Turkish Digest Advertising Rates

Annual Advertising options

Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Feminist Daily News 5/31/2005: Turkey Takes Positive Steps to Improve Women's Rights

"Feminist Daily News Wire
May 31, 2005

Turkey Takes Positive Steps to Improve Women's Rights
Despite delays, the new Turkish Penal Code is scheduled to go into effect June 1, 2005. The new code provides greater protection for women's rights and has been widely praised by women's and human rights groups. According to Amnesty International, thirty of the thirty-five amendments proposed by a coalition of women's groups were incorporated into the new code. "
More:Feminist Daily News 5/31/2005: Turkey Takes Positive Steps to Improve Women's Rights

BBC NEWS | Europe | French 'Non' alarms Turkish press

"French 'Non' alarms Turkish press

France's 'Non' to the EU constitution has raised fresh concerns in Turkey about the country's bid to join the EU.
Turkish press commentaries voice fears that Europe may be turning its back on Turkey."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | French 'Non' alarms Turkish press

Turks.US - Cyprus's Papadopoulous protested the US delegation's arrival

"Cyprus's Papadopoulous protested the US delegation's arrival
Tuesday, May 31 2005 @ 12:11 AM Central Daylight Time

A US congressional board of delegation arrived at northern Cyprus on Monday despite Greek Cypriot warnings against using an 'illegal' airport.
The three-member delegation held a joint press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat. Ed Whitfield, head of the board and Turkish-US Caucus Co-Chair Congressman, said, 'This is a symbolic gesture and sometimes symbolic gestures are very important."

More:Turks.US - Cyprus's Papadopoulous protested the US delegation's arrival

JTW Comment - The Armenian Issue Revisited: An Armenian and Muslim Tragedy? Yes! Genocide? No!

"The Armenian Issue Revisited: An Armenian and Muslim Tragedy? Yes! Genocide? No!
By Bruce Fein
I. Both Armenians and Muslims in Eastern Anatolia under the Ottoman Empire experienced harrowing casualties and gripping privations during World War I.
Hundreds of thousands perished. Most were innocent. All deserve pity and respect. Their known and unknown graves testify to President John F. Kennedy's lament that "Life is unfair." An Armenian tombstone is worth a Muslim tombstone, and vice versa. No race, religious, or ethnic group stands above or below another in the cathedral of humanity. To paraphrase Shakespeare in "The Merchant of Venice," Hath not everyone eyes? hath not everyone hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions? fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer...If you prick anyone, does he not bleed? if you tickle him, does he not laugh? if you poison him, does he not die?"

More:JTW Comment - The Armenian Issue Revisited: An Armenian and Muslim Tragedy? Yes! Genocide? No!

Turkish Daily News - The glass is broken, or...

"The glass is broken, or...
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
Yusuf KANLI
The saying goes: Once glass is broken, it's broken. Whatever you do, it's impossible to restore its unbroken state. The French people broke the glass on Sunday. Now we have a Europe perplexed, as if it wasn't clear from public opinion polls that the French electorate would overwhelmingly vote “non” in a referendum on the first European Union constitution.To what extent we can still call the document the “EU Constitution” is another matter, but what's definite is the fact that the French people, for this or that reason but mostly because they were unhappy with rising unemployment, the worsening economic situation and the bad performance of the Jean-Pierre Raffarin government, rejected it."


More:Turkish Daily News - The glass is broken, or...

Turkish Daily News - Gunduz Aktan: They have not managed to attain their goal yet (2)

"Gunduz Aktan: They have not managed to attain their goal yet (2)
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Certain Turks who used to take part in meetings held abroad on the Armenian issue are now obviously undertaking the task of staging similar meetings in Turkey. In order to rise to a position of respectability in the eyes of the general public they describe as excessive the Armenian and official Turkish views, stressing that they themselves take a middle-of-the-road stance. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Gunduz Aktan: They have not managed to attain their goal yet (2)

Turkish Daily News - Gul denies gov't pressure on Armenian conference

"Gul denies gov't pressure on Armenian conference
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
'Provided there is no advocation of violence, everyone can discuss their views, including extreme opinions, within the framework of the Constitution and the law,' says the foreign minister "

More:Turkish Daily News - Gul denies gov't pressure on Armenian conference

Turkish Daily News - Istanbul prepares to be 2010 European Capital of Culture

"Istanbul prepares to be 2010 European Capital of Culture
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
A committee of experts has sped up its activities to make Istanbul the European Capital of Culture in 2010.
Nuri �olakoglu, head of the executive committee of the coordination body set up for the project, said they hoped to prepare the necessary files to put forward Turkey's nomination before the end of this year."

More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul prepares to be 2010 European Capital of Culture

Turkish Cypriot businesses upbeat after trade fair first

"Turkish Cypriot businesses upbeat after trade fair first
By Simon Bahceli

THE TURKISH Cypriot Chamber of Trade chairman Salih Tunar said yesterday the 53 Turkish Cypriot traders that took part in the 30th Cyprus International Fair had no regrets at their participation.

�I believe we achieved our aim,� the north�s Chamber of Industry chairman Salih Tunar told the Cyprus Mail yesterday.

�Our aim was to broaden economic ties between the two communities, which is something we believed would help with healing the division of the island,� Tunar added.
Tunar�s comments came a day after the end of the week-long fair.

�We have carried out a survey on our members that took part, and although we haven�t fully analysed the results yet, at first glance it looks as though most had no regrets about taking part.�"

More:Turkish Cypriot businesses upbeat after trade fair first

Taking the pulse for talks

"Taking the pulse for talks
By Jean Christou

UN Undersecretary for Political Affairs Sir Kieran Prendergast said yesterday that he was under no illusion regarding the difficulties in moving forward on the Cyprus issue.

Prendergast was speaking on arrival at Larnaca Airport at the start of a four-day visit he said was aimed at taking the �pulse� of the two sides before UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan decides whether or not to restart negotiations.
But he said he could give no indication of when that might be, saying; �it depends�. Prendergast will visit Athens and Ankara as part of his trip to the region."

More:Taking the pulse for talks

Euro-reporters.com - Brussels journalists on Wider Europe

"Turkey under pressure
Written by David Ferguson in Brussels
Tuesday, 31 May 2005
'Turkey's will to reform is the deciding factor. If Turkey wants to make sure that accession negotiations start on 3 October 2005, it must not deter from its current course of reforms,� said German Green MEP Cem �zdemir, himself of Turkish origin. �The image that Turkey is currently projecting must be changed immediately,� continued �zdemir, also a member of the European Parliament's Turkey delegation. �Violent police action on International Women's Day, the recently cancelled Armenia conference in Istanbul and recent calls to burn the books of authors like Orhan Pamuk are intolerable relapses into a bygone era.� "

More:Euro-reporters.com - Brussels journalists on Wider Europe

Brussels Confirms Turkey's Bid on October 3

"Brussels Confirms Turkey's Bid on October 3
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Tuesday 31, 2005
France's firm 'no' for the European Union (EU) Constitution brought the negotiations with Turkey, scheduled for October 3, to the agenda.
While the EU Commission emphasized that negotiations with Turkey will be begin on October 3 as determined, all eyes will be turned to the next the EU summit in Brussels on June 16-17."

More:Brussels Confirms Turkey's Bid on October 3

JTW News - On US Visit, Arinc Puts Best Face(s) Forward

"On US Visit, Arinc Puts Best Face(s) Forward
Senem Caglayan
The New Anatolian / Ankara

The Parliament speaker told US audiences that current relations between Turkey and the US left the past behind and that relations will always be strong. To Turkish audiences, he said that friendship with the US doesn't mean satisfying all of its requests

Arinc's approach is interpreted to both gain US support in the international arena and appease the strong nationalistic feelings in Turkey's domestic politics"

More:JTW News - On US Visit, Arinc Puts Best Face(s) Forward

Turkey, other EU rejects have palatable Plan B

"Turkey, other EU rejects have palatable Plan B
May 31, 2005
BY JOHN O'SULLIVAN
However the French had voted in Sunday's referendum on the European constitution, the result would have been bad for Turkey. The Euro-Constitution was designed, among other purposes, for an enlarged European Union that would include Turkey. If the French had voted 'yes,' the political elites would have interpreted the victory as occurring despite the unpopular prospect of Turkish entry. Having voted 'no,' the defeat is seen as a result of it. "

More:Turkey, other EU rejects have palatable Plan B

Ankara Expects Steps from Yerevan

"Ankara Expects Steps from Yerevan
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Tuesday 31, 2005
The letter exchange process between Turkey and Armenia after the debates over the so-called Armenian genocide allegations became heated has been endangered by the Yerevan administration for not showing an expected approach."

More:Ankara Expects Steps from Yerevan

JTW News - Unrattled by France's 'Non,' Ankara Keeps its Eyes on October

"Unrattled by France's 'Non,' Ankara Keeps its Eyes on October
TNA with AP/ Ankara

Ozkok: French vote is a big problem, but the EU has the power to overcome it

FM Gul: French rejection of EU constitution doesn't concern Turkey

Turkish officials yesterday brushed aside France's rejection of the EU constitution, saying they will press forward with talks to join the bloc despite questions about the EU's future.

French voters turned down the EU constitution on Sunday night, throwing the future of the bloc, which Turkey aspires to join, into disarray. Voters were reacting against the tighter integration that the constitution called for, with some opposed to allowing Turkey, an overwhelmingly poor and Muslim nation, to join."
More:JTW News - Unrattled by France's 'Non,' Ankara Keeps its Eyes on October

Turks.US - England's Straw: Talks with Turkey will start

"England's Straw: Talks with Turkey will start
Tuesday, May 31 2005 @ 06:29 AM Central Daylight Time
England's Foreign Minister Jack Straw, who will take over as term president of the EU starting from July 1, called Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul in Bahrain to stress that there is a guarantee that the 'The accession talks with Turkey will start.' "

More:Turks.US - England's Straw: Talks with Turkey will start

GCC signs deal with Turkey to start FTA talks -

"Middle East Review-GCC signs deal with Turkey to start FTA talks
5/31/2005 10:30:00 AM GMT
The six-member Gulf Cooperation Council signed a key deal with Turkey to start talks on a free-trade agreement.
Turkish trade official Bayram Kacar said the agreement is aimed at boosting trade relations between Turkey and the GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. "

More:GCC signs deal with Turkey to start FTA talks -

JTW News - Secret Stop on Turkish PM's US Visit

"Secret Stop on Turkish PM's US Visit
Erdogan to visit Sikorsky plants in Connecticut
Zeynep Gurcanli
The New Anatolian / Ankara
The Turkish Prime Ministry announces that Erdogan will visit the US on June 7-11 for contacts in Washington and New York. One 'secret stop' on Erdogan's itinerary is not disclosed to the Turkish public: a visit to Sikorsky Aircraft in Connecticut"

More:JTW News - Secret Stop on Turkish PM's US Visit

Bot Calls Turks to Say 'Yes' at the Ballot Box

Bot Calls Turks to Say 'Yes' at the Ballot Box : "Bot Calls Turks to Say 'Yes' at the Ballot Box
By Basri Dogan
Published: Tuesday 31, 2005
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkanende said refusing the EU Constitution in tomorrow's referendum would harm The Netherlands's reputation.
Dutch Foreign Minister Ben Bot called on the 150,000 citizens of Turkish-origin living in the country to cast vote in support of the EU constitution. Balkanende and Bot answered ZAMAN's questions at a congress held in Utrecht for the 25th anniversary of the foundation of the ruling party the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). "

Monday, May 30, 2005

PolitInfo.com - US Congress Team Arrives in Northern Cyprus Despite Protests From Nicosia - May 30, 2005 Nicosia

"US Congress Team Arrives in Northern Cyprus Despite Protests From Nicosia

May 30, 2005 Nicosia
A U.S. congressional delegation has arrived in the Turkish controlled sector of Cyprus, entering the unrecognized state via Turkey in direct defiance of the Greek Cypriot government. Since the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, only two congressmen have entered the island through the north's Tymbou Airport."

More:PolitInfo.com - US Congress Team Arrives in Northern Cyprus Despite Protests From Nicosia - May 30, 2005 Nicosia

Many in Turkey fear defeat could hurt application for EU membership

"Many in Turkey fear defeat could hurt application for EU membership
Reuters

TUESDAY, MAY 31, 2005

ANKARA Turkey's government and financial markets shrugged off France's rejection of the European Union constitution, but lawmakers and political analysts said on Monday that it could damage Ankara's campaign to join the EU.

The defeat in the French referendum on Sunday raised the possibility of delays in the Union's further enlargement.

'This result is something which concerns the French public - not Turkey,' the state Anatolian news agency quoted Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as having said."

More:Many in Turkey fear defeat could hurt application for EU membership

Our cause is not affected, says Turkey - World - Times Online

"Our cause is not affected, says Turkey
From Suna Erdem in Istanbul
TURKEY shrugged off France�s rejection of the European Union constitution yesterday as largely irrelevant to its membership cause, even though Ankara�s controversial candidacy was a factor in the �no� vote.
The vote was even welcomed by some, who feared that a constitution would impose additional and onerous conditions on Turkey�s accession. "

More:Our cause is not affected, says Turkey - World - Times Online

The Standard - `Non' leaves Turks feeling more like outsiders - World Section

"'Non' leaves Turks feeling more like outsiders
Gareth Jones
May 31, 2005

Turkey's government and financial markets shrugged off France's rejection of the European Union constitution, but lawmakers and analysts said it could damage Ankara's bid to join the EU.
The rejection of the charter by French voters has raised the possibility of delays in its further enlargement.
``The start of negotiations is in our hands,'' Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said. ``What would prevent Turkey starting the negotiations is doing things contrary to EU standards or not fulfilling the things it has promised to do.''"

More:The Standard - `Non' leaves Turks feeling more like outsiders - World Section

JTW News - If the Goal had been Genocide, No Armenians would be "Left in Istanbul"

"If the Goal had been Genocide, No Armenians would be 'Left in Istanbul'
Mango: If the goal had been genocide, no Armenians would be left in Istanbul

Reknowned biographer of Ataturk's life, as well as professor at London University's School of Oriental and African Studies, Andrew Mango, has said that one of the reasons the Armenian matter has laid claim to such wide interest was the use of the word 'genocide' in its introduction to the world.

Mango also said that the loose usage of the word 'genocide' would turn human history into one giant genocide history. Said Mango: 'In this case, every government and people has at one point or another been responsible for a genocide. This is not an accusation that only the Turks should have to shoulder.'
Leave the arguments to the historians"

More:JTW News - If the Goal had been Genocide, No Armenians would be "Left in Istanbul"

JTW News - 'Anti-Turkish' Angela Merkel Joins Race to Lead Germany

"'Anti-Turkish' Angela Merkel Joins Race to Lead Germany
Germany's opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has named Angela Merkel to challenge Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder in elections this year. The nomination means Mrs Merkel might become Germany's first woman leader."

More:JTW News - 'Anti-Turkish' Angela Merkel Joins Race to Lead Germany

Niagara Falls Reporter Opinion:A NIGHT IN ISTANBUL SHEDS LIGHT ON THE REALITY OF ISLAMIC MODERATION

"A NIGHT IN ISTANBUL SHEDS LIGHT ON THE REALITY OF ISLAMIC MODERATION
By Bill Gallagher
ISTANBUL, TURKEY -- After a 10-hour, twilight-zone flight, walking into Istanbul's Ataturk was more than familiar. I did a double take when I saw the banner, 'Ford Welcomes You to Istanbul.' Wait a minute. Did I just travel 5,000 miles and somehow a twist in the universe has me right back in Detroit where my trip began?
The Ford welcome signs are everywhere. Then my eyes adjust and it all makes sense. Ford has its corporate logo name on every sign greeting fans attending the UEFA Championship, the games deciding European football supremacy. The soccer games -- as we Yanks call them -- are major events here, and the host city, Istanbul, is jammed with fans. Special gates are designated for the faithful from Milan, Italy. Their team will square off with the lads from Liverpool in the title game. If I were Mitch Albom, I'd describe events at the game, which hasn't been played as I write. But, for now, I'll just stick to rooting for Liverpool. "

More:Niagara Falls Reporter Opinion

Arinc's Assessment On Turkish - American Relations

"Arinc's Assessment On Turkish - American Relations
CHICAGO - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Sunday that Turkey was a friend of the United States, but this did not mean that Turkey would always do what the United States asks. "

More:Arinc's Assessment On Turkish - American Relations

JTW Comment - An EU Without Turkey will Resemble 'Medieval Europe'

"An EU Without Turkey will Resemble 'Medieval Europe'
Dr. Sedat LACINER
Certain groups claim that Turkey�s full membership to the European Union will profoundly damage �Europeanness� to the point that the notion of European will no longer exist. For instance in the Declaration of the �No Turkish Membership in EU� Campaign the opponents argue that Turkey is belong to the East and Islam, not Europe: �Turkey is not a European country. The Orient and the Islam are until now not really part of Europe, and we don�t want to change that.�[1]Obviously, according to this claim, Turks are not European."

More:JTW Comment - An EU Without Turkey will Resemble 'Medieval Europe'

JTW Comment - Turkish EU Membership's Possible Impacts on the Mediterranean, Balkans, Black Sea Rims and Russia

"Turkish EU Membership's Possible Impacts on the Mediterranean, Balkans, Black Sea Rims and Russia
Sedat LACINER
I. THE DIVIDEDNESS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN AND TURKEY�S FULL MEMBERSHIP

Until the last days of the Roman Empire, the Mediterranean was a sea that attached the lands to its north and south, in other words, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. In this respect, ancient Greek and Roman civilizations are more Mediterranean than European and these civilizations maintained their security by developing their Mediterranean vision. To put it differently, security cannot be attained by neglecting either the south or the north of the Mediterranean. The formation of the Arab/Islamic state on the south and Christian kingdoms to the north severed the Mediterranean with rigid borders. As seen in the Crusades, the Islam-Christianity divide caused century-lasting clashes and a permanent security problem. This confirms that so long as the Mediterranean�s fraction continues, considerable threats to peace are going to linger on."

More:JTW Comment - Turkish EU Membership's Possible Impacts on the Mediterranean, Balkans, Black Sea Rims and Russia

JTW Comment - Turkey's EU Membership's Possible Impacts and the Islamic World

"Turkey's EU Membership's Possible Impacts and the Islamic World
Dr. Sedat LACINER

Unquestionably, one of the greatest impacts of Turkey�s EU membership will be on relations between the Islamic world and the EU. Over the last 15 years, in a unique fashion, Turkey has remarkably improved its relations with almost all Moslem countries; from Syria, Iran, and Saudi Arabia to Egypt, Malaysia, and Albania. In addition to this, Turkey has augmented its prestige due to its policies towards the Iraq War. It is an omen of regional satisfaction that the Syrian Prime Minister has labeled Turkey�s policies as �shrewd.� Acting independently despite offers of territory (Northern Iraq) and money ($ 30 billion), Turkey�s advocacy of Iraq�s security and regional stability even in contrast to its national interests has instigated great sympathy from the countries of the region and other Moslem countries. In short, Turkey has broken its long inertness towards the region and has become an influential country. Bearing in mind the Ottoman heritage of the region, Turkey�s importance for the Islamic world is almost self-evident."

More:JTW Comment - Turkey's EU Membership's Possible Impacts and the Islamic World

Turkish Parliament Speaker: Result Of Sunday's Referendum In France Will Affect Its Domestic Policy First

"Turkish Parliament Speaker: Result Of Sunday's Referendum In France Will Affect Its Domestic Policy First
Published: 5/30/2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said on Monday, ''I think that result of Sunday's referendum in France on the EU Constitution will affect its domestic policy first, then it will cause some problems in the EU.'' "

More:Turkish Parliament Speaker: Result Of Sunday's Referendum In France Will Affect Its Domestic Policy First

Turkey's quiet delight at EU in crisis - World - Times Online

"Turkey's quiet delight at EU in crisis
Opposition in the Netherlands to Turkey's membership of the European Union has been a critical factor in the nation's passionate 'no' campaign. Suna Erdem, The Times's correspondent in Istanbul, believes that the Dutch malcontents could unwittingly give Turkey a helping hand.

'As far as Turkey is concerned, they already knew that the French don't want them to join the EU. If that has swung the vote then maybe they're upset but they're not that bothered by it."

More:Turkey's quiet delight at EU in crisis - World - Times Online

Times Online: What the other Europeans say about the French Referendum

What the other Europeans say
By Simon Freeman, Times Online
Europe's politcal elite reacted to the French vote with dismay today, viewed variously as anything from a "slap in the face" to an "earthquake", but insisted it would not derail the European project.
More:Times Online

Newsday.com: Turkish Festival a sign of new demographics

"Turkish Festival a sign of new demographics

BY BART JONES
STAFF WRITER

May 30, 2005

The event was in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow yesterday, but for a few moments Ugur Kart felt like he was back in his native Turkey.

Turkish flags waved from trees. Turkish music blared from loudspeakers. And the smells of Turkish delicacies like shish kebab wafted through the air.

'Perfect. We love it,' declared Kart, 29, of Smithtown, a graduate student at C.W. Post. 'I like to see my people.'"

More:Newsday.com: Turkish Festival a sign of new demographics

Bloomberg.com: Europe:Turkish Lira Falls; French `No' Vote May Delay EU Accession

"Turkish Lira Falls; French `No' Vote May Delay EU Accession
May 30 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey's lira fell on concern the country's application to join the European Union may be jeopardized by France's rejection of the EU constitution in a referendum yesterday.
The currency fell 0.6 percent to 1.378 per dollar by 8.21 a.m. in Istanbul. The lira has dropped 7 percent in the past three months on concern a French `no' vote and opposition from other EU members including Germany may delay the start of Turkey's EU membership talks, due in October. "

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Aljazeera.Net - Turkey unfazed by French vote

"Turkey unfazed by French vote
Monday 30 May 2005, 9:52 Makka Time, 6:52 GMT
Abdullah said the result concerned only the French public

Turkey has said France's resounding rejection of the European Union constitution would not affect Ankara's plans to begin long-delayed entry talks with the bloc in October. "

More:Aljazeera.Net - Turkey unfazed by French vote

Chirac's Reaction, EU Summit to Determine Turkey's Bid

"Chirac's Reaction, EU Summit to Determine Turkey's Bid
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Monday 30, 2005
Following France's refusal of the European Union (EU) Constitution, European Parliament (EP) political group leaders said the French President Jacques Chirac's interpretation of the refusal was significant in terms of Turkey. "

More:Chirac's Reaction, EU Summit to Determine Turkey's Bid

REPORTER.GR-Turkey: Early elections in Germany: How worried should Turkey really be?

"Turkey: Early elections in Germany: How worried should Turkey really be?
10:18 - 30 May 2005 - Sunday before last, the German Social Democratic Party (SPD) suffered a crushing electoral defeat in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW). In the aftermath, Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder called for early national elections- a year ahead of time. Some analysts claim that the Social Democrats stand no chance of pulling off a miracle. What would the implications of a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) victory be for Turkey�s EU hopes? Should we really consider that the SPD is doomed to loose the forthcoming election battle? "

More:REPORTER.GR-Turkey: Early elections in Germany: How worried should Turkey really be?

Turkish Daily News - MEPs urge EU to ease isolation of Turkish Cyprus

"MEPs urge EU to ease isolation of Turkish Cyprus
Monday, May 30, 2005
�The sole worry for Papadopoulos is being re-elected in 2008,� say European parliamentarians in a report, adding that the Greek Cypriot leader is using EU membership as a tool to push Turkey into recognizing Greek Cyprus "

More:Turkish Daily News - MEPs urge EU to ease isolation of Turkish Cyprus

Luchtzak Aviation - Cyprus Turkish Airlines to be privatized

"Cyprus Turkish Airlines to be privatized
Posted on Monday, May 30, 2005 @ 9:11 AM CEST by sn26567
Humberside writes 'The Turkish Government will sell a 50% stake in KTHY (Kibris Turk Hava Yollari) this year. The airline is the national carrier for Northern Cyprus and operates from the island to mainland Turkey. Some flights continue to the UK and Frankfurt' "

Luchtzak Aviation - Cyprus Turkish Airlines to be privatized - A crazy site about aviation!!

Washington Times Analysis: French result won't help Turkey - (United Press International)

"Analysis: French result won't help Turkey
By Roland Flamini
Chief International Correspondent

Washington, DC, May. 30 (UPI) -- On Oct 3 Turkey is due to start negotiations for entry into the European Union. The meeting will doubtless be held, and the Turkish delegation will begin making their case as scheduled. But after the devastating rejection of the EU constitution in Sunday's French referendum the Turks are likely to find Europe's doors harder to open. "

More:Analysis: French result won't help Turkey - (United Press International)

Cyprus supports EU decision on Turkey's talks

"Cyprus supports EU decision on Turkey's talks
CNA - NICOSIA-Cyprus - 30/5/2005 13:39


1340:CYPPRESS:05

Cyprus supports EU decision on Turkey's talks

Nicosia, May 30 (CNA) -- Cypriot Government Spokesman Kypros Chrysostomides said today that the government continued to support the decision taken by the European Council in December 2004 regarding the opening of EU accession negotiations with Turkey.

Commenting on yesterday's rejection of the European Constitution by the people of France and any possible repercussions on the Cyprus problem, Chrysostomides said it was uncertain whether the French dismissal would affect Turkey's EU course, adding that the EU's decision was to commence membership talks with Ankara on October 3. "

More:(Cyprus supports EU decision on Turkey's talks

Turkish Daily News - Good and bad historians or shackles of our mind

"Good and bad historians or shackles of our mind
Monday, May 30, 2005
Dogu Ergil
My belief that there is never a dull moment in Turkey since the agenda is so volatile that you can take nothing for granted still persists, although the change may not always be pleasing. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Good and bad historians or shackles of our mind

Turkish Daily News - The French vote and Turkey

"The French vote and Turkey
Monday, May 30, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI

Some 42 million French voters went to the polling booths Sunday and cast their votes for or against the new European charter.
Last-minute opinion polls all indicated that there would be around a 60 percent �no� vote and that the first-ever constitution of the old continent would receive its first major, and perhaps deadly, blow. Exit polls were to become available at 20:00 GMT, well past our deadline to go to print. There were optimistic assessments Sunday that some 9 percent of undecided in the opinion polls could stage a �surprise� in the voting and help prevent the document, which aims to simplify decision-making in the expanded 25-member bloc, go down the drain. "

More:Turkish Daily News - The French vote and Turkey

JTW News - MEP Fingers Greeks for Cyprus Deadlock

"MEP Fingers Greeks for Cyprus Deadlock
Lagendijk: Papadopoulos' only concern is to be reelected

The New Anatolian / Ankara

European Union-Turkey Joint Parliamentary Committee Chairman Joost Lagendijk prepared a report on the Cyprus problem after visiting the island last month. In the report released over the weekend, Lagendijk clearly blames Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos for deadlocking the solution process, and called for a removal of the international embargo against the Turkish Cypriots."

More:JTW News - MEP Fingers Greeks for Cyprus Deadlock

Turkish economy climbs into world top 20 | Made in Turkey

"Turkish economy climbs into world top 20
Turkey has gained a place among the 20 largest economies in the world with a gross national product (GNP) of almost USD300 billion (Dhs1099.5 billion), according to a report just released by the Turkish Government."

More:Turkish economy climbs into world top 20 | Made in Turkey

Greek Cypriots Allow US Delegation in S. Cyprus

"Greek Cypriots Allow US Delegation in S. Cyprus
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Monday 30, 2005
The Greek Cypriot side, who attempted to block the entry of a US Congressional delegation to Southern Cyprus since they will land at Ercan Airport in the north first, will now allow the delegation into theGreek Cypriot region entering from the north. "

More:Greek Cypriots Allow US Delegation in S. Cyprus

JTW Comment - Security Policies of the Turkey-EU Axis in Fighting Global Terror: An Alternative?

"Security Policies of the Turkey-EU Axis in Fighting Global Terror: An Alternative?
Ihsan BAL
Introduction
The expectation that the 21st century would be more peaceful for the people of the world reduced to pessimism with the September 11 tragedy and the ensuing terror attacks. The end of the Cold War brought about the third wave of democracy with the 1990s marking very promising developments for humanity. In fact, the high hopes that the Oslo Accord conveyed for the chronic Israeli-Palestinian question, the democratization process in the Eastern bloc, and the solution of the ethnic-religious strife in the Balkans with the efforts of various countries, Europe and the United States being the foremost, all came forth as auspicious signals that the future of our planet was to be safer and happier."

More:JTW Comment - Security Policies of the Turkey-EU Axis in Fighting Global Terror: An Alternative?

CNN.com - What next for EU constitution? - May 30, 2005

"Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul, however, said the French vote would not affect Ankara's plans to begin long-delayed EU entry talks in October.
'This result is something which concerns the French public ... not Turkey,' the state Anatolian news agency quoted Gul as saying. 'The start of negotiations is in our hands... What would prevent Turkey starting EU negotiations is doing things contrary to EU standards or not fulfilling the things it has promised to do,' Gul said."

More:CNN.com - What next for EU constitution? - May 30, 2005

Istanbul's Conquest Enacted 552 Years Later

"Istanbul's Conquest Enacted 552 Years Later
By National News Desk
Published: Monday 30, 2005
The 552nd anniversary of the conquest of Istanbul by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror was celebrated with ceremonies organized by Istanbul Governor's Office and the Istanbul Municipality held at Sultan Mehmet's Tomb in Fatih Mosque. "

More:Istanbul's Conquest Enacted 552 Years Later

AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC

"PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV SENDS MESSAGE TO PARTICIPANTS OF II INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM �ARMENIAN CLAIMS AND AZERBAIJANI REALITIES�
[May 30, 2005, 17:02:13]

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a message to participants of the 2nd International Symposium �Armenian Claims and Azerbaijani Realities�. The message, in particular, reads as follows:

Azerbaijan and Turkey have faced with political and ideological sabotage and ungrounded territorial claims from Armenia for decades. The today�s Armenia once established in our historical-ethnic lands has turned into a coordination center for anti-Azerbaijan and anti-Turkey international initiatives. "

More:AzerTAj | STATE INFORMATION AGENCY OF AZERBAIJAN REPUBLIC

MasterCard's Score of 'Betrayal' on Turkey

"MasterCard's Score of 'Betrayal' on Turkey
By Yasin Tuncer
Published: Monday 30, 2005
Main sponsor of the UEFA Champions League final, MasterCard, published a 290-page Istanbul City Guide before the match played on the evening of May 25 at the Istanbul Ataturk Olympic Stadium. However, it became apparent that the booklet contained only insults against Turkey."

More:MasterCard's Score of 'Betrayal' on Turkey

Afrodisias After 2,000 Years

"Afrodisias After 2,000 Years
By Abdullah Kilic
Published: Monday 30, 2005
The two thousand year old ancient city Afrodisias' story is as impressive as the myths.
Famous Turkish photographer Ara Guler who traveled to Denizli, a southwestern Turkish city, in 1958 lost his way while returning to Izmir via Aydin and decided to spend the night at the first village he came across along the road. "

More:Afrodisias After 2,000 Years

World News Article | Turkey shrugs off French 'No' but fears persist

"Turkey shrugs off French 'No' but fears persist
Mon May 30, 2005 11:59 AM BST
Printer Friendly | Email Article | RSS

By Gareth Jones
ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's government and financial markets on Monday shrugged off France's rejection of the European Union constitution, but lawmakers and political analysts said it could damage Ankara's bid to join the EU.
Fifty-five percent of French voters rejected the charter in Sunday's referendum, plunging the EU into political crisis and raising the possibility of delays in its further enlargement.
'This result is something which concerns the French public ... not Turkey,' the state Anatolian news agency quoted Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul as saying."

More:World News Article | Reuters.co.uk

REPORTER.GR- Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot economy on the growth track

"Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot economy on the growth track

15:03 - 30 May 2005 - The per capita income of Turkish Cypriots leapt by 23.6% in 2004, while the economy itself rose by almost 10%, according to statistics presented at the Wolfson Cyprus Group Conference, 'Financial Mirror' reports. "

More:REPORTER.GR-Cyprus: Turkish Cypriot economy on the growth track

JTW Comment - Can Europe Save itself from Bigotry?

"Can Europe Save itself from Bigotry?
David Barchard
If you live in contemporary Britain, then 'racism' -- any kind of remark or action which implies that racial distinctions are meaningful or that one ethnicity can be in any way inferior to another -- is such a strong taboo that people are terrified of committing it without realizing it. An old friend of mine consulted lawyers after he used the expression 'Too many Indians, not enough chiefs' at work and found that his Indian colleagues had objected to it. He got a dire warning. 'Even if you don't mean it to be racist, if they think it is racist, then according to British law that's what it is.' "

More:JTW Comment - Can Europe Save itself from Bigotry?

Sunday, May 29, 2005

JTW News - Greeks Won't Let US Delegation in from TRNC

"Greeks Won't Let US Delegation in from TRNC
The Greek Cypriot administration did not give permission to the US delegation that will enter the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and will take important steps in this way to end the isolation imposed on the TRNC to cross to the southern part of the island."

More:JTW News - Greeks Won't Let US Delegation in from TRNC

JTW News - Cyprus: EU report criticizes the Greeks and Papadopoulos

"Cyprus: EU report criticizes the Greeks and Papadopoulos
EU-Turkey Joint Parliament Committee co-chair Joost Lagendijk, who visited Cyprus last month, has hit back at EU and the Greek leader Papadopoulos, claiming that the Greek side is using its EU membership to complicate efforts to remove the isolation environment on the island.

Lagendijk�s report accuses Papadopoulos of creating an 'aggressive mood', somewhat similar to the 1960�s, before the island was divided into two.

The report also suggested that Papadopoulos�s efforts are geared towards being re-elected on the upcoming elections in 2008."

More:JTW News - Cyprus: EU report criticizes the Greeks and Papadopoulos

Key dates in the history of EU

"Key dates in the history of EU
Published: 5/29/2005
BRUSSELS - France voted against the European Union constitution on Sunday, dealing a devastating blow to European integration, with the 'no' camp registering a hefty 55.96 percent, against 44.04 percent for the 'yes' camp, with more than 85 percent of votes counted, the interior ministry said. "

More:Key dates in the history of EU

Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com

"France rejects EU treaty, EU into crisis
Sun May 29, 2005 06:26 PM ET
By Timothy Heritage
PARIS (Reuters) - France overwhelmingly rejected the European Union's constitution in a referendum on Sunday, plunging the EU into crisis and dealing a potentially fatal blow to a charter designed to make the enlarged bloc run smoothly."

More:Latest Business News and Financial Information | Reuters.com

The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - Turkey's dreams to join EU grow less likely despite assurances

"Turkey's dreams to join EU grow less likely despite assurances

By Michael Glackin
Daily Star staff
Monday, May 30, 2005
The European Union spent most of last week desperately trying to reassure Turkey that its dream of joining the 25 nation bloc is still alive. But the truth is Ankara's long-held ambitions to join Europe's exclusive club were holed below the water last week. Negotiations with Ankara are scheduled to begin on October 3, but uncertainty over yesterday's referendum on the EU constitution in France and elections in Germany are likely to scupper talks before they even start."

More:The Daily Star - Opinion Articles - Turkey's dreams to join EU grow less likely despite assurances

Turks.US - Rice supports Turkey�s EU bid

"Rice supports Turkey�s EU bid
Saturday, May 28 2005 @ 09:02 PM Central Daylight Time

Views: 40
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suggested that an EU exclusion of 'Turkey as a member' could be a �fatal mistake�. Answering a question about the new EU Constitution at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco, Rice said, �It is important that Turkey is admitted as a member after it has fulfilled the necessary criteria. A conflict between Turkey and the rest of Europe could have unwanted results.�"

More:Turks.US - Rice supports Turkey�s EU bid

If It Dies, C'est La Vie

"....The more sensible worry is that a French 'no' will usher in a period of European introversion and declining interest in working with the U.S. on such matters as integrating Turkey or Ukraine into Europe. One of the constitution's features is a nonrotating EU president and foreign minister that, the pro-constitution argument goes, would provide the U.S. with a more effective partner on the world stage.

It is unlikely, however, that the EU, even if the constitution goes down, would � or could � ignore Ukraine or Turkey for long. Turkey's prospects for EU membership would decline considerably if the French vote no, but that would require Brussels to redouble its outreach to Ankara to prevent an even greater crisis on Europe's rim. And although a new, streamlined foreign policy bureaucracy, a possibility under the proposed document, might make the EU a more coherent global actor, the new constitution would do little to change the underlying, consensus-driven process that marks key EU foreign policy decisions. The EU's might be the louder voice, but its words would be no different."

More:If It Dies, C'est La Vie

Feature - Ozdemir Cem: the German-Turkish Green MEP

"Feature - Ozdemir Cem: the German-Turkish Green MEP
By Myria Antoniadou

HE is an upcoming star in German politics and the Green Party. Young, sharp, a good communicator, with strong opinions, who entered politics not because of his Turkish descent but rather his �green views�.

Ozdemir Cem was born in Germany, the EU country with nearly three million people of Turkish descent, making it the biggest Turkish minority in Europe. He was the first German of Turkish background to be elected to the Bundestag and later the European Parliament, a �role model� for progressive Turks but disliked by the conservatives.

In an interview with the Sunday Mail in Brussels this week, the 40-year-old MEP said Turkey must deal with the dark side and the good chapters of its history, while, referring to Cyprus, he stressed that the isolation of the Turkish Cypriots must end.
Cem underlined that Europe must bring Turkey close, said there was no going back from accession negotiations and appeared concerned with the repercussions that a negative attitude towards Turkey may have within the country itself. "

More:Feature - Ozdemir Cem: the German-Turkish Green MEP

Baku - Ceyhan Turning Point

"Baku - Ceyhan Turning Point
BY ERHAN BASYURT
ZAMAN- The first oil was pumped through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline in Azerbaijan two days ago. The huge project is a turning point not only for Turkish-Azerbaijani relations, but also for the region�s future. For the first time, one of the ex-Soviet republics has succeeded in opening to the world through an energy transportation line with Russia excluded."

More:Baku - Ceyhan Turning Point

Verheugen Says to Merkel: Withdraw from Turkey!

Verheugen Says to Merkel: Withdraw from Turkey! : "Verheugen Says to Merkel: Withdraw from Turkey!
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Sunday 29, 2005
European Commission Vice President Gunther Verheugen warned German Christian Democrat Union Party (CDU) leader Angela Merkel not to use Turkey's membership in the European Union (EU) as a campaign gimmick for possible early elections in Germany."

Saturday, May 28, 2005

The Observer | Sport | The miracle of Istanbul

"The miracle of Istanbul

It was a long and tortuous journey to their first European Cup final for two decades, but the Liverpool faithful finally found redemption on the road to Istanbul. Special report on the night they'll never forget by Paul Wilson, Brian Oliver and Kaz Mochlinski "

More:The Observer | Sport | The miracle of Istanbul

Call to prayers from Observer Blog

"What was it like in Istanbul midweek? We had four people there: three working, and one, sub-editor Steph from Liverpool, screaming 'Stevie Gee' non-stop for three days. She's fine now � husky, tired but 'totally made up'. Our coverage in tomorrow's paper focuses on their journey to the Ataturk and life in Istanbul: �500 taxi rides, half-nude men on scooters, moonscape traffic jams and an unlikely cultural concord... "

More:Call to prayers from Observer Blog

Turkish Daily News - Academics plan new conference on Armenian issue

"Academics plan new conference on Armenian issue
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Critics of postponement claim Turkey shot itself in the foot

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

The postponement of an academic conference questioning the official Turkish view on the events of 1915 and the Ottoman Armenians caused controversy in Turkey even before the participants had a chance to express their views. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Academics plan new conference on Armenian issue

Turkish Daily News - Charges filed against justice minister

"Charges filed against justice minister
Sunday, May 29, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
On Friday the Izmir Contemporary Attorneys' Association and the Izmir Human Rights Association filed charges against Justice Minister Cemil �i�ek for calling the organizers of a conference titled �Ottoman Armenians During the Fall of the Empire� traitors, the Anatolia news agency reported. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Charges filed against justice minister

Turkish Daily News - Turkey divided on Armenian conference

"Turkey divided on Armenian conference
Sunday, May 29, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News
Bogazi�i University's announcement that an Armenian conference was postponed due to public criticism against it, before a single participant had the opportunity to voice their opinion, has caused a stir in Turkey. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkey divided on Armenian conference

Dutch PM Urges Voters to Approve EU Constitution

"Dutch PM Urges Voters to Approve EU Constitution
Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende says a 'no' vote in next week's referendum on the European Constitution would damage the country's reputation as a champion of European integration. "

More:Dutch PM Urges Voters to Approve EU Constitution

Islam Online- Muslims are urged to vote yes by French Islamic Organization (UOIF)

"Muslims are urged to vote yes by French Islamic Organization (UOIF)

The majority of the sizable Muslim minority, estimated at six million, is expected to vote in favor of the constitution, which aims to simplify the operating rules in the expanded European Union (EU)."
Islam Online

Turkish Daily News - Gunduz Aktan: They have not attained their goal yet (1)

"G�nd�z Aktan: They have not attained their goal yet (1)
Saturday, May 28, 2005
On the Armenian issue, I am in favor of freedom of thought and expression, and I have never accused anybody of high treason because of their ideas. I know that treason is a crime that has to be legally proven. "

More:Turkish Daily News - G�nd�z Aktan: They have not attained their goal yet (1)

Turkish Daily News - The fly is disgusting

"The fly is disgusting
Saturday, May 28, 2005
TDN editorial by Yusuf KANLI
There is an idiom in Turkish in which the literal translation still retains its essence: The fly is small, but it disgusts all.
Cyprus is a very small island, and southern Cyprus is just a part of the small Mediterranean island. Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, despite his �heroic past� in the murderous EOKA and EOKA-B gangs, is just a small old man suffering from cancer of the larynx. Yet what the small state he and people like him usurped from their Turkish Cypriot partners by force of arms has been trying to do has become really disgusting. "

More:Turkish Daily News - The fly is disgusting

Turks.US - Turkey to host Cyprus summit

"Turkey to host Cyprus summit
Saturday, May 28 2005 @ 05:39 AM Central Daylight Time

Views: 52
Ankara will host a Cyprus summit next week as part of a run-up to Prime Minster Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's planned trip to the US in early June. "

More:Turks.US - Turkey to host Cyprus summit

Today.Az - US ambassador considers statement of Armenian prime-minister as groundless

"US ambassador considers statement of Armenian prime-minister as groundless

28 May 2005 [17:05] - Today.Az

The US ambassador to Azerbaijan considers commissioning of oil pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (���), as the fact contributing to the balance in the region.

The agency Trend reports, he stated this to journalists, commenting statement of Armenian Prime-minister Andranik Markarian, who indicated 'this project creates misbalance in the region'. "

More:Today.Az - US ambassador considers statement of Armenian prime-minister as groundless

Turkish Daily News - Edelman: Common interests may prevail

"Edelman: Common interests may prevail
Saturday, May 28, 2005
YUSUF KANLI AND ELIF UNAL ARSLAN

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
Amid mutual efforts by Ankara and Washington to patch damaged relations, outgoing U.S. Ambassador Eric Edelman said he hoped that the parallels rather than the divergences between Turkish and U.S. policies vis-�-vis the area on Turkey's periphery would prevail. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Edelman: Common interests may prevail

Turkish Daily News - Papadopoulos slams US delegation�s visit to Turkish Cyprus

"Papadopoulos slams US delegation�s visit to Turkish Cyprus
Saturday, May 28, 2005
ANKARA - Turkish Daily News
A planned visit by a U.S. congressional delegation to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (KKTC) has sparked a harsh reaction from Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos, who said the delegation's entry into Greek Cyprus from Turkish Cyprus would be �illegal.� "

More:Turkish Daily News - Papadopoulos slams US delegation�s visit to Turkish Cyprus

State Planning Organization to Assume Key Role in EU Negotiations

"State Planning Organization to Assume Key Role in EU Negotiations
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Saturday 28, 2005
Following the assignment of State Minister for Economy Ali Babacan as top negotiator for Turkey's accession to European Union (EU), which will begin on October 3, works to form a negotiation delegation kicked into high gear."

More:State Planning Organization to Assume Key Role in EU Negotiations

Ankara Responds Merkel: Our Attitude is Clear

"Ankara Responds Merkel: Our Attitude is Clear
By Ahmet Temir, Zaman
Published: Saturday 28, 2005
On Friday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, visiting Kazakh capital Astana, responded to German Christian Democratic Union Party (CDU) leader Angela Merkel, who asked Turkey the other day to clarify its attitude regarding the Cyprus issue. "

More:Ankara Responds Merkel: Our Attitude is Clear

'Don't Use Turkey's EU Bid as Election Propaganda'

"'Don't Use Turkey's EU Bid as Election Propaganda'
By aa
Published: Saturday 28, 2005
European Commission Vice President Gunther Verheugen warned German Christian Democrat Union Party (CDU) leader Angela Merkel not to use Turkey's membership in the European Union as a campaign gimmick for possible early elections in Germany.
Verheugen said to German newspaper 'Welt am Sonntag' that Turkey's EU membership is not on the agenda at the moment and added: 'I advise Ms. Merkel to keep away from this topic.' "

More:'Don't Use Turkey's EU Bid as Election Propaganda'

Friday, May 27, 2005

Mayor of Berlin: In a City Like Istanbul, It Feels Turkey Belongs in Europe

"Mayor of Berlin: In a City Like Istanbul, It Feels Turkey Belongs in Europe
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Friday 27, 2005
Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit who is in Istanbul for talks, has commented, 'In a city like Istanbul, it feels like Turkey belongs to Europe.'"

More:Mayor of Berlin: In a City Like Istanbul, It Feels Turkey Belongs in Europe

TURKEY: GERMANY'S EARLY ELECTION SETS OFF ALARM BELLS IN ANKARA

"TURKEY: GERMANY'S EARLY ELECTION SETS OFF ALARM BELLS IN ANKARAIstanbul, 27 May (AKI) - German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder's decision to call an early election scheduled for September after his Social Democrat Party (SPD) crushing defeat in regional elections this week has alarmed those in Turkey who are hoping to see their country join the European Union. On Friday, Schroeder, a staunch supporter of Ankara's EU bid, for the first time fell behind the opposition Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader and candidate to the chancellorship, Angela Merkel, in an opinion poll commissioned by the newsmagazine, Der Spiegel.
Some 50 percent of those surveyed named Merkel as their choice for chancellor, while 44 percent said they preferred Schroeder. "

More:TURKEY: GERMANY'S EARLY ELECTION SETS OFF ALARM BELLS IN ANKARA

Bloomberg.com: Turkey's Parliament Approves New EU-Backed Penal Code

"Turkey's Parliament Approves New EU-Backed Penal Code (Update2)
May 27 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey's parliament approved a revised penal code, which the European Union says must come into force before the nation of 70 million people can start membership talks on Oct. 3. "

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Killing Many Birds with one Match

"Killing Many Birds with one Match
By Economy News Desk
Published: Friday 27, 2005
Turkey organized the UEFA Champions League Final successfully and about 60,000 Milan and Liverpool supporters and foreign media had a chance to see the unique beauty of Istanbul in person with hundreds of millions more watching on television.
Some problems with transportation and accommodation showed what must be done from now on in order to be better prepared for future organizations."

More:Killing Many Birds with one Match

EUobserver.com: Win or lose this constitution, we must be pragmatic on the budget

"Comment] Win or lose this constitution, we must be pragmatic on the budget
27.05.2005 - 09:33 CET | By Peter Sain ley Berry
EUOBSERVER / COMMENT - Whatever opponents of eventual Turkish accession may think, last night's European Cup Final in Istanbul, between Liverpool FC and AC Milan, underlined Turkey's obvious place in the European family of nations.

Indeed, someone might write, if they haven't already done so, a thesis on the effect of international football on the European construction. Such opponents of Turkish entry include many who are opposed to the new European Union Constitution, as well as supporters such as former President Giscard D'Estaing and Angela Merkel, the leader of Germany's centre-right CDU."

More:EUobserver.com

Bridging the economic divide: Cypriots voting with their feet and their pockets

"Bridging the economic divide: Cypriots voting with their feet and their pockets
By Simon Bahceli

WHILE the past 40 years may have seen the Turkish Cypriot economy stagnating in backward isolation, things may be changing � albeit slowly.

�People are voting with their feet and pockets, and they are way ahead of the politicians,� says Costas Apostolides, director of the Highway Communications business consultancy, during a press briefing yesterday to launch a two-day conference on how to achieve economic convergence between the two parts of Cyprus starting today.

The conference, which takes place at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce in northern Nicosia today and tomorrow, will look at ways in which measures can be taken to boost the north�s economy within the constraints of the current status quo on the island, while also seeking to look further ahead to a day when a solution to the island�s divide has been found."

More:Bridging the economic divide: Cypriots voting with their feet and their pockets

The Cup is Theirs, the Honor Ours

"The Cup is Theirs, the Honor Ours�
I have lived in Istanbul for 45 years and have been watching football. Yesterday, both gave me the most satisfaction. I can say without any hesitation, that our greatest joy was yesterday's magnificent event, reminiscent of Galatasaray clinching the UEFA Cup in [2000] and Turkey finishing third in the [2002] World Cup.
First of all, I would like to say a thousand thanks to Senes Erzik; because had it not been for his efforts, we, for many years to come, would only have been able to witness such a final in our dreams. On this issue, the service rendered by Erzik is so great that he should be awared the highest honor for his service to his country. "

More:The Cup is Theirs, the Honor Ours�

Turkish Hospitality Pays Dividends

"Turkish Hospitality Pays Dividends
By National News Desk
Published: Friday 27, 2005
Turkey has enjoyed billion dollars worth of promotion for free through hosting a series of high profile international organizations in recent years. "

More:Turkish Hospitality Pays Dividends

Merkel's Confusing 'Cyprus Gaffe'

"Merkel's Confusing 'Cyprus Gaffe'
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Friday 27, 2005
The leader of Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Angela Merkel, who is seen as the prospective chancellor of Germany, said on May 26 that Turkey should clarify its position towards Cyprus before October 3, the start date of the European Union (EU) membership negotiations"

More:Merkel's Confusing 'Cyprus Gaffe'
By Foreign News Desk

'Erdogan's Visit will Improve Bilateral Relations'

"'Erdogan's Visit will Improve Bilateral Relations'
By Suleyman Kurt
Published: Friday 27, 2005

Relations between Turkey and US could improve with Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayip Erdogan's visit to Washington, said US Ankara Ambassador Eric Edelman yesterday, May 26. "

More:'Erdogan's Visit will Improve Bilateral Relations'

JTW Article - Armenian Diaspora in Britain and the Armenian Question

"Armenian Diaspora in Britain and the Armenian Question
Dr. Sedat LA�INER

Introduction[1]
The Armenian diaspora in Britain is relatively small when it is compared with those in the United States or in France. Although there is no consensus some Armenian sources claim that the Armenian population in Britain is about 11-19.000, mostly living in London and Manchester.[2] The recent developments showed that the Armenian community in Britain has influenced the British public opinion beyond their population. As will be discussed in this study, the historical experiment about the Armenians in Britain also shows that this is not a new trend; for instance in the 19th century the Armenians, though their number was less than a thousand in England, could success to create an anti-Ottoman public opinion in this country. In this framework, this study first explores the secrets of the Armenian diaspora in Britain in affecting (sometimes manipulating) the British public opinion and press."

More:JTW Article - Armenian Diaspora in Britain and the Armenian Question

JTW Comment - Don't Say Amen for a Prayer Never to Come True!

"Don't Say Amen for a Prayer Never to Come True!
Seyfi Tashan
Ever since the European Commission's decision to start accession talks with Turkey, conservative European politicians have talked about a special relationship model despite it being promptly and categorically rejected by Turkey. Before committing themselves to such a policy line these politicians should have considered the meaning of such a proposal insofar as Turkey's relations with the European Union are concerned, and whether the scheme they have in mind could be implemented. From what's been suggested by an unnamed French think tank director to a Turkish think tank director, we understand that the plan aims to make Turkey a full partner in the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) and oblige it to establish better frontier controls that would lead to 'easing' visa restrictions. In addition, under the plan, Turkey would not be forced to implement EU standards, the EU would put no pressure on Turkey to find solutions the problems of Cyprus and the Aegean, the Armenian question would not be raised, and Kurdish rights would no longer be considered a criteria. "

More:JTW Comment - Don't Say Amen for a Prayer Never to Come True!

JTW News - Recognition is the 'Second-Best Option'

"Recognition is the 'Second-Best Option'
After Gambia decides to recognize the TRNC, Turkey starts mulling options

Recognition is the 'second-best option'

The New Anatolian / Ankara
Both Turkey and Turkish Cypriots have praised Gambia's decision this week to officially recognize and establish diplomatic relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). However, despite considering this decision a �bonus� for the future of Turkey's Cyprus policy, Ankara has decided to focus on potential peace talks between Turkish and Greek Cypriots."

More:JTW News - Recognition is the 'Second-Best Option'

Turks.US - Mango: Ataturk would have approached it pragmatically

"Mango: Ataturk would have approached it pragmatically
Friday, May 27 2005 @ 07:06 AM Central Daylight Time

Andrew Mango, author of one of the most comprehensive biographies of Turkish leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk thus far, has criticized the delay of the conference on 'Ottoman Armenians During the Collapse of the Empire' which was to be held at Bosphorus University this week. In response to questions, Mango said he thought Ataturk probably wouldn't have supported the conference per se, but that he would have also taken great care while speaking about it. "

More:Turks.US - Mango: Ataturk would have approached it pragmatically

Thursday, May 26, 2005

JTW News - Chirac Appeases Armenians on Turkish EU Bid

"Chirac Appeases Armenians on Turkish EU Bid
Sunday's referendum in France, which will decide that country's position on the EU Constitution, has forced French politicians to use every tool at their disposal to get the Yes vote from the people.

French President Jacques Chirac yesterday used the word 'genocide' for the first time when characterizing deportations of Armenians in the early 1900s to appease the powerful Armenian lobby in France, and coax their support for the EU Constitution in Sunday's referendum."

More:JTW News - Chirac Appeases Armenians on Turkish EU Bid

JTW News - IISS: Turkey's Date for EU Talks a 'Pyrrhic Victory'

"IISS: Turkey's Date for EU Talks a 'Pyrrhic Victory'
The New Anatolian / London

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) on Tuesday described, in its Strategic Survey 2004-'05, Turkey's success in getting a date for accession talks from the European Union at the Brussels summit last December as a 'pyrrhic victory.'

Referring to the famous Turkish saying, 'Hope is the bread of the poor,' the London-based think tank said that, after chronic oscillation between hope and desperation, Turkish citizens are finally happy with the decision in Brussels to begin EU membership negotiations this October, and that this has greatly bolstered their hopes."

More:JTW News - IISS: Turkey's Date for EU Talks a 'Pyrrhic Victory'

Turkey Increasingly Concerned About PKK Terrorism (SETimes.com)

"Turkey Increasingly Concerned About PKK Terrorism
26/05/2005
The campaign of terrorism being conducted by the Kurdistan Workers Party is an ongoing source of concern in Turkey, and one that affects its relations with neighbouring Iraq. On his recent state visit, Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari pledged to take action to prevent cross-border attacks. "

More:Turkey Increasingly Concerned About PKK Terrorism (SETimes.com)

Press sees shortcoming in Ankara's legal code

"Press sees shortcoming in Ankara's legal code

The Associated Press

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2005


ANKARA The Turkish Parliament on Thursday began debating a revised version of the country's delayed penal code reform, amid criticism by journalists who say the amendments do not go far enough toward eliminating threats to press freedom.

The reforms are part of efforts by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government to raise the country's chances of joining the European Union. But there are concerns that the government's failure to address certain shortfalls may jeopardize the its chances.

Parliament had been expected in March to approve the legislation, which would revamp Turkey's 79-year old code by improving women's rights and eliminating all reference to the death penalty, which was abolished in 2002. But the government delayed the vote until now to address fears that the new code could threaten freedoms and result in prison terms for journalists.

Critics, however, say the revised draft makes no significant improvement, and that one change - making it a crime to humiliate state institutions - would even bring harsher punishment. Journalists say the new code needs further improvements. The code was to have taken effect on June 1.

Erdogan's government had made EU membership a top priority, but it has been accused of flagging in the pace of reforms needed to join the bloc. EU leaders have agreed to start membership negotiations with Turkey on Oct. 3.

Critics say the draft penal code legislation contains vague language that could make it easier to crack down on journalists and make it more difficult to cover legal proceedings.

"We know that the days when Turkey will again be remembered as 'the world's largest journalists' prison' are ahead of us," wrote Oktay Eksi, a columnist for Hurriyet newspaper.

Justice Minister Cemil Cicek defended the code, saying: "It may have shortfalls and mistakes, but no one should say these were deliberate. Important improvements were made through good will and hard work."

One article calls for prison sentences for those who disregard the state's "fundamental national interests." A reasoning attached to the draft of that article specifies that calling for the withdrawal of Turkish soldiers from Cyprus or saying that Armenians were subjected to genocide during World War I should be considered an offense punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders said it shared the concerns of Turkish journalists. "Far from bringing Turkish law into line with European law on freedom of expression, some articles of the code on the contrary, would facilitate arbitrary legal action against journalists and entail a climate of self-censorship damaging to press freedom," the group said.

Late Wednesday, Parliament also introduced a measure that allows authorities to be present during meetings between some convicts and their lawyers.

Human rights groups say the measure infringes on prisoners' rights. Observers say the measure appeared to target the lawyers of imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader Abdullah Ocalan's by making it more difficult for him to pass on messages to his rebel group.

Among other measures, police can, with court approval, take prisoners away from jails for re-questioning. Human rights groups object to the measure saying it may leave them vulnerable to abuse.

ANKARA The Turkish Parliament on Thursday began debating a revised version of the country's delayed penal code reform, amid criticism by journalists who say the amendments do not go far enough toward eliminating threats to press freedom."

More:Press sees shortcoming in Ankara's legal code

Liverpool Fans Please Merchants in Istanbul

"Liverpool Fans Please Merchants in Istanbul
By Ahmet Donmez, Ugur Ozturk
Published: Thursday 26, 2005
Thousands of British fans coming to Istanbul for the European Champions League final match played last night at Istanbul Ataturk Olympic Stadium pleased the merchants who own the restaurants around Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue. "
More:Liverpool Fans Please Merchants in Istanbul

Turks.US - Is Huntington right on Turkish-European Union relations?

"Is Huntington right on Turkish-European Union relations?
Thursday, May 26 2005 @ 07:46 AM Central Daylight Time

Views: 12
By Sami Kohen

�Samuel Huntington, the controversial American author of �The Clash of Civilizations,� came to Istanbul earlier this week and told CNN Turk that Ankara's bid to join the European Union was doomed to fail!"

More:Turks.US - Is Huntington right on Turkish-European Union relations?

British Holidaymakers Choose Turkey over Cyprus

"British Holidaymakers Choose Turkey over Cyprus
By Aslihan Aydin
Published: Thursday 26, 2005
Over the last two years, British holidaymakers have been increasingly turning to Turkey as a vacation destination over former favorite holiday spot Cyprus."

More:British Holidaymakers Choose Turkey over Cyprus

Onur Air Resumes Flights To Europe

"Onur Air Resumes Flights To Europe
May 25, 2005
Turkish airline Onur Air has resumed flights to the European countries that withdrew its landing rights two weeks ago amid safety concerns, the privately owned carrier said on Wednesday.
Germany's aviation authorities are allowing two flights a day to Dusseldorf until next Sunday, and France, Switzerland and the Netherlands have reinstated full landing rights, the airline said.
'Onur Air flights to the Netherlands, France and Switzerland have been relaunched without any restrictions,' Onur Air said in a statement."

More:Onur Air Resumes Flights To Europe

WSJ.com - The Numbers Guy

"My column last week on the number of Armenians who died in mass killings and deportations in the Ottoman empire 90 years ago sparked a lot of mail, including several letters criticizing the column for minimizing the deaths and for seeming to set a numerical threshold for determining if genocide was committed. Neither was intended by the column, which looked behind a historical death toll that is often repeated without explanation, to examine how it was calculated. Armenian groups and advocates who are pushing Turkey to call the killings a genocide often cite death tolls in their accounts.
Here are some letters, edited for space and clarity:"

More:WSJ.com - The Numbers Guy

Turkish-American Team Begins Work in Support of NATO Exercise in Romania

"Turkish-American Team Begins Work in Support of NATO Exercise in Romania

BUCHAREST, Romania, May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Turkish-based ShipSup Company
and U.S.-based Windmill International will play leading roles in the upcoming
7.3 million-euro base construction for the ROMEX 05 NATO exercise in Romania.
The companies have been chosen to build and operate the base camp which will
be used by 1600 Romanian and American military forces in the exercise."

More:Turkish-American Team Begins Work in Support of NATO Exercise in Romania

Turkish Daily News - Conference postponed, but debate continues

"Conference postponed, but debate continues
Thursday, May 26, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News with wire services
A planned gathering of Turkish historians and academics questioning the official Turkish view of the 1915 deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire was postponed yesterday before it opened after strong opposition was heard from the government and opposing circles. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Conference postponed, but debate continues

Turkish Daily News - 'Genocide controversy should be left to Turks, Armenians'

"'Genocide controversy should be left to Turks, Armenians'
Thursday, May 26, 2005
European Union term president Luxemburg's prime minister, Jean-Claude Juncker, said yesterday that the 25-nation bloc, to which Turkey aspires to join, could not become involved in the controversy over whether the killings of Armenians under the rule of the Ottoman Empire early last century was a genocide and that the issue should be left to the Turks and the Armenians, the Anatolian news agency reported."

More:Turkish Daily News - 'Genocide controversy should be left to Turks, Armenians'

Turkish Daily News - AI highlights lack of performance in Turkey�s reforms

"AI highlights lack of performance in Turkey�s reforms
Thursday, May 26, 2005
The Turkish government is among those who failed to deal with human rights violations during 2004, according to a report by Amnesty International "

More:Turkish Daily News - AI highlights lack of performance in Turkey�s reforms

Turkish Daily News - EU questions Turkish gov�t sincerity in broadening freedom

"EU questions Turkish gov�t sincerity in broadening freedom
Thursday, May 26, 2005
EMINE KART

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News


The Turkish government may have a hard time explaining to the European Union that reforms for broadening freedom of expression in the country are still priorities following Justice Minister Cemil �i�ek's harsh remarks on a domestic initiative aimed at questioning Turkey's official position on the tragic World War I-era events that led to Armenian allegations of genocide, an EU diplomat yesterday told the Turkish Daily News. "

More:Turkish Daily News - EU questions Turkish gov�t sincerity in broadening freedom

Europe's Terrorism Priorities - May 26, 2005 - The New York Sun - NY Newspaper

"Europe's Terrorism Priorities
BY JIM GERAGHTY
May 26, 2005

ANKARA - Imagine a terrorist organization that over a span of two decades kills 10 times the death toll of September 11. Imagine that after years of hitting and hiding, the head of that organization is finally captured by law enforcement and extradited to the nation where he and his gang committed the attacks. Bowing to international ideals, the country of the victims waives the death penalty, but declares the mastermind guilty of 'treason' and sentences him to life in prison on an isolated island.
Now imagine a European court demanding a retrial - because the terrorist didn't have access to a lawyer quickly enough."

More:Europe's Terrorism Priorities - May 26, 2005 - The New York Sun - NY Newspaper

Kurdishinfo - The History Foundation of Turkey reacts delay of Symposium on Armenians

"The History Foundation of Turkey reacts delay of Symposium on Armenians

ANKARA (DIHA) - The History Foundation of Turkey assessed the prejudiced slander campaign against 'Ottoman Armenians in the Collapsing Period of Empire: Scientific Responsibility and Problems of Democracy' symposium organized by Bilgi, Bogazi�i(Bosphorus) and Sabanci Universities as 'Grisly and so negative development'."

More:Kurdishinfo - The History Foundation of Turkey reacts delay of Symposium on Armenians

The Seattle Times: Travel: Postcard from Istanbul, Turkey

"Postcard from Istanbul, Turkey
PREV | of | NEXT
Greetings from Istanbul where the European Cup soccer championship game between teams from Liverpool, England, and Milan, Italy, was played today.
The Turkish city was crawling with thousands of fans from both countries who rallied outside Istanbul's famous sites earlier today before boarding hundreds of buses chartered to take them to the late-evening match which Liverpool won 3-2. "

More:The Seattle Times: Travel: Postcard from Istanbul, Turkey

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Global Investor: Turkish investors, analysts look beyond E.U. politics

"Anchored down in Ankara
Turkish investors, analysts look beyond E.U. politics

By Barbara Kollmeyer, MarketWatch

LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Turkey is not expected to be swayed from market-friendly economic and political reforms aimed at securing European Union membership, even if voters in France and Holland reject the E.U. constitution in the coming days, analysts say.
Voters in those Western European countries chiefly object to what they see as the E.U. constitution's ceding individual country influence, but they also have reservations about widening the union eastward to include Turkey. France holds its referendum May 29, and Holland votes June 1."

More:Global Investor: Turkish investors, analysts look beyond E.U. politics - Banks - Consumer Services - Financial - Financial Services - Manufacturing - Mutual Funds

Talat Calls U.S. To Take Action For Lifting Blockade On Northern Cyprus

"Talat Calls U.S. To Take Action For Lifting Blockade On Northern Cyprus
Published: 5/25/2005

WASHINGTON D.C. (AA) - Mehmet Ali Talat, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) said on Sunday that the United States should have a leading role in lifting the blockade on the TRNC. "

More:Talat Calls U.S. To Take Action For Lifting Blockade On Northern Cyprus

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | First Pipeline From Caspian Sea Opened

"First Pipeline From Caspian Sea Opened

Wednesday May 25, 2005 2:31 PM
AP Photo MOSB125
By AIDA SULTANOVA
Associated Press Writer
SANGACHAL, Azerbaijan (AP) - With speeches and a letter from President Bush, officials Wednesday opened the first section of a 1,100-mile pipeline that will carry Caspian Sea oil to Western markets, a project seen as an economic and political boon for the troubled Caucasus region. "

More:Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | First Pipeline From Caspian Sea Opened

RIA Novosti - Russia - DIALOGUE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND TURKEY ON BLACK SEA STRAITS BECOMES CONSTRUCTIVE, LAVROV SAYS

"DIALOGUE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND TURKEY ON BLACK SEA STRAITS BECOMES CONSTRUCTIVE, LAVROV SAYS
18:42

MOSCOW, May 25 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian-Turkish dialogue on the questions of navigation in the Black Sea straits has begun to acquire a constructive character of late. This point of view was voiced by Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov in the article published in Vnesheekonomicheskiye Svyazi (Foreign Economic Relations) journal.
In his opinion, this found reflection in the Joint Declaration on the Deepening of Friendship and Many-Sided Partnership between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Turkey signed by the two countries' presidents on December 6, 2004."

More:RIA Novosti - Russia - DIALOGUE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND TURKEY ON BLACK SEA STRAITS BECOMES CONSTRUCTIVE, LAVROV SAYS

Berlusconi: Italy will Strongly Support Turkey's EU Hopes

"Berlusconi: Italy will Strongly Support Turkey's EU Hopes
By AP
Published: Wednesday 25, 2005
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said Wednesday that Italy will top the list of countries backing Turkey when Ankara starts European Union membership talks in October.
Berlusconi's statements came as Turkey's expectations on membership prospects have diminished. There is strong opposition in France and other EU countries to poor, crowded and predominantly Muslim Turkey becoming a member. "

More:Berlusconi: Italy will Strongly Support Turkey's EU Hopes

JTW News - EU works on new formula to solve Cyprus deadlock

"EU works on new formula to solve Cyprus deadlock
The European Union (EU) is reportedly working on a new formula to solve the deadlock on real estate and trade disputes between Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

The EU is preparing a formula to solve both problems by urging mutual concessions, according to the Greek Cypriot media.

The formula is said to stipulate the preservation of the current status of real estates that once belonged to Greek Cypriots in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Turkish properties in the Greek side."

More:JTW News - EU works on new formula to solve Cyprus deadlock

EU Takes Babacan's Appointment as Top Negotiator Positively

"EU Takes Babacan's Appointment as Top Negotiator Positively
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Wednesday 25, 2005
The European Union (EU) favors Turkish State Minister Ali Babacan's appointment as chief negotiator ahead of the full membership negotiations, which will commence on 3 October 2005. "

More:EU Takes Babacan's Appointment as Top Negotiator Positively

65 Turkish Cypriots have sought properties in the south

"65 Turkish Cypriots have sought properties in the south
By George Psyllides

THERE have been 65 cases of Turkish Cypriots demanding their properties in the government-controlled areas, Interior Minister Andreas Christou said yesterday.
Christou was speaking at a news conference at which he reviewed the work of his ministry since he took office around two years ago.

Out of the 65 cases, 10 sought recourse in court, the minister said.

�Most do not ask for their house to be returned if (Greek Cypriot) refugees live in it; they settle for a house we propose to them or another piece of land,� Christou said.

He added: �However, we have 10 cases, which have proceeded to law suits and court measures demanding various things.�

In most cases, Turkish Cypriots mainly inquire about property issues."

More:65 Turkish Cypriots have sought properties in the south

Turkish Daily News - 'City of Ottoman Princes'

"'City of Ottoman Princes'
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Amasya is a center of Turkish tourism with its natural beauties and historical assets from the Seljuk and Ottoman eras "

More:Turkish Daily News - 'City of Ottoman Princes'

Turkish universities postpone Armenian conference under pressure

"Turkish universities postpone Armenian conference under pressure
May 25, 2005, 5:24 AM
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) -- Three Turkish universities announced that they were postponing a conference to discuss last century's mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks after a government minister accused organizers of 'treachery,' officials said Wednesday.
In the three-day conference, which would have opened Wednesday at Istanbul's Bosporus University, academics were to question Turkey's official position on the deaths that occurred as the Ottoman Empire forced Armenians from eastern Turkey between 1915 and 1923. "

More:Turkish universities postpone Armenian conference under pressure

JTW News - Washington's Support for Turkey's EU Membership Bid

"Washington's Support for Turkey's EU Membership Bid
WHITE HOUSE: �THE BUSH-ERDOGAN MEETINGS WILL EMPHASIZE WASHINGTON�S SUPPORT FOR TURKEY�S EU MEMBERSHIP BID�

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan yesterday announced that United States President George W. Bush is set to receive Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan this June at the White House. �President Bush will welcome Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House on June 8,� he said. �This meeting will provide an opportunity to invigorate US-Turkish cooperation with respect to Turkey's European Union aspirations, and to strengthen our work together to advance freedom in Iraq and the broader Middle East, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.� "

JTW News - Washington's Support for Turkey's EU Membership Bid

JTW News - Turkish PM Shelves Annan Plan

"Turkish PM Shelves Annan Plan
Zeynep Gurcanli
The New Anatolian/ Ankara

The first stroke comes during Council of Europe meeting: Foreign Ministry officials are shocked to hear the PM telling the Greek Cypriot leader that the 'Annan plan would not be the basis' for future negotiations on Cyprus

The second stroke is more open: Talking about his recent forays into the Armenian issue, Erdogan associates his 'successful' policy with 'not listening to Foreign Ministry bureaucrats'

Despite Erdogan's claims of success in both issues, TRNC president accuses Erdogan of being 'cheated' by Greek Cypriots. Moreover, the Greek Cypriot press calls the Papadopoulos-Erdogan meeting a 'victory'"

More:JTW News - Turkish PM Shelves Annan Plan

'Turkey should Adapt Ataturk's Principles to 21st Century'

"'Turkey should Adapt Ataturk's Principles to 21st Century'
By Emre Soncan
Published: Wednesday 25, 2005

Professor Samuel P. Huntington, Chairman of the Harvard Academy of International and Area Studies and formulator of the 'Clash of Civilizations' thesis, said Turkey should reinterpret Kemalism. "

More:'Turkey should Adapt Ataturk's Principles to 21st Century'

ireland.com /Liverpool fans soak up atmosphere

"Liverpool fans soak up atmosphere
25/05/2005: Thousands of Liverpool fans basked peacefully in the Istanbul sun this morning, many nursing hangovers after a racous night of drinking and singing before tonight's Champions League final.
Reds supporters mingled with AC Milan fans in the historic district of Sultanahmet, sightseeing and engaging in light-hearted banter about who would win the evening's match at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
'The atmosphere here is great. There is a real feeling of community among us and we're getting on well with the Liverpool fans,' said Italian journalist Stefan Cerati, sitting with friends in a cafe overlooking the famous Blue Mosque."

More:ireland.com / Today / Sport / Soccer

Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Wary Turks drop guard and join in party antics - Sport - Times Online

"Wary Turks drop guard and join in party antics
From Owen Slot, Chief Sports Reporter in Istanbul
HALFWAY up a tree, beer in one hand and banana in the other, perched the star of the show. Liverpool are back on the high plinth of European football and, to mark the occasion, Tree Boy was conducting the troops outside a bar in Istanbul�s Taksim Square. By early yesterday evening, his army had swelled to some 200 who, in a novel but familiar refrain, hailed him with the words: �We love you Tree Boy, we do . "

More:Wary Turks drop guard and join in party antics - Sport - Times Online

Lawmakers to Meet Turkish-Cypriot Leaders

"Lawmakers to Meet Turkish-Cypriot Leaders
The Associated Press
Tuesday, May 24, 2005; 7:16 PM
WASHINGTON -- Rep. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., will lead a delegation to northern Cyprus next week in an effort to show support for the Turkish-Cypriot population on the divided island and improve U.S. ties with Turkey.
Whitfield, co-chairman of the Turkey Caucus, will fly directly into northern Cyprus with two other congressmen to visit with Turkish-Cypriot leaders."

More:Lawmakers to Meet Turkish-Cypriot Leaders

Pipeline politics give Turkey an edge | csmonitor.com

"Pipeline politics give Turkey an edge

A pipeline that brings Caspian oil to Turkey's coast opens Wednesday.

By Yigal Schleifer | Correspondent of The Christian Science Monitor

ISTANBUL � Turkey's heartland of Anatolia - the massive plateau that serves as a land bridge between Asia and Europe - is dotted with the remains of 13th-century inns, reminders of the merchant caravans that traveled the fabled east-west Silk Road.
Some 800 years later, Turkey is again trying to take advantage of its strategic location. Today, instead of caravansaries it is building pipelines, and instead of silk and spices the products are less romantic: oil and natural gas."

More:Pipeline politics give Turkey an edge | csmonitor.com

World Peace Herald:German election worries Turkey, EU

"German election worries Turkey, EU
By Martin Walker
UPI Editor
Published May 24, 2005
WASHINGTON -- Like a single pool ball crashing into clusters of others and sending them spinning in all directions, the news of the unexpected German elections is reverberating across Europe.

It spells potential disaster for Turkey's moderate Islamic government, which has pinned most of its foreign and domestic policies on its bid to join the European Union. But it also throws into confusion the plans of the Brussels-based European Commission to secure agreement on the EU budget for the next six-year funding period and threatens the euro currency with a new credibility problem. "

More:World Peace Herald

Reuters | 'Clash of Civilisations' man tells Turkey to shun EU

"'Clash of Civilisations' man tells Turkey to shun EU

Wed May 25, 2005 12:04 AM GMT+05:30
ANKARA (Reuters) - The author of 'The Clash of Civilisations', the best-seller which predicts conflict between the West and the Islamic world, urged Turkey on Tuesday to turn its back on Europe and look to its Muslim neighbours.
Speaking on CNN Turk during a visit to Istanbul, a city which physically bridges Europe and Asia, Samuel Huntington said Turkey's bid to join the European Union was doomed to fail.
'I think that Turkey will not enter the EU because the Europeans don't want Turkey. Therefore, they'll do everything they can in order to keep Turkey out of the EU,' said Huntington, an American professor."

More:Reuters | Latest Financial News / Full News Coverage

Chirac says EU constitution would put back Turkey accession - Forbes.com

"Chirac says EU constitution would put back Turkey accession
05.24.2005, 12:47 PM

PARIS (AFX) - President Jacques Chirac said that the adoption of the EU constitution would extend the timeframe for Turkey's accession into the union.

Chirac's comments came in a letter to the France-based CCAF association of Armenian organisations, and at a time when key proponents of the constitution ramp up efforts to convince the electorate ahead of the referendum on Sunday. "
More:Chirac says EU constitution would put back Turkey accession - Forbes.com

Expatica - Dutch lift ban on Onur Air

"Dutch lift ban on Onur Air

24 May 2005
AMSTERDAM � The Dutch traffic safety inspectorate IVW has lifted the flight ban placed on Turkish airline Onur Air, the company's lawyer said.
Sources in The Hague also said on Tuesday that a decision is imminent on an overall improvement plan being drawn up by Turkish authorities. The plan will unveil new safety measures the airline will need to take in the coming period."

More:Expatica - Dutch lift ban on Onur Air

albawaba.com middle east news information::Grosvenor House revives the Ottoman Empire, Persian cuisine gets the five-star touch at new hotel

"Grosvenor House revives the Ottoman Empire, Persian cuisine gets the five-star touch at new hotel

Posted: 24-05-2005 , 13:34 GMT


In another first for Dubai, Grosvenor House West Marina Beach by Le Meridien will open a Persian restaurant in the summer. Chef Zeki Polatkesen has been charged with launching Ottoman to the city, combining old-style d�cor, with stunning views over the modern Dubai Marina.
The hotel�s general manager Pam Wilby emphasised the need for creativity in an already crowded food and beverage market. She said: �An exclusive address needs to have exclusive offerings and Ottoman�s cuisine is the first of its kind in Dubai. During months of research at the concept stage, we identified the need for a high-end Persian restaurant, and so Ottoman was created.�"

More:albawaba.com middle east news information::Grosvenor House revives the Ottoman Empire, Persian cuisine gets the five-star touch at new hotel

icLiverpool - �30m boom in bazaar city

"30m boom in bazaar city May 24 2005

By Tony Barrett, Liverpool Echo

THERE is hardly anything that can't be bought and sold on the streets of Istanbul.
The sprawling Turkish city undoubtedly retains the mercantile spirit which allowed the Ottoman Empire to flourish before crumbling at the start of the 20th century.
There are thought to be more shops in Istanbul than in almost any other European city, selling everything even the most prolific of shoppers could imagine.
And trade is not restricted to the bazaars, market stalls and chain stores.
Everywhere you look, there seems to be a salesman offering the latest Louis Vuitton bags and DVDs of films not even in the cinemas yet - all the best possible fakes, of course."

More:icLiverpool - �30m boom in bazaar city

People's Daily Online -- China to strengthen ties with Turkey in culture, education, sports

"China to strengthen ties with Turkey in culture, education, sports

Visiting Chinese State Councilor Chen Zhili said in Ankara Monday that China will further promote cooperation with Turkey in the fields of cultural, educational and sports exchanges.
Chen made the remarks during her talks with Turkish State Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Mehmet Ali Sahin.
The relations between China and Turkey have developed smoothly since the establishment of diplomatic ties 34 years ago, Chen said. "

More:People's Daily Online -- China to strengthen ties with Turkey in culture, education, sports

Turks.US - Greek Ambassador: Greece supports Turkey's EU membership

"Greek Ambassador: Greece supports Turkey's EU membership
Monday, May 23 2005 @ 10:18 PM Central Daylight Time

Views: 95
Greek Ambassador in Ankara Michael Christides has indicated today (Monday) that Greece supports Turkey's European Union (EU) membership.

Participating in a conference sponsored by the Izmir Economy University Department of International Relations and EU and titled 'Turkish-Greek Ties in the EU Negotiations Process', Christides remarked that things were much different in 1995. The point we have reached today is pleasing, said ambassador Christides."

More:Turks.US - Greek Ambassador: Greece supports Turkey's EU membership

Turkey's PM says nothing will halt bid for EU membership; appoints negotiator - Forbes.com

"Turkey's PM says nothing will halt bid for EU membership; appoints negotiator
05.24.2005, 10:43 AM

ANKARA (AFX) - Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said no obstacle will discourage his country from pursuing its goal of full EU membership, evern as he appointed Economy Minister Ali Babacan chief negotiator for the upcoming talks on Turkey's accession to the European Union.

'The negotiation process will start on October third... Those who are seeking to impede this process are wasting their energy,' Erdogan said.

'We will probably face problems, but they will never weaken Turkey's basic objective, which is full membership in the European Union,' he said. "

More:Turkey's PM says nothing will halt bid for EU membership; appoints negotiator - Forbes.com