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Thursday, November 30, 2006

Pope turns to Mecca at Istanbul | | The Australian

"Pope turns to Mecca at Istanbul
From correspondents in Istanbul
December 01, 2006
AFTER offending the Muslim world by linking their religion with violence, Pope Benedict XVI, in an exceptional gesture, turned towards Mecca in an attitude of Muslim prayer at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul today, Turkish state television showed."

More:Pope turns to Mecca at Istanbul | | The Australian

EU Does Not Want to Scare Off Turkey

"EU Does Not Want to Scare Off Turkey
Reuters

BERLIN -- Europe does not want to drive Turkey from the negotiating table, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said Thursday, one day after Brussels recommended a partial freeze of Ankara's talks to join the bloc.

'This is not an opportunity to chase Turkey away from the negotiating table,' Barroso told an open session of the Europe committee of Germany's parliament.

He also added that this was not what the European Commission wanted."

More:EU Does Not Want to Scare Off Turkey

Spero News | Pope did not change stance on Turkey and EU

"Pope did not change stance on Turkey and EU
New York Times blows it: Benedict XVI said he views positively the process of Turkey's EU admission, but minority rights must be respected."

More:Spero News | Pope did not change stance on Turkey and EU

French pol wants Turkey-EU talks halted

"French pol wants Turkey-EU talks halted

PARIS

France's interior minister -- and a leading presidential hopeful -- Nicolas Sarkozy said Thursday that he wants EU negotiations with Turkey suspended on the grounds that it is not geographically part of Europe."

More:French pol wants Turkey-EU talks halted

Talk turkey? It's gobbledegook - Comment - Times Online

"The Times December 01, 2006

Talk turkey? It's gobbledegook
Mick Hume: Notebook
The Clash of Civilisations Award for cliché of the week goes to: the Pope’s visit to Turkey being “heavy with symbolism”. Indeed, in Istanbul last weekend, it seemed to me the entire Turkey-EU discussion is now so weighed down with symbolism as to be at risk of collapsing into the Bosphorus."

More:Talk turkey? It's gobbledegook - Comment - Times Online

Renaissance Research: The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe

"The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe
'Tatars (Tatar: Tatarlar/Татарлар), sometimes spelled Tartar (more about the name), is a collective name applied to the Turkic speaking people of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
"

More:Renaissance Research: The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe

Renaissance Research: The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe

"The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe
'Tatars (Tatar: Tatarlar/Татарлар), sometimes spelled Tartar (more about the name), is a collective name applied to the Turkic speaking people of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
"

More:Renaissance Research: The Tatars: A Pre-Turkish European, Largely Sunni Muslim, Minority Of 10 Million Citizens In The Eastern Heart Of The New Europe

Pope prays with Islamic cleric in Turkish mosque | Jerusalem Post

"Pope prays with Islamic cleric in Turkish mosque

Pope Benedict XVI prayed alongside an Islamic cleric in one of Turkey's most famous mosques Thursday in a dramatic gesture of outreach to Muslims after outrage from the pontiff's remarks linking violence and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad."

More:Pope prays with Islamic cleric in Turkish mosque | Jerusalem Post

Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion

"Unite Turkey with Europe
Our position: A Muslim nation in the European Union would build bridges at a critical time.

Pope Benedict XVI surprised Turks this week when he switched from opposing to supporting their country's effort to join the European Union. Ideally, the pope will inspire the same change of heart among European leaders who have been balking at Turkey's bid.

Turkey, which is 98 percent Muslim, has a secular, democratic government. It is a longtime member of NATO, the military alliance that links much of Europe and the United States. It is a literal and figurative bridge between Europe and the Middle East."

More:Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion Unite Turkey with Europe - Orlando Sentinel : Opinion

680News - Minority youths torn between cultures as Europe debates integration - by Jamey Keaten and Palma Benczenleiter

For the complete report from 680News click on this link

Minority youths torn between cultures as Europe debates integration - by Jamey Keaten and Palma Benczenleiter

Straight-A student Gokboru Ozturk was born in Germany and waved the German flag during last summer's soccer World Cup tournament, but wants to be buried in Turkey because "as much as I feel German, I cannot be buried here." His mother jokes he should change his name to Schmidt to boost his job prospects.

As Europe goes through a wrenching debate over integrating immigrant populations, the children of those immigrants find themselves grappling with issues of identity in an environment where racial tensions are complicated by the scarcity of jobs and distorted by the fear of terrorism.

Kids Learn About EU Through Stories

"Kids Learn About EU Through Stories
By Cagri Cobanoglu
Thursday, November 30, 2006
zaman.com

Illustrated by Cem Kiziltug, Sibel Sonmaz wrote “To Europe with Lokum.”

Lokum is expected to be a useful tool in helping Turkish kids learn about and understand the European Union."

More:Kids Learn About EU Through Stories

Mixed Messages? The Pope Emphasizes Christian Roots of Europe - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"The Pope Emphasizes Christian Roots of Europe

On his first day in Turkey, the pope seemingly supported Turkey's European Union aspirations. On Thursday, though, he emphasized Europe's Christian heritage. So which is it?

So far this week, it has been easy to forget that Pope Benedict XVI's original purpose for visiting Turkey was to repair relations with the Orthodox Church. Damage control -- made necessary by September comments which angered Muslims across the globe -- has seemed like the theme of his visit."

More:Mixed Messages? The Pope Emphasizes Christian Roots of Europe - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

Lord Maginnis defends the Turkish Cypriot cause

"Lord Maginnis defends the Turkish Cypriot cause
CROSSBENCH peer, Lord Maginnis of Drumglass, spoke passionately against injustices against the Turkish Cypriot community at the House of Lords last Monday."

More:LONDRA GAZETE ::

Turkish police conducting security checks for pope's visit detain dozens - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Turkish police conducting security checks for pope's visit detain dozens

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Turkish police conducting security checks near areas visited by Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday detained dozens of people, most of them illegal immigrants, news reports and officials said.

Five people were detained for acting "suspiciously" near the building of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate where Benedict joined Patriarch Bartholomew I to mark the feast day of St. Andrew on Thursday morning, a police official said."

More:Turkish police conducting security checks for pope's visit detain dozens - Europe - International Herald Tribune

spiked | Time to ‘talk turkey’ about Turkey – and the EU

"Time to ‘talk turkey’ about Turkey – and the EU
The controversies over Turkey and the West will not be resolved by people hiding their arguments behind the Pope, the Greek Cypriots or the EU."

More:spiked | Time to ‘talk turkey’ about Turkey – and the EU

BBC NEWS | Europe | Europe diary: Turkish tensions

"Europe diary: Turkish tensions

30 November 2006

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell finds Turks wary of the Pope's historic visit and grapples with the religious controversy sparked by the pontiff's speech in Bavaria."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Europe diary: Turkish tensions

Financial Times Business News: EU struggles to avoid rift with Ankara - MSN Money

"EU struggles to avoid rift with Ankara

Europe's leaders on Wednesday sought to prevent Turkey's troubled European Union membership bid from plunging into a full-blown crisis, as Ankara responded angrily to a call for much of the negotiations to be put on hold."

More:Financial Times Business News: EU struggles to avoid rift with Ankara - MSN Money

Skepticism in Europe greets pope's remark on Turkey and EU - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Skepticism in Europe greets pope's remark on Turkey and EU

ROME: Speaking as pope and diplomat this week, Pope Benedict XVI appeared to reverse his prior position, telling Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey that he wished "for Turkey's entry into the European Union," according to the prime minister's account of the meeting.

But it was unclear Wednesday whether the pope's remarks represented a genuine shift in his policy or what impact they might have on Turkey's chances to join the EU."

More:Skepticism in Europe greets pope's remark on Turkey and EU - Europe - International Herald Tribune

Hürriyet - Istanbul's traffic jams reach new levels with papal visit

"Istanbul's traffic jams reach new levels with papal visit

In a city already known for its sometimes impossible traffic jams, Istanbul is bearing the full brunt of the papal visit this week. Pope Benedict XVI arrived yesterday in Istanbul, after leading a mass at Selcuk's Church of the Virgin Mary, and prior to his arrival, certain critical roads around areas where he will be going were closed, leading to enormous traffic stoppages, and many complaints from citizens. "

More:Hürriyet - Istanbul's traffic jams reach new levels with papal visit

Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/30/2006 | Pope paves a path to conciliation

"Pope paves a path to conciliation

Jim Geraghty

is a contributing editor to National Review who has lived in Ankara since March 2005

ANKARA - It's hard to overstate the supremely ominous mood that preceded Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey this week."

More:Philadelphia Inquirer | 11/30/2006 | Pope paves a path to conciliation

TheStar.com - True purpose of Pope's Turkish visit

"True purpose of Pope's Turkish visit
Nov. 30, 2006. 01:00 AM

Pope Benedict XVI has not gone to Turkey for talks with Muslims, still less to convert them. He will speak to the Turkish authorities about the Christians living in the country, who have a right to more protection, but the main purpose of his visit could well be to meet with the Patriarch of Constantinople in the hope of healing as swiftly as possible the rift that was opened during the reign of his predecessor."

More:TheStar.com - True purpose of Pope's Turkish visit

Painters document 81 provinces of Turkey on canvas - Turkish Daily News Nov 30, 2006

"Painters document 81 provinces of Turkey on canvas
Thursday, November 30, 2006

"Europe – with or without which borders ? Some considerations (3)
Hans-Peter Geissen

'The European prospects of the region between Turkey and Russia depend primarily on Turkey, and then on their own internal relations. But the whole of relations between union-Europe and Russia will certainly not just also have a role in that, but generally remain the most important strategical problem of Europe in terms of security, and probably also of economy and anything else', wrote Hans-Peter Geissen as a conclusion of the second part of his series regarding the borders of Europe.""

More:Painters document 81 provinces of Turkey on canvas - Turkish Daily News Nov 30, 2006

[Turquie Européenne] - Europe – with or without which borders ? Some considerations (3)

"Europe – with or without which borders ? Some considerations (3)
Hans-Peter Geissen

'The European prospects of the region between Turkey and Russia depend primarily on Turkey, and then on their own internal relations. But the whole of relations between union-Europe and Russia will certainly not just also have a role in that, but generally remain the most important strategical problem of Europe in terms of security, and probably also of economy and anything else', wrote Hans-Peter Geissen as a conclusion of the second part of his series regarding the borders of Europe."

More:[Turquie Européenne] - Europe – with or without which borders ? Some considerations (3)

Strategy and politics collide in EU Turkey battle | Reuters Recommends | Reuters.co.uk

"Strategy and politics collide in EU Turkey battle
Thu Nov 30,:20 AM GMT16

By Paul Taylor, European Affairs Editor

RIGA (Reuters) - Strategic interests and political realities will collide over the next two weeks as the European Union battles to decide how hard to punish Turkey for its failure to open its ports to ships from Cyprus.

The executive European Commission fired the starting gun on Wednesday with an unexpectedly tough recommendation that the EU suspend a sizeable chunk of Ankara's membership negotiations."

More:Strategy and politics collide in EU Turkey battle | Reuters Recommends | Reuters.co.uk

EU does not want to chase Turkey from talks: Barroso | International News | Reuters.com

"EU does not want to chase Turkey from talks: Barroso

BERLIN (Reuters) - European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said on Thursday that Turkey must show it is willing to meet EU demands in its membership talks, denying Brussels wanted to drive it from the negotiating table.

"It's up to Turkey to show it is willing to comply with its obligations," Barroso said in Berlin."

More:EU does not want to chase Turkey from talks: Barroso | International News | Reuters.com

Hürriyet - Yalcin Doğan: A view from Madrid: thoughts on Turkey and the EU

"Yalcin Doğan: A view from Madrid: thoughts on Turkey and the EU

'If you break your ties with the EU, does it mean you will give up the fight against violence against women?' Yes, the Europeans seriously ask us this question. It is not even possible not to protest such a query. 'Yes, if it weren't for the EU, all the women in the world would be under threat of death."

More:Hürriyet - Yalcin Doğan: A view from Madrid: thoughts on Turkey and the EU

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Intensive EU traffic in Ankara

"Intensive EU traffic in Ankara

After the failure of EU Term President Finland's efforts on Cyprus issue and the recommendation of a partial suspension of Turkey's negotiations, Ankara is now preparing for a heavy diplomacy traffic."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Intensive EU traffic in Ankara

Al Jazeera English - Turks make peace with the Pope

"Turks make peace with the Pope
By David O'Byrne in Istanbul

On the face of it, the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey could not have come at a worse time.

Only two months ago the recently elected pontiff managed to cause furore in the Islamic world with a remark made in a speech in Germany in which he appeared to claim that Islam was a religion of violence and barbarism."

More:Al Jazeera English - Europe

Istanbul's Blue Mosque built to showcase prowess of Islamic architects - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Istanbul's Blue Mosque built to showcase prowess of Islamic architects

ISTANBUL, Turkey: When a 17th-century Ottoman sultan, Ahmet I, ordered architect Mehmet Aga to build him a mosque that would rival the splendor of the former Byzantine Church of Haghia Sophia, the result was an imposing mosque of cascading domes and an interior decorated with elaborate blue tiles.

Pope Benedict XVI is scheduled to make a brief stop Thursday at Istanbul's famed Blue Mosque in a conciliatory gesture toward Muslims. His predecessor, Pope John Paul II, visited a mosque in Syria in 2001."

More:Istanbul's Blue Mosque built to showcase prowess of Islamic architects - Europe - International Herald Tribune

EU to Grant Istanbul €1.5 million Next Year

"EU to Grant Istanbul €1.5 million Next Year
By Cihan News Agency
Thursday, November 30, 2006
zaman.com

The European Commission has announced that Istanbul, selected as Europe's cultural capital for 2010, will be granted €1.5 million euros in 2007.

On Tuesday, European Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn Rehn received Istanbul mayor Kadir Topbas in Brussels."

More:EU to Grant Istanbul €1.5 million Next Year

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - The Pope: "I love Turks"

"The Pope waves the Turkish flag

The Pope Benedict 16 was in Ankara and then in Selçuk yesterday. The religious service with the opening speech of the Pope in Turkish was broadcasted live to the 67 countries. After the religious service, the Pope waved the Turkish flag and went to Istanbul."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - The Pope: "I love Turks"

The New Anatolian - 21 Turkish companies take place among fastest growing 500 information companies in EMEA

"21 Turkish companies take place among fastest growing 500 information companies in EMEA

29 November 2006

This year, 21 Turkish companies took place among fastest growing 500 information technology companies in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, the three important regions of the world."

More:The New Anatolian - 21 Turkish companies take place among fastest growing 500 information companies in EMEA

Today.Az - Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership

"Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership
29 November 2006 [16:55] - Today.Az
Normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey and establishment of diplomatic relations do not depend on the terms of Turkey’s accession to the EU."

More:Today.Az - Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership

Babacan: We Expect E.U. To Fulfill Its Commitment

"Babacan: We Expect E.U. To Fulfill Its Commitment
Published: 11/29/2006

ANKARA - 'We expect the EU to fulfill its commitment on lifting of isolations imposed on TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus),' Turkish State Minister & Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan said on Wednesday."

More:Babacan: We Expect E.U. To Fulfill Its Commitment

Turkey a bridge between East and West: Pontiff

"Turkey a bridge between East and West: Pontiff
There is no place for violence in religion or for religion to exercise direct political powers, the Pope said.

ANKARA - Turkey has always served as a bridge between East and West, between Asia and Europe, and as a crossroads of cultures and religions, Pope Benedict XVI said Tuesday night."

More:Turkey a bridge between East and West: Pontiff

Embassy - Newspaper Online-Turkey's Large, Rural Population Affecting EU Bid, Says Jouanneau

"Turkey's Large, Rural Population Affecting EU Bid, Says Jouanneau
Full membership for Turkey into the European Union is currently unrealistic due to its big population, rural economy and Islam, said French Ambassador Daniel Jouanneau during last week's Ambassador's Roundtable at Carleton University. "

More:Embassy - Newspaper Online.

Turkish president vetoes EU-sought religion law | Reuters.com

"Turkish president vetoes EU-sought religion law
Wed Nov 29, 2006 8:20 PM IST

ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer vetoed an EU-inspired law to improve the property rights of non-Muslims, the president's office said on Wednesday.

Sezer, a staunch secularist, sent the law back to parliament for nine articles to be reviewed, the president's office said.

The ruling came on the day the European Commission recommended suspending some parts of Turkey's accession talks because of its failure to open its ports to EU member Cyprus."

More:Turkish president vetoes EU-sought religion law | Reuters.com

Germany-wide raids against suspected Turkish extremists

"Germany-wide raids against suspected Turkish extremists
Published: 11/29/2006

BERLIN - German police said Wednesday they had mounted raids nationwide against more than 50 suspected Turkish extremists working for a banned organization that aims to overthrow the government in Ankara."

More:Germany-wide raids against suspected Turkish extremists

Sibel Edmonds: The Highjacking of a Nation

"Sibel Edmonds: The Highjacking of a Nation

by sibel edmonds

http://www.opednews.com

Tell A Friend

'The real rulers in Washington are invisible and exercise power from behind the scenes.'
Justice Felix Frankfurter

It used to be the three branches -- congress, the executive, and the courts -- that we considered the make-up of our nation's federal government. And some would point to the press as a possible fourth branch, due to the virtue of its influence in shaping our policies. Today, more and more people have come to view corporate and foreign lobby firms, with their preponderant clout and enormous power, as the official fourth branch of our nation's government. Not only do I agree with them, I would even take it a step further and give it a higher status it certainly deserves. "

More:Sibel Edmonds: The Highjacking of a Nation

POPE IN TURKEY: MARY BINDS CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS, BENEDICT XVI SAYS

"POPE IN TURKEY: MARY BINDS CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS, BENEDICT XVI SAYS

Ephesus, 29 Nov. (AKI) - Pope Benedict XVI maintained his conciliatory stance towards Islam during the second day of his historical visit to Turkey by stressing how devotion to Jesus Christ's mother, Mary, is something Christians and Muslims share. 'From here in Ephesus, a city blessed by the presence of Mary Most Holy - who we know is loved and venerated also by Muslims - let us lift up to the Lord a special prayer for peace between peoples,' the pope said in his sermon during a mass held at the south-western Turkish town where Mary is believed to have spent her last days on Earth."

More:POPE IN TURKEY: MARY BINDS CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS, BENEDICT XVI SAYS

History Of Turkey, Modern Turkey Was Founded In 1923, But The Country Has Been Transformed Since Then - CBS News

"History Of Turkey
Modern Turkey Was Founded In 1923, But The Country Has Been Transformed Since Then

(CBS) During his first visit to a Muslim country, Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI urged leaders of all religions to "utterly refuse" to support any form of violence in the name of faith. You can read more about Turkish history below. "

More:History Of Turkey, Modern Turkey Was Founded In 1923, But The Country Has Been Transformed Since Then - CBS News

Reuters AlertNet - Qaeda says Pope wants to pull Turkey from Islam-Web

"Qaeda says Pope wants to pull Turkey from Islam-Web

DUBAI, Nov 29 (Reuters) - Iraq's al Qaeda wing on Wednesday condemned Pope Benedict's visit to Turkey as part of a crusade against Islam aimed at pulling Turkey away from the Muslim world."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Qaeda says Pope wants to pull Turkey from Islam-Web

Istanbul under Christianity, Islam and secularism | Reuters.com

"Istanbul under Christianity, Islam and secularism
Wed Nov 29, 2006 9:21 PM IST24

By Thomas Grove

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - When Ottoman Sultan Mehmet conquered Constantinople in 1453, his first destination was Haghia Sophia, the towering seat of Orthodox Christianity.

In front of what was then the largest church in the world, he knelt, sprinkled soil on his turban as a sign of humility and recited the Muslim prayer of faith, turning the church into a mosque: "There is no God but God, and Mohammed is His prophet.""

More:Istanbul under Christianity, Islam and secularism | Reuters.com

Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Europe/World

"EU states divided over how to handle Turkey
Published: Wednesday, 29 November, 2006, 10:47 AM Doha Time
TAMPERE, Finland: EU states agree Turkey must face the consequences of failing to open its ports to Cyprus but have yet to decide the extent to which its membership bid is affected, foreign ministers said yesterday.
Last-ditch efforts by Finland to broker an agreement between Turkey and Cyprus by December 6 collapsed on Monday and EU officials have said failure by Ankara to meet the deadline could mean at least partial suspension of its membership talks."

More:Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Europe/World

globeandmail.com: Pope tries to ease Turkish anger

"Pope tries to ease Turkish anger
He supports bid to enter EU, reversing ill will as visit begins
Headshot of Doug Saunders

DOUG SAUNDERS

ANKARA -- It was poised to be the most explosive and anger-provoking confrontation between Islam and Christianity in recent years, but with a few pointed gestures, the last-minute meeting between the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church and the Turkish government was transformed into a release of international tension."

More:globeandmail.com: Pope tries to ease Turkish anger

President al-Assad discusses with Turkish Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs situations in the region SANA , Syria

"President al-Assad discusses with Turkish Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs situations in the region

Wednesday, November 29, 2006 - 12:20 PM

DAMASCUS, (SANA)-

President Bashar al-Assad on Wednesday discussed with Turkish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Abdullatif Sener the situations in the region, particularly in Iraq, Palestine and Lebanon."

More:President al-Assad discusses with Turkish Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs situations in the region SANA , Syria

Hürriyet - Erdogan on Turkey''s EU quest: There can be no accidents on this journey

"Erdogan on Turkey''s EU quest: There can be no accidents on this journey

Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen, whose recent diplomatic efforts to find a solution to the Cyprus problem were unsuccessful, is reportedly planning a surprise visit to Turkey. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and PM Vanhanen will meet Friday afternoon in the Turkish capital, followed by a joint press conference."

More:Hürriyet - Erdogan on Turkey''s EU quest: There can be no accidents on this journey

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Blair warns EU on rejecting Turkey

"Blair warns EU on rejecting Turkey

RIGA (Reuters) - Europe would be making a serious mistake in the long-term if it sends an adverse signal to Turkey on European Union membership, Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Wednesday.

'We have got to make sure we allow Turkey's accession (to the EU) to proceed,' Blair said in Riga after talks with Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan. 'Just at the moment to send an adverse signal to Turkey I think would be a serious mistake for Europe long-term,' Blair said."

More:Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Blair warns EU on rejecting Turkey

CORDIS : News-Istanbul to host European ICT Conference

"Istanbul to host European ICT Conference

A conference on information and communication technologies (ICT) will take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 29 and 30 January.

The conference will mainly cover the topics addressed in the first call for proposals for ICT projects under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), and is also intended as an opportunity for ICT small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to meet and exchange ideas. "

More:CORDIS : News

JTW News - The EU Commission Holds Turkey Accountable

"The EU Commission Holds Turkey Accountable

Wednesday , 29 November 2006

Fatma Yilmaz – JTW/Ankara - The EU Commission has recommended that the negotiations with Turkey should be suspended on 8 chapters. The recommendation of the Commision was in contrast to the general expectations about the possible suspension just for 4 or 6 chapters among the total of 35. The Chef de Cabinet of the EU Commission assembled in Brussels in order to determine the recommendation to be given to the Council on Cyprus issue. Expressing its recommendation on not opening the negotiations for 8 chapters, the EU Commission has punished Turkey and therefore created ground for the unjust proposals of the Greek Cypriots about the possible solution on Cyprus issue"

More:JTW News - The EU Commission Holds Turkey Accountable

Lost in the Valley of the Wolves (Harpers.org)

"Lost in the Valley of the Wolves
Did Special Envoy Joe Ralston broker a special deal between Turkey and Lockheed Martin?
Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006. By Ken Silverstein and Sebastian Sosman.

Three months ago, the Bush Administration appointed retired Air Force General Joseph Ralston to be U.S. “Special Envoy for Countering the PKK,” or Kurdistan Workers Party. Ralston's job, said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack, was to work with the governments in Ankara and Baghdad “to eliminate the terrorist threat of the PKK and other terrorist groups operating in northern Iraq and across the Turkey-Iraq border.” But it appears that Ralston is representing the interests of the shareholders of Lockheed Martin rather than the interests of the American people."

More:Lost in the Valley of the Wolves (Harpers.org)

Today.Az - Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership

"Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership
29 November 2006 [16:55] - Today.Az
Normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey and establishment of diplomatic relations do not depend on the terms of Turkey’s accession to the EU."

More:Today.Az - Armenian-Turkish relations not dependent on Turkey's EU membership

EU issue overshadows pontiff's visit to Turkey - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"EU issue overshadows pontiff's visit to Turkey

ANKARA: A day after Pope Benedict XVI gave his blessing to Turkey's deep and long-stalled desire to join the European Union, its enlargement commissioner recommended Wednesday that the EU partly suspend entry talks."

More:EU issue overshadows pontiff's visit to Turkey - Europe - International Herald Tribune

SignOnSanDiego.com > News > World -- Turkey seen shrugging off EU setback, risks ahead

"Turkey seen shrugging off EU setback, risks ahead

ISTANBUL – The European Commission's call for a partial suspension of Turkey's EU negotiations should not pose a serious threat to Ankara's membership bid, but political risks loom as the large Muslim country gears up for 2007 polls.

The EU executive recommended on Wednesday a suspension of talks on eight of the 35 'chapters', or policy areas, into which the accession talks are divided because of Turkey's refusal to open its ports to shipping from EU member state Cyprus. "

More:SignOnSanDiego.com > News > World -- Turkey seen shrugging off EU setback, risks ahead

The New Anatolian - Plassnik urges timeout in Turkey-EU talks

"Plassnik urges timeout in Turkey-EU talks

The New Anatolian / Vienna
29 November 2006

Austrian Foreign Minister Ursula Plassnik on late Monday called for a timeout in Turkey's talks with the European Union to ease the current tension.

Plassnik also underlined that it is the duty of the Union to push the Greek Cypriots to fulfill their commitments and said, 'Nobody seriously wants the derailment of Turkey's talks with the bloc. Both Turkey and EU should exert efforts to protect their positive manners towards each other.' "

More:The New Anatolian - Plassnik urges timeout in Turkey-EU talks

Academic's publisher found not guilty of "insulting Turkishness" - Boston.com

"Academic's publisher found not guilty of 'insulting Turkishness'

November 29, 2006

ISTANBUL, Turkey --A Turkish court ruled Wednesday that a publisher who printed a book by an MIT international studies expert that criticized the U.S.-Turkey military alliance was not guilty of 'insulting Turkishness.'"

More:Academic's publisher found not guilty of "insulting Turkishness" - Boston.com

Chirac Explains Freeze in EU-Turkey Negotiations

"Chirac Explains Freeze in EU-Turkey Negotiations
Wed, 29 Nov:03:00
Gareth Cartman

Jacques Chirac has defended the freeze in negotiations between the EU and Turkey while expressing his hope that a diplomatic solution can be found. Turkey's refusal to accept Cypriot shipping has created a rift between negotiators."

More:Chirac Explains Freeze in EU-Turkey Negotiations

Pope Benedict XVI: From Foe to Friend in Turkey - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"POPE BENEDICT XVI
From Foe to Friend in Turkey

Before he arrived, the Turks hated him. Now that Pope Benedict XVI is in Turkey though, he has made 73 million new friends. Not only has he sought to heal the Christian-Muslim divide. But he also supports Turkish EU membership at a time when the country really needs an ally."

More:Pope Benedict XVI: From Foe to Friend in Turkey - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

World Politics Watch | In Germany, Debate Over Muslim Headscarf Rages On

"In Germany, Debate Over Muslim Headscarf Rages On
Rhea Wessel | Bio | 29 Nov 2006
World Politics Watch Exclusive

Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles by Rhea Wessel on the rights of Muslim women in Europe, particularly Turkish women in Germany. The stories will appear occasionally on World Politics Watch. Read the first article in the series here.

FRANKFURT, Germany -- Fed up with the status quo, a Turkish-born German politician in the Green Party has done just what many German politicians are afraid to do: She has called on Muslim women to take off their headscarves and 'arrive in the modern world, arrive in Germany.'"

More:World Politics Watch | In Germany, Debate Over Muslim Headscarf Rages On

Armenian News - Politicians Hamper Establishment of Dialogue between Armenia and Turkey

"Politicians Hamper Establishment of Dialogue between Armenia and Turkey
29.11.2006 15:31 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Both sides speak of the Armenian Genocide, at that positions of the states are absolutely opposite. Each side produces figures, refutations or confirmations, Nursun Erel, a political observer of The New Anatolian told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter. In her words, Armenians and Turks should overcome all taboos and start open dialogue. “As you know, a conference on the Armenian Genocide, that was constantly postponed, was held in the Istanbul University. "

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Politicians Hamper Establishment of Dialogue between Armenia and Turkey

AEI - Turkey’s Policy Towards Northern Iraq

"Turkey’s Policy Towards Northern Iraq

By Michael Rubin
Posted: Wednesday, November 29, 2006
BOOK REVIEWS
Middle East Quarterly
Publication Date: December 1, 2006

Turkish military and political officials watch Iraqi Kurdistan warily, concerned both that Iraqi federalism could set a precedent for similar demands among Turkey’s Kurdish population and that Iraqi Kurdistan could become a safe-haven for Kurdish terrorists to target Turkey."

More:AEI - Short Publications

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Press Review: Turkey's EU Future Hangs in the Balance | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 28.11.2006

"Press Review: Turkey's EU Future Hangs in the Balance

German editorial writers on Tuesday pondered the failure of talks between the European Union and Turkey, which had hinged on resolving the issue of Cyprus. The EU presidency said on Monday the impasse was insurmountable."

More:Press Review: Turkey's EU Future Hangs in the Balance | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 28.11.2006

Turkey's long road to a reawakening - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Turkey's long road to a reawakening

ISTANBUL: Turkey has spent most of its young life wrestling with questions of identity. Is it eastern, like its Muslim neighbors, or western, like Europe? Now, after a series of events and images that have left Muslims around the world feeling set upon by the West - the invasion of Iraq, the prisons at Guantánamo Bay and Abu Ghraib, and remarks by Pope Benedict XVI, whose visit to Turkey this week set off protests here - young people in Turkey are coming up with some answers."

More:Turkey's long road to a reawakening - Europe - International Herald Tribune

Cradle of the world's cultural heritage - Turkish Daily News Nov 28, 2006

"Cradle of the world's cultural heritage
Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean,' Izmir is a lively and pleasant city with broad avenues lined with palm trees. İzmir owes today's status as an important center for tourism, art, culture and commerce to its rich past and great cultural heritage "

More:Cradle of the world's cultural heritage - Turkish Daily News Nov 28, 2006

Talks With Turkey Now "on Lower Level": Germany's Steinmeier - World News - Playfuls.com - Business & World

"Talks With Turkey Now 'on Lower Level': Germany's Steinmeier

The European Union will continue accession talks with Turkey but "on a lower level," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Monday.

"The EU must be creative in order to make Turkey stick to its obligations towards the bloc, while at the same time try not to break off the process of mutual approachment," Steinmeier said after a regular meeting of EU, Arab and Israeli foreign ministers in the Finnish city Tampere.
"

More:Talks With Turkey Now "on Lower Level": Germany's Steinmeier - World News - Playfuls.com - Business & World

The New Anatolian - Ilnur Cevik - An incident speaks for itself in Cyprus

"An incident speaks for itself in Cyprus
Ilnur Cevik

ilnurcevik@yahoo.com
27 November 2006

Last week a group of Greek Cypriot students in a British school in southern Cyprus attacked Turkish Cypriot youths and beat them up injuring five.

This incident should be an eye opener for those especially in the European Union who think the solution on Cyprus is within an arms reach…
"

More:The New Anatolian - Ilnur Cevik - An incident speaks for itself in Cyprus

People's Daily Online -- EU leaders should be objective about Cyprus problem: Turkish FM

"EU leaders should be objective about Cyprus problem: Turkish FM

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said on Monday that EU leaders should be objective about the Cyprus problem and should not see this as a matter of solidarity among the bloc, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

Gul, who is in the Finnish city of Tampere for the European- Mediterranean Process Foreign Ministers' Meeting, told a press conference that it would be difficult to come to a solution ' without taking facts in the island into consideration.'"

More:People's Daily Online -- EU leaders should be objective about Cyprus problem: Turkish FM

Allure of Islam Signals a Shift Within Turkey

"Allure of Islam Signals a Shift Within Turkey

ANKARA, Turkey, Nov. 27 — A short 24 hours before a visit by Pope Benedict XVI to this Muslim country, its prime minister finally agreed to meet him publicly. The venue: the airport, on the Turkish leader’s way out of town.

The elaborate, last-minute choreography pointed to the deep divide that has festered within Turkish society since the foundation of the modern state. Should Turkey face eastward, toward its Muslim neighbors, or westward, toward Europe?

In the past five years, Muslims here have repeatedly felt betrayed by the West. The United States began holding Muslims without charge at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba; it invaded Iraq and abused prisoners at Abu Ghraib. Turkey’s hopes of entering the European Union have dimmed. The pope made a speech citing criticism of Islam."

More:Allure of Islam Signals a Shift Within Turkey

Catholic World News : At Ataturk's tomb, Pope prays for peace

"At Ataturk's tomb, Pope prays for peace

Nov. 28 (CWNews.com) - Pope Benedict XVI (bio - news) visited the tomb of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, on Tuesday, November 28, shortly after his arrival in the country.

In the 'Golden Book' that is kept on the site for comments by distinguished visitors, Pope Benedict wrote in English:

In this land, a meeting point among different cultures and religions and a bridge between Europe and Asia, I willingly make my own the words of the founder of the Turkish republic, expressing the wish for 'peace at home and peace in the world.'"

More:Catholic World News : At Ataturk's tomb, Pope prays for peace

Irish Examiner> Breaking News> Sport

"Religious freedom 'essential', Pope tells Turks

Guarantees of religious freedom are essential for a just society, Pope Benedict XVI said today following meetings with the Islamic cleric who oversees Turkey’s religious affairs.
"

More:Irish Examiner> Breaking News> Sport

'Military Takeover No Longer Option for Turkey'

"'Military Takeover No Longer Option for Turkey'
By Mustafa Unal
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
zaman.com

On his return from Jordan, where he joined the Young Arab Leaders Forum, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey, responded to an opinion piece in Newsweek on the chances of a future military coup in Turkey."

More:'Military Takeover No Longer Option for Turkey'

SBS - The World News-Pope's visit a yawn for Turks

"Pope's visit a yawn for Turks
29.11.2006. 07:47:06

The only tangible sign for most Ankara residents of Pope Benedict XVI's presence in their city was that their daily traffic snarl-ups were worse than ever.

'Who's here? The pope? Was that supposed to be today? Oh,' one indifferent resident said to a bank guard as he made a withdrawal from an automatic teller machine."

More:SBS - The World News

World Politics Watch | Resurgence of Nationalism and Islam Threaten to Turn Turkey Away From West

"Resurgence of Nationalism and Islam Threaten to Turn Turkey Away From West
Handan T. Satiroglu | Bio | 28 Nov 2006
World Politics Watch Exclusive

ANKARA, Turkey -- Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" and several conspiracy-themed books depicting Turkey as under attack by American and European influences sell briskly in local bookstores. Turkey's $10 million movie "Valley of Wolves," the most expensive to date, vilifying Christians and Jews pulls in record crowds. A 28-year-old lawyer shoots a secularist judge to death inside Turkey's High Court. The Islamic and far-right press is filled with stories of missionaries within Turkish borders converting "defenseless" Muslims to "infidels.""

More:World Politics Watch | Resurgence of Nationalism and Islam Threaten to Turn Turkey Away From West

Pope supports EU membership, Turkish leader says - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Pope supports EU membership, Turkish leader says

ANKARA, Turkey: Turkey's prime minister said Tuesday that Pope Benedict XVI told him he wanted Turkey to join the European Union. The Vatican said only that it views as favorable the steps that Turkey is taking to meet EU membership requirements."

More:Pope supports EU membership, Turkish leader says - Europe - International Herald Tribune

On Faith: John Esposito: Turks Troubled by Pope's Refusal to Apologize

"Turks Troubled by Pope's Refusal to Apologize

Pope Benedict's visit to Turkey comes at a critical time in the Papacy's relations with Islam and Muslims. However, it also offers an opportunity for the Pope and Turkey's leaders to reaffirm their commitment to constructive dialogue and strengthening the centuries-long ties between Christianity and Islam in Turkey."

More:On Faith: John Esposito: Turks Troubled by Pope's Refusal to Apologize

Christians in Turkey: The Diaspora Welcomes the Pope - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"CHRISTIANS IN TURKEY
The Diaspora Welcomes the Pope

By Annette Grossbongardt in Istanbul

Christians are only a tiny minority in Turkey. But they have high hopes for Pope Benedict XVI's visit this week. Many feel their religious rights are severely limited in the predominantly Muslim country."

More:Christians in Turkey: The Diaspora Welcomes the Pope - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

New York Sun: Turks in Suspense As Erdogan Sets Welcome of Pope - by JIM GERAGHTY

For the complete report in the The New York Sun click on this link

Turks in Suspense As Erdogan Sets Welcome of Pope - by JIM GERAGHTY

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey held its collective breath on the eve of the first visit of Pope Benedict XVI last night, as the nation's prime minister suddenly changed plans and indicated that he would greet the pope when he arrives.

For many Turks, who see a denial of their European qualifications as the height of snobbery, if not outright bigotry, the pope's statements appeared to endorse the concept of the European Union as a Christians-only club.

Secular and elite Turks are bracing themselves for a likely black eye for the country, unless the pope's visit goes off without a hitch.

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Rehn: Negotiations will not stop

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Rehn: Negotiations will not stop

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn has stated that the EU is not going to stop the negotiations with Turkey after it refused to open its ports and airports to the Greek Cypriots, but it is possible that negotiations will slow down.

After the failure of the EU Term President Finland's attempts on finding a solution for the Cyprus problem Rehn has made a speech at Helsinki University and said: "Negotiations with Turkey will not stop however the progress will slow down. We have to find a solution. European Commission thinks that the negotiations should not stop all together. Train will slow down by will not stop. This is not something usual," he added.

The Hindu News Update Service: Turkey's EU hopes suffer Cyprus setback- by Nicolas Watt

The Hindu News Update Service

Turkey's EU hopes suffer Cyprus setback- by Nicolas Watt

Turkey's 40-year campaign to join the EU suffered a grave blow yesterday when a diplomatic initiative to broker a compromise on Cyprus collapsed.

On the eve of the Pope's visit to Turkey, where Europe's fraughtrelations with its predominantly Muslim neighbour have been highlighted by widespread protests, the EU abandoned any hope of reaching a deal onCyprus.

``Unfortunately we have come to the conclusion that at this stagecircumstances do not permit that an agreement could be reached during the Finnish presidency,'' said Erkki Tuomioja, Finland's Foreign Minister, after the failure of talks involving Cyprus and Turkey.

Editorial: Turkey’s EU Bid

"Editorial: Turkey’s EU Bid
28 November 2006

In just eight days’ time, Turkey’s 25-year bid to become a full member of the European Union may be over. Accession talks with the EU broke down yesterday over Ankara’s refusal to open its ports to Cypriot vessels. If, by Dec. 8, this refusal has not been revoked, it is highly likely that for the first time in its history, Brussels will completely abandon negotiations for the accession of a new member. Such a development would bring quiet satisfaction in those European capitals, particularly Paris and Berlin, which have opposed Turkish membership on fundamentally racist grounds. Only the avowedly free-market Irish and British remain committed to Turkey’s dynamic 73 million population joining the 456 million in the 25 EU member countries."

More:Editorial: Turkey’s EU Bid

Monday, November 27, 2006

Turkish prof. recalls historic life of president - News

"Turkish prof. recalls historic life of president
Colleen Huysman

Turkey's early 20th Century 'evolution' was set in motion by the political and social reforms of former President Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, according to a Turkish professor who spoke on the Westernization of the Middle Eastern country at Boston University's Howard Thurman Center on Tuesday night."

More:Turkish prof. recalls historic life of president - News

Can the PKK Renounce Violence?: Terrorism Resurgent - Middle East Quarterly

"Can the PKK Renounce Violence?
Terrorism Resurgent

by Soner Cagaptay
Middle East Quarterly
Winter 2007

n 2002, it seemed as if Turkey's two-decade long struggle against the Kurdistan Workers Party (Partiya Karkerên Kurdistan, PKK) had ended. It did not. Peace was ephemeral. While the PKK, on October 1, declared yet another cease-fire, it came only after a sustained period of almost daily attacks on Turkish soldiers, civilians, and foreign tourists. On August 27 and 28, for instance, the PKK bombed targets in Istanbul and the resort cities of Antalya and Marmaris, killing three people and wounding more than 100.[1]

What went wrong? Why does the PKK resort to violence? Correcting the problem is essential, not only for Turkish security but also for its relationship with both the United States and European Union."

More:Can the PKK Renounce Violence?: Terrorism Resurgent - Middle East Quarterly

FROM ALL SIDES: Reflecting on EU-Turkey relations - News news

"FROM ALL SIDES: Reflecting on EU-Turkey relations
09:00 Mon 27 Nov 2006


On November 8, in its annual report on Turkey, the European Commission criticised Ankara for slowing down reforms on human rights and for refusing to open its ports and airports to Greek Cyprus, whose government is recognised by the EU as the government of the whole island. As a result, Turkey was given until mid-December to come to terms with the EU or risk a crisis in its EU accession talks. Turkey’s ambassador to Bulgaria Mehmet Gucuk commented to Yana Moyseeva on the report."

More:FROM ALL SIDES: Reflecting on EU-Turkey relations - News news

Opinion: Turkey's Unwelcome Guest | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 27.11.2006

"Opinion: Turkey's Unwelcome Guest
Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift:

Whether the pope likes it or not, his trip to Turkey, which starts Tuesday, has turned into a confrontation between Islam and Christianity, DW-TV's religious correspondent John Berwick writes."

More:Opinion: Turkey's Unwelcome Guest | Europe | Deutsche Welle | 27.11.2006

Students defend 'heretic' professor who criticized Atatürk - Turkish Daily News Nov 27, 2006

"Students defend 'heretic' professor who criticized Atatürk
Monday, November 27, 2006

While prominent Turkish liberal Professor Atilla Yayla is under fire for criticizing Kemalism, young liberals stand up for his right to speak out "

More:Students defend 'heretic' professor who criticized Atatürk - Turkish Daily News Nov 27, 2006

TIME.com: How Western is Turkey? -- Page 1

"How Western is Turkey?
Analysis: Even as its effort to join the European Union faces growing obstacles, Turkey's economy is making it more European than ever

When Pope Benedict XVI travels to Turkey this week, most of the world's attention will be focused on the Christian-Muslim religious divide. But the pontiff is also crossing a political fault line: The gulf between Europe and the near East has been much in the news lately because of Turkey's troubled attempts to join the European Union. Ankara is keen to become a full member, but Europeans are having second thoughts. Skeptics, including the Pope himself, are openly questioning whether a mostly Muslim nation of 70 million can ever really be part of Europe."

More:TIME.com: How Western is Turkey? -- Page 1

German leader says EU can't ignore Turkey's refusal to change stance on Cyprus - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"German leader says EU can't ignore Turkey's refusal to change stance on Cyprus

DRESDEN, Germany: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Monday that the European Union could not ignore Turkey's refusal to change its stance over EU member Cyprus, and stressed that the outcome of Ankara's membership talks is "open.""

More:German leader says EU can't ignore Turkey's refusal to change stance on Cyprus - Europe - International Herald Tribune

EUROPA - Rapid - Turkey's accession process to the EU

"Olli Rehn
Member of the European Commission, responsible for Enlargement
Turkey's accession process to the EU

Lecture at Helsinki University
Helsinki, 27 November 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am glad to address such a key contemporary challenge as Turkey’s EU accession process here at my alma mater, the University of Helsinki. To say that you have chosen the right date to discuss topical current affairs of EU-Turkey relations might qualify as the understatement of the week.

The seminar series on Turkey and Europe, organised jointly by the European Studies Centre of the University of Helsinki and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is an excellent initiative to tackle this formidable endeavour on the intellectual front. We need more of these.

Some years ago, Turkey rushed into the public debate in Europe when the EU began considering whether to begin accession negotiations with Turkey or not. The effect on public perception was similar to the landing of a giant flying saucer from outer space. Many commentators reacted as if Turkey was an alien completely unknown to Europe."

More:EUROPA - Rapid - Press Releases

Ancient Christian site becomes 'very sensitive ground' for pope - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"Ancient Christian site becomes 'very sensitive ground' for pope

ISTANBUL, Turkey: No moment of Pope Benedict XVI's upcoming trip may be more closely watched as his walk through the majestic Haghia Sophia, a domed complex whose history spans Istanbul's stormy evolution from Christianity to Islam.

It's not the homage to early Christianity that has many Turks on edge. It's how Benedict could chose to pay his respects on Thursday — near the end of a four-day visit that begins Tuesday."

More:Ancient Christian site becomes 'very sensitive ground' for pope - Europe - International Herald Tribune

Turkish EU Ambitions in Danger: Talks on Cyprus Deal Fail - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"TURKISH EU AMBITIONS IN DANGER
Talks on Cyprus Deal Fail

Negotiations aimed at getting Turkey to open up its ports to trade from EU member Cyprus failed on Monday. Each side is pointing fingers at the other. But Turkey has the most to lose."

More:Turkish EU Ambitions in Danger: Talks on Cyprus Deal Fail - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

Turkish prime minister will meet with pope

"Turkish prime minister will meet with pope

VATICAN CITY (AP) Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to meet Pope Benedict XVI in Turkey on Tuesday, in a change of plans that appeared to signal openness to a visit that has angered many Turks.

Erdogan originally said he could not meet the pope because he would be attending a NATO summit in Latvia. He will now meet Benedict at the airport when the pontiff arrives, then leave for Latvia, Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi said today."

More:El Paso Times - Turkish prime minister will meet with pope (10:43 a.m.)

Athens on breakdown of Finnish EU-Turkey initiative

"Athens on breakdown of Finnish EU-Turkey initiative

The Greek government on Monday reacted immediately to a same-day announcement by the Finnish presidency announcing that talks between the Union and EU hopeful Turkey to overcome obstacles to the latter's accession negotiations have broken down.

Speaking at the conclusion of a national foreign policy and defence council meeting in Athens, Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis said it was 'significant' that responsibilities were not placed by the Finnish presidency 'towards the one or the other side'. "

More:Today's Home News

Turkey's EU bid risks paralysis

"Turkey's EU bid risks paralysis
A destroyed Cyprus Airways plane in the UN buffer zone in Cyprus
A UN buffer zone still divides Greek and Turkish Cypriots
Turkey's EU accession talks are set to slow down following Ankara's failure to open up Turkish ports to traffic from Cyprus, the EU has signalled."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey's EU bid risks paralysis

EU-Turkey talks to move more slowly

"EU-Turkey talks to move more slowly
Mon Nov 27, 2006 4:11 PM GMT163

By Zerin Elci and David Brunnstrom

TAMPERE, Finland (Reuters) - EU accession talks with Turkey will not be frozen, but will move more slowly after Ankara's failure to open its ports to ships from Cyprus, the European Union's enlargement commissioner said on Monday."

More:EU-Turkey talks to move more slowly | World News | Reuters.co.uk

Genocide recognition by Turkey is not a precondition for Armenia

"Genocide recognition by Turkey is not a precondition for Armenia

26/11/2006

A critical month lies ahead for Turkey as it must show good conduct during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI a few days before the European Commission report on Ankara’s progress towards European Union accession.

Turkey is also being tested on two other issues that could dash its hopes of joining the European club -- its refusal to recognise the Cyprus Republic and denial of the genocide of 1,5 million Armenians by the Ottoman rulers.

The policy of denying the historic events of 1915 has stiffened the stance of some western nations, while relations with France soured when the lower assembly in Paris passed a law making genocide denial a civil crime, similar to holocaust denial.

Lobbying for such resolutions is the Armenian diaspora of nearly four million in Europe and the Americas who are survivors of the genocide."

More:Financial Mirror

The State of Religious Liberty in Turkey

"The State of Religious Liberty in Turkey

Interview With R.M.T. Schmid of the Becket Institute

ROME, NOV. 26, 2006 (Zenit.org).- The Christian churches in Turkey want more religious freedom, even as they realize that the country's secularism might also be a bulwark against radical Islam, says an observer.

Raphaela M.T. Schmid, the Rome director of the Becket Institute for Religious Liberty, offered that assessment in this interview.

Schmid just returned from Istanbul where she spoke with religious authorities and government officials who will be meeting with Benedict XVI later this week.

Q: What is the state of religion in Turkey?

Schmid: Turkey is not really an Islamic country, even if it is over 99% Muslim and mosque attendance is going up. "

More:Zenit News Agency - The World Seen From Rome

Sharp divisions await pope in Turkey

"Sharp divisions await pope in Turkey
Anger reignited over Islam words

By Anne Barnard, Globe Staff | November 27, 2006

ISTANBUL -- A poster of a pig with the face of Pope Benedict XVI plastered to its head and a cross painted on its pink belly hinted at the fierce reception the pontiff could face in Turkey tomorrow when he kicks off his first papal trip to a Muslim country."

More:Sharp divisions await pope in Turkey - The Boston Globe

Russia shares Turkey's concerns on Kurdish issue

"Russia shares Turkey's concerns on Kurdish issue

Ayhan Simsek - The New Anatolian / Moscow
27 November 2006

Russia is deeply concerned about the looming threat of Iraq's disintegration and shares the concerns of Turkey on the Kurdish issue, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko in an interview with a group of Turkish journalists in Moscow over the weekend. "

More:The New Anatolian - Russia shares Turkey's concerns on Kurdish issue

'South Cyprus is a headache for the EU'

"'South Cyprus is a headache for the EU'

Minister Ali Babacan has drawn the attentions to the fact that the risks in Cyprus issue is affecting the markets. Babacan said: 'We can not make decisions for Cyprus with economical worries.' "

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - "South Cyprus is a headache for the EU"

What is Turkey’s Importance All About?

"What is Turkey’s Importance All About?

Monday , 27 November 2006

By Barin Kayaoglu (JTW)

News agencies recently reported that former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt delivered a lecture at Florence last week, arguing that in contrast to popular thinking, Turkey was not a bridge between Europe and the Muslim world and that it was in fact disliked in the Arab world. The heyday of the address allegedly came when Schmidt said that “it is suffice to remember how Arabs suffered under Ottoman rule.” Because of the Ottoman past, incorporating Turkey would be counter-productive to the European Union, Moreover, he continued, Turkey’s EU membership was not in European interests and was indeed pushed by the United States. [1]"

More:JTW News - What is Turkey’s Importance All About?

Turkey's hard choices ahead

"Turkey's hard choices ahead
Cengiz Candar

ccandar@superonline.com
27 November 2006

Turkish diplomacy is standing before hard choices. Some should be made immediately, some in the short-term and some in the mid-term. The imminent one is concerning the pope's visit that will start tomorrow. The next one should be concerning the Finnish initiative on the Cyprus issue to salvaging Turkey's road of accession before December 6 and 11, ahead of the EU summit. Another short-term one concerns the Turkish stand in Iraq and the mid-term one is about Turkey's Middle East policy with a priority that has to be given to the relations with Syria and within the context of the possible developments in Lebanon."

More:The New Anatolian - Cengiz Candar - Turkey's hard choices ahead

Sunday, November 26, 2006

EU struggles to keep Turkey's membership talks on track a week before deadline

"EU struggles to keep Turkey's membership talks on track a week before deadline

TAMPERE, Finland: The European Union is trying to get Turkey to embrace a proposal on Cyprus designed to keep Ankara's troubled EU membership talks on track before a Dec. 6 deadline.

Finnish Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja will hold talks separately with Turkish and Cypriot representatives this week, on the sidelines of a foreign ministers' meeting of EU and Mediterranean countries here Monday and Tuesday."

More:EU struggles to keep Turkey's membership talks on track a week before deadline - Europe - International Herald Tribune

If Turkey and the EU break up...

"If Turkey and the EU break up...

by Katinka Barysch and Charles Grant

The EU may decide to halt the accession talks with Turkey - or the Turkish government may walk away from them. But has either seriously thought through the consequences? Some German and Austrian leaders hope for a 'privileged partnership': Turkey would align many of its rules and policies with the EU, but have no vote on decisions. However, that is a fantasy, at least in the short and medium term. An angry and disappointed Turkey would spurn any partnership that fell short of full membership. Many Turks would prefer to combine the existing customs union with an arms-length political relationship."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. If Turkey and the EU break up...

A new opera house for Ankara: Sezer and Büyükanıt in charge of Atatürk's final request

"A new opera house for Ankara: Sezer and Büyükanıt in charge of Atatürk's final request
Sunday, November 26, 2006

Reflections


ŞEFİK KAHRAMANKAPTAN

For a will to be legally acceptable, it needs to be written when its respective owner is still mentally capable, in compliance with the law, and it has to be notarized. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, had listed some of his final requests on �monetary� matters in a will consisting of five articles, which are currently being implemented. "

More:A new opera house for Ankara: Sezer and Büyükanıt in charge of Atatürk's final request - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

A Snapshot of Turkey as Seen by the Turks

"A Snapshot of Turkey as Seen by the Turks

A large majority of Turks do not agree that their country’s secularism is under threat. In a survey conducted by Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) 73% of respondents answered “no” to the question “Is secularism under threat?” The survey titled “Religion, Society and Politics in Changing Turkey” also revealed that the number of those who want ‘shariah’ law fell by eight percent. The people questioned were more concerned about unemployment and terrorism."

More:National Secular Society - National Secular Society - A Snapshot of Turkey as Seen by the Turks

Almunia: Turkey is close to Maastricht criteria - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

"Almunia: Turkey is close to Maastricht criteria
Sunday, November 26, 2006

EU commissioner Joaquin Almunia praises Turkey’s financial performance of the past five years "

More:Almunia: Turkey is close to Maastricht criteria - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

Turkey and Europe pull in opposite 'Maastricht' directions - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

"Turkey and Europe pull in opposite 'Maastricht' directions
Sunday, November 26, 2006

EBRU TUNCAY

ISTANBUL - TDN/Referans

Turkey is fiscally better off than many European Union countries in regards to the Maastricht criteria, named after a small Dutch town, referring to a set of economic and monetary rules Europeans imposed on themselves in 1993. "

More:Turkey and Europe pull in opposite 'Maastricht' directions - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

>>> AsiaNews.it <<< Erdogan’s wavering and Turkey’s Janus-faced identity

"TURKEY – VATICAN
Erdogan’s wavering and Turkey’s Janus-faced identity
by Mavi Zambak
Turkey’s PM changes his mind and is now prepared to meet Benedict XVI at Ankara Airport, but his indecisiveness dissatisfies both Islamo-nationalists and secular Kemalists. Security arrangements, meanwhile, are being stepped up.

Ankara (AsiaNews) – Turks are increasingly dismayed by Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan’s yo-yo attitude towards the Pope’s visit. After repeatedly saying he was not going to meet Benedict XVI during the latter’s trip to Turkey because of his commitment to go to Estonia for a NATO meeting, a government spokesman announced yesterday that the Turkish authorities were working with the Vatican to ensure that the Prime Minister and the Pope would meet at an airport in the capital on November 28 before the start of the NATO summit in Riga."

More:>>> AsiaNews.it <<< Erdogan’s wavering and Turkey’s Janus-faced identity

The Peninsula On-line: Sectarianism in Iraq will lead to civil war, warn Turkey and Jordan

"Sectarianism in Iraq will lead to civil war, warn Turkey and Jordan
Web posted at: 11/26/2006 3:35:41
Source ::: AFP

AMMAN • Jordan and Turkey warned yesterday against dividing neighbouring Iraq along sectarian lines, saying that would spark civil war in the already violence-wracked nation and endanger the whole region.

“A division of Iraq would mean a descent into the abyss and a civil war that ... would also have dangerous repercussions for all neighbouring countries,” Jordanian Priem Minister Maaruf Bakhit told a press conference with visiting Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan."

More:The Peninsula On-line: Qatar's leading English Daily

Come with me to Sadabad! - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

"Come with me to Sadabad!
Sunday, November 26, 2006

Sadabad, located in today’s Kağıthane district, was popular in the Ottoman capital from the end of the 16th century until the 18th century as a place of entertainment Istanbul’s metropolitan municipality seems to have taken Kağıthane where Sadabad was once located to heart and has ambitious plans to turn the area into a modern entertainment center "

More:Come with me to Sadabad! - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

Gourmand's corner - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

"Gourmand's corner
Sunday, November 26, 2006

Apple and chicken brochettes with lemon sauce:



Ingredients:

3 chicken breasts 2 apples Olive oil Salt and black pepper 1 small handful of peanuts

Sauce: 150 ml yogurt 1 tablespoon liquid honey 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon finely chopped ginger

1 tablespoon mustard "

More:Gourmand's corner - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

How Turks see the pope - II - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

"How Turks see the pope - II
Sunday, November 26, 2006

Mustafa Akyol

ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Among those Turkish nationalists who do not welcome Pope Benedict XVI, the third category would be secular nationalists, who are in line with the anti-EU forces in Turkey's civil and military bureaucracy. They see the whole West as an imperialist enemy dying to carve Turkey into pieces by re-implementing the infamous Treaty of Sèvres -- a 1920 document that only a handful of non-Turkish historians but the whole Turkish nation remembers. For them Pope Benedict XVI is simply the religious face of �Western imperialism.� His effort to consolidate Christianity is interpreted as the preparation for a new Crusade. "

More:How Turks see the pope - II - Turkish Daily News Nov 26, 2006

Istanbul high tech coup grabs IT from India - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

"Istanbul high tech coup grabs IT from India
Saturday, November 25, 2006

Turkey to play a critical role in Dutch IT giant CAT Logic's expansion plans wıth decision to move its R&D division from India to Istanbul says CEO of CAT Logic Marcel Bakker "

More:Istanbul high tech coup grabs IT from India - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

ekathimerini.com | Cyprus FM to be at EU Turk talks

"Cyprus FM to be at EU Turk talks

NICOSIA (Reuters) – The foreign ministers of Turkey and Cyprus will attend a summit in Finland next week seen as the last hope to end a logjam in Ankara’s EU entry talks as Turkey’s prime minister said he wanted a deal which benefits all sides.

Confirmation that the Cypriot foreign minister would attend the November 26-27 meeting, two days after saying the chances of progress were so slim that he would not, offered a glimmer of hope for a breakthrough before the December 6 deadline for a deal."

More:ekathimerini.com | Cyprus FM to be at EU Turk talks

Opinion: Turkey's Coming Coup - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com

"The Coming Coup d'Etat?
Once again, the generals are muttering angrily about how the government is undermining the secular state—and Turkey.

Newsweek International

Dec. 4, 2006 issue - Turkey is a haunted land. too often in its history, the past has been prologue. It may be so again. Almost 10 years ago, the Turkish military ousted a popularly elected Islamist prime minister. The circumstances that produced that coup are re-emerging today. Once again, an Islamist is in power. Once again, the generals are muttering angrily about how his government is undermining the secular state—the foundation of modern Turkey. As I rate it, the chances of a military coup in Turkey occurring in 2007 are roughly 50-50."

More:Opinion: Turkey's Coming Coup - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Turkish Airlines Loses Luggage Least

"Turkish Airlines Loses Luggage Least
By Economy News Desk
Saturday, November 25, 2006
zaman.com

Turkish Airlines (THY) had the largest increase in business, at 23.5 percent, among national airlines in Europe in September.

THY, which departs on schedule 86.5 percent of the time took first place among the 10 largest European airlines.

THY, which only losses baggage .43 percent of the time, has a lower rate of lost luggage than any other national carrier in Europe. "

More:Turkish Airlines Loses Luggage Least

The New Anatolian - Boosting dialogue and EU bid

"Boosting dialogue and EU bid

The New Anatolian / Ankara
25 November 2006
Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey next week has a twofold importance for the country, as an opportunity to both cultivate dialogue among civilizations and boost Turkey's efforts to become a member of the European Union, according to diplomatic sources."

More:The New Anatolian - Boosting dialogue and EU bid

The Gordian knot - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

"The Gordian knot
Saturday, November 25, 2006

According to legend, whoever untied the Gordian knot -- an intricate Turkish knot -- would rule all Asia. In fact, it was Alexander the Great who solved the problem with one stroke of his sword. Now Europe faces a similar problem -- the Cyprus issue -- which has bedeviled European politics for the last three decades. "

More:The Gordian knot - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

Dining with Schröder - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

"Dining with Schröder
Saturday, November 25, 2006

One should admit that not everyone would get the opportunity to eat dinner with a very popular former prime minister. We, a small group of journalists got together with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, one of the most dazzling speakers at the 15th congress of the Quality Association. "

More:Dining with Schröder - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

Izmir: The rising star of Turkey - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

"Izmir: The rising star of Turkey
Saturday, November 25, 2006

Izmir, the rising star of Turkey is set to lead the region in particular, and Turkey as a whole, into and beyond the year 2010 with its organized industrial zones and transportation infrastructure. In addition to its geographic proximity to regional markets and its neighborly relations with these markets, Izmir, a city that has been molded by centuries of history, has a special place in Turkey with its unique and colorful art and social life as well as its commercial significance."

More:Izmir: The rising star of Turkey - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

EU's Turkey report adopted; changes soften blow - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

"EU's Turkey report adopted; changes soften blow
Friday, November 24, 2006

Turkey-skeptic Brok’s report, which will be discussed in the European Parliament just two days before the key December summit of EU leaders, shores up Finnish efforts to resolve the ports row, urging government to open up its ports to Greek Cyprus by the end of this year "

More:EU's Turkey report adopted; changes soften blow - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

Turkish diplomacy caught in French dilemma - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

"Turkish diplomacy caught in French dilemma
Saturday, November 25, 2006

BARÇIN YİNANÇ

ISTANBUL -Turkish Daily News

With Turkish French relations already in a turbulent state, the possibility of the French Senate endorsing the bill before February on Armenian claims of genocide has intensified Ankara's push to avoid yet another crisis with Paris."

More:Turkish diplomacy caught in French dilemma - Turkish Daily News Nov 25, 2006

Extraordinary security measures for Pope

"Extraordinary security measures for Pope
The Pontiff will be given same high level security as President George Bush during his stay in Istanbul.

NTV-MSNBC
Güncelleme: 23:06 TSİ 24 Kasım 2006 Cuma

ANKARA - Pope Benedict XI will be protected by one of the largest security operations even seen in Turkey during his visit, Turkish officials announced Friday."

More:Extraordinary security measures for Pope

Friday, November 24, 2006

TheWhitePath.com: How Turks See the Pope – Part I

"How Turks See the Pope – Part I

[To be published in Turkish Daily News]

The upcoming visit by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey is a matter of debate in the country as well as on the international scene. Why is the pope coming? What is his “real agenda”? Should we welcome him or not? These are the questions that Turkish intellectuals — and not-so-intellectuals — have recently been debating."

More:TheWhitePath.com: How Turks See the Pope – Part I

Cyprus 'does not plan EU veto on Turkey' - but wants sanctions

"Cyprus 'does not plan EU veto on Turkey' - but wants sanctions

Nicosia - The government of Cyprus has no plans to impose a veto on Turkey's European Union accession course, but said Thursday that member states were considering the type of sanctions to be imposed if Ankara continues to defy all protocols."

More:Cyprus 'does not plan EU veto on Turkey' - but wants sanctions

The New Anatolian - President expresses trust in teachers to stay on Ataturk's path

"President expresses trust in teachers to stay on Ataturk's path

The New Anatolian / Ankara
24 November 2006

President Ahmet Necdet Sezer yesterday praised Ataturk's work to restructure and develop the Turkish education system and expressed his trust in teachers to continue to follow in the footsteps of the republic's founder.

In a written message marking Teachers' Day today, the president stressed the importance given by Ataturk to education from the very beginning of the republic. "

More:The New Anatolian - President expresses trust in teachers to stay on Ataturk's path

The New Anatolian - Cengiz Candar - Increasingly self-confident Turkey of Istanbul versus Ankara-Brussels

"Increasingly self-confident Turkey of Istanbul versus Ankara-Brussels
Cengiz Candar

ccandar@superonline.com
24 November 2006

The World Economic Forum-Istanbul has been a display of Turkey's growing self-confidence and positive international image as an emerging political player in Eurasian geopolitics and as a relatively economic heavyweight in the same crucially important zone of the globalized international economy. The presidents, prime ministers, officials and prominent businessmen and journalists from a score of countries covering a vast geography from the Baltics to the Balkans all the way to the Transcaucusus and the Middle East were all there in Istanbul's Ciragan Palace."

More:The New Anatolian - Cengiz Candar - Increasingly self-confident Turkey of Istanbul versus Ankara-Brussels

The Pope in Turkey: "An Attack on the Pillars of Islam" - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"THE POPE IN TURKEY
'An Attack on the Pillars of Islam'

Ali Bardakoglu, 54, is Turkey's highest Muslim dignitary. SPIEGEL spoke to him about Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Turkey next week and the reactions to the pontiff's Regensburg speech, widely noted for its criticism of Islam."

More:The Pope in Turkey: "An Attack on the Pillars of Islam" - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

World-renowned Turkish Hacker Apprehended

"World-renowned Turkish Hacker Apprehended
By Mehmet Sakin
Friday, November 24, 2006
zaman.com

Aug. 14, 2005 is widely referred to as the Sept. 11 of 116 countries, including the United States, in cyberspace. That day, two hackers accessed the computers of hundreds of prominent institutions, including CNN, the New York Times, and ABC News, and immobilized their systems through viruses."

More:ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2006112438631)

Turkish Consul in Naples: Turkey's EU Membership Historical Necessity

"Turkish Consul in Naples: Turkey's EU Membership Historical Necessity
24.11.2006 18:23 GMT+04:00
/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Luigi Pietro Rocco Di Torrepadula, Turkey's Honorary Consul to Naples, stated that Turkey's membership to the European Union is 'a historical necessity'. He underscored that he is confident that EU would show greater interest in the issues related to the Mediterranean region thanks to Turkey's membership to the Union.
"

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Turkish Consul in Naples: Turkey's EU Membership Historical Necessity

India, Turkey discuss tourism promotion efforts .:. NewKerala.Com, India News Channel

"India, Turkey discuss tourism promotion efforts

New Delhi, Nov 23: In a bid to promote tourism between the two countries, India and Turkey today decided to initiate exchange visits between the tour operators and travel agents."

More:India, Turkey discuss tourism promotion efforts .:. NewKerala.Com, India News Channel

Pope's visit offers Turkey's Christians hope for improved religious rights

"Pope's visit offers Turkey's Christians hope for improved religious rights

Suzan Fraser, Canadian Press
Published: Friday, November 24, 2006

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) - A Christian place of worship stands next to a false limb shop, on the ground floor of a dreary, four-storey apartment block in a run-down area of the capital. Kitchen chairs act as pews along the makeshift nave, and iron bars line the windows. "

More:Pope's visit offers Turkey's Christians hope for improved religious rights

«Trend» news agency: Turkish Entrepreneurs Play Considerable Role in Development of Non-oil Sector in Azerbaijan - Taxes Minister

"Turkish Entrepreneurs Play Considerable Role in Development of Non-oil Sector in Azerbaijan - Taxes Minister
Source: Trend
Author: I.Khalilova
24.11.2006

Fazil Mammadov, the Azerbaijani Minister for Taxes, stated on 23 November 2006 that a total of 476 taxpayers holding Turkish investments have been registered at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Taxes. He was addressing a ceremony to award distinguished taxpayers on entering the international society of the Azerbaijani-Turkish industrials and Businessmen, Trend reports."

More:«Trend» news agency: News from Azerbaijan and South Caucasus

Majority of Turks against Erdogan as president - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

"Majority of Turks against Erdogan as president
Friday, November 24, 2006

The results of a poll conducted by national TV station Kanal D suggest that most Turkish citizens would not like to see Prime Minister Erdoğan in the presidential chair "

More:Majority of Turks against Erdogan as president - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

Ethnic Turkish politicians in parliament - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

"Ethnic Turkish politicians in parliament
Friday, November 24, 2006

Three ethnic Turkish candidates are elected as members to the Dutch Parliament. Coşkun Çörüz, who was already an MP, is reelected from the Christian Democrat Party. Nebahat Albayrak, candidate of the Labour Party is also reelected, and Sadet Karabulut is elected for the first time as a member of parliament. From the Democrat-66, which Turkish associations were campaining for, Fatma Koşar Kaya is waiting for the preferential votes to be counted, and sources say she will also probably be elected."

More:Ethnic Turkish politicians in parliament - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

Bozkurt urges gov't to encourage women into politics - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

"Bozkurt urges gov't to encourage women into politics
Friday, November 24, 2006

FULYA ÖZERKAN

ANKARA - Turkish Daily News

Dutch member of the European Parliament Emine Bozkurt yesterday unveiled her long-awaited report on the role of women in Turkey, repeating her appeal to the government to establish a special commission for women in the Turkish Parliament and to ensure female participation in Turkish politics. "

More:Bozkurt urges gov't to encourage women into politics - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

'Turkey Now' festival to promote Turkey in Holland - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

"'Turkey Now' festival to promote Turkey in Holland
Friday, November 24, 2006

The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) and the Kulsan Foundation will jointly organize a �Turkey Now� festival in Holland from Jan. 29 to April 21, 2007. "

More:'Turkey Now' festival to promote Turkey in Holland - Turkish Daily News Nov 24, 2006

Hürriyet - "Turkey's EU membership is a historical necessity"

"'Turkey's EU membership is a historical necessity'

Luigi Pietro Rocco Di Torrepadula, Turkey's Honorary Consul to Naples, stated that Turkey's membership to the European Union was 'a historical necessity'. Speaking to the AA correspondent, Torrepadula underscored that he is confident that EU would show greater interest in the issues related to the Mediterranean region thanks to Turkey's membership to the union. "

More:Hürriyet - "Turkey's EU membership is a historical necessity"

Thursday, November 23, 2006

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Ataturk Calendar on the Internet

"Ataturk Calendar on the Internet

www.ataturktoday.com website which is prepared both in English and Turkish is giving its customers a chance to learn what Atatürk had done each day by a calendar.
Clicking on the dates, users reach all documented information on Atatürk for that particular day.

The website also includes a photo album consisting hundreds of photos of Atatürk and historical information about his life."

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Ataturk Calendar on the Internet

Cyprus and Turkey dig in heels over EU offer

"Cyprus and Turkey dig in heels over EU offer
By Michele Kambas

CYPRUS AND Turkey yesterday demanded changes to a European Union proposal aimed at easing Ankara's bid to join the EU but mediator Finland said its offer was not open to major adjustments.

The EU wants Turkey to open its ports to shipping from EU member Cyprus, but Ankara says the bloc should first lift trade restrictions against Turkish Cypriots in the north.
Diplomats had pinned hopes for resolving the deadlock on EU president Finland, which hosts a meeting of EU and Mediterranean foreign ministers next week, but Foreign Minister George Lillikas said he would not attend."

More:Cyprus and Turkey dig in heels over EU offer

More than 100 ancient settlement areas discovered in eastern Anatolia - Turkish Daily News Nov 23, 2006

"More than 100 ancient settlement areas discovered in eastern Anatolia
Thursday, November 23, 2006

Researchers working on the Archaeological Settlements in Turkey (TAY) project have discovered 120 previously unknown ancient settlement areas in various locations in eastern Anatolia, the project's manager announced on Wednesday."

More:More than 100 ancient settlement areas discovered in eastern Anatolia - Turkish Daily News Nov 23, 2006

Turkey says won't walk away from talks on Cyprus | World News | Reuters.co.uk

"Turkey says won't walk away from talks on Cyprus
Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:08 AM GMT146

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's EU chief negotiator said on Thursday Ankara would not walk away from Finnish-led discussions over Cyprus aimed at avoiding a crisis in Turkey's European Union membership bid."

More:Turkey says won't walk away from talks on Cyprus | World News | Reuters.co.uk

Turkish Authorities Alleged to have been in Guantanamo

"Turkish Authorities Alleged to have been in Guantanamo
By Anadolu News Agency (aa), Berlin
Thursday, November 23, 2006
zaman.com

Some Turkish officials are accused of participating in interrogations at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba."

More:Turkish Authorities Alleged to have been in Guantanamo

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Lagendijk warns: EU can freeze the Cyprus issue

"Lagendijk warns: EU can freeze the Cyprus issue

Turkey-EU mixed Parliament Commissioner Joost Lagendijk said 'it is possible that EU will freeze this issue if Turkey can not find a solution for Cyprus within two weeks'."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Lagendijk warns: EU can freeze the Cyprus issue

People's Daily Online -- Turkish ties with OIC countries add weight to its accession to EU: president

"Turkish ties with OIC countries add weight to its accession to EU: president
font size ZoomIn ZoomOut

Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer said Thursday that his country's ties with member states of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) added weight to its accession to the European Union (EU), the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:People's Daily Online -- Turkish ties with OIC countries add weight to its accession to EU: president

Fears of Turkey’s ‘invisible’ Armenians « zum

"Fears of Turkey’s ‘invisible’ Armenians
Published November 22nd, 2006 History , Genocide , Armenia , Serj Tankian , Politics, Political Point of Views

By Sarah Rainsford, BBC News, Istanbul

The head of the Armenian Orthodox church is in the middle of a controversial visit to Istanbul. Karekin II has in the past angered Turks by accusing them of committing genocide against Armenians at the time of World War I. Turkey denies the charges of genocide."

More:Fears of Turkey’s ‘invisible’ Armenians « zum

Gulfnews: Turning to Turkey

"Turning to Turkey

By Hugh Pope

The idea of a 'Turkish model' that might calm and give a sense of direction to the Middle East has often been conjured up in recent decades by hopeful policymakers, mostly in Washington and London. "

More:Gulfnews: Turning to Turkey

JTW News - Iran and Turkey Establish Joint PKK Commission

"Iran and Turkey Establish Joint PKK Commission

Thursday , 23 November 2006

Melek TATLICAN (JTW and news agencies) - Ankara and Tehran governments have established a new commission to deal with the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and its Iranian PEJAK branch.

Turkish ambassador to Tehran Gurcan Turkoglu was talking to journalists in Urumiye in Iran where he revealed the existence of the new commission. "

More:JTW News - Iran and Turkey Establish Joint PKK Commission

Turkish Weekly Articles - What Happened in 1915: Genocide or Fate?

"What Happened in 1915: Genocide or Fate?
Armenian Issue

Thursday , 23 November 2006

Class Notes, November 2006, JTW

Turkish researchers argue that most of the Armenians died during the First World War years due to the bad war conditions. According to the Turkish sources most of the Ottoman Armenians died in famine, bad weather conditions and epidemic diseases. The Ottoman documents and modern Turkish exports accept that many Armenians were killed in communal clashes. Kurds and Circassians in particular attacked the Armenian villages in order to get valuables. Mostly the Kurdish tribes also organized counter attacks against the Armenian civilians to take revenge. However most of the loses were due to the bad war circumstances. The Armenian historians generally do not accept ‘bad war circumstances’ and they argue that “epidemic diseases cannot remove hundred and thousands of Armenian people. They tend to believe in that Turks massacred all the Armenian population. However the scholarly articles prove the reverse. For instance researcher Ellen Marie Lust-Okar describe the circumstances the Armenians faced when they arrived in Syria, one of the Ottoman provinces at that time:"

More:Turkish Weekly Articles - What Happened in 1915: Genocide or Fate?

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

The New Anatolian - Turkish firms draw attention in "Ideas 2006 Fair"

"Turkish firms draw attention in 'Ideas 2006 Fair'

22 November 2006

16 Turkish firms are drawing attention because of their capacity in the 'IDEAS 2006 Defense Industry' fair opened in Pakistani city of Karachi.
The said firms are TİSAŞ SSM, Aselsan, BMC, Gate Elektronik, GİRSAN, Global, Havelsan, Kalekalıp Kaletron, Koç Sistem, Likom, Milsoft, MKE, Roketsan, TAI, TİBAŞ, Yonca-Onuk JV, and Yükel Teknoloji. "

More:The New Anatolian - Turkish firms draw attention in "Ideas 2006 Fair"

Gov't reiterates position on EU-Turkey ties

"Gov't reiterates position on EU-Turkey ties

The government on Wednesday reiterated that Turkey must fulfill commitments it has undertaken towards the EU if its accession process is to progress.

'Turkey must fulfill a series of obligations that it hs undertaken in order for its accession process to proceed,' government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos said during a regular press briefing and in reply to questions concerning Premier Costas Karamanlis' meeting in London on Tuesday with British PM Tony Blair. He also reiterated Greece's well-known positions on the issue of EU-Turkey relations."

More:Today's Home News

Rehn: Finnish Plan is Advantage, not Blackmail

"Rehn: Finnish Plan is Advantage, not Blackmail
By Cihan News Agency
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
zaman.com

EU Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said the Finnish plan on the Cyprus issue should be considered an advantage, not blackmail, just a day after Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul's statement on the issue."

More:Rehn: Finnish Plan is Advantage, not Blackmail

Reuters AlertNet - Turkey should subsidise poor SE region - report

"Turkey should subsidise poor SE region - report

ANKARA, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Turkey should pay a monthly subsidy to around five million poverty-stricken people in its mainly Kurdish eastern regions to help kickstart the local economy, said a U.N.-backed report unveiled on Wednesday.

Incomes in eastern Turkey are about one third of the national average and as little as 7 percent of the average income in the European Union, which Turkey hopes to join."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turkey should subsidise poor SE region - report

Israel Planning Direct Flights to Turkish Cyprus

"Israel Planning Direct Flights to Turkish Cyprus
By Cihan News Agency
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
zaman.com

A Greek Cypriot newspaper reported that Turkish Airlines (THY) and Israeli authorities met in London for talks on direct flights between Tel Aviv and Turkish Cyprus."

More:Israel Planning Direct Flights to Turkish Cyprus

Turkish votes 'united' in Dutch elections - Turkish Daily News Nov 22, 2006

"Turkish votes 'united' in Dutch elections
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Dutch voters flock to the polls today amid a controversy sparked by claims of Ottoman genocide by the Labour Party (PvdA) which have driven ethnic Turkish voters away from the party that has long been their first choice."

More:Turkish votes 'united' in Dutch elections - Turkish Daily News Nov 22, 2006

Prensa Latina Launches Turkish Website - Prensa Latina

"PL Launches Turkish Website

Istanbul, Nov 21 (Prensa Latina) Prensa Latina Information Agency began a Turkish website Tuesday at the address www.plturkce.org

The site made this agency the first Latin American agency to publish news on Cuba in Turkish."

More:PL Launches Turkish Website - Prensa Latina

The New Anatolian - Hasan Unal - Halt this malicious EU process

"Halt this malicious EU process
Hasan Unal

hasanu@bilkent.edu.tr

The latest polls strongly suggest that the Turkish people are now vehemently opposed, either to the European Union accession process currently underway, or the EU membership of Turkey altogether. Obviously, the whole project has gone down the drain. According to most EU enthusiasts, some years back, a large majority of the people was in support of EU membership. Their polls indicated that public support for the EU membership stood at about 70 to 82 percent for years. Over the last few years, however, this support has eroded, trickling down to 30 percent, at most. And, should the question be asked more specifically, with a view to finding out the public mood as to whether or not the people would condone any major concession on Cyprus or Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)-related matters in return for the continuation of the EU process, the nays are almost one hundred percent."

More:The New Anatolian - Hasan Unal - Halt this malicious EU process