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Wednesday, February 28, 2007

International Campaign Against Honour Killings › News › Turkish state choir sings against violence

"Turkey: Turkish state choir sings against violence
Media Real advances in combating violence against women occur when the issue shifts from being a private matter to an issue of public concern.

Many social actors helped make this happen in Turkey. Among them was the State Polyphonic Choir, which approached UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, with an offer to join a comprehensive public information and advocacy campaign. They proposed using traditional Turkish folk music as way to touch people on an emotional level. “Music is a language that all people can understand,” said Meltem Ağduk, the UNFPA gender and advocacy programme coordinator. "

More:International Campaign Against Honour Killings › News › Turkish state choir sings against violence

Pregnant princess takes dirt to Turkey

"Pregnant princess takes dirt to Turkey
ANKARA, Turkey, Feb. 27 (UPI) -- A pregnant Dutch princess visiting Turkey with the Netherlands Queen Beatrix brought along some Dutch dirt in case she goes into early labor.

The queen, her son, Prince Willem and his wife, Princess Maxima, who is seven months pregnant, will spend four days in Turkey visiting President Ahmet Necdet Sezer and touring the country, the Hurriyet news agency reported Tuesday."

More:United Press International - NewsTrack - Pregnant princess takes dirt to Turkey

Projects and Possibilities: Turkey’s Future Role as a Transit Country for Central Asian and Caspian Natural Gas to

"Projects and Possibilities: Turkey’s Future Role as a Transit Country for Central Asian and Caspian Natural Gas to the EU
2/28/2007 (Balkanalysis.com)

By Mehmet Efe Biresselioglu*

Nowadays, energy diplomacy is more crucial than ever for the EU. There is a strong need for a long-term EU common energy policy in order to enable the bloc to meet its future energy needs. Turkey is likely to play an important role in the EU’s energy strategy."

More:Balkanalysis.com » Blog Archives » Projects and Possibilities: Turkey’s Future Role as a Transit Country for Central Asian and Caspian Natural Gas to the EU

JTW News - International conference on Khojaly genocide ends in The Hague

"International conference on Khojaly genocide ends in The Hague

International conference held on the 15th anniversary of Khojaly (Hocali) genocide in The Hague ended, APA reports. Turkish and Azerbaijani politicians, MPs, researches and scientists attended the conference organized by Igdir municipality. Head of Igdir municipality Nureddin Aras said that The Hague was not randomly selected for the conference."

More:JTW News - International conference on Khojaly genocide ends in The Hague

Dutch Queen Tells Turkey "First Steps Taken" On EU Membership Road

"Dutch Queen Tells Turkey 'First Steps Taken' On EU Membership Road

ANKARA, 01/03/07 - Queen Beatrix has said on her state visit to Turkey that the first steps towards Turkish membership of the EU have been taken. She did not mention other sensitive issues, such as the Armenian genocide.

In her speech at the state dinner given by President Ahmet Sezer, the queen said she expects much of the mutual relations between Turkey and the Netherlands. 'Today, Turkey is seen as a strong NATO ally, which shares common values with the other countries such as respect for fundamental freedoms, and which takes strong action against terrorism and extremist violence.'"

More:Dutch Queen Tells Turkey "First Steps Taken" On EU Membership Road

Too many malls? No such thing, as İstanbul property booms

"Too many malls? No such thing, as İstanbul property booms
Despite the evidence of a crowded skyline, İstanbul is still under-housed and under-shopped with companies jostling for floor space in the central business district along the Büyükdere-Maslak axis, industry experts report."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Report: Women in civil service fight losing battle for advancement

"Report: Women in civil service fight losing battle for advancement
Turkish women face gross discrimination in government employment, according to a new independent study released yesterday.

The report makes particularly uncomfortable reading for a government sensitive to charges that its cultural Islamic prejudices bias it against women in the workplace. The authors of the report recommend a radical rethink in official circles about gender discrimination including the setting up of an ombudsperson to hear complaints."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey Financial News » Blog Archive » 2.3 bln euros in EU funds for Turkey through 2010

"2.3 bln euros in EU funds for Turkey through 2010

A total of 2.3 billion euros worth of EU grant funds have been allocated to Turkey to support the country’s harmonization process until 2010 within the framework of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance, Dr. Holger Schröder from the Delegation of the European Commission to Turkey revealed in Istanbul yesterday."

More:Turkey Financial News » Blog Archive » 2.3 bln euros in EU funds for Turkey through 2010

DutchNews.nl - Queen urges Turkey to continue reforms

"Queen urges Turkey to continue reforms

Wednesday 28 February 2007

Queen Beatrix's first visit to Turkey has gathered considerable interest in the Turkish papers with several carrying front page photos of the queen. The English-language Turkish Daily News reported that during her talks with president Ahmet Sezer, the queen urged Turkey to proceed with EU-backed reforms, saying that both Turkey and the EU depend on each other."

More:DutchNews.nl - Queen urges Turkey to continue reforms

IRAQ – TURKEY Referendum in Kirkuk postponed by two years - Asia News

"Referendum in Kirkuk postponed by two years
News about delay is reported in Iraqi paper but has not been officially confirmed. Baghdad and Ankara, the referendum’s main opponent, agree on a later date. Issue will likely be discussed when Kurdish president talks to Turkish leaders in upcoming meeting.
"

More:IRAQ – TURKEY Referendum in Kirkuk postponed by two years - Asia News

University watchdog backs headscarf ban, co-efficients - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"University watchdog backs headscarf ban, co-efficients
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The headscarf ban in universities and the coefficients used to calculate university entrance examination points were legal and necessary, said Turkey's higher education watchdog in a report yesterday.The report, called “Turkey's Higher Education strategy” and prepared by the Higher Education Board (YÖK), was submitted to President Ahmet Necdet Sezer on Tuesday."

More:University watchdog backs headscarf ban, co-efficients - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

The future of Turkey's life science industries - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"The future of Turkey's life science industries
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Global companies engaged in the life sciences – that is pharmaceutical firms, biotech companies and makers of medical devices – are poised to undergo dramatic change in the next decade and Turkey is at risk of being left behind, according to an expert in the field."

More:The future of Turkey's life science industries - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

Turkish-Netherlands ties strengthening: Dutch Queen

"Turkish-Netherlands ties strengthening: Dutch Queen
There are some 400,000 Dutch citizens of Turkish origin living in the Netherlands, many who have enjoyed success in the fields of politics, business and academia.
"

More:Turkish-Netherlands ties strengthening: Dutch Queen

Turkish markets take a hit

"Turkish markets take a hit
The downward trend continued in early trading Wednesday, with both the value of the lira and the ISE falling further."

More:Turkish markets take a hit

CHP deputy hints at racism in EU - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"CHP deputy hints at racism in EU
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

CHP deputy hints at racism in EU:

Parliament's European Union Harmonization Commission deputy Onur Öymen has alluded to the EU as being racist. Öymen, of the opposition Republican People's Party talked to the press during the commission's visit to the EU term presidency, Germany. �If the Union does not want to accept us because we are Turkish, there is only one word for it and that is racism. I am aware that it is not an easy word to say in Germany; I am still using it,� he said yesterday. "

More:CHP deputy hints at racism in EU - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

Poland wants to mediate between Turkey, Armenia - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"Poland wants to mediate between Turkey, Armenia
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Polish Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga, who visited Yerevan on Feb. 25-27, said at a joint press conference on Monday with her Armenian counterpart, Vartan Oskanyan, that Poland could mediate between Turkey and Armenia, since her country has excellent ties to both nations. Oskanyan said they welcomed the Polish initiative and repeated that Armenia was ready to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey without any preconditions."

Poland wants to mediate between Turkey, Armenia - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

Building Turkey's tourism - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"Building Turkey's tourism
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Turkey needs to work with the sector to develop a state policy to improve the country's tourism, said a tourism organization leader."

More:Building Turkey's tourism - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

Tarsus to offer cave tourism for visitors - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

"Tarsus to offer cave tourism for visitors
Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The expansive Taşkuyu cave that gives off a phosphorescent glow in the Mediterranean region of Mersin is being converted into a tourist attraction."

More:Tarsus to offer cave tourism for visitors - Turkish Daily News Feb 28, 2007

JTW News - Turkey stays out of the pecking order

"Turkey stays out of the pecking order

Wednesday , 28 February 2007

View By Ranjani Ramaswamy (Strategic Foresight Group)

It turns out that Leonardo Da Vinci, may have had a Turkish mamma. A 60% chance that his mother was of Middle Eastern Origin, according to Luigi Capasso, the director of the Anthropology Research Institute at Chieti University, Italy. The mere possibility that the master of the High Renaissance in Europe had Eastern roots put a completely different spin on the “clash of civilizations” and the tired homilies we are so used to accepting. Personally, it was much more than the short Associated Press story so widely circulated across the internet. It was yet another powerful affirmation that the “us” and “them” routine is a sleazy trigger for conflict, when we all come from the same complicated mush of humanity."

More:JTW News - Turkey stays out of the pecking order

Member of EP Figel: The Commission will continue to its effort to finding a solution to universities in TRNC

"Member of EP Figel: The Commission will continue to its effort to finding a solution to universities in TRNC

Dear Mrs Bozkurt,

Thank you for your letter of II January 2007 concerning the exclusion of Northern Cyprus Universities from Erasmus Socrates.

In principle, Turkish Cypriots are - with some limitations due to the division of the island and the suspension of the acquis in the northern part -- eligible to participate in the educational and youth community programmes. Nonetleless, so far Turkish Cypriot universities, not being recognized by the Republic of Cyprus, their students could not take part in Erasmus programme. The Commission will continue to raise this issue with the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus with a view to finding a solution to this problem."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Member of EP Figel: The Commission will continue to its effort to finding a solution to universities in TRNC

AP Interview: Turkish Cypriot leader optimistic EU will lift isolation of Turkish Cypriot community by June - International Herald Tribune

"AP Interview: Turkish Cypriot leader optimistic EU will lift isolation of Turkish Cypriot community by June

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat is optimistic the European Union will move to end the international isolation of his community by June and open up ports for direct trade with the EU, he said Wednesday."

More:AP Interview: Turkish Cypriot leader optimistic EU will lift isolation of Turkish Cypriot community by June - International Herald Tribune

Turkey to Prohibit Online Gaming

"Turkey to Prohibit Online Gaming PDF Print E-mail
28 February 2007
ImageAccording to information released today from Betsson, the Swedish online gaming company, Turkey will soon pass a law to prohibit internet gambling by foreign firms.

The Turkish market generates 20% of Betsson’s total revenue and 15% of the revenue for its Net Entertainment unit. "

More:GamingIntelligenceGroup.com - Turkey to Prohibit Online Gaming

Tourists warm to Turkey this January

"Tourists warm to Turkey this January

Bodrum, TurkeyThe number of tourists visiting Turkey in January has risen by more than seven per cent, officials figures have revealed.

Some 714,425 foreigners entered the country during January, a year-on-year increase of 7.1 per cent according to the Turkish Board of Statistics. "

More:Airflights.co.uk - Travel News - Bodrum, Turkey - Tourists warm to Turkey this January

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Turkey's exports to neighboring and regional countries on the rise - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

"Turkey's exports to neighboring and regional countries on the rise
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Turkey's export to neighboring countries increased 17.4 percent in 2006 and reached $8.7 billion.

Exports to 45 regional countries showed a 23.6 percent increase and settled at $21.2 billion.

The total share of exports to neighboring and regional countries in overall export stands at 34.8 percent and Iraq tops neighboring countries with a 3 percent share. "

More:Turkey's exports to neighboring and regional countries on the rise - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

Kirkuk And The P.K.K. Problem

"Kirkuk And The P.K.K. Problem
Published: 2/27/2007

BY FIKRET BILA

MILLIYET- While arguments continue over Turkish officials possibly holding meetings with northern Iraqi officials, Mete Cubukcu of news channel NVT met this week with Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani. Barzani had this to say about three top issues:"

More:Kirkuk And The P.K.K. Problem

Çeşme to become health bridge between Turkey and the Netherlands - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

"Çeşme to become health bridge between Turkey and the Netherlands
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

The rich thermal sources of the Aegean coastal town of Çeşme and the treatment facilities in the region have been the focus of attention for Dutch investors and health tourism professionals. Around 150,000 Dutch patients will come to Turkey if a health tourism project between the two countries is put into practice. "

More:Çeşme to become health bridge between Turkey and the Netherlands - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey's Armenian dilemma

"Turkey's Armenian dilemma
Turkey did not always deny the mass killing of Armenians. As the US House of Representatives prepares to vote on recognising the 1915 massacres as genocide, journalist and historian Bruce Clark looks at how and why Turkish attitudes have changed over the past 90 years."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey's Armenian dilemma

Turkish lawmaker sends letters to US congressmen - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

"Turkish lawmaker sends letters to US congressmen
Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Turkish lawmaker Vahit Erdem, a member of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, submitted letters to a group of U.S. congressmen over the Armenian genocide allegations during a NATO summit in Brussels last week, warning them to avoid risking a major blow to the relationship between Turkey and the United States, reported the Anatolia news agency. "

More:Turkish lawmaker sends letters to US congressmen - Turkish Daily News Feb 27, 2007

Turkey must tap foreign direct investment to finance deficit: S&P report - Forbes.com

"Turkey must tap foreign direct investment to finance deficit: S&P report
02.27.07, 6:42 AM ET

LONDON (AFX) - Turkey needs to rely more on greenfield foreign direct investment and less on short-term portfolio inflows to finance its widening current-account deficit, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said in a report."

More:Turkey must tap foreign direct investment to finance deficit: S&P report - Forbes.com

Hürriyet - TUSIAD to Ankara: If you don't get rid of article 301, at least change it

"TUSIAD to Ankara: If you don't get rid of article 301, at least change it

The new head of the Turkish Association of Businessmen and Industrialists, (TUSIAD), Arzuhan Dogan Sabanci, has written a second letter to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan urging him to push for changes to controversial Turkish Penal Code article 301.
"

More:Hürriyet - TUSIAD to Ankara: If you don't get rid of article 301, at least change it

US seeks cooperation with Turkey on education in Central Asia

"US seeks cooperation with Turkey on education in Central Asia

I joined a breakfast with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Evan A. Feigenbaum yesterday. Mr. Feigenbaum is a young, energetic US diplomat dealing with south and central Asian affairs. His recent trip to Turkey is the first stop of a Central Asia trip. He was going to have talks in Ankara with diplomats at the Foreign Ministry and officials in other relevant state apparatuses, including the Turkish General Staff. Mr. Feigenbaum will have meetings today in Istanbul with businessmen and academics."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkish Historical Society to raise claim on Khojaly genocide against Armenians

"Turkish Historical Society to raise claim on Khojaly genocide against Armenians

Turkish Historical Society is going to raise claim on the Khojaly genocide against Armenians in international courts, APA reports. The head of the society Yusif Halacoglu publicized the decisions made in the meeting of Coordination Organization on Armenian Issue. "

More:APA

Reforms needed with or without Turkish Cypriot euro adoption

"Reforms needed with or without Turkish Cypriot euro adoption

27/02/2007

Whatever the pros and cons of a unilateral adoption of the euro by Turkish Cypriots on the same day as it is formally adopted by the Republic of Cyprus controlled areas, the Turkish Cypriot economy needs serious structural reform. This was perhaps the only consensus that came out of a wide-ranging debate on Tuesday at a conference at the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce, in which the findings of a study by a bicommunal initiative group of economists was discussed.

The researchers—Praxoula Kyriacou, Stelios Orphanides, Yenal Surec and Vargin Varer—looked at the pros and cons of adopting the euro in the north."

More:Financial Mirror

Turkish military chief flexes some political muscle

"Turkish military chief flexes some political muscle

By Vincent Boland in Ankara

Published: February 27 2007 02:00 | Last updated: February 27 2007 02:00

The head of Turkey's armed forces used a visit to the US this month to fire a warning shot across the bows of his political masters at home.

Turkey was facing more threats to its national security than at any time in its modern history, General Yashar Buyukanit said, but its 'dynamic forces' - its soldiers - would prevent any attempt to 'break up the country'."

More:FT.com / World / Europe - Turkish military chief flexes some political muscle

Carlyle enters Turkey Claire Smith

"Carlyle enters Turkey Claire Smith
27 Feb 2007

Carlyle Group, the US buyout firm, has boosted its new Middle Eastern group with the opening of an office in Turkey and the hire of a managing director.

Can Deldag was formerly a partner at Ernst & Young, the accountancy firm, where he was head of transaction advisory services for Turkey and head of mergers and acquisitions for south-east Europe."

More:Financial News and Information from Financial News Online US

Dutch Queen Beatrix arrives in Turkey

"Dutch Queen Beatrix arrives in Turkey
Tuesday 27 February 2007 11:39

Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands arrived in Ankara Tuesday for a four-day official visit, the first made by the Dutch monarch to Turkey."

More:Dutch Queen Beatrix arrives in Turkey

Telegraph: Why are we so afraid of Turkey?

"Telegraph: Why are we so afraid of Turkey?

The New Anatolian / Ankara
27 February 2007

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The anxieties of the West about Islam must not jeopardize the reconciliation between East and West, argued Boris Johnson, a Daily Telegraph columnist, in his article.

'If we get it right with Turkey, we could rebuild the whole ancient harmonious union around the Mediterranean' and 'heal the rupture created by the Muslim invasions,' Boris Johnson argued in an extract from his book 'The Dream of Rome.'"

More:The New Anatolian

Monday, February 26, 2007

Fox TV becomes the first foreign-owned station in Turkey

"Fox TV becomes the first foreign-owned station in Turkey
Fox TV, formerly TGRT-TV, has been causing controversy over its legal status.
A case against the illegality of foreign ownership of a Turkish media group has been filed with the Turkish Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), and if the plaintiffs are unsuccessful, then Fox TV will be the first media company fully owned by foreign capital in Turkey, reported the ANKA news agency."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Tremendous interest in Turkey at New York’s Travel Show

"Tremendous interest in Turkey at New York’s Travel Show
The Travel Show tourism fair, bringing together the world’s most important tourism agencies, is organized by The New York Times every year at the end of February.
It took place this year at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan over the last weekend, from Feb. 23 until Feb. 26. The Turkish Tourism Attaché Office attended the fair on behalf of Turkey and ran a booth there. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

http://cumaertesi.zaman.com.tr/?bl=13&hn=3309

"PKK planning to assassinate Turkish diplomats in Europe
A report by the weekly news magazine Aksiyon claimed in its last issue that the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was preparing to carry out assassinations against Turkish diplomats in Europe and bomb various centers serving Turkey in imitation of the ASALA campaign of violence."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Prof. Dr Mehmet Oz, Nominee For Parliamentary Award Of Merit

"Prof. Dr Mehmet Oz, Nominee For Parliamentary Award Of Merit
Published: 2/26/2007

KONYA - Prominent Turkish-American cardiothrocic surgeon and author Prof. Dr. Mehmet Oz will be nominated as a candidate for Turkish parliament's 'Award of Merit'."

More:Prof. Dr Mehmet Oz, Nominee For Parliamentary Award Of Merit

Is Turkey part of Europe? | Your View | News | Telegraph

"Is Turkey part of Europe?
Posted at: 10:01

'If we get it right with Turkey, we could rebuild the whole ancient harmonious union around the Mediterranean' and 'heal the rupture created by the Muslim invasions,' Boris Johnson, the Tory MP and Telegraph columnist, argues today in an extract from his book 'The Dream of Rome'."

More:Is Turkey part of Europe? | Your View | News | Telegraph

Parliamentary Delegation Due To Washington D.C.

"Parliamentary Delegation Due To Washington D.C.
Published: 2/26/2007

WASHINGTON D.C. - A six-member Turkish parliamentary delegation will hold a series of talks in Washington D.C. next week to prevent approval of a draft resolution on so-called Armenian genocide which was submitted to the U.S. House of Representatives."

More:Parliamentary Delegation Due To Washington D.C.

Fast growing Turk insurers grab foreign attention

"Fast growing Turk insurers grab foreign attention
Posted on Feb. 26, 2007 6:24 AM CST

ISTANBUL, Turkey(Reuters)— Turkey's small but fast-growing insurance sector is coming onto foreign investors' radars and at least four deals are on the table in the fragmented sector."

More:Welcome to Business Insurance

Honorable end to 'honor' killings - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

"Honorable end to 'honor' killings
Monday, February 26, 2007

By approaching the families of women in danger, an NGO saves 13 women from almost certain death"

More:Honorable end to 'honor' killings - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

Radio Netherlands Worldwide - Independent thinking, independent voice - English - Queen Beatrix visits Turkey as a good friend

"Queen Beatrix visits Turkey as a good friend

by Hans Andringa*

26-02-2007

HRH Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands (ANP photo Ruud Hoff)During her state visit to Turkey this week, Queen Beatrix will be facing several thorny issues. The question is, will the queen choose the path of least resistance, or will she seize the opportunity to make some potentially confronting statements as 'a good friend of the Turkish people'. Will she dwell, for example, on the need for democratic reforms, the observation of human rights or on the Armenian genocide?"

More:Radio Netherlands Worldwide - Independent thinking, independent voice - English - Queen Beatrix visits Turkey as a good friend

Prof finds outlet, connection in Turkey - Campus News

"Prof finds outlet, connection in Turkey
Josey McCoy
Issue date: 2/26/07 Section: Campus News

Doreen Maloney said she becomes emotional during the anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001.

The associate professor of new media in UK's art department had a cousin who died during the attacks. But Maloney said even after her personal loss, she didn't feel vengeful.

She found an unusual outlet for this desire for peace last year in Golyazi, Turkey.

Moloney retold her experiences in the Lucille Little Fine Arts Library Friday with a presentation titled 'Building a Buddhist-Inspired Shrine for Peace in Rural Turkey: Deism, Design and the Surprising Process of Public Art in a Class-based Society.'
"

More:Prof finds outlet, connection in Turkey - Campus News

Lobbying In Turkey - USA Relations

"Lobbying In Turkey - USA Relations
Published: 2/25/2007

ISTANBUL - 'If Turkish lobbying is not conducted properly in the United States, resolution on the so-called Armenian genocide will be troubling for us', said Ercument Kilic, president of the Center for Turkish American Chambers of Commerce, on Tuesday."

More:Lobbying In Turkey - USA Relations

'Evaluating the Turkish-EU ties from only a political perspective causes emotional reactions from time to time,

"ANKARA - 'Evaluating the Turkish-EU ties from only a political perspective causes emotional reactions from time to time,' said Ali Babacan, Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks, on Tuesday.

Babacan addressed the Turkish parliament today and gave information on the 2007 program of the EU Commission."

More:Turkish Press

Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices

"Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices

Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul met with 23 European lawmakers of Turkish descent on Saturday and asked for their support in overcoming what he said were European prejudices against Turkey.

The lawmakers from the European Union's parliament, as well as from regional and national assemblies in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, were invited to Ankara for discussions on Turkey's European Union membership bid and to discuss ways to help Turks in Europe better integrate into those societies.
"

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices

INSIGHT: The ‘Turkish’ Question - News news

"INSIGHT: The ‘Turkish’ Question
09:00 Mon 26 Feb 2007

Bulgaria’s National Assembly has excluded Bulgarians who have been resident in the country for less than three months from voting in the country’s elections in May for members of the European Parliament. The decision has angered the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the party supported mainly by Bulgarians of ethnic Turkish descent and which has a substantial electorate living in Turkey. The Sofia Echo’s"

More:INSIGHT: The ‘Turkish’ Question - News news

[ Turquie Européenne ] - Mutual Understanding in European and Turkish Interests - Monday 26 February 2007

"Mutual Understanding in European and Turkish Interests
Cem Özdemir
Monday 26 February 2007 - 07:20

In the discussion between the European Union and Turkey, Cem Özdemir calls for fresh impetus in the Cyprus issue. He says the German government also needs to do all it can during its term as EU president for rapprochement between the conflicting parties."

More:[ Turquie Européenne ] - Mutual Understanding in European and Turkish Interests - Monday 26 February 2007

Turkey : Mavi Jeans turns down tie-up proposals - Fashion News Turkey

"Turkey : Mavi Jeans turns down tie-up proposals
February 26, 2007

Designer label Mavi Jeans is rejecting tie-up proposals from local and overseas enterprises, because it has no interest in making partners.

Established in 1991, Mavi is a flourishing Turkish label which provides a complete collection of jeans and apparel for youngsters. It sells about seven million jeans pairs annually."

More:Turkey : Mavi Jeans turns down tie-up proposals - Fashion News Turkey

Mersivan: Turkey's newest ski resort - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

"Mersivan: Turkey's newest ski resort
Monday, February 26, 2007

The Mersivan Ski Center, recently established in Artvin, is expected to become one Turkey's best winter sports resorts."

More:Mersivan: Turkey's newest ski resort - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

Turkish prosecutors interrogate 2 new suspects in killing of ethnic Armenian journalist - International Herald Tribune

"Turkish prosecutors interrogate 2 new suspects in killing of ethnic Armenian journalist

ISTANBUL, Turkey: Turkish prosecutors on Monday interrogated two new suspects in the killing of an ethnic Armenian journalist, who were detained over the weekend.

Police detained the two on Saturday in Trabzon, the Black Sea port city where all eight other suspects, including the alleged teenage triggerman, lived. Police, meanwhile, released another suspect in Istanbul following his interrogation over the weekend, the state-run Anatolia news agency reported Monday."

More:Turkish prosecutors interrogate 2 new suspects in killing of ethnic Armenian journalist - International Herald Tribune

Hürriyet - Ferai Tinc: Kirkuk under occupation

"Ferai Tinc: Kirkuk under occupation

Why is the largely Kurdish Democratic Society (DTP) Party, which has chosen to stay silent up until now on the subject of Kirkuk, now making statements like 'Any intervention on Kirkuk by Turkish forces would make the Kurdish population in Turkey uncomfortable,' or 'We would count an attack on Kirkuk as an attack on Diyarbakir'? "

More:Hürriyet - Ferai Tinc: Kirkuk under occupation

Turkey is under severe attack, can't you see? - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

"Turkey is under severe attack, can't you see?
Monday, February 26, 2007

Dogu ERGİL

I am tired of seeing negative news about Turkey, particularly in the foreign press. Like most Turks I believe the world is biased against us. But I cannot understand why. Is it because they are envious of us and do not want Turkey to be a superpower again as in Ottoman times or do they have a genetic defect that prevents them from liking Turks? Both questions beat me. "

More:Turkey is under severe attack, can't you see? - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

Ankara and northern Iraq gear up for dialogue - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

"Ankara and northern Iraq gear up for dialogue
Monday, February 26, 2007

After nearly a one month-rift between the government and the military over how to deal with Iraqi Kurds, Ankara is readying for dialogue not at the highest level but through representatives"

More:Ankara and northern Iraq gear up for dialogue - Turkish Daily News Feb 26, 2007

The Daily Bruin - Journalist gets a fond, emotional memorial

"Journalist gets a fond, emotional memorial

* Published: Monday, February 26, 2007

Tears flowed from the eyes of both Turkish and Armenian audience members at a crowded commemoration held at UCLA Sunday afternoon to remember the death of journalist Hrant Dink."

More:The Daily Bruin - Journalist gets a fond, emotional memorial

Turkey – EU : the meeting point (2) - Monday 26 February 2007

"Turkey – EU : the meeting point (2)
Baskın Oran
Monday 26 February 2007 - 07:30
Afficher la version imprimable de cet article. Envoyer à un ami
With this article, Baskin Oran is developping some thoughts regarding a potential geostrategic interaction between a “challenger” and a “strategic medium state”, in fact Brussels and Ankara confronted with the role and the powership of the USA, the only hegemonic power especially after hthe invasion of Iraq in 2003. What is the role that the EU can shape for itself on the global stage ? And how ? First, theory. And practice to continue."

More:[ Turquie Européenne ] - Turkey – EU : the meeting point (2) - Monday 26 February 2007

Turkish-European MPs warn Gül about increased nationalism in Turkey

"Turkish-European MPs warn Gül about increased nationalism in Turkey
Turkey, which last Saturday brought together in Ankara about 23 European lawmakers of Turkish descent for the first time, heard from them that the biggest problems that they have been facing in Europe in explaining Turkey have been the increased nationalism in the country, as well as Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalizes any insult to state institutions or to 'Turkishness.' "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkish refugees in UK seek better lives

"Turkish refugees in UK seek better lives
It took more than a month for most refugees from Turkey in England to reach their new country, and most ended up there after intermediary organizations that promised to deliver them to a third country swindled them out of their money and dropped them off in England, a research study revealed."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Turkey, Cyprus and the European Division by Rebecca Bryant

"Turkey, Cyprus and the European Division

Rebecca Bryant

February 25, 2007

(Rebecca Bryant is assistant professor of anthropology at George Mason University and author of Imagining the Modern: The Cultures of Nationalism in Cyprus [London: I. B. Tauris, 2004].)

More than three years after the opening of the ceasefire line that divides Cyprus, the island is closer than ever to rupture. When the Green Line first opened in April 2003, there was an initial period of euphoria, as Cypriots flooded in both directions to visit homes and neighbors left unwillingly behind almost three decades before. But a year later, when a UN plan to reunite the island came to referendum, new divisions emerged."

More:Middle East Report Online: Turkey, Cyprus and the European Division by Rebecca Bryant

Turkish Journalists In Brussels For Understanding E.U.

"Turkish Journalists In Brussels For Understanding E.U.
Published: 2/25/2007

BRUSSELS - European Journalism Center organized a seminar titled 'Understanding European Union' for Turkish journalists with the support of European Commission."

More:Turkish Journalists In Brussels For Understanding E.U.

TURKEY PLANS NUKE PLANT CONSTRUCTION IN 2007

"TURKEY PLANS NUKE PLANT CONSTRUCTION IN 2007

ANKARA [MENL] -- Turkey plans to build its first nuclear reactor in 2007.

Officials said the first nuclear plant would begin construction in mid-2007. They said construction would begin before parliamentary elections in November."

More:Middle East Newsline -

JTW News - Civilian-military relations in Turkey and democracy

"Civilian-military relations in Turkey and democracy

By Ihsan Yilmaz (Today's Zaman)

The issue of civilian-military relations in Turkey has been debated hotly since the visits to America of Foreign Minister Gül and Chief of General Staff Gen. Büyükanit. This despite the efforts of Mr. Gül to convince the public that there is no discrepancy between Prime Minister Erdogan and Mr. Büyükanit’s approaches towards entering into dialogue with Kurdish leaders of northern Iraq over the PKK and that their statements were complementary. It seems that nobody is convinced, and we have once again ended up with many questions regarding civilian-military relations, who should follow whom, etc."

More:JTW News - Civilian-military relations in Turkey and democracy

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Turkey's Violent New Nationalism - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com

"Beleaguered and Besieged
Turkey's pro-European elite is the target of a growing wave of violent ultra-nationalism.

By Owen Matthews
Newsweek International

March 5, 2007 issue - The threats have been arriving daily, often via e-mail. "You traitors to Turkey have had your day," reads one. "Stop prostituting yourself and your country to foreigners or you will face the consequences.""

More:Turkey's Violent New Nationalism - Newsweek: International Editions - MSNBC.com

JTW News - Armenian historian comes to Turkey in spite of Diaspora

"Armenian historian comes to Turkey in spite of Diaspora

Sunday , 25 February 2007

The director of Gomidas institute, Ara Sarafyan said that he will meet with Turkish history Professor Halacoglu although the extreme nationalist Armenians said 'you are not a real Armenian, Turks will foul you'. "

More:JTW News - Armenian historian comes to Turkey in spite of Diaspora

JTW News - ‘Europe cannot reject Turkey if it wants to contain terrorism’

"‘Europe cannot reject Turkey if it wants to contain terrorism’

Saturday , 24 February 2007

[MONDAY TALK] By Yonca Poyraz Dogan, TZ

Since the end of the Cold War, the biggest threat to European welfare is terrorism from the Middle East, said Rainer Hermann, the Middle East and Turkey correspondent for the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. "

More:JTW News - ‘Europe cannot reject Turkey if it wants to contain terrorism’

Hürriyet - Turks in Germany win right to vote in national elections

"Turks in Germany win right to vote in national elections

Turks living in Germany can vote in Turkey’s upcoming national election thanks to Hürriyet newspaper. For years expat Turks have been denied the right to vote for leaders in their home country by German authorities citing national security concerns. "

More:Hürriyet - Turks in Germany win right to vote in national elections

Queen’s visit to dispel talk of Dutch opposition to Turkey’s EU bid

"Queen’s visit to dispel talk of Dutch opposition to Turkey’s EU bid
Ankara is to host Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands from Feb. 27-March 2 at the invitation of Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer.
The queen will be accompanied on her trip by her eldest son, Crown Prince Willem Alexander, and his wife, Princess Maxima, who is pregnant with the couple's third child. Twelve CEOs of worldwide Dutch companies such as Philips, Unilever and Shell will be also in the delegation. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Outside View: America's Turkey problem

"Outside View: America's Turkey problem
By F. STEPHEN LARRABEE AND SUAT KINIKLIOGLU
UPI Outside View Commentators

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- As America struggles to stabilize Iraq while fighting rages, the last thing it needs is to become embroiled in a new crisis with Turkey.

But that is where Washington appears headed if Congress passes a resolution recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. and several colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives accusing Turkey of committing genocide against Armenians from 1915 to 1918."

More:United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Outside View: America's Turkey problem

Turkish tourists set to flock to Sharjah as dazzling emirate successfully completes EMITT 2007 in Istanbul | SCTDA

"Turkish tourists set to flock to Sharjah as dazzling emirate successfully completes EMITT 2007 in Istanbul
The Emirate of Sharjah's target of enticing 5,000 tourists from Turkey in 2007 could well be exceeded after making a deep impression at the East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (EMITT 2007) in Istanbul this week."

More:Turkish tourists set to flock to Sharjah as dazzling emirate successfully completes EMITT 2007 in Istanbul | SCTDA

Thomson to cruise from Cyprus to Turkey

"Thomson to cruise from Cyprus to Turkey
By Leo Leonidou

THOMSON is to become the first UK travel company to operate its own cruises from Cyprus.

Thomson will operate adult-only cruises from Limassol to Greece and Turkey on board its new 486-passenger ship The Calypso, which will be operating a small number of short cruises out of Limassol to the Eastern Mediterranean and Aegean Sea starting at the end of March and during the first few weeks of the season, something which will also be repeated at the end of the season in October.
"

More:Thomson to cruise from Cyprus to Turkey

[ Turquie Européenne ] - Turkey – EU : the meeting point (1) - vendredi 23 février 2007

"Turkey – EU : the meeting point (1)

With this article, Baskin Oran is developping some thoughts regarding a potential geostrategic interaction between a “challenger” and a “strategic medium state”, in fact Brussels and Ankara confronted with the role and the powership of the USA, the only hegemonic power especially after hthe invasion of Iraq in 2003. What is the role that the EU can shape for itself on the global stage ? And how ? First, theory. And practice to continue."

More:[ Turquie Européenne ] - Turkey – EU : the meeting point (1) - vendredi 23 février 2007

Associated Press of Pakistan - Immense scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in trade, commerce: President Musharraf

"Immense scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in trade, commerce: President Musharraf

RAWALPINDI, Feb 24 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf on Saturday appreciating the construction of 14 quality educational institutions in the country by the Turkish businessmen, said there is immense scope of achieving new levels of economic and trade ties between the two countries through collaboration in all sectors.Talking to a Turkish delegation comprising parliamentarians, businessmen, industrialists, educationists here at his Camp Office, the President said the economic and trade relations do not match the excellent political and diplomatic ties enjoyed by Pakistan and Turkey."

More:Associated Press of Pakistan - Immense scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey in trade, commerce: President Musharraf

Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices - International Herald Tribune

"Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices

ANKARA, Turkey: Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul met with 23 European lawmakers of Turkish descent on Saturday and asked for their support in overcoming what he said were European prejudices against Turkey."

More:Turkey asks European-Turkish lawmakers help overcome prejudices - International Herald Tribune

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Istanbul is a golden city both for foreigners and the citizens

"Istanbul is a golden city both for foreigners and the citizens

In the Emerging Trends in Real Estate Europe 2007, Istanbul was selected the market which promises the biggest growth. Istanbul rose 8 grades compared to 2006 in the income list."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - Istanbul is a golden city both for foreigners and the citizens

Linden: EU must keep its promises - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

"Linden: EU must keep its promises
Saturday, February 24, 2007

Rene van der Linden, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), warned on Thursday against the possibility that the Turkish Cypriots' positive attitude toward reunification could wane if the European Union failed to keep a 2004 pledge to ease the isolation of northern Cyprus. Linden's remarks came at the end of an official four-day visit to the divided island."

More:Linden: EU must keep its promises - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

US companies should help cancel 'genocide' bill, says advisor - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

"US companies should help cancel 'genocide' bill, says advisor
Saturday, February 24, 2007

The foreign policy advisor to the prime minister, Egemen Bağış, called on U.S. companies in Turkey to tell U.S. politicians that the draft resolution in U.S. Congress to recognize the alleged Armenian genocide would hurt relations between Turkey and the United States."

More:US companies should help cancel 'genocide' bill, says advisor - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

Friday, February 23, 2007

Quakes threaten Istanbul bridges - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

"Quakes threaten Istanbul bridges
Saturday, February 24, 2007

157 bridges and viaducts and 17.7 percent of the buildings in Istanbul could collapse in an earthquake, says Infrastructure Minister Özak"

More:Quakes threaten Istanbul bridges - Turkish Daily News Feb 24, 2007

Turkic Brothers Reunited?

"Turkic Brothers Reunited?
Posted by Peter | in International Affairs, Economic Developments, Culture | on February 24th, 2007

An Associated Press article appeared in the International Herald Tribune in mid-February suggesting that Turkey could hold the path to Turkmenistan developing a more open foreign policy.
In addition to citing the standard tropes about similar language and cultural heritage, the writer suggests that the unrivalled access enjoyed by Turkish media and delegation was indicative of Ankara’s potential to expand on its interests in the area."

More:turkmenistan.neweurasia.net » Turkic Brothers Reunited?

Turkey to reform further despite negative EU 'climate', foreign minister says

"Turkey to reform further despite negative EU 'climate', foreign minister says
23.02.2007 - 22:11 CET | By Valentina Pop
EUOBSERVER / ANKARA - Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul has pledged in an interview with EUobserver to change 'in a few weeks time' a notorious penal code article curbing free speech, saying that Ankara will continue reforms even if the 'climate' in the EU towards Ankara's membership bid is currently not optimal."

More:EUobserver.com

All Turkish villages now registered under new population system

"All Turkish villages now registered under new population system
State Minister Beşir Atalay announced on Friday that up-to-date population figures for all villages in Turkey had been registered in a newly launched system known as the population registration system, which is based on addresses."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

A German Turk's Guantánamo story - Europe - International Herald Tribune

"A German Turk's Guantánamo story

By Mark Landler and Souad Mekhennet / The New York Times
Published: November 3, 2006

BREMEN, Germany: During the four- and-a-half years he languished in American prison camps in Afghanistan and Cuba, Murat Kurnaz claims to have been beaten, locked for months in isolation cells, dunked under water, sexually humiliated, and hung from the ceiling by chains, claims the Pentagon denies."

More:A German Turk's Guantánamo story - Europe - International Herald Tribune

Papadopoulos' delaying tactics may halt UN process, Avcı warns

"Papadopoulos' delaying tactics may halt UN process, Avcı warns
The Turkish Cypriot Foreign Minister accusedthe Greek Cypriot leadership of delaying comprehensive talks on a settlement in Cyprus by launching an international licensing round last week, for offshore exploration of oil and gas."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The Netherlands And Turkey

"The Netherlands And Turkey
Published: 2/23/2007

By Cuneyt Ulsever

Before the upcoming visit of Dutch Queen Beatrix to Turkey, today I’d like to write about how the Netherlands sees Turkey. When the Dutch rejected the EU Constitution in a referendum, some commentators characterized this as a rejection of Turkey’s EU membership. How accurate is this perception? It’s impossible for the Netherlands, with just 16 million people, not to be disturbed by the EU memberships of Germany and France, which have much larger populations. Turkey’s possible EU membership could shrink the Netherlands’ political leverage within the EU even more."

More:The Netherlands And Turkey

Here's an opportunity for Turks and Kurds

"Here's an opportunity for Turks and Kurds
BY RICHARD HOLBROOKE

IRBIL, Iraqi Kurdistan -- Whatever happens in Iraq, we must try to limit the terrible fallout from the war. The place to start should be with our indispensable NATO ally Turkey, the front-line state of the post-Cold War era, whose relations with the United States have deteriorated dramatically in the past six years."

More:MiamiHerald.com | 02/20/2007 | Here's an opportunity for Turks and Kurds

Arrangements for Queen Beatrix’s visit to Turkey fine tuned - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

"Arrangements for Queen Beatrix’s visit to Turkey fine tuned
Friday, February 23, 2007

Dutch Queen Beatrix will pay a visit to Turkey next week. Her program in Turkey has been fine tuned according to the Queen’s requests and to sensitivities in Turkey"

More:Arrangements for Queen Beatrix’s visit to Turkey fine tuned - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

Shipping, shipbuilding, offshore news

"LR signs cooperation agreement with Turkish society

Lloyd's Register and Turkish classification society Turk Loydu have signed a wide-ranging cooperation agreement. It covers the classification of ships and mobile offshore units during new construction and in operation, certification of materials and components, EU Directive appraisal and verification, management systems certification, consultancy, research and development, technical training and information technology."

More:Shipping, shipbuilding, offshore news

OTTOMAN ARMENIANS: “WHO KILLED WHO ?”

"OTTOMAN ARMENIANS: “WHO KILLED WHO ?”
I. Introduction: “Chronology and History”

These two branches are confused in general; unfortunately, we witness such confusion initiated by several persons, having studied history.

In fact, while the first of these branches places the events in time and place, the second branch researches or is obligated to research reasons and consequences of such events. While the history is making the research, it shall stick to the time-table presented by the chronologist, but at the same time evaluate its information on legal, cultural, geographical, sociological matters and the like. "

More:Kodadimedya.com - OTTOMAN ARMENIANS: “WHO KILLED WHO ?”

Turkey revives its cultural heritages at home and abroad - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

"Turkey revives its cultural heritages at home and abroad
Friday, February 23, 2007

Allocating nearly YTL 40 million for 150 restoration projects across Turkey in 2007, the Culture and Tourism Ministry will give momentum to the reconstruction and preservation work of Turkey's cultural heritage sites via a series of projects."

More:Turkey revives its cultural heritages at home and abroad - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

Turkish-Greek Friendship Festival - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

"Turkish-Greek Friendship Festival
Friday, February 23, 2007

The 6th Turkish�Greek Friendship Festival, which has been held in a different Turkish and Greek city each year for the last five years, will be held in Antalya and Rhodes this year, reported the Anatolia news agency. "

More:Turkish-Greek Friendship Festival - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

İzmir's third tourism fair a triumph - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

"İzmir's third tourism fair a triumph
Friday, February 23, 2007

The İzmir Province's culture and tourism body took home the award for "best stand" for a third consecutive year in Turkey's largest international tourism fair. İzmir Province Culture and Tourism Director Metin Atsal said 2,000 tourism professionals took part in Eastern Mediterranean International Tourism and Travel Fair (EMITT), which ran Feb. 15-18 in Istanbul. He described the Aegean city as �the pearl of Turkey,� also calling it Turkey's window to the West."

More:İzmir's third tourism fair a triumph - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

Dutch Rethinking Dual Citizenship For Muslim Cabinet Members at

"Dutch Rethinking Dual Citizenship For Muslim Cabinet Members

Row over Dutch Muslim ministers’ passports
Press TV
February 23, 2007

The appointment of two Muslim politicians to the new Dutch cabinet has reawakened a row in the country over dual nationality.

Nebahat Albayrak and Ahmed Aboutaleb are both Dutch passport holders, but also have Turkish and Moroccan passports respectively."

More:Dutch Rethinking Dual Citizenship For Muslim Cabinet Members at

Turkey to invite Armenian language specialists from Azerbaijan

"Turkey to invite Armenian language specialists from Azerbaijan

[ 23 Feb 2007 12:17 ]

Turkish History Organization chief, Professor Yusuf Halachioglu said that Turkish historians will be taught Armenian in order to investigate the Armenian documents in foreign archives, APA’s Turkey bureau reports. "

More:APA

From Turkey to UA - Dateline Alabama

"From Turkey to UA
International Profile

Yuta Kasabawa
February 23, 2007
www.facebook.com

“I e-mail my parents everyday and I call them twice a week,” said Uluhan Kemal, a student at the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University.

Uluhan is an international student from Turkey. He came to the United States to learn English. "

More:From Turkey to UA - Dateline Alabama

Fulbright scholar presents Turkey as a bridge - Front Page

"Fulbright scholar presents Turkey as a bridge
Abha Eli Phoboo

Dr. Ilhan Uzgel, visiting Fulbright Specialist under the Direct Access to the Muslim World program, is at UCO. On Feb. 19, he gave a presentation on 'Turkey: The Crossroads Country on the Verge of the 21st Century' at the Liberal Arts Building.

Sponsored by Phi Alpha Theta, the History Honor Society, Uzgel spoke of Turkey as an example of a bridge between different cultures and ideas for the rest of the world. He will give more lectures and presentations on campus on the topic on Feb. 22 (LAR 140, Middle East Politics Class, TH 2:00 - 3:15 p.m.); and Feb. 27 (LAR 140 - Middle East Politics and American Foreign Policy 2:00 to 3:15 p.m., LAR 120, American Foreign Policy, 7:30 - 10:10 p.m.)."

More:Fulbright scholar presents Turkey as a bridge - Front Page

Tomris Azeri: Azerbaijani-Americans called for legislators not to support resolution on false Armenian genocide

"Tomris Azeri: Azerbaijani-Americans called for legislators not to support resolution on false Armenian genocide

[ 23 Feb 2007 15:46 ]

APA has interviewed Tomris Azeri, President of Azerbaijan Society of America (ASA).

- Who stand behind the idea of establishing of Azerbaijan Society of America 50 years ago?
- I understand that ASA is actually the second oldest Azerbaijani Diaspora organization in the world. The first one was established in Ankara, Turkey in early 1950’s, just a few years before ASA was established in the United States. The founding fathers of the Azerbaijan Society of America wanted to create an organization that would help their children and grandchildren who were born in America to learn about Azerbaijan’s history and culture. They were devoted to the dissemination of important cultural and historical information about Azerbaijan and they dedicated their time and energy to cultivate the language, the culture and the history of Azerbaijan. In 1957, the goal of the organization was to bring together all the young Azeri children who were growing up in the U.S. and make it possible for them to learn about their shared history and culture. Of course, ASA’s goals and perspectives have expanded since Azerbaijan’s independence in 1991. Azerbaijan’s occupied lands, the plight of the refugees, and the importance of informing the world community of the aggression our people endure are also high priorities now."

More:APA

İncirlik not vital for Iraq operations, says US general - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

"İncirlik not vital for Iraq operations, says US general
Friday, February 23, 2007

The United States' use of Turkey's İncirlik airbase in the south greatly facilitates Iraq-related military activities, but the base's role is not indispensable for American forces' operations in Iraq, a top U.S. commander said."

More:İncirlik not vital for Iraq operations, says US general - Turkish Daily News Feb 23, 2007

Greek Intralot's Inteltek unit wins legal protection for Turkish betting deal - Forbes.com

"Greek Intralot's Inteltek unit wins legal protection for Turkish betting deal
02.23.07, 4:26 AM ET

ATHENS (AFX) - Greek betting technology company Intralot said the Turkish Parliament has approved legislation to preserve the contract its unit Inteltek has with the state betting organisation Spor Toto to run its profitable fixed odds betting game Iddaa in the country."

More:Greek Intralot's Inteltek unit wins legal protection for Turkish betting deal - Forbes.com

Thursday, February 22, 2007

US retreats from supporting Turkish cross-border operation

"US retreats from supporting Turkish cross-border operation
Fearing that a possible Turkish cross-border limited operation into northern Iraq to hit the PKK camps there could become another destabilizing factor with the possibility of civilian casualties, the US administration has reportedly stepped back from its earlier assessment that Washington might give backing to a limited Turkish operation provided that it would be strictly coordinated with the US. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

ekathimerini.com | Turkey bites back on Cyprus

"Turkey bites back on Cyprus

Ankara rebuffed claims yesterday by Athens and Nicosia that it is not cooperating in the effort to find a solution to the Cyprus problem and insisted that it has done everything that has been asked of it.

“Turkey has fulfilled its commitments on the Cyprus issue,” said Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “Even though we have met our obligations, they continue to criticize us. If the other side had done everything it promised, there would no longer be a Cyprus issue.”"

More:ekathimerini.com | Turkey bites back on Cyprus

Olives as Turkish delight

"Olives as Turkish delight

Rasheeda Bhagat

As a top executive in Turkey's olive sector, she is keen to see the world extol the goodness of her country's produce.


DENIZ ATAC: Balancing profit and responsibility in the food business - Rasheeda Bhagat

When you quiz her on the Turkish economy and the kind of progress the country is making, with a broad smile she warns you, 'First of all let me tell you I love my country passionately. I'm really fanatic when it comes to all things Turkish. I think Turkey has a lot of potential but unfortunately we don't have the right people to manage us.'"

More:The Hindu Business Line : Olives as Turkish delight

The Graphic - Students explore Turkish delights

"Students explore Turkish delights
ANNA KING
Florence Columnist

It’s hard to complain about life in a Florence Villa. We’ve got the biggest family, the best food and the best location (just ask the students from other programs who we can’t stop from coming back to our house). We’re the only program with a soccer team and the only program to help adopt our director’s first dog. We have a lot for which to be thankful and proud. In all honesty, we live a pretty fabulous life."

More:The Graphic - Students explore Turkish delights

Fighting Terrorism: A Chance to Improve Bilateral U.S.-Turkish Ties

"Fighting Terrorism: A Chance to Improve Bilateral U.S.-Turkish Ties
By Selahattin Ibas
February 22, 2007

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led all countries to assess the threat of terrorism and generate new perspectives on countering it. This is necessarily a global effort. Even when terrorist activity is executed in a single country, the preparatory training, planning, directing, financing, and logistical support are conducted in several."

More:www.washingtoninstitute.org

Troubled Waters: Cyprus and Turkey Face Off Over Oil Resources - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"Cyprus and Turkey Face Off Over Oil Resources

Cyprus is determined to press ahead with offshore oil and gas exploration, despite Turkish objections that Greek Cypriots would reap all the benefits."

More:Troubled Waters: Cyprus and Turkey Face Off Over Oil Resources - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

People's Daily Online -- Council of Europe urges Turkish, Greek Cypriots for reconciliation

"Council of Europe urges Turkish, Greek Cypriots for reconciliation
font size ZoomIn ZoomOut

A senior official of the Council of Europe met with Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat on Wednesday, urging the island's two divided communities to lose no time in making real progress for reconciliation and reunification.

Rene Van der Linden, president of the council's parliamentary assembly, said, 'We are losing time' referring to the implementation of an agreement reached between the leaders of the two communities on the island in Nicosia on July 8, 2006."

More:People's Daily Online -- Council of Europe urges Turkish, Greek Cypriots for reconciliation

[ Turquie Européenne ] - Turkish-Armenians’ pivotal role in Turkey’s history revealed

"Turkish-Armenians’ pivotal role in Turkey’s history revealed
Hasim Söylemez - Sedat Gülmez
Thursday 22 February 2007 - 22/02/2007
Afficher la version imprimable de cet article. Envoyer à un ami

New findings revealed by the four-year study of Dr. Cafer Ulu opens a different and solemn window to the Armenian problem. Ulu reveals that Armenians played a significant role in giving the surname 'Ataturk' to Mustafa Kemal, penning a signature for him.

At a time when Anatolia was engulfed in its battle for independence, a delegation from the Black Sea region met with Armenian David Sahakkulu, who was working as a translator for a group monitoring the straits set up by the occupying Allied Forces, and asked for help with an arms shipment. He was asked to inform Turks of the Allied forces’ guard hours and numbers in order to safely ship Turkish arms from Istanbul to Trabzon. He was even offered money. He agreed to help but rejected the money, saying he owed what he possessed to Turkey and its schools. However, many other Armenians, particularly Armenian Patriarch Zaven Efendi, were acting against the Anatolian liberation movement at that time."

More:[ Turquie Européenne ] - Turkish-Armenians’ pivotal role in Turkey’s history revealed

Book Review - Turkey at the crossroads

"Book Review - Turkey at the crossroads

The New Turkey: The Quiet Revolution at the Edge of Europe. By Chris Morris. London: Granta Publications, pp. 245, 2005, HB, £17.99.

Modern Turkey consists of only a fraction of its former self. Chris Morris, the author of the book under review, is right to say “Trying to understand contemporary Turkey is impossible if you don’t know something of its historical roots. A country which is now ninety-nine per cent Muslim contains some of Christianity’s earliest sites, such as the underground rock of Cappaddocia, and the ancient Syrian monasteries of Tur Abdin, where monks still speak Aramaic, the language of Christ. "

More:The Muslim News - Book Review - Turkey at the crossroads

Turkish parliament passes new mortgage law

"Turkish parliament passes new mortgage law
The legislation has come under fire over questions as to whether it will assist lower income earners buy a home.

ANKARA - Turkey’s parliament has approved new legislation aimed at making it easier for Turks to buy their own homes."

More:Turkish parliament passes new mortgage law

Turkish organic juices splash into US market - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

"Turkish organic juices splash into US market
Thursday, February 22, 2007

New York-based Organic Juice USA, Inc. has been extremely successful in the United States with Turkish organic fruit juices. Having attained almost $1.5 million in revenue in 15 months, the company has recently entered the largest organic food chain store in the United States, Whole Foods Market. Organic Juice USA’s great success in such a short time is an important indicator of the growing interest in organic food products in the United States"

More:Turkish organic juices splash into US market - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

The changing face of Istanbul's Yeşilköy - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

"The changing face of Istanbul's Yeşilköy
Thursday, February 22, 2007

Not many alternatives were available in terms of wining and dining in Yeşilköy until last year, aside from the cute street that housed fish restaurants, the 24-hour-open Dürümcü Baba and a few unfavorable cafés. The closest alternatives then used to be the classics of Florya, such as Beyti, Kaşıbeyaz or Uludağ, which means you are in trouble if you are not a carnivore. This trio was recently joined by Sesto Sesto, which serves Italian cuisine."

More:The changing face of Istanbul's Yeşilköy - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

Norwegian launches new routes to Turkey

"Norwegian launches new routes to Turkey
Thursday, February 22, 2007

Scandinavia’s low cost carrier, Norwegian, launched new routes from Oslo to Antalya and Istanbul in Turkey. The route to Antalya will be operated once weekly from the 5th of May and the route to Istanbul will commence the 2nd of June with twice weekly flights. "

More:Norwegian - (Travel Daily News)

EU regulations hit Turkey's industry - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

"EU regulations hit Turkey's industry
Thursday, February 22, 2007

The harmonization process with the European Union will hit four sectors very hard. According to a �regulatory impact analyses,� the chemical, automotive, iron and steel industry and land transportation sectors will be deeply affected by the negotiation process. Federation of Sectoral Associations (SEDEFED)representatives from the four sectors explained in a press conference yesterday in Istanbul that especially EU environmental regulations will carry a huge economic cost to some sectors and it is very important to calculate and decrease these costs."

More:EU regulations hit Turkey's industry - Turkish Daily News Feb 22, 2007

Armenian genocide folly - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

"Armenian genocide folly

TODAY'S COLUMNIST
By Soner Cagaptay
February 22, 2007

U.S.-Turkish relations, already battered since the Iraq war, face a new challenge this spring: the 'Armenian genocide' resolution. This resolution, introduced Jan. 30 in the House of Representatives, will likely come to the floor soon. "

More:Armenian genocide folly - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - 'It is hard for Turkey to attract direct investments from now on'

"'It is hard for Turkey to attract direct investments from now on'

The foreigners listed the criticisms instead of opportunities in the conference of YASED with the title 'Turkey, the land of opportunities'. Chaves from the World Bank stated that India and Russia have investment opportunities and Japan Nakajima criticized privatizations."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - Economy - 'It is hard for Turkey to attract direct investments from now on'

UNESCO set to honor Turkish culture and history for next three years

"UNESCO set to honor Turkish culture and history for next three years
With UNESCO having declared 2007 the Year of Mevlana in recognition of the 800th anniversary of the Turkish philosopher and mystic’s birth, the international organization has also set aside three other important figures from Turkish culture and history to be honored in 2008 and 2009.
In 2008 and 2009, UNESCO will also honor Turkish linguist and writer Kaşgarlı Mahmut, travel writer Katip Çelebi and religious philopher Hacı Bektaş Veli. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Iraq war vet digs into fashion trenches

"Iraq war vet digs into fashion trenches
BY DINKINISH O'CONNOR
emozene@hotmail.com
NEW SPOT IN MIAMI BEACH: Hasan ‘‘Steve’’ Seyhun just opened Stage boutique on Lincoln Road.

Hasan ''Steve'' Seyhun was a U.S. Army mechanic in Iraq a year ago. Today, he is the owner of a new boutique on Lincoln Road -- one with a red carpet, no less."

More:MiamiHerald.com | 02/21/2007 | Iraq war vet digs into fashion trenches

European Turks constitute Turkey’s 4th largest electoral district

"European Turks constitute Turkey’s 4th largest electoral district
A law adopted in 1995 allowed Turkish citizens living abroad the right to vote. The aim of the prime minister at the time, Motherland Party (ANAP) leader Mesut Yilmaz, was to allow all Turks living abroad to vote. But after 12 years Turks abroad still cannot vote in the country in which they live. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Cigarette consumption decreases in Turkey

"Cigarette consumption decreases in Turkey
There has been a decrease in Turkey's cigarette consumption in recent years as a result of the rising cost of cigarettes.
In his report to an Anatolia news agency reporter, Şahin Güneş, president of the Yozgat branch of Turkey's anti-smoking association, said that keeping in mind the rising population of the country, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of smokers, adding that this is largely due to the increasing prices of cigarettes in terms of US dollars."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Controversial French bill on Armenian genocide fades away

"Controversial French bill on Armenian genocide fades away
21.02.2007 - 17:40 CET | By Lucia Kubosova
EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - A French bill criminalising the denial of Armenian genocide in Turkey has failed to become law, but a prominent Turkish writer Elif Shafak - previously tried in her country for comments on the sensitive subject - tells EUobserver about the nationalist backlash the French debate sparked."

More:EUobserver.com

JURIST - Paper Chase: France Senate ducks Armenian genocide bill

"France Senate ducks Armenian genocide bill
Joshua Pantesco at 1:12 PM ET

Photo source or description
[JURIST] Lawmakers in the French Senate have buried a draft bill [text, in French] that would have criminalized any denial that the mass killings of Armenians in Turkey during World War I [ANI backgrounder] constituted genocide. The bill has been taken off the Senate agenda, and as presidential and legislative elections are scheduled for April through June, the new National Assembly [official website, in French] would have to hold a second vote on the bill to place it back on the agenda. EUobserver has more. "

More:JURIST - Paper Chase: France Senate ducks Armenian genocide bill

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Is Turkey ‘too Muslim’ for Europe? - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

"Is Turkey ‘too Muslim’ for Europe?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Some of the Turkey skeptics in Europe are also ‘Islam doubters.’ They fear that the accession of an overwhelmingly Muslim nation to the EU will signify an alarming new intrusion of Islam into a continent already uneasy about its Muslim minorities
"

More:Is Turkey ‘too Muslim’ for Europe? - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

Don't protect the PKK - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

"Don't protect the PKK

TODAY'S COLUMNIST
By Tulin Daloglu
February 20, 2007

Winston Churchill once said, 'The only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself.' As it made the case for the war in Iraq, the Bush administration learned not only that lesson, but also the heavy price of breaking its allies' trust and compromising the United States' moral authority. "

More:Don't protect the PKK - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Good news for Turkey's 1.5 million vision impaired

"Good news for Turkey's 1.5 million vision impaired
The Ministry of Transportation will soon realize a major project to benefit some of the country's 1.5 million vision-impaired people, who will be able to travel with ease within the city easily thanks to the project, launched by Transportation Minister Binali Yıldırım. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

U.S. URGED TO IMPROVE TIES WITH TURKEY

"U.S. URGED TO IMPROVE TIES WITH TURKEY

WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The Bush administration has been urged to move quickly to improve military and diplomatic relations with Turkey.

The Council on Foreign Relations has warned that Turkey and the United States must cooperate on strategic issues in the Middle East. In a report entitled Generating Momentum for a New Era in U.S.-Turkey Relations,' the council cited the fate of Iran, Iraq and the Republic of Cyprus."

More:Middle East Newsline -

People's Daily Online -- Malaysia-Turkey investment expected to grow: official

"Malaysia-Turkey investment expected to grow: official
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Cross-border investments between Malaysia and Turkey are expected to increase when more businessmen better understand the opportunities in the two countries, local press reported Wednesday.

Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said investments between the two countries, which currently stands at a very small volume, are expected to rise considerably with the joint efforts of business communities on the two sides."

More:People's Daily Online -- Malaysia-Turkey investment expected to grow: official

Ankara readies group to fight 'genocide' resolution

"Ankara readies group to fight 'genocide' resolution

The Turkish Parliament has assembled its team to fight against the so-called Armenian genocide resolution before the U.S. House of Representatives.

Turkish deputies were set to lobby in the U.S. against the resolution, but the delegation's visit was postponed in order to assess the outcome of Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul and Chief of General Yasar Buyukanit's recent talks with American officials.
"

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Ankara readies group to fight 'genocide' resolution

Turkish tourism makes a good start to the year

"Turkish tourism makes a good start to the year
2006 saw a sharp drop in tourism number, well down on expectations.

Güncelleme: 18:25 TSİ 21 Şubat 2007 Çarşamba

ANKARA - The number of foreigner tourists visiting Turkey in January rose by 7.1 percent over the same month last year, according to figures released by the Turkish Board of Statistics (TUIK) on Wednesday."

More:Turkish tourism makes a good start to the year

Press-Telegram - 5.9 quake shakes Turkey

"5.9 quake shakes Turkey
Associated Press
Article Launched: 02/21/2007 07:25:43 AM PST

ANKARA, Turkey - A moderate earthquake shook southeastern Turkey on Wednesday, injuring a woman who was trapped under rubble in one of several buildings that were damaged, officials said."

More:Press-Telegram - 5.9 quake shakes Turkey

JTW News - The Cyprus Issue - Continuity or Change in Merkel’s stance?

"The Cyprus Issue - Continuity or Change in Merkel’s stance?

Wednesday , 21 February 2007

By Irem GUNEY (JTW)

The recent statement of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as the EU term-president indicating that new EU measures would be implemented in order to ease the economic sanctions imposed on the Turkish Cypriots brought about a new shape to the discussions on the solution of the Cyprus problem. This development is the second step of the agreement of EU Foreign Ministers in January on pursuing the opening-up of trade ties with the Northern Cyprus. "

More:JTW News - The Cyprus Issue - Continuity or Change in Merkel’s stance?

Turkish labels sparkle in New York's fashion spotlight - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

"Turkish labels sparkle in New York's fashion spotlight
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Turkish labels shone at one of the most exciting and popular fashion shows in New York. New Turkish fashion labels were a focus of interest during the fair Feb. 17-19, when a number of Turkish fashion designers participated in this season's event."

More:Turkish labels sparkle in New York's fashion spotlight - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

Homeward Bound: Muslims in Germany Choose to be Buried Abroad - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"Muslims in Germany Choose to be Buried Abroad

By Michael Scott Moore in Berlin

As the first generation of Muslim immigrants to Germany get older, over 70 percent still plan to be buried in the country of their birth. Is integration a problem even in death?

Yemos Vurgun was the frail matriarch of a Turkish immigrant family when she died in 1994, aged 90, and although she'd spent her last 14 years in Berlin, her son Ali Riza put her travel papers in order: She had one last trip to make."

More:Homeward Bound: Muslims in Germany Choose to be Buried Abroad - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

Sleepless in Istanbul, trouble in Europa - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

"Sleepless in Istanbul, trouble in Europa
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

�On the count of 10, you are going to die...� The most memorable quote from Lars von Trier's brilliant �Europa� is one that - sadly - describes the state of relations between the European Union and Turkey at the moment. In that context, you are going to die either from desperation or from frustration... At least, that was my impression on the first day of my visit to Brussels, the heart of the EU."

More:Sleepless in Istanbul, trouble in Europa - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

Turks want closer ties with Armenia

"Turks want closer ties with Armenia

21.02.2007 13:22

YEREVAN (YERKIR) - A recent poll conducted among Turkish citizens in 27 provinces shows that 47.5 percent of Turks wanted improved political and economic relations with Armenia, with only 16.6 wanting total severance of relations, PanARMENIAN.Net reported. "

More:Armenia and Armenian News - YERKIR Armenian Online Newspaper

Talat set to visit Brussels for direct trade talks - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

"Talat set to visit Brussels for direct trade talks
Wednesday, February 21, 2007

The Turkish Cypriot President will travel to the European Union center of Brussels next Tuesday for talks on direct trade regulations promised by the EU to northern Cyprus."

More:Talat set to visit Brussels for direct trade talks - Turkish Daily News Feb 21, 2007

Dutch Cabinet gets its first Muslims amid signs of progress for immigrants - International Herald Tribune

"Dutch Cabinet gets its first Muslims amid signs of progress for immigrants

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands: As a city councilman, Ahmed Aboutaleb, the son of a Moroccan clergyman, helped immigrants find jobs, put their toddlers in school to learn Dutch, and doled out some stern advice: integrate or leave.

On Thursday, Aboutaleb was to be sworn in as a state secretary, or junior minister, in the new Dutch Cabinet. So was Nebahat Albayrak, a Turkish-born lawyer and member of parliament from the age of 30."

More:Dutch Cabinet gets its first Muslims amid signs of progress for immigrants - International Herald Tribune

FOXNews.com - Istanbul Building Collapse Kills at Least 2, Injures 26 - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

"Istanbul Building Collapse Kills at Least 2, Injures 26

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

ISTANBUL, Turkey — A five-story apartment building that had been earmarked for destruction as an earthquake risk collapsed in Istanbul early Wednesday, killing two people and injuring 26, authorities said."

More:FOXNews.com - Istanbul Building Collapse Kills at Least 2, Injures 26 - International News | News of the World | Middle East News | Europe News

Mixed reactions to Hackney Choice scheme in Turkish speaking communities

"Mixed reactions to Hackney Choice scheme in Turkish speaking communities

Under a new system introduced last year by Hackney Choice, members of the borough’s Turkish-speaking communities can now bid for the accommadation they want in their local Turkish community centres, but the new changes have been met with a cautious welcome by community organisations difficulties who claim language issues and the complexity of the system remain."

More:English

Hii Dunia: The Idea of Europe

"The Idea of Europe

In an article published in the journal Foreign Affairs during the summer of 1993, Harvard political scientist Prof Samuel P. Huntington hypothesised about what he saw as a possible emergence of a new source of conflict in the Post Cold War world. He famously called his idea ‘The Clash of Civilisations’."

More:Hii Dunia: The Idea of Europe

Turkey ranks high on greenhouse gas emissions list

"Turkey ranks high on greenhouse gas emissions list
Turkey had the highest rate of increase in greenhouse gas emissions, the UN report said.

Güncelleme: 17:29 TSİ 20 Şubat 2007 Salı

BURSA - Turkey has been ranked 13th in the world among countries emitting energy-related carbon dioxide, the gases at the heart of global warming."

More:Turkey ranks high on greenhouse gas emissions list

SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Turkish and Armenian historians are gathering

"And historians meet

This time an Armenian historian accepted the thesis of collaborative study of Turkey. In response to Sarafyan's offer 'let's start with Harput', Halaçoğlu gave a quick response: 'with pleasure'.

Ara Sarafyan, one of the most important historians of the Armenian Diaspora and the editor of Blue Book, the main basis for the Armenian claims, said: 'I accept the suggestion of the chairman of Turkish History Institution, Halaçoğlu, to carry out a collaborative study'."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - Turkish and Armenian historians are gathering

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Digital Journal - Tea 'controls female hair growth'

"Tea 'controls female hair growth'

Spearmint tea may help to control excessive hair growth in women, say Turkish researchers."

More:Digital Journal - Tea 'controls female hair growth'

Israel's ‘security walls' overwhelm journalists and politicians in Ankara

"Israel's ‘security walls' overwhelm journalists and politicians in Ankara
Sparking worldwide reactions for building a wall between the West Bank and its soils, Israel also received backlash with the security measures imposed on the countries hosting Israeli statesmen.
A special security tent pitched at the entrance of the hotel in Ankara , Olmert stayed last week, did not escape the attention. When State Minister Murat Başesgioğlu's visit to the same hotel, where Olmert was staying and having meetings, coincided with Olmert's moment of leaving the building, Başesgioğlu's car wasn't allowed into the yard of the hotel for security reasons."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

The Case of the Missing CIA Transcripts: German Intelligence Agency 'Misplaces' Kurnaz Files - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"German Intelligence Agency 'Misplaces' Kurnaz Files

Important documents relating to the case of German-born Turkish citizen Murat Kurnaz have disappeared. Germany's BND intelligence agency is reported to have misplaced transcripts of CIA interrogations that could have finally exonerated the former Guantánamo inmate."

More:The Case of the Missing CIA Transcripts: German Intelligence Agency 'Misplaces' Kurnaz Files - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

M.A.Birand » A new name for an old political disease: ‘Pet Country Syndrome’

"A new name for an old political disease: ‘Pet Country Syndrome’

.....“Pet Country Syndrome” is a social disease that affects communications systems. And it did so here. Its victims – or carriers - are generally leftist-oriented, minor party politicians who count themselves as “friends of Turkey.” Among the ravages of the disease is the fact that while these politicians are condemning the real and growing threat of “extreme nationalism” in Turkey, they are in fact contributing to this dangerous current. And all the while, they are totally unaware of what they are doing. "

More:M.A.Birand » A new name for an old political disease: ‘Pet Country Syndrome’

Ihsanoglu: Islamic world supports Turkish Cypriots

"Ihsanoglu: Islamic world supports Turkish Cypriots

Secretary General of the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said late Sunday that the Islamic world supports the legal rights and peaceful struggle of the Turkish Cypriots.

Ihsanoglu, after a meeting with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Mehmet Ali Talat, said, 'We want a political solution for Cyprus that will be accepted in the international community.'"

More:..:: ABHABER.COM ::.. Ihsanoglu: Islamic world supports Turkish Cypriots

Washington’s Concerns About Turkey

"Washington’s Concerns About Turkey
Published: 2/8/2007

BY TUFAN TURENC

HURRIYET- Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul is holding interesting meetings in Washington this week. According to Gul’s impressions, important developments will soon occur concerning the terrorist PKK. "

More:Washington’s Concerns About Turkey

Istanbul International Boat Show Opens

"Istanbul International Boat Show Opens
Published: 2/19/2007

ISTANBUL - The 26th Istanbul International Boat Show, organized by the NTSR Fairs, began on Saturday."

More:Istanbul International Boat Show Opens

Dedeman Hotels Group To Promote Turkish Ski Resort For 2011 Winter Games

"Dedeman Hotels Group To Promote Turkish Ski Resort For 2011 Winter Games
Published: 2/19/2007

ERZURUM - Dedeman Hotels group has speeded up promotion efforts for Turkey's eastern ski resort Palandoken, which is set to host 2011 World University Winter Games."

More:Dedeman Hotels Group To Promote Turkish Ski Resort For 2011 Winter Games

Erdogan At Dinner Of American Business Forum In Turkey

"Erdogan At Dinner Of American Business Forum In Turkey
Published: 2/19/2007

ISTANBUL - 'We don't expect a negative decision to be adopted regarding the draft on so-called Armenian genocide at U.S. House of Representatives in April. However, I am concerned that a contrary decision may overshadow our strategical partnership,' said Turkish PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan who attended the dinner of the American Business Forum in Turkey (ABFT) at Istanbul Hilton Hotel on Saturday."

More:Erdogan At Dinner Of American Business Forum In Turkey

Turkish Weekly Opinion - Boghos Nubar Pasha and the Armenian Claims

"Boghos Nubar Pasha and the Armenian Claims
Sedat Laciner

Tuesday , 20 February 2007

Armenians placed their ‘genocide’ claims at the heart of the Armenian identity so well that sometimes their insistence misleads even some Turkish people and cause them to be suspicious of themselves. However, Armenian claims are full of controversial information and contradictions. One of the documents that unfold these contradictions is the speach of an Armenian delegate in Paris Peace Conference (1919)."

More:Turkish Weekly Opinion - Boghos Nubar Pasha and the Armenian Claims

Song and dance over Adıyaman investors - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

"Song and dance over Adıyaman investors
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Drums and traditional flutes welcome businessmen, who are lining up to invest in the sountheastern town"

More:Song and dance over Adıyaman investors - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

Turkey and Saudi Arabia forge new ground - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

"Turkey and Saudi Arabia forge new ground
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Turkey and Saudi Arabia, former foes, are getting to be close friends. The two countries are cooperating on Palestinian-Israeli dispute and Iraq and planning to hold a meeting of Iraq's neighboring countries in Cairo in March"

More:Turkey and Saudi Arabia forge new ground - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

International bloom of Turkey's wild flowers - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

"International bloom of Turkey's wild flowers
Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Erdoğan Tekin’s book on the wild flowers of Turkey was nominated for the Annual Literature Award in the technical interest category. The award is given to both the author and publisher of a work that makes a significant contribution to the literature of botany or horticulture
"

More:International bloom of Turkey's wild flowers - Turkish Daily News Feb 20, 2007

“Europe needs Turkey”, Dutch News, The Netherlands, Holland, Expatica

"“Europe needs Turkey”

20 February 2007

AMSTERDAM – “In the long term Turkey not only needs Europe, but Europe needs Turkey. If we forget about Turkey, all hell will break loose,” says Geert Mak, journalist and non-fiction writer."

More:“Europe needs Turkey”, Dutch News, The Netherlands, Holland, Expatica

Turkey suspends plans to hold talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders

"Turkey suspends plans to hold talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders
There has been widespread opposition to a suggestion by Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan about possibly holding talks with the Kurdish administration in northern Iraq."

More:Turkey suspends plans to hold talks with Iraqi Kurdish leaders

Today.Az - Armenian president offers Turkey to set up joint committee

"Armenian president offers Turkey to set up joint committee
20 February 2007 [13:11] - Today.Az
Armenian President Robert Kocharian renewed his offer to establish diplomatic ties with Turkey and proposed setting up a joint government commission to discuss sensitive issues, a French newspaper said on Monday."

MoreŞToday.Az - Armenian president offers Turkey to set up joint committee

Pelosi's pandering against Turkey - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

"Pelosi's pandering against Turkey

TODAY'S EDITORIAL
February 20, 2007

Not content with undermining the war effort in Iraq, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has apparently set her sights on Turkey, a NATO ally and one of the few Muslim-majority nations in the world that is a democracy. Mrs. Pelosi has scheduled a vote in April on a resolution (H. Res. 106) that accuses Turkey's Ottoman Empire of perpetrating 'genocide' resulting in the death or displacement of nearly 2 million Armenians between 1915 and 1923. With the United States currently fighting a war for its very survival against radical Islamists, Congress should have much more important priorities than revisiting events that occurred more than 80 years ago -- particularly when doing so has the potential to do serious damage to U.S. relations with Turkey, whose cooperation will be critical to U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq. "

MoreŞPelosi's pandering against Turkey - Editorials/Op-Ed - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper

Is Turkey Headed for Financial Crisis, Again? - SeekingAlpha

"Is Turkey Headed for Financial Crisis, Again?

Posted on Feb 20th, 2007 with stocks: TKF

Suna Reyent submits: Historically, Turkish stocks have been a lot more volatile than other emerging market stocks. Although Turkish stocks have had a very good run after the financial crisis experienced by the country during 2001-2002 period, the Turkish GDP growth and stock market performance numbers were measured from a very low base registered during the crisis. 2006 was generally a very good year for emerging markets, but Turkish stocks did not participate in this broad-based rally."

More:Is Turkey Headed for Financial Crisis, Again? - SeekingAlpha

Monday, February 19, 2007

Euro2day :: Turkish infrastructure delight

"Turkish infrastructure delight

By Vincent Boland
Published: 19/2/2007 | Last Updated: 19/2/2007 19:00 London Time

The operator of Turkey's main international airports raised $320m in an initial public offering on Monday that testified to the current investor popularity of Turkish assets and of infrastructure companies with secure revenue streams."

More:Euro2day :: Turkish infrastructure delight

Turkish designers draw attention in NY

"Turkish designers draw attention in NY
One of New York’s most distinguished fashion shows, “The Train Show” hosted many Turkish designers this year.
Designer Tuvana Büyükçınar took part in “The Train Show” in New York.

One of them, Berna Fotocan and her brand, Mouska, received great attention at the show. The fashion show, which has been running every year since 2004, gathers collections that match essential standards of creativity, originality and quality. Over 3,000 people visit the show in New York."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Netherlands Institute helps Turkish archeology

"Netherlands Institute helps Turkish archeology
Fokke Geritsen is a scientist. He is an archaeologist at the Netherlands Institute of Turkey (NIT) in Istanbul. He is engaged in digs not in the Netherlands but in Turkey, which he describes as 'a history treasure.'
Fokke Geritsen is an archaeologist at the NIT.

Geritsen has served as director of NIT since January 2006. We spoke with the Dutch archaeologist and assessed NIT. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey's Pegasus to set up new air carrier with, Georgian GIG

"Turkey's Pegasus to set up new air carrier with, Georgian GIG
19/02/2007 14:37:42

Low-cost Turkish carrier Pegasus Airline and Georgian Industrial Group (GIG) will set up a joint venture to launch new air carrier company in Georgia, GIG top executive Natia Turnava told Georgia's Mze TV."

More:Dunya Online Haber Sayfası

Appreciating Turkey while packed in a dolmuş

"Appreciating Turkey while packed in a dolmuş
I don’t like hot, crowded places, and I don’t like to let other people drive. And yet, here I was, weaving in and out of traffic on a hot, crowded dolmuş, on the Asian side of Istanbul, with a nearsighted madman at the wheel... and I was smiling. Something was wrong with me.
First, they call this little bus a “dolmuş” because just like the Turkish and Greek dish, “dolmuş” (that grape leaf thing they fill with rice), they keep packing it until it is stuffed. And this little blue bus was stuffed today. "

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Towards Turkish membership of the EU

"Towards Turkish membership of the EU
Written by Hannah Stone
Monday, 19 February 2007
Turkey has taken an important step towards EU membership, with the announcement that it will reform the law against ‘insulting Turkishness’. This will probably involve bringing the law into line with the European Court of Human Rights. This move demonstrates why Turkey should be brought into the EU; the prize of EU membership provides an incentive for the Turkish government to continue on its liberal, democratic path. The reform is motivated by concern for Turkey’s image in Europe, after Nobel prize-winner Orhan Pamuk was prosecuted for insulting Turkishness."

More:The Globalisation Institute - London's global think tank - Towards Turkish membership of the EU