismissed criticism from the opposition that his government was acting slowly in preparation for upcoming accession talks with the European Union.
�The EU (accession process) is one of the issues that are on the government's agenda all the time,� Erdogan told a meeting of his Justice and Development Party (AKP). �Turkey's EU membership is not a mere issue of foreign policy for us.�"
More:Turkish Daily News - Erdogan denies respite in EU talks preparations
Turkish Daily News - Turkish lira hits 3-year high
"Turkish lira hits 3-year high
Thursday, February 24, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News with Reuters
The Turkish lira rose to a three-year high against the dollar on Tuesday while the shares fell on further profit-taking after last week's IMF criticism of the government's plans to broaden investment incentives.
The lira closed at 1.2965 on the interbank market, after touching a mid-day trading peak at 1.2950, the highest since April 2002. Official exchange rates show the lira has appreciated 3.37 percent against the dollar since Jan. 1. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish lira hits 3-year high
Thursday, February 24, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News with Reuters
The Turkish lira rose to a three-year high against the dollar on Tuesday while the shares fell on further profit-taking after last week's IMF criticism of the government's plans to broaden investment incentives.
The lira closed at 1.2965 on the interbank market, after touching a mid-day trading peak at 1.2950, the highest since April 2002. Official exchange rates show the lira has appreciated 3.37 percent against the dollar since Jan. 1. "
More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish lira hits 3-year high
TURKISH VETO IN EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS
"TURKISH VETO IN EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS
Larnaca, 24 February 2005 (14:05 UTC+2)
Cypriot Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos stated upon his arrival at Larnaca International Airport from Brussels that Cyprus has not requested and not received any information when asked to comment on the meeting of the Prime Ministers of Britain and Turkey.
Mr. Papadopoulos stated that Turkey exercises its veto power in a total of 8 organizations blocking Cyprus' participation while he confirmed that armaments from Turkey have entered the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus in the past few days in spite of the fact that Mehmet Ali Talat denies that."
TURKISH VETO IN EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS
Larnaca, 24 February 2005 (14:05 UTC+2)
Cypriot Republic President Tassos Papadopoulos stated upon his arrival at Larnaca International Airport from Brussels that Cyprus has not requested and not received any information when asked to comment on the meeting of the Prime Ministers of Britain and Turkey.
Mr. Papadopoulos stated that Turkey exercises its veto power in a total of 8 organizations blocking Cyprus' participation while he confirmed that armaments from Turkey have entered the Turkish occupied northern part of Cyprus in the past few days in spite of the fact that Mehmet Ali Talat denies that."
TURKISH VETO IN EIGHT ORGANIZATIONS
ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022416866)
"Papadapulous Complains About 'Settlements'
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Thursday 24, 2005
zaman.com
In his first meeting with European Union (EU) Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopulous complained about Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022416866)
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Thursday 24, 2005
zaman.com
In his first meeting with European Union (EU) Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn, Greek Cypriot leader Tasos Papadopulous complained about Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)."
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022416866)
JTW News - Armenians and Turks Speaking the Language of Love
"Armenians and Turks Speaking the Language of Love
View: Nevval Sevindi
'He looks at the tree - does not see the tree - sees himself
Looks at the road - does not see the road - sees himself
Looks up - there are stars in the sky
And looks at the mirror - does not see himself
Says hi'
Armenian poet Zahrad, whose real name was Zareh, proves in his poem that not seeing anyone else except ourselves prevents us from seeing others.
I got acquainted with a young man sitting next to me while I was going to the United States. His family was sitting on the other three seats just next to him. After he spoke a few words, he said that he was an Istanbul Armenian and the conversation deepened: 'I used to hate Turks while living in Turkey. My family sent me to a university in the U.S., as they did not want me to get involved in the events. This is because I used to begin talking by saying, 'I am an Armenian,' and I used to take offense at everything and suspect everything.' "
More:JTW News - Armenians and Turks Speaking the Language of Love
View: Nevval Sevindi
'He looks at the tree - does not see the tree - sees himself
Looks at the road - does not see the road - sees himself
Looks up - there are stars in the sky
And looks at the mirror - does not see himself
Says hi'
Armenian poet Zahrad, whose real name was Zareh, proves in his poem that not seeing anyone else except ourselves prevents us from seeing others.
I got acquainted with a young man sitting next to me while I was going to the United States. His family was sitting on the other three seats just next to him. After he spoke a few words, he said that he was an Istanbul Armenian and the conversation deepened: 'I used to hate Turks while living in Turkey. My family sent me to a university in the U.S., as they did not want me to get involved in the events. This is because I used to begin talking by saying, 'I am an Armenian,' and I used to take offense at everything and suspect everything.' "
More:JTW News - Armenians and Turks Speaking the Language of Love
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Credit Management & Debt Collection Business Industry News
"Country Risk Report - Turkey
Feb 23 2005
Kindly contributed by Coface - http://www.cofacerating.com
The information is given without guarantee and does not bind Coface in any way.
The Country @rating for Turkish companies is currently B and was positive watchlisted in January this year. Robust economic conditions, the quality of company payment behaviour, and the confidence of market operators have all contributed to justifying the positive watchlisting. The current euphoria surrounding Turkey should nonetheless not lead to disregard for financial risks. The investment and export boom has caused the current account deficit to widen while the Turkish lira has been appreciating. Foreign exchange risk has thus been high with companies � unable to obtain credits from domestic banks to finance their expansion � increasingly assuming foreign currency debt. A soft landing for the economy in 2005 will be desirable and everything now seems to argue in favour of such a scenario."
More:Credit Management & Debt Collection Business Industry News
Feb 23 2005
Kindly contributed by Coface - http://www.cofacerating.com
The information is given without guarantee and does not bind Coface in any way.
The Country @rating for Turkish companies is currently B and was positive watchlisted in January this year. Robust economic conditions, the quality of company payment behaviour, and the confidence of market operators have all contributed to justifying the positive watchlisting. The current euphoria surrounding Turkey should nonetheless not lead to disregard for financial risks. The investment and export boom has caused the current account deficit to widen while the Turkish lira has been appreciating. Foreign exchange risk has thus been high with companies � unable to obtain credits from domestic banks to finance their expansion � increasingly assuming foreign currency debt. A soft landing for the economy in 2005 will be desirable and everything now seems to argue in favour of such a scenario."
More:Credit Management & Debt Collection Business Industry News
Anti-Bush feelings, not anti-Americanism in Turkey
"Anti-Bush feelings, not anti-Americanism in Turkey
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
By Fatih Altayli
Hurriyet- ``The United States is uneasy about `anti-American` feelings in Turkey. And they do not hide this. It makes U.S. columnists write `custom-made` articles and threatens Turkey. However the United States is vigilant enough not to voice these arguments through U.S. President Bush or Secretary of State Rice`s mouth`` writes ``Hurriyet`` columnist Fatih Altayli.
The editorial follows: ``According to surveys, more than 80 percent of Turkish people is against the policies of the United States. "
More:Anti-Bush feelings, not anti-Americanism in Turkey
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
By Fatih Altayli
Hurriyet- ``The United States is uneasy about `anti-American` feelings in Turkey. And they do not hide this. It makes U.S. columnists write `custom-made` articles and threatens Turkey. However the United States is vigilant enough not to voice these arguments through U.S. President Bush or Secretary of State Rice`s mouth`` writes ``Hurriyet`` columnist Fatih Altayli.
The editorial follows: ``According to surveys, more than 80 percent of Turkish people is against the policies of the United States. "
More:Anti-Bush feelings, not anti-Americanism in Turkey
London Debates over Turkey
"London Debates over Turkey
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Wednesday 23, 2005
zaman.com
European academics and journalists have held a debate in London to discuss the issue 'Does Turkey belong to Europe or not?'
Those for and against Turkey's European Union (EU) membership gathered in a debate at The Royal Geographical Society. Among the participants, supporters of Turkey were in a majority according to the voting held after the discussion. Lecturer and Professor at Ankara's Bilkent University Norman Stone also participated in the panel.
John Casey, Lecturer at Cambridge University, Michael Stuermer, of the German newspaper Die Welt and Kevin Myers of the Sunday Telegraph spoke against Turkey's EU membership in the debate.
Norman Stone, Dominique Moisi, head of the French Institute for International Relations, and Mark Leonard, Foreign Policy Director of the Center for European Reform (CER) were among those who supported Turkey's EU bid. Francine Stock of the BBC chaired the panel. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022316851)
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Wednesday 23, 2005
zaman.com
European academics and journalists have held a debate in London to discuss the issue 'Does Turkey belong to Europe or not?'
Those for and against Turkey's European Union (EU) membership gathered in a debate at The Royal Geographical Society. Among the participants, supporters of Turkey were in a majority according to the voting held after the discussion. Lecturer and Professor at Ankara's Bilkent University Norman Stone also participated in the panel.
John Casey, Lecturer at Cambridge University, Michael Stuermer, of the German newspaper Die Welt and Kevin Myers of the Sunday Telegraph spoke against Turkey's EU membership in the debate.
Norman Stone, Dominique Moisi, head of the French Institute for International Relations, and Mark Leonard, Foreign Policy Director of the Center for European Reform (CER) were among those who supported Turkey's EU bid. Francine Stock of the BBC chaired the panel. "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022316851)
MWC News Magazine:New Cold War & US-RUSSIAN BRATISLAVA Summit
"New Cold War
Written by Gajendra Singh
Page 1 of 4
New Cold War & US-RUSSIAN BRATISLAVA Summit
by Gajendra Singh
This is an assessment of unfolding differences between USA and Russia, which are still bridgeable .It, will all depend on how the Bratislava summit goes.
Gajendra 22 February 2005. Bucharest
....Russia and Middle East;
Since the US invasion of Iraq , many Arab leaders have solicited Moscow's role in the region to counterbalance the United States. On January 18 , Putin visited Turkey and soon hosted Turkish Prime minister Recep Tayep Erdogan with increasing economic cooperation and exchange of terror related information. Turkey remains angry as US has taken no action against Turkey’s insurgent Kurds now living in North Iraq . Nor is India happy with the lack of US pressure on Pakistan , which harbors Jihadis and terrorist who enter India and create havoc."
More:MWC News Magazine
Written by Gajendra Singh
Page 1 of 4
New Cold War & US-RUSSIAN BRATISLAVA Summit
by Gajendra Singh
This is an assessment of unfolding differences between USA and Russia, which are still bridgeable .It, will all depend on how the Bratislava summit goes.
Gajendra 22 February 2005. Bucharest
....Russia and Middle East;
Since the US invasion of Iraq , many Arab leaders have solicited Moscow's role in the region to counterbalance the United States. On January 18 , Putin visited Turkey and soon hosted Turkish Prime minister Recep Tayep Erdogan with increasing economic cooperation and exchange of terror related information. Turkey remains angry as US has taken no action against Turkey’s insurgent Kurds now living in North Iraq . Nor is India happy with the lack of US pressure on Pakistan , which harbors Jihadis and terrorist who enter India and create havoc."
More:MWC News Magazine
WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, shouldn't Turkey leave Cyprus?
"WEBCommentary Contributor
Author: Tony Phyrillas
Date: February 23, 2005
If Syria leaves Lebanon, shouldn't Turkey leave Cyprus?
There is growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using Lebanon, once the jewel of the Middle East, as a terrorist base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanese territory under the guise of establishing order after Lebanon�s bloody civil war.
The Syrians decided to stay and install a series of puppet regimes in Lebanon. The recent assassination of Lebanon�s former prime minister, a staunch opponent of the Syrian occupation, has brought a renewed effort at the United Nations to get Syria to leave Lebanon. Syria still has 14,000 troops stationed in Lebanon.
Just slightly to the west of Lebanon sits the island of Cyprus, a sovereign nation since 1960. It too has endured an occupation by a foreign power. Since 1974, Turkish troops have occupied one-third of the island. (Ironically, many Lebanese fled to Cyprus in the 1970s to escape the violence in their country.) "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, shouldn't Turkey leave Cyprus?
Author: Tony Phyrillas
Date: February 23, 2005
If Syria leaves Lebanon, shouldn't Turkey leave Cyprus?
There is growing international pressure on Syria to end its illegal occupation of Lebanon. Syria has been using Lebanon, once the jewel of the Middle East, as a terrorist base since 1976 when it sent 27,000 troops into Lebanese territory under the guise of establishing order after Lebanon�s bloody civil war.
The Syrians decided to stay and install a series of puppet regimes in Lebanon. The recent assassination of Lebanon�s former prime minister, a staunch opponent of the Syrian occupation, has brought a renewed effort at the United Nations to get Syria to leave Lebanon. Syria still has 14,000 troops stationed in Lebanon.
Just slightly to the west of Lebanon sits the island of Cyprus, a sovereign nation since 1960. It too has endured an occupation by a foreign power. Since 1974, Turkish troops have occupied one-third of the island. (Ironically, many Lebanese fled to Cyprus in the 1970s to escape the violence in their country.) "
More:WEBCommentary(tm) - If Syria leaves Lebanon, shouldn't Turkey leave Cyprus?
BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey grants student amnesties
"Turkey grants student amnesties
By Jonny Dymond
BBC news correspondent in Istanbul
Both sides claim the other uses the headscarf as a political symbol
The Turkish parliament has granted an amnesty to 677,000 men and women who have been expelled from university over the past five years.
The amnesty includes those expelled from university because their refusal to remove the Islamic headscarf.
However, the regulation restricting the scarf remains in place.
Turkey maintains a division between religion and state which includes a ban on the headscarf in universities and the civil service.
Only a small minority of those expelled from Turkish universities over the last five years fell foul of the headscarf ban, but such is the controversy over it that the ban dominated debate before the amnesty issue came to parliament. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey grants student amnesties
By Jonny Dymond
BBC news correspondent in Istanbul
Both sides claim the other uses the headscarf as a political symbol
The Turkish parliament has granted an amnesty to 677,000 men and women who have been expelled from university over the past five years.
The amnesty includes those expelled from university because their refusal to remove the Islamic headscarf.
However, the regulation restricting the scarf remains in place.
Turkey maintains a division between religion and state which includes a ban on the headscarf in universities and the civil service.
Only a small minority of those expelled from Turkish universities over the last five years fell foul of the headscarf ban, but such is the controversy over it that the ban dominated debate before the amnesty issue came to parliament. "
More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey grants student amnesties
World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
"BCSD Turkey launches first Business World and Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul
Geneva, 23 February 2005 - On the 17th and 18th of March 2005, BCSD Turkey launches the first ever Business World and Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, gathering a number of key leaders from the global business and NGO communities to share their views and experiences on business and SD.
One of the more specific goals of the congress will be to help Turkish businesses understand how sustainable development can improve their performance, market value and competitive edge on both national and international markets. Another is to show the principles, processes and tools that international enterprises have used to successfully translate the notion of sustainable development into everyday practise."
More:World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Geneva, 23 February 2005 - On the 17th and 18th of March 2005, BCSD Turkey launches the first ever Business World and Sustainable Development Congress in Istanbul, gathering a number of key leaders from the global business and NGO communities to share their views and experiences on business and SD.
One of the more specific goals of the congress will be to help Turkish businesses understand how sustainable development can improve their performance, market value and competitive edge on both national and international markets. Another is to show the principles, processes and tools that international enterprises have used to successfully translate the notion of sustainable development into everyday practise."
More:World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Bagis Refutes Any Tension Between Turkey And The U.S.
"Bagis Refutes Any Tension Between Turkey And The U.S.
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish-U.S. Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Foreign Relations Consultant Egemen Bagis Wednesday refuted any tension between the Turkish and U.S. administrators.
Making a keynote statement at the General Assembly of the Turkish-American Business Council, Bagis said Turkey and the United States never clashed throughout their history.
''Turkey and U.S. never even came to the edge of war in their 200 years of history. This is a very important relationship. Turkish-U.S. relations is one of the cornerstones of foreign policy in both country,'' Bagis stressed. "
More:Bagis Refutes Any Tension Between Turkey And The U.S.
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish-U.S. Interparliamentary Friendship Group Chairman and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Foreign Relations Consultant Egemen Bagis Wednesday refuted any tension between the Turkish and U.S. administrators.
Making a keynote statement at the General Assembly of the Turkish-American Business Council, Bagis said Turkey and the United States never clashed throughout their history.
''Turkey and U.S. never even came to the edge of war in their 200 years of history. This is a very important relationship. Turkish-U.S. relations is one of the cornerstones of foreign policy in both country,'' Bagis stressed. "
More:Bagis Refutes Any Tension Between Turkey And The U.S.
Turks.US - Turkey offers Iran quake aid
"Turkey offers Iran quake aid
Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 06:34 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 23
Up to 400 people were killed in Tuesday�s quake, with hundreds more missing or homeless.
Turkey has offered aid to Iran after the south east of that country was hit by a devastating earthquake early Tuesday.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey offered to provide aid in the form of rescue and medical services should Tehran require them.
However, Iran has so far declined to take up the offer from Ankara, with Iranian diplomats in the Turkish capital saying that there was no need for foreign aid at this time. "
More:Turks.US - Turkey offers Iran quake aid
Wednesday, February 23 2005 @ 06:34 AM Central Standard Time
Views: 23
Up to 400 people were killed in Tuesday�s quake, with hundreds more missing or homeless.
Turkey has offered aid to Iran after the south east of that country was hit by a devastating earthquake early Tuesday.
In a statement issued Tuesday by the office of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey offered to provide aid in the form of rescue and medical services should Tehran require them.
However, Iran has so far declined to take up the offer from Ankara, with Iranian diplomats in the Turkish capital saying that there was no need for foreign aid at this time. "
More:Turks.US - Turkey offers Iran quake aid
Busy Diplomacy Traffic In Ankara:Busy Diplomacy Traffic In Ankara
"Busy Diplomacy Traffic In Ankara
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
ANKARA - Ankara will have a busy diplomacy traffic in the following days and weeks, it was reported on Wednesday.
Ankara will host Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks tomorrow (Thursday) and Nicolas Schmit, representative of the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU, and the Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs & Immigration, between February 27th and 28th. "
More:Busy Diplomacy Traffic In Ankara
Anadolu Agency: 2/23/2005
ANKARA - Ankara will have a busy diplomacy traffic in the following days and weeks, it was reported on Wednesday.
Ankara will host Latvian Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks tomorrow (Thursday) and Nicolas Schmit, representative of the Luxembourg Presidency of the EU, and the Minister Delegate for Foreign Affairs & Immigration, between February 27th and 28th. "
More:Busy Diplomacy Traffic In Ankara
The Australian: Framing the future for Turkey [February 24, 2005]
"Framing the future for Turkey
Nicolas Rothwell
February 24, 2005
SLEEKLY contoured, its low grey bulk rising beside the docks and port buildings of Karakoy, the newly inaugurated Istanbul Museum of Modern Art immediately proclaims its affiliations and its cultural aspirations.
Everything about this austere structure, from its concrete walls and brushed steel stairwells to its installations and computer cafes, invites comparison with the familiar global palazzos of contemporary art: London's Tate Modern is even the subject of an admiringly subversive piece of video art on display in the opening season. "
More:The Australian: Framing the future for Turkey [February 24, 2005]
Nicolas Rothwell
February 24, 2005
SLEEKLY contoured, its low grey bulk rising beside the docks and port buildings of Karakoy, the newly inaugurated Istanbul Museum of Modern Art immediately proclaims its affiliations and its cultural aspirations.
Everything about this austere structure, from its concrete walls and brushed steel stairwells to its installations and computer cafes, invites comparison with the familiar global palazzos of contemporary art: London's Tate Modern is even the subject of an admiringly subversive piece of video art on display in the opening season. "
More:The Australian: Framing the future for Turkey [February 24, 2005]
Agenzia Giornalistica Italia - EU: PERA, NO GRADING, BUT COMPARISON WITH TURKEY
"EU: PERA, NO GRADING, BUT COMPARISON WITH TURKEY
(AGI) - Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 23 - 'The process for Turkey's entry into the EU must be used positively by Turkey as well: it's not the case that the EU has to grade Turkey, but a comparison is necessary', said Senate Speaker Marcello Pera, meeting the community of Italian entrepreneurs in Istanbul. The EU must not even give grades on the religious fundamentalist phenomenon. According to Pera it is necessary to 'monitor' the phenomenon but 'it is not Europe that must give grades, it would not be right or opportune, even considering recent and current Turkish history. The monitoring must be made by Turkey itself, i.e. it should face the open issues. (AGI) . "
Agenzia Giornalistica Italia - News In English
(AGI) - Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 23 - 'The process for Turkey's entry into the EU must be used positively by Turkey as well: it's not the case that the EU has to grade Turkey, but a comparison is necessary', said Senate Speaker Marcello Pera, meeting the community of Italian entrepreneurs in Istanbul. The EU must not even give grades on the religious fundamentalist phenomenon. According to Pera it is necessary to 'monitor' the phenomenon but 'it is not Europe that must give grades, it would not be right or opportune, even considering recent and current Turkish history. The monitoring must be made by Turkey itself, i.e. it should face the open issues. (AGI) . "
Agenzia Giornalistica Italia - News In English
Erdogan denies US rift
"Erdogan denies US rift
Recent opinion polls have shown an increasing number of Turks unhappy with US actions in Iraq and the region.
February 23 - Turkey's Prime Minister has played down reports that relations with the United States are at risk of being down graded."
More:Erdogan denies US rift
Recent opinion polls have shown an increasing number of Turks unhappy with US actions in Iraq and the region.
February 23 - Turkey's Prime Minister has played down reports that relations with the United States are at risk of being down graded."
More:Erdogan denies US rift
British Parliamentary Report: Turkish Membership Impossible Without Cyprus Solution
"British Parliamentary Report: Turkish Membership Impossible Without Cyprus Solution
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Wednesday 23, 2005
zaman.com
The British House of Commons Foreign Relations Committee warned that Greeks would veto Turkey's membership if Turkey does not recognize Greek Cyprus by October 3rd. The House of Commons Foreign Relations Committee, dominated by Labor party members, has published a 91-page report on the Cyprus Dispute. While supporting Turkey's EU membership the report drew attentions to the importance of a solution in the dispute. The committee warned that 'Turkey's membership would be impossible in practice unless a solution on the Cyprus dispute was reached.' "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022316856)
By Cihan News Agency
Published: Wednesday 23, 2005
zaman.com
The British House of Commons Foreign Relations Committee warned that Greeks would veto Turkey's membership if Turkey does not recognize Greek Cyprus by October 3rd. The House of Commons Foreign Relations Committee, dominated by Labor party members, has published a 91-page report on the Cyprus Dispute. While supporting Turkey's EU membership the report drew attentions to the importance of a solution in the dispute. The committee warned that 'Turkey's membership would be impossible in practice unless a solution on the Cyprus dispute was reached.' "
More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005022316856)
Xinhua - English:Turkish PM reiterates friendly ties with US
"Turkish PM reiterates friendly ties with US
www.chinaview.cn 2005-02-23 22:42:27
ANKARA, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said Wednesday Turkey maintained friendly relations with the United States.
Addressing a gathering of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the parliament, Erdogan said some communication problems that emerged between friendly and ally countries from timeto time could not harm bilateral relations between Ankara and Washington.
'Differences between countries which can understand each other can not be turned into a tension because of the speculations,' Erdogan said. "
More:Xinhua - English
www.chinaview.cn 2005-02-23 22:42:27
ANKARA, Feb. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said Wednesday Turkey maintained friendly relations with the United States.
Addressing a gathering of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the parliament, Erdogan said some communication problems that emerged between friendly and ally countries from timeto time could not harm bilateral relations between Ankara and Washington.
'Differences between countries which can understand each other can not be turned into a tension because of the speculations,' Erdogan said. "
More:Xinhua - English
JTW Article - The Civilisational Differences As a Condition for Turkish Full-Membership to the EU
"The Civilisational Differences As a Condition for Turkish Full-Membership to the EU
Dr. Sedat Laciner
Introduction
In 1693, William Penn asserted that the Ottoman state be included only if it renounced Islam. Neumann and Welsh claim that this notion of an �entry requirement� for European society has persisted even to the present day.[1] Similarly, many European politicians clearly declared that Turkey was not a true European because its people were Muslim and belong to a different civilisation. As a matter of fact that, contrary to the official agenda of the European Union (EU), it is clear that Turkey-EU relations cannot be understood without referencing to the civilisational/cultural dimension. This study explores the role of the civilisational differences between the two sides in the relations."
More:JTW Article - The Civilisational Differences As a Condition for Turkish Full-Membership to the EU
Dr. Sedat Laciner
Introduction
In 1693, William Penn asserted that the Ottoman state be included only if it renounced Islam. Neumann and Welsh claim that this notion of an �entry requirement� for European society has persisted even to the present day.[1] Similarly, many European politicians clearly declared that Turkey was not a true European because its people were Muslim and belong to a different civilisation. As a matter of fact that, contrary to the official agenda of the European Union (EU), it is clear that Turkey-EU relations cannot be understood without referencing to the civilisational/cultural dimension. This study explores the role of the civilisational differences between the two sides in the relations."
More:JTW Article - The Civilisational Differences As a Condition for Turkish Full-Membership to the EU
JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Ranch is Waiting for a Guest
"Turkish-US Relations: The Ranch is Waiting for a Guest
Erdal Safak
Columnist Erdal Safak comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
Another American, Benjamin Franklin, was praised as a contributor to humanity; I was also expecting such a welcome, but Secretary of State Condolezza Rice told me to be realistic, said US President George W. Bush in his visit this week to Brussels. Meanwhile, thousands were demonstrating in front of the nearby US Embassy. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Ranch is Waiting for a Guest
Erdal Safak
Columnist Erdal Safak comments on Turkish-US relations. A summary of his column is as follows:
Another American, Benjamin Franklin, was praised as a contributor to humanity; I was also expecting such a welcome, but Secretary of State Condolezza Rice told me to be realistic, said US President George W. Bush in his visit this week to Brussels. Meanwhile, thousands were demonstrating in front of the nearby US Embassy. "
More:JTW Comment - Turkish-US Relations: The Ranch is Waiting for a Guest
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
DallasNews.com | Turkish police sharpening their skills in Texas
"Turkish police sharpening their skills in Texas
Officers bring their experience battling terrorism to institute
08:10 PM CST on Tuesday, February 22, 2005
By MATTHEW ZABEL / Denton Record-Chronicle
When the Turkish National Police Force wanted to improve its ability to fight crime, its leaders turned to the University of North Texas.
That was six years ago.
Since then, Turkish police officers studying in the United States have been able to share their own experiences fighting Middle Eastern terrorism.
'In order for the U.S. to respond to terrorism, the most important thing is cooperation,' said Suleyman Ozeren, a graduate student in UNT's Turkish Institute for Police Studies.
Mr. Ozeren is one of 22 officers from Turkey studying at UNT and one of 132 at U.S. universities. "
More:DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Denton County News
Officers bring their experience battling terrorism to institute
08:10 PM CST on Tuesday, February 22, 2005
By MATTHEW ZABEL / Denton Record-Chronicle
When the Turkish National Police Force wanted to improve its ability to fight crime, its leaders turned to the University of North Texas.
That was six years ago.
Since then, Turkish police officers studying in the United States have been able to share their own experiences fighting Middle Eastern terrorism.
'In order for the U.S. to respond to terrorism, the most important thing is cooperation,' said Suleyman Ozeren, a graduate student in UNT's Turkish Institute for Police Studies.
Mr. Ozeren is one of 22 officers from Turkey studying at UNT and one of 132 at U.S. universities. "
More:DallasNews.com | News for Dallas, Texas | Denton County News
Modern, Traditional Turkish Art Land in Sofia
"Modern, Traditional Turkish Art Land in Sofia
After visiting the cities of Burgas, Dobritch and Razgrad, thirty oil colour canvasses of 30 different Turkish artists are now exhibited in Sofia as part of a travelling exhibition to represent Turkey's modern paining and traditional decorative arts.
The canvasses are organised in two sections, each representing the contemporary and traditional faces of Turkish arts. Decorative arts are represented by exquisite pieces, including 'ebru' (marbling), 'minyat�r' (miniature-painting), 'tezhip' (illumination) and 'hat' (calligraphy) of 29 different artists. "
More:Modern, Traditional Turkish Art Land in Sofia
After visiting the cities of Burgas, Dobritch and Razgrad, thirty oil colour canvasses of 30 different Turkish artists are now exhibited in Sofia as part of a travelling exhibition to represent Turkey's modern paining and traditional decorative arts.
The canvasses are organised in two sections, each representing the contemporary and traditional faces of Turkish arts. Decorative arts are represented by exquisite pieces, including 'ebru' (marbling), 'minyat�r' (miniature-painting), 'tezhip' (illumination) and 'hat' (calligraphy) of 29 different artists. "
More:Modern, Traditional Turkish Art Land in Sofia
Hellenic News of America:ISTANBUL GREEKS SEEK JUSTICE IN LAND CLAIMS
"ISTANBUL GREEKS SEEK JUSTICE IN LAND CLAIMS
Turkey is trying to bring its laws on minorities in tune with those of the EU, but ethnic Greeks living in the capital say they are victimized through unfair land expropriations.
By George Gilson - Athens News
VARTHOLOMEOS, ecumenical patriarch and archbishop of Constantinople, is wont to call the 2,000-strong Greek community of Istanbul a 'drop in the ocean'.
Shrunken and scarred by the violent vicissitudes of Greek-Turkish relations over the decades, that drop is now in danger of evaporating. Despite reforms for the protection of minorities intended to bring Turkey in line with European Union law, the leaders of Istanbul's Greek community are struggling for basic rights.
That includes establishing the legal grounds to claim back around 400 pieces of prime Istanbul real estate gradually confiscated by the Turkish state since 1974. 'The confiscated property was certainly worth billions of dollars. We are talking about entire apartment buildings and tracts of city land that produced significant revenues,' says Vasslis Kalamaris, an attorney for the patriarchate."
More:Hellenic News of America
Turkey is trying to bring its laws on minorities in tune with those of the EU, but ethnic Greeks living in the capital say they are victimized through unfair land expropriations.
By George Gilson - Athens News
VARTHOLOMEOS, ecumenical patriarch and archbishop of Constantinople, is wont to call the 2,000-strong Greek community of Istanbul a 'drop in the ocean'.
Shrunken and scarred by the violent vicissitudes of Greek-Turkish relations over the decades, that drop is now in danger of evaporating. Despite reforms for the protection of minorities intended to bring Turkey in line with European Union law, the leaders of Istanbul's Greek community are struggling for basic rights.
That includes establishing the legal grounds to claim back around 400 pieces of prime Istanbul real estate gradually confiscated by the Turkish state since 1974. 'The confiscated property was certainly worth billions of dollars. We are talking about entire apartment buildings and tracts of city land that produced significant revenues,' says Vasslis Kalamaris, an attorney for the patriarchate."
More:Hellenic News of America
CJAD 800 : Turkish bestseller describes war against America, exposing fears
"Turkish bestseller describes war against America, exposing fears
Updated at 20:47 on February 22, 2005, EST.
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - It's the year 2007, and U.S. troops in northern Iraq fire on a group of Turkish commandos, setting off a war between the two NATO allies.
U.S. tanks quickly pour across the Iraqi border into Turkey, annihilating Turkish forces while U.S. warplanes target Istanbul. A Turkish agent, acting on his own initiative, exacts his revenge. He detonates a nuclear bomb in a park in Washington that levels the U.S. capital.
Turkey's new hot-selling novel is Metal Storm, and although it is pure thriller, it highlights the deep fears that many Turks harbour that the U.S. invasion of Iraq will put the decades-long allies on a collision course. "
More:CJAD 800 : News
Updated at 20:47 on February 22, 2005, EST.
ISTANBUL, Turkey (AP) - It's the year 2007, and U.S. troops in northern Iraq fire on a group of Turkish commandos, setting off a war between the two NATO allies.
U.S. tanks quickly pour across the Iraqi border into Turkey, annihilating Turkish forces while U.S. warplanes target Istanbul. A Turkish agent, acting on his own initiative, exacts his revenge. He detonates a nuclear bomb in a park in Washington that levels the U.S. capital.
Turkey's new hot-selling novel is Metal Storm, and although it is pure thriller, it highlights the deep fears that many Turks harbour that the U.S. invasion of Iraq will put the decades-long allies on a collision course. "
More:CJAD 800 : News
British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus ?
"British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus ?
POL-CYPRUS-MPS British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus LONDON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- Turkey should withdraw troops from northern Cyprus in order to boost efforts to heal the rift with the south and ease Ankara's path into the European Union, British MPs said in a report Tuesday.
The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee warned that Turkish accession to the EU "in practice ... will be impossible for as long as there is no settlement of the Cyprus problem."
But while urging the Turks to reduce their military presence on the divided island, the Committee also warned the Greek-leaning Republic of Cyprus in the south, which has already joined the EU, against regarding its membership as a means of gaining leverage over Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots.
The Committee, chaired by senior Labour MP Donald Anderson, called on the British Government to promote trade and contacts between Britain and northern Cyprus, even in the absence of a settlement.
At the same time it urged the Government to use its presidency of the EU in the second half of this year to assist the search for an overall settlement in the former British colony."
More:British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus ?
POL-CYPRUS-MPS British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus LONDON, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- Turkey should withdraw troops from northern Cyprus in order to boost efforts to heal the rift with the south and ease Ankara's path into the European Union, British MPs said in a report Tuesday.
The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee warned that Turkish accession to the EU "in practice ... will be impossible for as long as there is no settlement of the Cyprus problem."
But while urging the Turks to reduce their military presence on the divided island, the Committee also warned the Greek-leaning Republic of Cyprus in the south, which has already joined the EU, against regarding its membership as a means of gaining leverage over Turkey or the Turkish Cypriots.
The Committee, chaired by senior Labour MP Donald Anderson, called on the British Government to promote trade and contacts between Britain and northern Cyprus, even in the absence of a settlement.
At the same time it urged the Government to use its presidency of the EU in the second half of this year to assist the search for an overall settlement in the former British colony."
More:British MPs urge Turkish troop withdrawal from Cyprus ?
People's Daily Online -- Cyprus denies president meeting Turkish emissary
"Cyprus denies president meeting Turkish emissary
Cypriot government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides on Tuesday denied a report saying President Tassos Papadopoulos received a Turkish journalist, an emissary of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The spokesman described the report as 'figment of imagination', which was carried on a Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. The report said a Turkish woman named Nil Demirkazik had a cupof coffee with Papadopoulos in Cyprus because she was considered ane missary of Erdogan. "
More:People's Daily Online -- Cyprus denies president meeting Turkish emissary
Cypriot government spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides on Tuesday denied a report saying President Tassos Papadopoulos received a Turkish journalist, an emissary of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The spokesman described the report as 'figment of imagination', which was carried on a Turkish newspaper Hurriyet. The report said a Turkish woman named Nil Demirkazik had a cupof coffee with Papadopoulos in Cyprus because she was considered ane missary of Erdogan. "
More:People's Daily Online -- Cyprus denies president meeting Turkish emissary
Green Money, Islamist Politics in Turkey - Middle East Quarterly - Winter 2005
"Green Money, Islamist Politics in Turkey
by Michael Rubin
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Reconciliation Party (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, AKP) swept to victory in Turkey's parliamentary elections on November 3, 2002. More than two years later, the Islamic-oriented party finds itself more popular than ever. But while the AKP came to power on the strength of its image as fresh and honest amid a sea of corrupt establishment parties, the AKP's own finances have become murky and worrisome. At best, it appears that AKP leaders have blurred the distinction between business and politics. More troubling yet is the pattern of tying Turkish domestic and foreign policy to an influx of what is called Yesil Sermaye, 'green money,' from wealthy Islamist businessmen and Middle Eastern states."
More:Green Money, Islamist Politics in Turkey - Middle East Quarterly - Winter 2005
by Michael Rubin
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's Justice and Reconciliation Party (Adalet ve Kalkinma Partisi, AKP) swept to victory in Turkey's parliamentary elections on November 3, 2002. More than two years later, the Islamic-oriented party finds itself more popular than ever. But while the AKP came to power on the strength of its image as fresh and honest amid a sea of corrupt establishment parties, the AKP's own finances have become murky and worrisome. At best, it appears that AKP leaders have blurred the distinction between business and politics. More troubling yet is the pattern of tying Turkish domestic and foreign policy to an influx of what is called Yesil Sermaye, 'green money,' from wealthy Islamist businessmen and Middle Eastern states."
More:Green Money, Islamist Politics in Turkey - Middle East Quarterly - Winter 2005
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Turkey pays families to get girls into the classroom
"Turkey pays families to get girls into the classroom
Helena Smith in Ankara
Tuesday February 22, 2005
The Guardian
The Turkish government is paying families to 'encourage' them to send their daughters to school, as part of its efforts to bring the number of girls in education into line with European standards.
More than half of Turkey's young female population has no schooling, according to the United Nations children's fund, Unicef.
In the Kurdish-dominated east, most are forced to stay at home, unacknowledged by society from the day of their unregistered births. Girls and women account for the vast majority of the 7 million people believed to be illiterate in the predominantly Muslim state. "
More:Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Turkey pays families to get girls into the classroom
Helena Smith in Ankara
Tuesday February 22, 2005
The Guardian
The Turkish government is paying families to 'encourage' them to send their daughters to school, as part of its efforts to bring the number of girls in education into line with European standards.
More than half of Turkey's young female population has no schooling, according to the United Nations children's fund, Unicef.
In the Kurdish-dominated east, most are forced to stay at home, unacknowledged by society from the day of their unregistered births. Girls and women account for the vast majority of the 7 million people believed to be illiterate in the predominantly Muslim state. "
More:Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Turkey pays families to get girls into the classroom
AZG Armenian Daily:ARMENIAN TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH IN ECOLOGY
"ARMENIAN TO COOPERATE WITH TURKISH IN ECOLOGY
Though rather experienced in international cooperation in political and economic spheres, Armenia has not gone much far in the sphere of ecology despite its potential. There is much to do to control waters, woods in contiguous territories of Armenia and to secure them from being misused. It is envisaged that the Global Ecology Fund will finance an ecological program of regional importance. An agreement was reached with Germany to allocate money for creating a reserve on Javakhk’s territory. Neighboring Georgia and Turkey that form one ecological zone with Armenia are also included in the program. That will be a comprehensive program once Turkey gives its content."
AZG Armenian Daily
Though rather experienced in international cooperation in political and economic spheres, Armenia has not gone much far in the sphere of ecology despite its potential. There is much to do to control waters, woods in contiguous territories of Armenia and to secure them from being misused. It is envisaged that the Global Ecology Fund will finance an ecological program of regional importance. An agreement was reached with Germany to allocate money for creating a reserve on Javakhk’s territory. Neighboring Georgia and Turkey that form one ecological zone with Armenia are also included in the program. That will be a comprehensive program once Turkey gives its content."
AZG Armenian Daily
JTW News - Turkish Cypriots Want Peace
"Turkish Cypriots Want Peace
CYPRUS - Turkish Cypriots turned out to vote en masse at the parliamentary elections Sunday, demonstrating strong will and determination to create a new much wanted peace on the divided island. The turn out was reported to be at 74 percent. A strong indicator that island residents are happy and willing to participate in the democratic process of reunifying the island."
More:JTW News - Turkish Cypriots Want Peace
CYPRUS - Turkish Cypriots turned out to vote en masse at the parliamentary elections Sunday, demonstrating strong will and determination to create a new much wanted peace on the divided island. The turn out was reported to be at 74 percent. A strong indicator that island residents are happy and willing to participate in the democratic process of reunifying the island."
More:JTW News - Turkish Cypriots Want Peace
All American Patriots :United States Hails Democratic Elections in Turkish Cyprus
"United States Hails Democratic Elections in Turkish Cyprus
U.S. efforts to find durable solution to longstanding division continue
21 February 2005
The democratic elections held in Turkish Cyprus on February 20 have been welcomed by the United States as a 'reaffirmation of the Turkish Cypriot commitment to a comprehensive solution and reunification of the island with Greek Cypriots.' In a February 21 statement, the U.S. Department of State said that the Bush administration will continue to work with the United Nations to find a just, durable solution to the longstanding division of Cyprus."
More:.: US News :. .: All American Patriots :.
U.S. efforts to find durable solution to longstanding division continue
21 February 2005
The democratic elections held in Turkish Cyprus on February 20 have been welcomed by the United States as a 'reaffirmation of the Turkish Cypriot commitment to a comprehensive solution and reunification of the island with Greek Cypriots.' In a February 21 statement, the U.S. Department of State said that the Bush administration will continue to work with the United Nations to find a just, durable solution to the longstanding division of Cyprus."
More:.: US News :. .: All American Patriots :.
Turkish Daily News - Call for settlement
"Call for settlement
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Election results show the Turkish Cypriots are even more strongly committed to reunification
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The results of Sunday's elections in Turkish Cyprus are expected to give international efforts to resume peace talks on the divided island a new push as they demonstrated that the Turkish Cypriots' commitment to a solution remained strong."
More:Turkish Daily News - Call for settlement
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Election results show the Turkish Cypriots are even more strongly committed to reunification
ANKARA � Turkish Daily News
The results of Sunday's elections in Turkish Cyprus are expected to give international efforts to resume peace talks on the divided island a new push as they demonstrated that the Turkish Cypriots' commitment to a solution remained strong."
More:Turkish Daily News - Call for settlement
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)