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Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Xinhua - Turkey, Iran reiterate joint will to fight terrorism

"Turkey, Iran reiterate joint will to fight terrorism
www.chinaview.cn 2005-12-01 08:09:49

 ANKARA, Nov. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki reiterated on Wednesday their joint will to fight terrorism.

Speaking at a joint press conference after bilateral talks, Gulsaid that they discussed cooperation in security matters and reaffirmed the necessity to make joint efforts to combat terrorism.

Both Turkey and Iran attach importance to the issue of counterterrorism and relevant departments of the two countries will maintain necessary contacts on this matter, said Gul."

More:Xinhua - English

Bloomberg.com: Europe-Turkey's Elected Islamists Fan EU Angst, Ire of Secular Leaders

"Turkey's Elected Islamists Fan EU Angst, Ire of Secular Leaders

Dec. 1 (Bloomberg) -- Sheik Hafiz Kasim, with a gray, floor- length robe draped around his crossed legs, sits in front of about 100 worshippers at the Mevlevi sect's lodge in Urfa, Turkey, and prays for God to help Muslims oppressed by the U.S.

``Soviet Russia has collapsed,'' he explains after the service. ``God willing, the U.S. will disintegrate and crumble, too. The time is near.''

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has allowed groups like Kasim's, banned since the creation of the Turkish republic in 1923, to resurface, feeding criticism from opposition leaders that he is moving the country of 70 million people toward Islamic rule. Erdogan, whose Islam-influenced party won a landslide victory in 2002, says he is merely promoting religious freedom."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

EU-TURKEY: MPs TO ATTEND TRIAL OF TOP AUTHOR

"EU-TURKEY: MPs TO ATTEND TRIAL OF TOP AUTHOR

Istanbul, 30 Nov. (AKI) - A delegation of observers from the European Parliament will attend the upcoming trial of Turkish writer Orhan Pamuk, due to start on 16 December, the European Peoples Party in Strasbourg said in a statement. The delegation will be headed by Dutch Euro-MP Camiel Eurlieng. Pamuk, one of Turkey's best known authors, faces three years in jail for making controversial comments about his country's killing of Armenians and Kurds.

Orhan Pamuk has been charged with insulting Turkey's national character by telling a Swiss newspaper that one million Armenians and 30,000 Kurds were killed in Turkey but that nobody dared to say so."

More:EU-TURKEY: MPs TO ATTEND TRIAL OF TOP AUTHOR

EUobserver.com-Europeans prefer Russia as EU member over Turkey

"Europeans prefer Russia as EU member over Turkey
30.11.2005 - 17:44 CET | By Mark Beunderman

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - European citizens would rather see Ukraine and Russia enter the EU than Turkey, a French poll suggests - but less than half of Ukrainians themselves back EU membership.

A survey conducted by French polling firm TNS Sofres for the Ukrainian Yalta European Strategy network, a lobby group promoting Kiev's accession to the EU, was published on Wednesday (30 November). "

More:EUobserver.com

EuroNews : Ruling on radical imam Kaplan overturned

"Ruling on radical imam Kaplan overturned

A court in Turkey has reportedly overturned a life sentence for radical imam Metin Kaplan on a technicality. Several legal irregularities were found in the ruling passed in June, including the fact one of the judges had failed to sign one of the pages of the sentence."

More:EuroNews : Ruling on radical imam Kaplan overturned

Focus English News-German Chancellor: Turkey’s Full Membership in the EU is not Guaranteed

"German Chancellor: Turkey’s Full Membership in the EU is not Guaranteed

Berlin. “Turkey’s full membership in the EU is not guaranteed”, the new German Chancellor Angela Merkel stated, cited by AP. According to Merkel, the EU-Ankara talks are a “process with an open ending, whose result might not be guaranteed”. Merkel pointed out that in order for Turkey to become EU member, it has to answer to all European common criteria.
According to experts, EU-Ankara talks can go on for 15 or even 20 years. It is expected that in 2007 Bulgaria and Romania to become EU full members."

More:Focus English News

PanARMENIAN.Net: Armenian News - “Blue Book” First Volume Published in Turkey

"“Blue Book” First Volume Published in Turkey
30.11.2005 20:25 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Pencere Turkish publishing house has issued the first 550-page volume of “Blue Book”. The book written by Lord Bryce and prominent historian Arnold J. Toynbee is officially titled “Treatment of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 19915-1916” is one of the most important evidences of the Armenian Genocide. According to Marmara Turkish newspaper, the Turkish edition maintains an article by Turkish scientist Taner Akcam, who rated the address of the Turkish parliament to the British with a request to introduce changes into the book as “a temptation”. "

More:PanARMENIAN.Net: Armenian News - “Blue Book” First Volume Published in Turkey

Financial Times: Turkey at Ease After the Crisis

"Financial Times: Turkey at Ease After the Crisis
By Kamuran Samar
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2005

The Financial Times published a six-paged supplement on Turkey, which depicted a positive picture about the country.

The supplement dealt with many subjects ranging from economics to politics, and wrote that Turkey was currently a more secure country and a favorite destination for foreign investment. The supplement’s headline expressed t Turkey was now more at ease on its own. The supplement related that the country had recovered at an incredible pace after the crisis experienced between 2000 and 2001, and that it had undergone great change that cannot be compared to the state it had been in during the crisis period. The article also included remarks about social life in Turkey and reminded its readers that the Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar was built long before the emergence of the American and British capitalist systems."

More:Financial Times: Turkey at Ease After the Crisis

TheStar.com - Turkey soccer brawl decision due next year

"Turkey soccer brawl decision due next year
Nov. 30, 2005. 08:40 AM
ASSOCIATED PRESS

ZURICH — FIFA expects to decide by early next year what action to take over the violence at the end of this month's World Cup playoff between Turkey and Switzerland."

More:TheStar.com - Turkey soccer brawl decision due next year

Turkish Daily News - Farmers by day, actors by night

"Farmers by day, actors by night
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

A local amateur women's theater company, namely the Tent Theater Company, founded in 2000 in the village of Arslanköy in Mersin, has boosted its numbers with the recruitment of family members to perform larger productions, the Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Turkish Daily News - Farmers by day, actors by night

Hürriyet-Ertugrul Ozkok:What does Picasso-Istanbul mean for Turkey?

"Ertugrul Ozkok:What does Picasso-Istanbul mean for Turkey?

A while back, the Prime Minister said 'I'm marketing Turkey.' Yesterday morning, my wife and I, along with Hurriyet columnist Dogan Hizlan, went to see the Picasso exhibit at the Sabanci Museum.

Taking my first steps into the museum, I thought to myself 'Someone should recall the Prime Minister's words and take some action according to them.' I will explain what I mean by this in a little while.

But first I want to pass on some very hopeful observations about our country to you."

More:Hürriyet

The trouble with Turkey - The Boston Globe

"The trouble with Turkey

By John Tirman | November 30, 2005

IN THE ONGOING debate about ''democratization,' Turkey is a vivid example of how difficult it can be. Its inability to end old habits of repression and embrace democratic values presents an agonizing dilemma for Europe and a reminder of failed policies of the United States."

More:The trouble with Turkey - The Boston Globe

Turkish Daily News - Istanbul to get a taste of contemporary Mediterranean music

"Istanbul to get a taste of contemporary Mediterranean music
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

The Third Mediterranean Contemporary Music Days, sponsored by the Cervantes Institute, the Greek Consulate General and the Italian Culture Center in Istanbul, will be held between Dec. 5 and 10."

More:Turkish Daily News - Istanbul to get a taste of contemporary Mediterranean music

..:: ABHABER.COM -Rasmussen: Denmark, Turkey share same view of terror

"Rasmussen: Denmark, Turkey share same view of terror

A first-ever summit of the European Union with its Mediterranean-rim neighbors early in the week offered an opportunity for a significant gathering; moreover, it allowed the prime ministers of Turkey and Denmark the chance to meet face-to-face for the first time following a crisis in Copenhagen almost two weeks ago.

Speaking to reporters late on Monday upon his arrival in Ankara from Barcelona where he had participated in the 25 EU member summit and their 10 Mediterranean-rim and Middle East neighbors, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that he had had an opportunity to talk with his Danish counterpart, Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, concerning the controversial issue of a Copenhagen-based television station that Turkey says is a mouthpiece for the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). "

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::..

McEldowney: Turks Welcome to Visit the US

"McEldowney: Turks Welcome to Visit the US
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2005

The US Chargé d'Affairs Nancy McEldowney in Ankara said, 'We would like as many as Turks as possible to visit the United States' since they believe in friendship not only among administrations, but also among communities.

Turkish public opinion holds three common misconceptions: 'The US does not want foreigners to come its territory,' 'It is difficult for Turks to get a visa,' and 'The US embassy is a mysterious and forbidding place,' said McEldowney, who delivered a briefing about the US visa at the Embassy Tuesday."

More:McEldowney: Turks Welcome to Visit the US

Turkish Daily News - OECD comments on Turkey

"OECD comments on Turkey
Wednesday, November 30, 2005

PARIS - Reuters

Turkey's gross domestic product (GDP) should grow by around 6 percent in 2006 and 2007 on the back of further improvements in domestic and international confidence following the opening of accession negotiations with the European Union, said a report issued on Tuesday by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)."

More:Turkish Daily News - OECD comments on Turkey

Turkish Daily News - Role of accessories in men

"Role of accessories in men
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

The idea of accessories in men's fashion is a little outdated in today's top-of-the-line clothing stores. However, throughout the history of Anatolia and the Ottoman Empire jewelry was an important part of self-adornment for men. Priests across the eastern world had their own jewelry consisting of elaborate necklaces, earrings and bracelets. During Anatolia's Lydian period, soldiers wore earrings from fired clay. In 547, when the Persians came through Anatolia, the amount and variation of men's jewelry increased dramatically. During the Middle Ages, Europeans used medallions, earrings and rings. Ottoman padishahs were also just as addicted to jewelry as were women."

More:Turkish Daily News - Role of accessories in men

REPORTER.GR-Turkey: EU Funds Tax Evasion Monitoring Program

"Turkey: EU Funds Tax Evasion Monitoring Program

13:45 - 30 November 2005 - Tax inspection units of the Turkish Finance Ministry will put a computer assisted inspection program to use, to monitor tax evasion which is quite widespread in Turkey."

More:REPORTER.GR

ATW Daily News-Turkish Airlines CEO sees profitable growth continuing

"Turkish Airlines CEO sees profitable growth continuing
Wednesday November 30, 2005

THY Turkish Airlines CEO Temel Kotil told ATWOnline he is confident the carrier will maintain the profitability reached in the first nine months of the current fiscal year (ATWOnline, Nov. 29), which included a net margin of 5% and an EDITBAR margin of 19%, despite a plan to increase seat capacity 30% by 2008.'This is a good margin for a European operator,' Kotil said. 'As a matter of fact, it's among the best of the AEA members.' He added that THY intends to pursue its present positioning as a full-service network carrier and is committed to expanding its market share in the domestic segment, the European market and Asia. 'We are adding 59 aircraft to bring our fleet by end 2008 to 100 aircraft, mostly narrowbodies. This means we are very established in short- and medium-haul routes. From Istanbul you can reach 55 capitals with our narrowbody aircraft. This is our natural market.'"

More:ATW Daily News

Turkish PM to head delegation looking for trade deals - Business - Business

"Turkish PM to head delegation looking for trade deals
THE largest trade mission ever to come to Australia will arrive in Melbourne next Wednesday, led by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by representatives of 130 Turkish companies and will open a business forum to be held on that day."

More:Turkish PM to head delegation looking for trade deals - Business - Business

..:: ABHABER.COM -Babacan: Reform implementation will take time

"Babacan: Reform implementation will take time

Chief negotiator for EU talks says Turkey should get used to EU criticism over reform slowdown

The government agrees with European Union criticism over Turkey's faltering reform effort but said implementation of the reforms will take time, State Minister Ali Babacan, chief negotiator for EU accession talks, said yesterday.

The EU, which formally opened accession talks with candidate Turkey on Oct. 3, criticized Ankara's efforts in meeting its membership criteria in a regular report released earlier this month, saying reforms had dropped off in 2005. Senior EU officials have reiterated the same criticism over the past few weeks."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::..

..:: ABHABER.COM -Ankara NATO-bargaining with Greek Cypriots

"Ankara NATO-bargaining with Greek Cypriots

Greek Cypriot administration has become a real headache for Turkey since becoming full EU member last year both in Union and in other intl organizations

Due to Greek Cypriots' veto card within EU, Ankara appears to be trying to soften its tough attitude towards Nicosia at NATO

FM Gul is expected to attend a dinner with his Greek Cypriot counterpart at an unofficial gathering related to NATO. Gul will attend unofficial dinner on Dec. 7 hosted by Belgian FM, according to Turkish sources "

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::..

Turkish Daily News - Turkish patchwork brings home medals from competition in Europe

"Turkish patchwork brings home medals from competition in Europe
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Turkey received two medals in an international patchwork competition organized in the Netherlands last month, reported the Anatolia news agency. Representing Turkey at the 9th European Patchwork Competition, M�zeyyen Kulalı and �lker Gedikoğlu were named as second and third place finishers."

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish patchwork brings home medals from competition in Europe

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

FT.com / World Reports / Turkey 2005 - Transport: Grand rail project set to connect Europe with Asia

"Transport: Grand rail project set to connect Europe with Asia
By Michael Kuser
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

The earliest historical mention of ancient Byzantium comes from the Greek chronicler Herodotus, in a dispatch dealing with transport issues. Some 2,500 years ago, Darius, king of Persia, found himself and his army on the Asian side of the Bosphorus, prevented from pursuing a campaign on the European side. His chief engineer devised a pontoon bridge of small boats and the rest is history.

So many small vessels ply the waters in Istanbul today that they seem enough to enable one to skip across the waterway, from fishing boat to ferry to tanker to tug. But, in a city of 12m people, that is no way to move hundreds of thousands of daily commuters."

More:FT.com / World Reports / Turkey 2005 - Transport: Grand rail project set to connect Europe with Asia

FT.com / Home UK - Human rights: Pamuk case tests freedom of thought

"Human rights: Pamuk case tests freedom of thought
By Vincent Boland
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

Turkey’s most celebrated novelist goes on trial on December 16 on a charge that amounts to treason.

Orhan Pamuk, who is probably more feted abroad than in his native land, is accused of insulting Turkey in an interview earlier this year in which he attacked official indifference to the fate of Armenians, during the last days of the Ottoman empire, and of the Kurds during the civil conflict of the 1980s and 1990s. That conflict killed 35,000 people, including many Kurdish civilians in Turkey’s south-eastern provinces."

More:FT.com / Home UK - Human rights: Pamuk case tests freedom of thought

FT.com / World / International economy - Turkey cuts tax rates to attract foreign investors

"Turkey cuts tax rates to attract foreign investors
By Vincent Boland in Ankara
Published: November 30 2005 02:00 | Last updated: November 30 2005 02:00

Turkey is to slash corporate and personal tax rates in an effort to attract foreign direct investment.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister, said yesterday the standard rate of corporate tax would be cut from 30 per cent to 20 per cent to allow Turkey to compete for investment against the new European Union member states. The overall tax burden for all companies would fall to 28 per cent from 37 per cent, while the top rate of personal income tax would fall to 35 per cent."

More:FT.com / World / International economy - Turkey cuts tax rates to attract foreign investors

The Scotsman - International - World wants a suit like Saddam

"World wants a suit like Saddam

ALLAN HALL

SADDAM Hussein's dapper courtroom suit is proving to be a goldmine for the man who made it. Ever since the deposed Iraqi leader stepped into the dock, business for its Istanbul-based maker has been on the increase.

'It is incredible,' said Recep Cesur, a Kurd, who has been tailor to the tyrant for many years. 'He is proving to be fantastic publicity for me.'

Saddam was not known for his fair treatment of Kurds, exposing them to gassing and imprisonment. But Mr Cesur's skills with the scissors meant he was one Kurd who was always welcome in Saddam's palaces."

More:The Scotsman - International - World wants a suit like Saddam

FT.com / Home UK - Banking: Foreigners turn kindly eye on the Turkish market

"Banking: Foreigners turn kindly eye on the Turkish market
By Michael Kuser
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

Ankara took an important step this month toward reducing the share of state-owned banks in the sector – now at 30 per cent – by launching an initial public offering for Vakifbank that raised more than €1bn, nearly two-thirds of it from foreign institutional investors.

Turkey’s fourth largest bank, Vakifbank, started trading 22 per cent of its shares on the Istanbul bourse on November 18, with most of the remainder controlled by a government department of foundations.

Turkey made the IPO as part of a pledge to the International Monetary Fund."

More:FT.com / Home UK - Banking: Foreigners turn kindly eye on the Turkish market

FT.com / Home UK - View from Brussels: Formidable checklist needs to be ticked

"View from Brussels: Formidable checklist needs to be ticked
By Daniel Dombey
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

The year 2005 has been testing for Ankara’s ambition to join the European Union, primarily because, as Olli Rehn, EU enlargement Commissioner says, “the pace of change has slowed” in Turkey itself.

Next year could be still more difficult, primarily because of an unresolved dispute over Cypriot ships and the impending trial of novelist Orhan Pamuk, both of which will affect some of the basic principles of the accession process."

More:FT.com / Home UK - View from Brussels: Formidable checklist needs to be ticked

FT.com / Home UK - Abdullah Gul, foreign minister: Having to learn on the job

"Abdullah Gul, foreign minister: Having to learn on the job
By Vincent Boland
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

Turkey’s government has been on a steep learning curve in its three years in power. In November 2002 it was an unknown quantity, with much to prove not just to Turkish voters but to the rest of the world.

Abdullah Gul, who was prime minister for a few months in the early days of the government – because Recep Tayyip Erdogan was banned from political activity – has arguably had to learn the most on the job, given that so much of the agenda in the past three years has been consumed by foreign affairs."

More:FT.com / Home UK - Abdullah Gul, foreign minister: Having to learn on the job

Daily Times - Turkish traders for facilitating overland trade with Pakistan

"Turkish traders for facilitating overland trade with Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said effective implementation of the Tripartite Transportation Agreement between Pakistan, Iran and Turkey will boost the two-way trade between Turkey and Pakistan.

A high-powered Istanbul Chamber delegation called on Hamid Yar Hiraj, Minister of State for Commerce, here on Tuesday. The Turkish delegation comprised leading businessmen and senior officials of the Istanbul Chamber representing major business sectors of Turkey."

More:Daily Times - Site Edition

FT.com - A country more comfortable with itself

Picture provided by Turkish Digest

"A country more comfortable with itself
By Vincent Boland
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

For the past few weeks the European Union flag has been flying above the Grand Bazaar, the magnificent marketplace in Istanbul where, for centuries, Turks have been doing business with Europeans.

The blue standard with its gold stars flies alongside Turkey’s own red banner with its distinctive crescent and star, so close they seem to touch in the wind.

Here, amid the throng of shops selling carpets, jewellery, precious metals, leather goods, and spices, a visitor can appreciate an essential but sometimes hidden side of an often misunderstood country – and its history as a trading nation. It was a crossroads in the global market place before anyone had heard of globalisation. It is also a reminder of how old Turkey is, and of how, in spite of its many upheavals, it has remained unchanged in surprising ways through the centuries.

The Grand Bazaar has been established, in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, since 1461, before Columbus discovered America and before England invented capitalism."

More:FT.com / Home UK - A country more comfortable with itself

FT.com / Home UK - Istanbul: The energy of San Francisco in the Bosphorus

"Istanbul: The energy of San Francisco in the Bosphorus
By Michael Kuser
Published: November 28 2005 17:22 | Last updated: November 28 2005 17:22

The vibrant and youthful arts scene in Istanbul drew Dano Williams to the city all the way from San Francisco. The 39-year-old computer programmer co-founded Altruity, a non-profit arts programme in the Bay Area, and was looking for new horizons. Altruity promotes ways to exhibit for students and others who consider themselves artists."

More:FT.com / Home UK - Istanbul: The energy of San Francisco in the Bosphorus

United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Turk leader for precise terror definition

"Turk leader for precise terror definition

BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- Turkish Parliament Speaker Bulent Arinc said the failure of nations to develop a common definition of terrorism hinders efforts to combat it.

During the 'Society, Culture and Dialogue Among Civilizations' meeting held as part of the Fifth Europe-Mediterranean Parliament Speakers Conference in Barcelona, Arinc said, 'Turkey is facing problems since this definition is not made.'"

More:United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Turk leader for precise terror definition

ECHR Gives Green Light to Recognize North Cyprus Courts

"ECHR Gives Green Light to Recognize North Cyprus Courts
By Cihan
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2005
zaman.com

More good news emerged from the European Courts of Human Rights (ECHR) for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) that has been trying to remove the international isolation imposed by the European Union."

More:ECHR Gives Green Light to Recognize North Cyprus Courts

Turkish Daily News - Aegean region fails their women

"Aegean region fails their women
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Nationwide study shows that the Aegean region leads in abuse against women and ‘honor killings’ and second in beating of women

İZMİR - Turkish Daily News

The Aegean region of Turkey, seen as one of the most developed and modern parts of the country, showed its surprising face in a study carried out by the Gendarmerie, where it was shown that it leads the country in abuse of women and �honor killings.�"

More:Turkish Daily News - Aegean region fails their women

Hurriyet-List of Roj TV participants from Ankara grows

"List of Roj TV participants from Ankara grows

Following the revelation that ruling Justice and Development (AKP) Party MP Faruk Unsal had appeared on controversial PKK-linked Roj TV in Denmark, it has also been revealed that AKP MP Mehmet Elkatmis spoke by telephone on a Roj TV program.

MP Elkatmis, who is also the head of the Turkish Parliament's Commission to Examine Human Rights, spoke by telephone on a broadcast of Roj TV's 'Rojname' program, answering questions posed to him by program presented Sinan Ozturk. "

More:H�rriyet

We’re not playing politics on Ledra, Turks insist

"We’re not playing politics on Ledra, Turks insist
By Simon Bahceli

TURKISH Cypriot officials yesterday vehemently denied accusations by the Cypriot government that preparations for a new crossing at Ledra Street were merely an attempt to score political points and to extend Turkish military presence in the area.

“We are simply doing our best to prepare our side of the crossing,” north Nicosia Deputy Mayor Semavi Asik told the Cyprus Mail yesterday.

“We are not playing politics, and the army is not upgrading installations. If anything, they have been downgraded through the destruction of a lookout post.”

Asik’s comments came in the wake of a barrage of accusations from the Cypriot government that Turkish forces had encroached onto part of the UN-controlled buffer zone over the weekend. The accusations were coupled with expressions of concern from the UN that the Turkish Cypriot side was acting unilaterally – something it sees as counterproductive to efforts to foster peace on the island. "

More:We’re not playing politics on Ledra, Turks insist

Turkish Daily News - Investments boost economy

"Investments boost economy
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Babacan: Year-end FDI target $5 billion

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

As structural reforms and prudent macroeconomic policies put Turkey's fiscal house in order, the decline in forward-looking real interest rates on government bonds has changed the structure of economic incentives in favor of real investments."

More:Turkish Daily News - Investments boost economy

Turkish Daily News - What happened to Turkey's social democrats?

"What happened to Turkey's social democrats?
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Where are Turkey’s social democrats? What happened to them? Where are they, indeed? Turkey’s political spectrum is under the occupation of all shades of conservative/religious parties, groups and orders. It is increasingly being taken over by nationalists, extremists and others who feature religious, nationalist and so-called republican colors"

More:Turkish Daily News - What happened to Turkey's social democrats?

Turkish Daily News - Argument over regime plays out over military

"Argument over regime plays out over military
Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Last week, storms brewed around the commanders of the Turkish military. I would like to unlock the mysteries of what occurred for those local and foreign observers who watched but weren't able to understand the developments. Everyone involved is speaking both straight from the heart and in double-entendres. Those who get it get it, but some of those who don't have begun to write of implausible scenarios. Please allow me translate the situation into plain language for you "

More:Turkish Daily News - Argument over regime plays out over military

Turkish Daily News - Compromise culture

"Compromise culture
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Yusuf KANLI

We are in Brussels for the Turkey-EU Joint Consultative Committee's 20th meeting. Yes, 20th meeting.

The Turkish wing of the joint committee is comprised of labor, business, art and non-governmental organization representatives, that is, the civilian non-government Turkey. The Turkish Union of Chambers and Commodities Exchanges (TOBB) is in it; the Confederation of Turkish Labor Unions (Turk-Is) is there; so is the Confederation of Revolutionary Workers' Unions (DISK); the conservative Labor Confederation (Hak-Is); Turkish Public Workers' Labor Union (Kamu-Sen), the Turkish Union of Agricultural Chambers (TZOB); foundations, associations, etc... They are all represented on the committee, some as full-fledged members and some on a rotational basis."

More:Turkish Daily News - Compromise culture

Turkey to transfer hydro to private sector

"Turkey to transfer hydro to private sector
29 November 2005

The Turkish government is expected to transfer all of the country's hydroelectric power plants to the private sector under a privatisation programme.

No timetable for the process has been announced although 16 large hydro plants with a combined capacity of around 2000MW were transferred to privatisation body OIB last year."

More:International Water Power and Dam Construction

JTW News - Croatian PM Applauds Spanish-Turkish Initiative For Alliance Of Civilisations

"Croatian PM Applauds Spanish-Turkish Initiative For Alliance Of Civilisations
Prime Minister Ivo Sanader has welcomed on Croatia's behalf an initiative by his Spanish and Turkish counterparts, Jose Luis Zapatero and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, to establish an alliance of civilisations.
He was speaking to Croatian reporters in Barcelona on Monday at the end of a summit of heads of state and government of European Union countries and its partners on the southern Mediterranean coast."

More:JTW News - Croatian PM Applauds Spanish-Turkish Initiative For Alliance Of Civilisations

..:: ABHABER.COM -No respite in EU criticism over slowdown in reforms

"No respite in EU criticism over slowdown in reforms

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn calls for steps to improve freedom of expression, describes police treatment of demonstrators in Eğitim-Sen protest over the weekend as worrying

The European Union stepped up its criticism of Turkey's reform efforts to meet the membership criteria of the 25-nation bloc and said that the honeymoon period was now over, and urged Turkish authorities to get back to work to improve freedom of expression in Turkey, as well as women's and trade union rights and the elimination of torture."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::..

Greeks Expect Retraction of EU By-law

"Greeks Expect Retraction of EU By-law
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2005

The Greek Cyprus Administration requests the retraction of direct trade regulations with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), the European Commission presented to the Council of Europe to confirm on 7 July 2004."

More:Greeks Expect Retraction of EU By-law

Turkish Premier's Remarks Stir Debate - Los Angeles Times

"Turkish Premier's Remarks Stir Debate
By SELCAN HACAOGLU, Associated Press Writer

ANKARA, Turkey -- When Turkey's prime minister recently recognized that not all Turks are alike, the restive Kurdish population rejoiced.

Finally they could call themselves a distinct ethnic group -- providing they acknowledged being first and foremost citizens of Turkey.

But many non-Kurds were alarmed, saying the prime minister's remarks amount to a redefinition of Turkish identity that could threaten the nation's survival."

More:Turkish Premier's Remarks Stir Debate - Los Angeles Times

JTW News - Turkish Police: Head of the Roj TV is a PKK Member

"Turkish Police: Head of the Roj TV is a PKK Member
* Living Proof of PKK-Roj TV Connection

Every passing day new proofs are obtained about the connection between terrorist organization Kurdish Workers' Party and Roj TV broadcasts in Denmark. The newest proof shows executive council member of PKK/Kongra-Gel Abdullah Hicap is a Roj TV administrator as well. "

More:JTW News - Turkish Police: Head of the Roj TV is a PKK Member

State Subsidies to Corner Turkey in Screening Process

"State Subsidies to Corner Turkey in Screening Process
By Isa Yazar
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2005
zaman.com

The state subsidies, which will be handled under the title “competition policy” in entry talks with the European Union (EU), constitute one of the most difficult points for Turkey in the negotiations."

More:State Subsidies to Corner Turkey in Screening Process

EU Concerned About Turkish Presidential Debates

"EU Concerned About Turkish Presidential Debates
By Selcuk Gultasli
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2005

The recent debates over Turkey’s elections have also bothered the European Union (EU). The EU Commission has reported these debates, starting a year and half before the elections, have negatively affected Turkey’s reform process, which should be the main issue on Turkey’s agenda."

More:EU Concerned About Turkish Presidential Debates

Washington Times Terms Turkey Islamic-Fascist; Ankara Reacts

"Washington Times Terms Turkey Islamic-Fascist; Ankara Reacts
By Zaman
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2005

A news article published in the Washington Times two months ago was claiming the Justice and Development Party government in Turkey converted the country into an 'Islamic-fascist' structure. The paper repeated its negative approach to the power in Turkey on Tuesday and wrote the military gave a secret note to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan following the discussions over the authority of Islamic scholars (ulama)."

More:Washington Times Terms Turkey Islamic-Fascist; Ankara Reacts

Monday, November 28, 2005

FIFA launches probe into brawl at Istanbul

"FIFA launches probe into brawl at Istanbul
2005-11-29 Beijing Time
FIFA began its investigation into the brawl that followed the World Cup playoff match between Turkey and Switzerland in Istanbul earlier this month.

Players from both teams, officials from the Swiss and Turkish soccer associations and four FIFA match officials are attending the hearings, which will continue today, FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren said in Zurich, Switzerland, yesterday. "

More:FIFA launches probe into brawl at Istanbul

Erdogan Due To New Zealand And Australia

"Erdogan Due To New Zealand And Australia

ANKARA - Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a crowded Turkish delegation will visit New Zealand between Dec. 2nd and 7th, and Australia between Dec. 8th and 11th, 2005."

More:Erdogan Due To New Zealand And Australia

Turkey expects record direct investment by year's end

"Turkey expects record direct investment by year's end

ANKARA - Turkey is expecting to attract a record amount of more than five billion dollars (4.2 billion euros) of direct foreign investment by the end of the year, Economy Minister Ali Babacan said Monday."

More:Turkey expects record direct investment by year's end

Turkey To Change E.U.'s Future At Great Extent, Lagendijk

"Turkey To Change E.U.'s Future At Great Extent, Lagendijk

BRUSSELS - ''As you know, you may change EU's future at great extent'', Joost Lagendijk, the Co-President of Turkey-EU Joint Parliamentary Commission (JPC), said on Monday."

More:Turkey To Change E.U.'s Future At Great Extent, Lagendijk

DefenseNews.com - Turkey Retreats On Syria Stance - 11/28/05 11:35

"Turkey Retreats On Syria Stance
By BURAK EGE BEKDIL, ANKARA And UMIT ENGINSOY, WASHINGTON

Turkey has stepped back from a policy of active engagement with Syria in an effort to improve its relationship with the United States.

“The U.S. stand on Syria and some other developments have affected our position,” said a senior Turkish Foreign Ministry official. “We take with care Washington’s sensitivities and concerns over Syria.”"

More:DefenseNews.com - Turkey Retreats On Syria Stance - 11/28/05 11:35

TODAYonline-FIFA's Kurdish gaffe upsets Turkey

"FIFA's Kurdish gaffe upsets Turkey

'The Turkish Football Association has sent a letter to FIFA President (Sepp) Blatter demanding the correction of this error, which is a vital issue concerning Turkey's national unity,' the association said Monday.
.
FIFA Secretary General Urs Linsi has apologised to Turkish officials and promised that the error will be corrected in the next yearly edition of the book, The Almanac of World Football 2006, the statement said."


More:TODAYonline-FIFA's Kurdish gaffe upsets Turkey

Rauf Denktas Calls For Rejection Of Additional Protocol

"Rauf Denktas Calls For Rejection Of Additional Protocol
Published: 11/28/2005

MANISA - Former President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Rauf Denktas urged the Turkish parliament to reject the additional protocol."

More:Rauf Denktas Calls For Rejection Of Additional Protocol

E.U. Kept Its Promise, Now It Is Turkey's Turn, Rehn

"E.U. Kept Its Promise, Now It Is Turkey's Turn, Rehn
Published: 11/28/2005

BRUSSELS - European Commissioner Olli Rehn said that full membership talks with Turkey have started, adding that EU kept its promise and now it is Turkey's turn."

More:E.U. Kept Its Promise, Now It Is Turkey's Turn, Rehn

Kurdish Info - Domestic Violence Starts with Forced Relation

"Domestic Violence Starts with Forced Relation

BIA 28/11/2005 Ayse DURUKAN / 62 percent of Turkish women are faced with domestic violence by their husbands according to a study by Antalya Women's Center for Consultation and Solidarity. The Center has categorized domestic violence under 53 topics, such as rape."

More:Kurdish Info - Domestic Violence Starts with Forced Relation

Middle East Newsline -TURKEY PLANS AIRCRAFT PROJECT WITH MUSLIMS

"TURKEY PLANS AIRCRAFT PROJECT WITH MUSLIMS

ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey plans to form an Islamic consortium to develop a civilian aircraft.

Turkey has proposed a project with Muslim states to develop a civilian passenger jet. Ankara has relayed the proposal to the Organization of the Islamic Conference, comprised of 57 nations."

More:Middle East Newsline -

NewsFromRussia.Com Turkish court arrests two paramilitary officers in bomb attack on a convicted Kurdish rebel

"Turkish court arrests two paramilitary officers in bomb attack on a convicted Kurdish rebel

00:49 2005-11-29
A Turkish court on Monday arrested two paramilitary officers on suspicion of involvement in a recent grenade attack on a convicted Kurdish rebel. The arrests increased suspicions that security forces may be attempting summary executions in their fight against Kurdish separatists. "

More:NewsFromRussia.Com Turkish court arrests two paramilitary officers in bomb attack on a convicted Kurdish rebel

EU, Turkey agree on principles of entry negotiations - Irna

"EU, Turkey agree on principles of entry negotiations
Brussels, Nov 28, IRNA

EU-Croatia-Turkey
The first meeting of the Accession Conference between EU and Turkey was held in Brussels on Monday, following the start of EU membership negotiations on 3 October.

The aim was to settle the more practical aspects of the negotiations, said an EU statement, adding that Monday's meeting agreed on the principles, as well as the procedure for and organisation of the accession negotiations.

A similar meeting was also held between the EU and Croatia in Brussels Monday."

EU, Turkey agree on principles of entry negotiations - Irna

RELIGION: Dispute Rises Over Cartoons of Prophet

"Dispute Rises Over Cartoons of Prophet
Julio Godoy

PARIS, Nov 28 (IPS) - Islamic organisations are engaged in growing conflict with a Danish newspaper over its publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed.

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) is due to consider the matter at its summit next month. Images of the prophet are considered blasphemous in Islam. "

More:RELIGION: Dispute Rises Over Cartoons of Prophet

Armenians Ratify Constitutional Amendment

"Armenians Ratify Constitutional Amendment
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Monday, November 28, 2005
zaman.com

The Armenian public that refused the constitutional change two years ago has now ratified it with a majority.

According to the exit poll results of Armenian Active Political Fund, 88 percent of the voters said 'yes' to the constitutional change.

As the Armenian Central Election Committee indicated a 64 percent turnout ratio, the final results are expected to be announced Monday. From the 2,300,000 voters one out of every three votes had to be “yes” in order to confirm the package of alteration. In the draft prepared to re-shape the power balance between the parliament and president, dual-citizenship is granted to the Armenian Diaspora."

More:Armenians Ratify Constitutional Amendment

Reuters.co.in-FEATURE-Black Sea pipelines look to bypass Turkish straits

"FEATURE-Black Sea pipelines look to bypass Turkish straits
Mon Nov 28, 2005 6:23 AM IST11
By Tsvetelia Ilieva

SOFIA (Reuters) - The political stakes are high and the financial risks many but the spoils are huge for investors seeking a way to pipe Russian and Caspian oil around the treacherous Turkish straits to the energy-hungry West.

Oil producers lost at least $700 million last winter as bad weather and heavy seas kept their tankers stuck for as long as two weeks at the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits -- the only way for sea-bound crude to exit the Black Sea.

Delayed for years by political wrangling and environmental fears, several billion-dollar pipeline projects are finally inching towards start dates, with countries and investors around the vast Black Sea vying for pole position."

More:Business | Reuters.co.in

REPORTER.GR-Turkey: EU Talks May Lead to $10,000 per Capita Income

"Turkey: EU Talks May Lead to $10,000 per Capita Income

11:19 - 28 November 2005 - By the time Turkey finishes its accession talks with the European Union, Turkey's GDP, which is currently $350 billion, will reach a trillion dollars and Turkey's current per capita income around $5,000 will then work out at $10,000, said Ali Babacan, the Minister of State and Top Negotiator to EU, during the 4th Congress of Commerce launched by the chamber of commerce, Zaman Daily reports. "

More:REPORTER.GR

tribalfootball.com - Newcastle boss wants to add more Turkish signings

"Newcastle boss wants to add more Turkish signings
tribalfootball.com - November 28, 2005

Newcastle United boss Graeme Souness intends to add to his Turkish contingent on Tyneside.

'I wouldn't hesitate to go back for more Turkish players,' said Souness, who is particularly keen on Real Sociedad star Nihat after landing Emre in the summer."

More:tribalfootball.com - Newcastle boss wants to add more Turkish signings

Turkish Daily News - Theater Festival offers three plays

"Theater Festival offers three plays
Monday, November 28, 2005

The 10th Ankara International Theater Festival continues with three plays, one being a pantomime by French actors. �Pierre et Jeanne� by the Mounsieur et Madame O Theater Company from France tells the dreams of two lovers. Written by Violine Clanet and Laurent Clairet the play also features these two actors on stage. You can see the play at the French Culture Institute at 8:00 p.m. and tickets cost YTL 7."

More:Turkish Daily News - Theater Festival offers three plays

Turkish Daily News - Turkish Airlines reports net profit up 31 percent for first nine months

"Turkish Airlines reports net profit up 31 percent for first nine months
Monday, November 28, 2005

ISTANBUL – Turkish Daily News

Turkish Airlines (THY) reported a net profit for the first nine months of the year up 31 percent to $106 million on sales of $1.8 billion, also up 31 percent over the same period a year ago. Turkey's national carrier also reported passenger traffic rising 20 percent to 11 million through the end of September. �We turned in a strong commercial performance for the first nine months,� said THY General Manager Temel Kotil. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Turkish Airlines reports net profit up 31 percent for first nine months

Turkish Daily News - Eximbank ready for EU, says Kılıçoğlu

"Eximbank ready for EU, says Kılıçoğlu
Monday, November 28, 2005
ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

Türk Eximbank is in good shape to meet all the requirements of the European Union, according to the export finance bank's General Manager Ahmet Kılıçoğlu.

The bank is already represented in the Export Credit Group of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, he said, and shares the vision of its fellow members in the World Trade Organization."

More:Turkish Daily News - Eximbank ready for EU, says Kılıçoğlu

EUobserver.com-Terror definition causes trouble at EU-Mediterranean summit

"Terror definition causes trouble at EU-Mediterranean summit
28.11.2005 - 09:59 CET | By Teresa Küchler

EU ministers and ten Mediterranean nations gathered in Barcelona for a two-day summit failed on Sunday (27 November) to agree on a code of conduct against terrorism and a joint statement on the Middle East peace process. "

More:EUobserver.com

Leader's Islamic leanings seen as threat to EU bid - World - The Washington Times

"Leader's Islamic leanings seen as threat to EU bid

By Andrew Borowiec
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
November 28, 2005

NICOSIA, Cyprus -- A series of pro-Islamic statements and decisions by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan have considerably chilled his relations with the country's military leaders.
In a confidential memorandum available to some diplomats, the military guardians of Turkey's secular system apparently cautioned the prime minister against damaging the country's image and its European aspirations. In October 2004, the European Union agreed to start membership negotiations with Turkey likely to last a number of years.
Warnings have also been issued by some of the leading Turkish civilian secularists, who feel that Mr. Erdogan has yet to shed his Islamic sympathies from the days when he belonged to a now-banned religious party. "

More:Leader's Islamic leanings seen as threat to EU bid - World - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Turkey Asks Spain’s Support for Solving Cyprus Issue

"Turkey Asks Spain’s Support for Solving Cyprus Issue
By Cihan
Published: Monday, November 28, 2005

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan asked support from his Spanish counterpart Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero to resolve the Cyprus problem on the basis of United Nation (UN).

On Sunday, Erdogan came together with Zapatero as part of Alliance of Civilizations forum and Euromed summit in the Spanish city of Barcelona."

More:Turkey Asks Spain’s Support for Solving Cyprus Issue

Middle East Times-Shopping street in Cyprus divided capital brings sign of change

"Shopping street in Cyprus divided capital brings sign of change
Charlie Charalambous
AFP
November 28, 2005

NICOSIA -- Rusty barbed wire, abandoned buildings and military checkpoints are visible symbols of the Mediterranean island's decades-long partition but moves to reopen a major shopping street in Cyprus' divided capital are bringing signs of change.

Conflict between the island's Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities has kept Ledra Street, in the heart of Nicosia, closed for more than four decades.

The Greek Cypriot mayor of Nicosia, Michalakis Zampelas, hopes that Cyprus' version of the Berlin Wall will come tumbling down with the reopening of Ledra Street and prove a catalyst for change. "

More:Middle East Times

Financial Mirror-Cyprus government suspicious of new crossing

"Cyprus government suspicious of new crossing

The (Greek Cypriot) Republic of Cyprus government may not open its side of the new checkpoint being dismantled by the Turkish Cypriot side, following a row about whether the plans constitutes unacceptable militarty incursion into the Green Line.

Greek Cypriots were taken by surprise on Friday when the Turkish Cypriots started to dismantle the barrier. Previously, both sides had been blaming each other for the delay.

The new checkpoint is in downtown Nicosia at Ermou Street."

More:Financial Mirror

The New Anatolian-TRNC Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas speaks to TNA

"TRNC Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas speaks to TNA:

-'Let's stop waiting for a solution'

Nursun EREL
TNA/Lefkosa

-'We have to try to design our own policies to create an alternative world to live in'

-'Under all the pressure sooner or later Turkey will suspend its EU process'

Within the next two years Turkish Cypriots must find a way to stand on their own two feet as a neighbor to the European Union on the island, warns Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Foreign Minister Serdar Denktas. According to Denktas, sooner or later Turkey will balk at the EU's proposed concessions on Cyprus and suspend its EU process."

More:The New Anatolian

EUROPA -Accession negotiations with Turkey: fulfilling the criteria

"Mr Olli Rehn
Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement
'Accession negotiations with Turkey: fulfilling the criteria'
European Economic and Social Committee EU-Turkey JCC
Brussels, 28 November 2005

European Economic and Social Committee EU-Turkey JCC
Brussels, 28 November 2005

Honourable Members of the Joint Consultative Committee

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to address today this 20th meeting of the EU-Turkey Joint Consultative Committee. Let me first congratulate you for the 10th anniversary of the Committee, and pay tribute to you for the important work the Committee has done to promote dialogue and interaction between the economic and social actors in the EU and Turkey.

The decision of 3 October to begin accession negotiations with Turkey opens a new chapter in the historic process of peacefully unifying the European continent. As a result of its combined strategic, economic and population potential, Turkey can make a major contribution to regional and international stability. Europe needs a stable, democratic and prosperous Turkey which adopts and implements our values, our rule of law, our policies, our standards. It is in our own strategic interest."

More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases

A man of honour - People news

"A man of honour
Petar Kostadinov

COLONEL Petko Yotov has been the head of the National Military Museum since 1989. His impressive figure, the famous old-fashioned moustache and the sincere love for the Bulgarian army and its heroism, have made him a symbol of the honour and pride of the nation.

.....Anyone who thought that Yotov had a place in his heart only for Bulgarian soldiers would be mistaken. He was among the people in 2004 who raised the issue of building a monument for the soldiers of the Ottoman Empire who died in Bulgaria during the 1877-78 Russian-Turkish War when Bulgaria was liberated from Ottoman rule. He was highly criticised for this view; some politicians even accused him of betraying the memory of the dead Bulgarian soldiers. “It is all in the past now. We must look to the future and this is a future where the Turks and we and are friends,” says Yotov. That is the only way if we want to have a monument to the Bulgarian soldiers who died in Turkey during the Balkan Wars in 1913. “People just simply refuse to understand that a monument to the Bulgarian soldier is a monument to the Turkish soldier as well, because it takes a hero to become a hero. People are enemies only during combat, afterwards I have heard stories of Bulgarian and Turkish soldiers drinking together.” Yotov is certain that in the future there will be such a monument in Bulgaria, but he accepts the fact that Bulgarians today are not ready for the idea. “A new generation must come to deal with the issue the right way, but it will happen.” He gives the example of the recent 120-year anniversary of the Serbian-Bulgarian War and the training that was happenig at the same time of Bulgarian and Serbian troops. Such training was the first ever for both countries. “This was proof that there are no more enemies in the Balkans,” says Yotov, but adds that at least one generation must change in order for all the quarrels of the past to be forgotten...."

More:A man of honour - People news

ANTARA News - EU Seeks Terror Deal at Clouded Summit with Neighbours

"EU Seeks Terror Deal at Clouded Summit with Neighbours
...Of the Mediterranean-rim partner states, only Palestinian chief Mahmud Abbas and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan led highest-level delegations to the summit, which began Sunday evening.

Abbas took advantage Sunday of the opportunity to have talks with Blair at which both scented some progress following last week`s opening of the Rafah border crossing.

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan also seized the chance to meet new German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who accepted an invitation to visit Turkey and pledged to respect commitments made to Ankara despite her own doubts about its EU bid..."

More:ANTARA News - EU Seeks Terror Deal at Clouded Summit with Neighbours

Turks to Help Uzbekistan to Explore World Textile Market

"Turks to Help Uzbekistan to Explore World Textile Market
By Cihan
Published: Monday, November 28, 2005

The investments of Turkish businessmen in the Uzbek textile sector, the fifth largest cotton manufacturer, continue to increase. Most of the 900-million dollar investment for the 50-item investment has been hitherto financed by Turkish entrepreneurs."

More:Turks to Help Uzbekistan to Explore World Textile Market

Fortis' Turkish Plans Are Ambitious -Rabo | newratings.com

"Fortis' Turkish Plans Are Ambitious -Rabo

Monday, November 28, 2005 7:21:59 AM ET
Dow Jones Newswires

1102 GMT [Dow Jones] Fortis (30086.AE) saying it'll double its Turkish market share by '09 confirms the ambitious nature of its growth targets, says Bart van der Feen de Lille at Rabo Securities. Turkey will contribute 4% to the Fortis profit share in '09, he estimates. Has a buy rating, EUR28 target. Shares trade +1% at EUR25.47. (NSP)"

Fortis' Turkish Plans Are Ambitious -Rabo | newratings.com

..:: ABHABER.COM -Turkey-EU JCC meeting start in Brussels

"Turkey-EU JCC meeting start in Brussels

Turkish delegation consisting of members from employers' and employees' trade unions will attend Turkey-EU JTT meeting in Brussels today and tomorrow

The Turkey-EU Joint Consultation Committee's (JTT) 20th meeting, where Turkey's accession negations will be discussed in detail, will be held in Brussels between today and tomorrow.

The Turkish side of the JCC will be represented by a crowded delegation made up of members of employers' and employees' trade unions, said Turkey's Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) in a written statement over the weekend. "

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::..

Merkel: Berlin won't stand in way of Turkey's EU bid

"Merkel: Berlin won't stand in way of Turkey's EU bid
In Short:

German leader Angela Merkel has sought to reassure her Turkish counterpart that she will not stand in the way of Ankara's membership talks with the EU."

More:Merkel: Berlin won't stand in way of Turkey's EU bid

Hürriyet-Tufan Türenc: A bitter potpourri of events

"Tufan Türenc: A bitter potpourri of events

The trampling of justice that was displayed in the treatment of the rector of Van's Yuzuncu Yil University has elicited negative responses from the world doctors and lawyers.

But these reactions did not affect the Prime Minister or any of his cabinet ministers in any way at all......

And when it comes to the dark events of Hakkari and the provinces around it....

Words to the effect that there would be light shed on what actually happened seem now to have been just for show."

More:Hürriyet

H�rriyet-Denmark shows no tolerance over Tempo magazine's cartoon

"Denmark shows no tolerance over Tempo magazine's cartoon

A Turkish magazine, Tempo, published the controversial cartoon of a naked PKK leader Abdullah �calan and Danish Prime Minister Andres Fogh Rasmussen watching TV in bed together, in reaction to the Danish stance on PKK mouthpiece Roj TV, on Saturday.

In reply to the cartoon, Denmark showed no tolerance with dailies complaining about the Turkish reaction. Danish daily Ekstra Bladet says that the cartoon had been published in retaliation for Danish refusal to ban Roj TV, and Danish daily Politiken"

More:H�rriyet

Sunday, November 27, 2005

BUCHAREST DAILY NEWS-Turkish-Romanian trade set to increase

"Turkish-Romanian trade set to increase
Robert Comanoiu

Turkish state minister Kursad Tuzmen has stated that the volume of trade between Romania and Turkey should reach ten billion dollars in the next three years. The forecast for this year is just over four billion dollars.
The Turkish official, responsible for the country's external economic relations, and the minister of Economy and Commerce, Codrut Seres, signed an economic collaboration protocol in Bucharest on Friday.
The representatives of the two states mentioned that their countries are partners in some important energy projects such as the Nabucco natural gas pipe line and the construction of a submarine cable for the transportation of electrical energy.
Seres stated that the submarine cable project, although an older initiative of the two countries, was included in an agreement for the first time under the protocol signed on Friday."

More:BUCHAREST DAILY NEWS

The Hindu News Update Service-EU leaders open summit with Mediterranean neighbours

"EU leaders open summit with Mediterranean neighbours

Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 28. (AP): European Union leaders opened a two-day summit with their Mediterranean neighbours on Sunday, hoping to find common ground on the fight against terrorism and progress on democratic reform in return for continued aid and increasing trade.

Diplomats working behind the scenes faced a deadline of Monday noon to come with common conclusions between nations as diverse as Syria and Britain."

More:The Hindu News Update Service

Turkish Treasury To Repay 100.9 Million U.S.D. In Foreign Debt

"Turkish Treasury To Repay 100.9 Million U.S.D. In Foreign Debt

ANKARA - Turkish Treasury will pay 100.9 million USD in foreign debt next week.

Treasury will make the highest foreign debt repayment worth 60.2 million USD on Thursday (December 1st)."

More:Turkish Treasury To Repay 100.9 Million U.S.D. In Foreign Debt

Turkish Director Yucel's Film Wins FIPRESCI Award

"Turkish Director Yucel's Film Wins FIPRESCI Award

BERLIN - The Turkish film ``Yazi-Tura (Toss Up)`` directed by Ugur Yucel has been awarded by the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) at Mannheim-Heidelberg Film Festival, it was reported on Sunday."

More:Turkish Director Yucel's Film Wins FIPRESCI Award

Today's Home News-PM:Turkey's EU prospects depend on respect of European values

"PM:Turkey's EU prospects depend on respect of European values

MADRID - Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis again outlined Athens' standing policy vis-a-vis neighbouring Turkey's closely watched European prospects in an interview with a Spanish mass daily, as the premier arrived in the Iberian peninsula to attend a Euro-Mediterranean Summit in Barcelona."

More:Today's Home News-PM:Turkey's EU prospects depend on respect of European values

Turkey - E.U. Joint Consultation Committee Meeting To Start In Brussels On Monday

"Turkey - E.U. Joint Consultation Committee Meeting To Start In Brussels On Monday

ANKARA - The 20th meeting of Turkey-EU Joint Consultation Committee (JCC) will be held in Brussels between Nov. 28-29, it was reported on Sunday."

More:Turkey - E.U. Joint Consultation Committee Meeting To Start In Brussels On Monday

Turkish Businessmen Living In Europe Visit Gap

"Turkish Businessmen Living In Europe Visit Gap

GAZIANTEP - The GAP (Southeastern Anatolia Project) Meeting of Young Turkish Businessmen living in Europe started on Saturday in southeastern city of Gaziantep on Saturday."

More:Turkish Businessmen Living In Europe Visit Gap

E.U. Support To Beypazari's Telkari Silver

"E.U. Support To Beypazari's Telkari Silver

BEYPAZARI - The ''Telkari'' silver processing art, which has been used in Ankara's Beypazari town for 200 years, has been taken under protection by a project prepared by the European Union (EU)."

More:E.U. Support To Beypazari's Telkari Silver

Russians find home in area

"Russians find home in area
Sunday, November 27, 2005
By ALEX PESHKOV
apeshkov@repub.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD - Sabina Mamedova came to the United States just a couple of months ago from the Krasnodar region of Russia. A 10-year-old fourth-grader at Coburn Elementary School said that she likes the change and that studying is so far easier in America than in her home country.

Mamedova is one of more that 60 Meskhetian Turks refugee students who have enrolled in the district schools since the beginning of the school year, and dozens more could still arrive in the coming months, according to the officials."

More:Russians find home in area

If Armenians say “Yes”, Fanatic Diaspora will Empower

"If Armenians say “Yes”, Fanatic Diaspora will Empower
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Sunday, November 27, 2005

The Armenian Society heads towards voting ballots in order to vote for the Constitutional change package, which will determine the power balance between the Parliament and the President."

More:If Armenians say “Yes”, Fanatic Diaspora will Empower

Greek side raises concerns over Ledra crossing

"Greek side raises concerns over Ledra crossing
By Jean Christou

THE GREEK Cypriot side may not agree to open Ledra and Ermou streets if it suspects the work being done is deliberately designed to give the Turkish side any military or political advantage, the Sunday Mail learned yesterday.

As news emerged yesterday that Turkish troops and Turkish Cypriot municipal workers had begun clearing Ermou street and knocking down a wall that had been built since 1974, an official source expressed concern that the Turkish side’s motives were suspect."

More:Greek side raises concerns over Ledra crossing

The Korea Herald : Highs, lows for outgoing Turkish envoy

"Highs, lows for outgoing Turkish envoy

Ambassador Selim Kuneralp says goodbye to Seoul this week, leaving with special memories

By Yoav Cerralbo

Turkish Ambassador Selim Kuneralp says goodbye to Seoul this week, leaving with moving and special memories of visits by Turkish veterans of the Korean War and some disappointing results in his efforts to increase trade."

More:The Korea Herald

Talat: Russia is not helping reunification process

"Talat: Russia is not helping reunification process - Turkish Cypriot leader asks Ankara to lean on Moscow
By Jean Christou

THE TURKISH Cypriot side believes that if the US does not lean on Russia over the Cyprus issue, Washington’s efforts to aid the north will be in vain, Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat was quoted as saying yesterday.

In an interview with New Anatolia, Talat said Russia’s policy on Cyprus was crucial and that he had pointed this out to US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice during his recent visit to Washington, and also to UN Secretary-general Kofi Annan.

Russia has long been an ally of the Greek Cypriot side, even going so far as to veto a move by the US and Britain to give the UN Security Council stamp of approval to the Annan plan before the April 2004 referendum."

More:Talat: Russia is not helping reunification process

CHN | Islamic Countries Cultural Week Held in Istanbul

"Islamic Countries Cultural Week Held in Istanbul
Tehran, 27 November 2005 (CHN) – Istanbul, Turkey, has been busy these days with different events related to Islamic countries: the 21st session of the Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation of OIC, the 1st Tourism Fair of OIC, and the Cultural Week of Islamic Countries."

More:CHN | News

The view from Istanbul

"The view from Istanbul
By JOHN LEONIDOU

On a recent trip to Brussels for an EU conference, JOHN LEONIDOU, had the chance to ask a journalist from a Turkish magazine how she feels about Cyprus

ALMOST ALL of us living on the island have heard the usual banter from relatives or friends about the Cyprus problem but have you ever stopped to think what the people in mainland Turkey think?

Do they care or do they even know that a problem exists in Cyprus?

Aylin Güngör is a young journalist working for magazine in Istanbul called Dergide Görmedikleriniz and says that people in Istanbul are interested about Cyprus but are not sure on what to expect should they visit the island."

More:The view from Istanbul

Turkish 6th Common Language in World

"Turkish 6th Common Language in World
By Anadolu News Agency (aa)
Published: Sunday, November 27, 2005
zaman.com

President of Ataturk Culture Center Professor Taciser Onuk noted Turkish is the 6th common language in the world.

“Turkish is a rich and appropriate language to produce any kind of literary production and scientific study,” Professor Onuk said. In the professor’s written explanation about the final declaration of the VI. International Turkish Culture Congress it noted that about 12,000 Turkish words are used in the languages of other nations in the world and the dictionaries for these words are prepared by The Turkish Institute of Language (TDK)."

More:Turkish 6th Common Language in World

Dallas Morning News | Cyprus boasts two cultures on one island

"Cyprus boasts two cultures on one island

Truce gives access to Greek and Turkish sectors in capital city

03:05 PM CST on Saturday, November 26, 2005

By CAROL PUCCI / The Seattle Times

NICOSIA, Cyprus – A five-minute walk from where a bunker manned by armed soldiers divides the Turkish north and Greek south sides of this Mediterranean island, Starbucks manager Faye Avraamidou serves iced lattes to customers relaxing on a sidewalk patio.

The signs above the cash register are in Greek and English; the coffee prices are in Cypriot pounds.

When Ms. Avraamidou finds out that my husband and I are from Seattle, Starbucks' headquarters, she offers us drinks on the house.

'Welcome to Cyprus,' she says, extending her hand."

More:Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Travel: Europe, Canada

Turkish Daily News - Volkan urges an interdisciplinary plan for addressing the PKK issue before turning into an ethnic conflict

"Volkan urges an interdisciplinary plan for addressing the PKK issue before turning into an ethnic conflict
Sunday, November 27, 2005

‘The entire world is in regression and there is nothing being done for civilization. Civilization is deteriorating. Turkey has to find its own “best possible solution” for its own complications and when it finds it, then it has to work on that solution,’ says Dr. Vamık Volkan who explores ethnic violence by examining history and diplomacy through a psychoanalytic lens "

More:Turkish Daily News - Volkan urges an interdisciplinary plan for addressing the PKK issue before turning into an ethnic conflict

Saturday, November 26, 2005

Turkish Daily News - Exploring a district devoted to the dead: Eyüp, Istanbul

"Exploring a district devoted to the dead: Eyüp, Istanbul
Sunday, November 27, 2005

Fatih Sultan Mehmed had a shrine built here and then a mosque. Thise proved to be a popular religious site so much so that Eyüp is now considered the third holiest shrine in Islam after Mecca and Jerusalem, and pilgrims throughout the centuries have come here "

More:Turkish Daily News - Exploring a district devoted to the dead: Eyüp, Istanbul

Turkish Daily News - Ert�rk seeks to change perceptions on violence against women

"Ert�rk seeks to change perceptions on violence against women
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Yakın Ert�rk, a sociology professor at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara who was appointed United Nations special rapporteur on violence against women in 2003, has since traveled around the world trying to promote a changed perception on women’s rights that not all such violations take place at the hands of the state."

More:Turkish Daily News - Ert�rk seeks to change perceptions on violence against women

Earthquake hits Turkey

"Earthquake hits Turkey

Istanbul - A moderately strong earthquake shook southeastern Turkey on Saturday, sending frightened residents out into the streets in panic, reports said.

There were no immediate reports of any damage or injuries.

The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 5.3, was centred on the town of Puturge in Malatya province, the Istanbul-based Kandilli Observatory said. It struck at 15:56 GMT."

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Turkey and the future of the European Union

"Turkey and the future of the European Union
By William John Hagan
Saturday, November 26, 2005

Much against the desires of revisionist historians, Europe is the epicenter of the Christian world. It was not the Church of Jerusalem, under Saint James, that spread the message of Jesus Christ to the world; it was the Church of Rome and its twin pillars, Saints Peter and Paul, who laid the foundation for a unified European culture. The sole coalescing force that had brought together a people as diverse as the Europeans was the spread of the Roman Catholic Church during the dying days of the Roman Empire. As with the spread of Islam in the Middle East, the Roman Church in its early years often acted in a most un-Christian fashion. The persecution of Europe’s Jews, the Knight’s Templar, and the Gnostics were bloody and horrific. However, the faith followed a course not found in its Eastern Islamic counterpart, and developed into a modern religious philosophy that can be regarded as one of the most significant institutions on the planet. When one speaks of the Church today, we refer not only to its mother in Rome but to the entire Christian faith, from Catholicism and Anglicism to Protestantism."

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The Anatolia Times-Yildirim: C.I.A. Plane Landed At Istanbul Airport

"Yildirim: C.I.A. Plane Landed At Istanbul Airport
ANKARA - Turkish Transportation Minister Binali Yildirim confirmed on Sunday that a U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) plane landed at the Istanbul`s Sabiha Gokcen Airport on November 15th.

Commenting on the claims that a CIA plane landed at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, Yildirim said that the mentioned plane asked for permission to land at the airport due to technical reasons.

Yildirim noted that there were no passengers on the plane, but only the crew.

After supplying fuel, the plane left the airport, added Yildirim."

More:The Anatolia Times

People's Daily Online -- Kurdish rebels launch missile attack on Turkish police building

"Kurdish rebels launch missile attack on Turkish police building
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Members of the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) attacked a police department building in southeastern Turkey on Friday, causing no casualties, the semi- official Anatolia news agency reported.

The report said that the PKK rebels attacked the police building in Idil town of Diyarbakir province with two missiles around 5.30 p.m. local time (1530 GMT)."

More:People's Daily Online -- Kurdish rebels launch missile attack on Turkish police building

Islamic countries' tourism exhibition opens in Istanbul - Irna

"Islamic countries' tourism exhibition opens in Istanbul
Istanbul, Nov 26, IRNA

ECO-Tourism-Turkey
The first tourism exhibition of Islamic countries opened in Istanbul, Turkey's trade capital, on Friday.

Tourism and travel agencies, hotels and marine transportation companies from various Islamic countries are participating in the exhibition with a display of their tourism capacities and potentials in the two-day exhibition."

More:Islamic countries' tourism exhibition opens in Istanbul - Irna

In Picasso, Istanbul Gets a Special Taste of Europe - New York Times

"In Picasso, Istanbul Gets a Special Taste of Europe
By HILARY HOWARD
Published: November 27, 2005

Turkey is still negotiating for membership in the European Union, but a private museum in Istanbul has already taken a big step to embrace Western Europe with an exhibit of works by Pablo Picasso, including some that are rarely seen.

'Picasso in Turkey' is the country's first solo exhibition of a Western artist, according to Nazan Olcer, director of the Sakip Sabanci Museum, where the show was to open on Nov. 24. Among the more than 130 pieces are some that Picasso never displayed or sold, Ms. Olcer said."

More:In Picasso, Istanbul Gets a Special Taste of Europe - New York Times

‘I’m planning on putting up new signs in Greek and English’

"‘I’m planning on putting up new signs in Greek and English’
By Simon Bahceli

TURKISH Cypriot shopkeepers north of the Greek Line in central Nicosia say they are delighted at the prospect of a new checkpoint opening at the northern end of Ledra Street.

“It will be just like old times,” says Meyrem Ozyesir, who remembers how things were before the crossing was walled off in 1974.

Although the barrier has existed in some shape or form since 1958, it was in 1963 that it became known as the Green Line, becoming the forerunner of the dividing line that now runs the length of the island."

More:‘I’m planning on putting up new signs in Greek and English’

Ledra crossing a step in the right direction

"Ledra crossing a step in the right direction

IT WAS a moving sight to see a bulldozer smashing through the wall on the Turkish controlled side of Ledra Street. Not quite the fall of the Berlin Wall, and unlikely to be followed by the tearing down of the length of the wall along the old city centre, but significant nonetheless.

In contrast to the desolate political stalemate at the national level, Nicosia’s local authorities have been keen to see movement on the ground, egged on by shopkeepers on both sides eyeing increased business in the event of an opening. For years, successive mayors of the capital’s two communities have worked hard towards laying the groundwork for reintegration of the city, taking advantage of UN and EU projects to collaborate wherever possible."

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CHN | News-Sama Dance Registered as Turkish Intangible Heritage

"Sama Dance Registered as Turkish Intangible Heritage

Turkey registered the mystic round dance of Sama as its new intangible heritage on UNESCO list."

More:CHN | News

Islam Online- Dutch University Set to Train Imams

"Dutch University Set to Train Imams

The plan is the brainchild of Immigration Minister Rita Verdonk.

THE HAGUE, November 26, 2005 (IslamOnline.net & News Agencies) – The Dutch government has signed a declaration of intent with a local university to train imams in what the government said was an endeavor to cut down the number of foreign imams to zero by 2008."

More:Islam Online- News Section

‘Discrimination Against Women Worse than Racism’

"‘Discrimination Against Women Worse than Racism’
By Cihan
Published: Saturday, November 26, 2005
zaman.com

'Women in Islamic societies have some problems that need urgent solutions and one of the reasons for these problems are customs thought to be part of religion, not the religion itself,' said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan."

More:‘Discrimination Against Women Worse than Racism’

No Contact for Roj TV Can be Found in Brussels

"No Contact for Roj TV Can be Found in Brussels
By Selcuk Gultasli, Hasan Cucuk
Published: Saturday, November 26, 2005

Turkey took action for canceling the accreditation of Roj TV, which is a broadcasting organ of the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) terrorist organization, at the level of the European Union (EU); however, it experienced difficulties in finding a contact for the purpose."

More:No Contact for Roj TV Can be Found in Brussels

Cyprus Question Cause of Panic in the Air

"Cyprus Question Cause of Panic in the Air
By Selim Kuvel
Published: Saturday, November 26, 2005

The Civil Aviation Directorate taking heed of the news on Zaman's November 25 front page, with the headline '9/11 Fears as Rouge Plane Enters Turkish Air Space,' has launched an investigation on the rogue planes. The Minister of Transportation, Binali Yildirim, also issued statements regarding the issue."

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Friday, November 25, 2005

The Brandon Sun: Brazilian samba, Japanese kabuki on UNESCO list of heritage masterpieces

"Brazilian samba, Japanese kabuki on UNESCO list of heritage masterpieces
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PARIS (AP) - The UN's cultural body added dozens of regional traditions to its list of intangible heritage treasures Friday, including Brazil's samba, Turkey's whirling dervishes and a 'cultural space' in a 17th-century walled Colombian village."

More:The Brandon Sun: Online Edition

Joining the Red Cross and Crescent: A Red Crystal - Health & Science - International Herald Tribune

"Joining the Red Cross and Crescent: A Red Crystal
By Thomas Fuller International Herald Tribune

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2005

PARIS The Red Cross, the Red Crescent ... and now the Red Crystal.

The new symbol may soon be added to the emblems that have shielded medical teams on the battlefield and identified ambulances for decades.

The Red Crystal is a compromise designed to break a deadlock over the admission of Israel as a full member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and would allow countries with mixed populations to replace the cross or crescent with a more neutral symbol."

More:Joining the Red Cross and Crescent: A Red Crystal - Health & Science - International Herald Tribune

Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Bombing puts Turkey's EU credentials to the test

"Bombing puts Turkey's EU credentials to the test

Nicholas Birch in Istanbul
Saturday November 26, 2005
The Guardian

Turkish investigations into a bombing apparently carried out by military intelligence agents are likely to become a test of the country's reform process, as European officials this week called for justice to be done. 'Severe sanctions must be taken against those responsible for such provocation,' the European commissioner for enlargement, Olli Rehn, said."

More:Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Bombing puts Turkey's EU credentials to the test

Turkish Daily News - Gaziantep learning Italian

"Gaziantep learning Italian
Saturday, November 26, 2005

Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and an entourage of approximately 600 businessmen paid a visit to Ankara and Istanbul. According to Dr. Roberto Luongo, head of the Italian Trade Center in Istanbul, Italian businessmen did not even go to India or China with such a big delegation. "

More:Turkish Daily News - Gaziantep learning Italian

Turkish Daily News - Hats off to Mustafa Erdoğan and his dancers

"Hats off to Mustafa Erdoğan and his dancers
Saturday, November 26, 2005

Ayşe OZGUN

I am very proud of the Turkish artist Mustafa Erdoğan and his team of dancers from Anadolu Ateşi (The Fire of Anatolia) and what they have been doing for the past two years. No doubt, many foreigners living in Turkey have watched this team's outstanding stage performance, which has been performed around the world from Australia to China and from Europe to Egypt."

More:Turkish Daily News - Hats off to Mustafa Erdoğan and his dancers

Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Turkey Vows No Tolerance of Kurd Militants

"Turkey Vows No Tolerance of Kurd Militants
By SUZAN FRASER
Associated Press Writer

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - Turkey vowed Friday to offer no tolerance for Kurdish militants despite concern over actions of its own security forces after a convicted rebel was allegedly targeted in a grenade attack earlier this month."

More:Guardian Unlimited | World Latest | Turkey Vows No Tolerance of Kurd Militants

Kemer To Be Introduced In Cologne Fair

"Kemer To Be Introduced In Cologne Fair

ANTALYA - Kemer, a town of southern city of Antalya, will be introduced during Cologne Tourism & Travel Fair to be organized between November 25-27 in Germany, said Kemer Mayor Hasan Seker."

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Financial Mirror-Greek Cypriots 'prepared to lift dividing line in Nicosia'

"Greek Cypriots 'prepared to lift dividing line in Nicosia'


25/11/2005

Cyprus President Tassos Papadopoulos said Friday his government was prepared to lift a decades-old dividing line through the capital Nicosia - but only if the United Nations assured his people's safety.

'The government is ready to open up the roadblock within 48 hours,' Papadopoulos said at Larnaca airport prior to his departure for Malta for the Commonwealth conference.

A barrier dividing the Greek and Turkish Cypriots communities was first erected in Ledra Street - a pedestrian thoroughfare running through Nicosia."

More:Financial Mirror-Greek Cypriots 'prepared to lift dividing line in Nicosia'

The Anatolia Times-Elekdag: Armenian Diaspora's Accusing Turkey Of Genocide Is A Legal Crime

"Elekdag: Armenian Diaspora's Accusing Turkey Of Genocide Is A Legal Crime
ANKARA - ''Armenian diaspora's accusing Turkey of genocide is a legal crime,'' Sukru Elekdag, MP of the main opposition party --Republican People's Party (CHP)-- said on Thursday.

Speaking at an international symposium held at Ankara's Gazi University on ''Turkish-Armenian Relations and 1915 Incidents'', Elekdag said, ''those who advocate Armenian thesis, cannot prove their allegations within the context of the United Nations Conventions on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The Article 4 of the Convention says that only persons and public officials can be accused of genocide, not juristic persons or states. Also, Article 6 of the same convention says that those allegations should be determined by competent tribunals.''"

More:The Anatolia Times

International Symposium On Turkish - Armenian Relations

"International Symposium On Turkish - Armenian Relations

ANKARA - Turkish Foreign Minister & Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Gul said on Thursday that historical incidents should be investigated thoroughly and the results should be shared with the international community. ''This is the only way to get rid of historical bias and accusations,'' he noted."

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BSEC PA: Turkish MPs Voted for Launching Kars-Gyumri Railway - Armenia Diaspora Conference Official Site

"BSEC PA: Turkish MPs Voted for Launching Kars-Gyumri Railway
November 25, /PanARMENIAN.Net/ The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Parliamentary Assembly (BSEC PA) during a session in Tirana (Albania) seconded the Armenian delegation's proposal to launch the Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi-Baku railway. The major motive of the Armenian party is the railway that can connect the 4 states of the region - Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, but which is idle because of Turkey."

More:BSEC PA: Turkish MPs Voted for Launching Kars-Gyumri Railway - Armenia Diaspora Conference Official Site

FT.com / Arts & Weekend / House & garden - Catering to Turkey’s urge for modernity

"Catering to Turkey’s urge for modernity
By Clare Dowdy
Published: November 25 2005 16:41 | Last updated: November 25 2005 16:41

Imagine a shopping centre entirely devoted to design and lifestyle, peppered with contemporary Italian and Scandinavian brands, exhibition spaces and a funky café. Now imagine that shopping centre in an unprepossessing district of Istanbul."

More:FT.com / Arts & Weekend / House & garden - Catering to Turkey’s urge for modernity

FT.com / Arts & Weekend / Travel - Turkish delights a treat for the season

"Turkish delights a treat for the season
By Andrew Jefford
Published: November 25 2005 17:06 | Last updated: November 25 2005 17:06

Seasonal affective disorder (even the acronym is Sad) cuts a glum swathe through Britain most years because Brits endure nine months of cloud to enjoy three of sun. Anyone who left their passport in the drawer throughout the summer of 2004, though, will remember that last year we missed out on the sun. My year-end travel objective, therefore, was simple: find somewhere cheap, sunny and interesting to pass the days between Christmas and the New Year. Explore’s seven-night Lycian Coastal Trails, a ramble around southern Turkey’s most attractive shorelines, seemed ideal. "

More:FT.com / Arts & Weekend / Travel - Turkish delights a treat for the season

Newsday.com: Looking for America, Turkish student goes Greek

"Looking for America, Turkish student goes Greek

By CARA ANNA
Associated Press Writer

November 25, 2005, 11:18 AM EST

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Gozde Demir says sororities are the most American you can get. But at first, she knew nothing about them.

She was a freshman from Turkey, where Greeks are just neighbors. She saw the lettered houses at Syracuse University as she walked to the international center on the corner, and she asked in her then-heavy accent what the houses were for. "

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DefenseNews.com - EU Warns Turkey To Address Minority, Human Rights Issues - 11/25/05 11:47

"EU Warns Turkey To Address Minority, Human Rights Issues
By BROOKS TIGNER, BRUSSELS

Turkey’s chances of joining the European Union will be at risk if the country does not deal humanely with security problems in its southeastern Kurdish-dominated territory, address its continuing human rights violations and normalize relations with Cyprus, warns the top official responsible for the union’s enlargement policy."

More:DefenseNews.com - EU Warns Turkey To Address Minority, Human Rights Issues - 11/25/05 11:47

The New Anatolian-TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat's exclusive interview with TNA

"TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat's exclusive interview with TNA

'Rising nationalism among the Greek Cypriots is the most serious threat to a solution'

Nursun EREL
TNA/Lefkosa

The biggest threat to a solution to the Cyprus problem is escalating nationalism, Mehmet Ali Talat, the president of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), told The New Anatolian in an exclusive interview.

Talat charged that Greek Cypriot leader Tassos Papadopoulos' only aim is to find ways and means to assimilate Turkish Cypriots."

More:The New Anatolian-TRNC President Mehmet Ali Talat's exclusive interview with TNA

Turkey offers Muslim countries joint aircraft project

"Turkey offers Muslim countries joint aircraft project

ISTANBUL - Turkey has proposed to Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) member countries a project for the joint manufacture of a passenger plane, a senior Turkish official told Anatolia news agency Friday."

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..:: ABHABER.COM -Turkey, EU disagree on strategy for southeast

"Turkey, EU disagree on strategy for southeast

Babacan asks EU to first give strong support against PKK before criticizing Ankara for not doing enough for socioeconomic development

The Turkish government late Wednesday told the European Union to give stronger support to its fight against the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), before Brussels asks Ankara to develop a comprehensive socioeconomic strategy for the southeast.
"

More:..:: ABHABER.COM -Turkey, EU disagree on strategy for southeast

uefa.com - Football Europe - News & Features - News Specific

"Istanbul giants vie for supremacy
Friday, 25 November 2005

by Türker Tozar from Trabzon

Sunday evening sees a much-anticipated Istanbul derby between Galatasaray SK and Fenerbahçe SK at a sold-out Ali Sami Yen stadium."

More:uefa.com - Football Europe - News & Features - News Specific

Versace: Istanbul has more Fashion Energy than Milan

"Versace: Istanbul has more Fashion Energy than Milan
By Isa Sezen
Published: Friday, November 25, 2005
zaman.com

A full range of the energy and capacity resources required for fashion can be found in Turkey, said Dr. Santo Versace, the owner of Versace, the Italian fashion brand widely known across the globe."

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A World Brand: Turkish Schools

"A World Brand: Turkish Schools

A few days ago I found a book left on my desk. A kind note from Eser Karakas was attached to it. The title of the book read, “Baris Köprüleri” (Bridges for Peace).

The subtitle was, “Dunyaya Acilan Turk Okullari” (Turkish Schools: Windows Opening to the World). Three important names figured on the cover: Toktamis Ates, Eser Karakas and Ilber Ortayli."

More:A World Brand: Turkish Schools

Guardian Unlimited | Arts front | Tamburlaine wasn't censored

"Tamburlaine wasn't censored

David Farr
Friday November 25, 2005
The Guardian

It was reported yesterday that David Farr's production of Tamburlaine the Great had been censored to avoid upsetting Muslims. Here the director and adaptor of the play responds.

.......When the play proved a smash hit, like all good Hollywood writers, Marlowe wrote a sequel (part two), with another Turkish antagonist, more beatings and more cruelty. Marlowe's were not the only Turk-bashing plays of the time (others included A Christian Turned Turk by Robert Daborne and Selimus by Robert Greene), but his were the best. In both parts he gave his audience lashings of anti-Turk delights - brainings, whippings and burnings. Tamburlaine is partly a gleefully racist comedy. And they loved it all the more for that........"

More:Guardian Unlimited | Arts front | Tamburlaine wasn't censored

Turkish Daily News - Efes Pilsen Blues Festival in Istanbul

"Efes Pilsen Blues Festival in Istanbul
Friday, November 25, 2005

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

ARTICLE SUMMARY
The 16th Efes Pilsen Blues Festival, which kicked off on Nov. 9 in Samsun and traveled on to Trabzon, Erzurum, Diyarbakır, Gaziantep, Kayseri, Konya, Mersin and Adana, will continue in Istanbul on Nov. 25 and 26 at the Lütfi Kırdar Convention and Exhibition Center. The festival will once again bring the blues spirit to Istanbul. "

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Bloomberg.com: Europe-`What's Picasso?' Artist's Works Get First Outing in Istanbul

"`What's Picasso?' Artist's Works Get First Outing in Istanbul

Nov. 25 (Bloomberg) -- ``What's Picasso?'' asked Saban Diri, a waiter at a cafe next to Istanbul's Sakip Sabanci Museum, where the first show in Turkey of the artist's work opened yesterday.

``Whatever it is, I wish it weren't disrupting our business,'' Diri said, as police stopped his customers from parking outside the cafe during the preview banquet with government and museum officials."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe