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Saturday, June 30, 2007

Rail link with Southeast Asia, Turkey and Europe soon

"Rail link with Southeast Asia, Turkey and Europe soon

New Delhi, June 30 (PTI): Within the next few years, travellers from India will have the option of going to places like Singapore, Bangkok, Yangon, Tehran and even cities in Turkey by train, giving airlines a run for their money.

Travel by train to these cities is set to become reality with the proposed revival of the Trans Asian Railway, for which an agreement was signed by Railway Board Chairman J P Batra in New York."

More:The Hindu News Update Service

BBC NEWS | Europe | EU 'faces backlash from Turkey'

"EU 'faces backlash from Turkey'
By Ben Hammersley
BBC News, Turkey

Flags of Turkey and the EU in front of Istanbul mosque, Turkey, October 2005
EU caution towards Turkish accession may be a factor
The European Union is risking an Islamic backlash in Turkey, according to the EU's enlargement commissioner, Olli Rehn."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | EU 'faces backlash from Turkey'

Aegean producers head to China

"Aegean producers head to China
Industrialists from the Aegean region will occupy a stand at the Shanghai Free Zone in China -- one of the largest worldwide -- in order to exhibit their products.

Speaking to the Anatolia news agency, Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) Foreign Affairs Coordinator Ahmet Kınıklı said they were going to lease a 50 square meter stand."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

China's CREC to invest in Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

"China's CREC to invest in Turkey
Saturday, June 30, 2007

China’s leading construction company CREC is preparing to invest in Turkey. Having built world’s highest railway system in China, the company will focus on residence and infrastructure investments in Turkey"

More:China's CREC to invest in Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

People's Daily Online -- Turkish FM: plans prepared for cross-border fight against PKK

"Turkish FM: plans prepared for cross-border fight against PKK

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul said that detailed plans have been prepared for a cross-border operation against the outlawed Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) based in northern Iraq, daily newspaper Radikal reported on Friday.

If the Iraqi government and the United States cannot take actions against the threat of PKK, Turkish troops would launch the cross-border operation, Gul said in an interview with the Radikal."

More:People's Daily Online -- Turkish FM: plans prepared for cross-border fight against PKK

Military’s latest step: Fight terror with professionals

"Military’s latest step: Fight terror with professionals

The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) held another series of press conferences, the most recent being Wednesday at the Isparta-Eğirdir Mountain Brigade Commando School and Training Center, where Turkish soldiers are trained in the fight against Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorism."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

A SEASIDE VIEW - Living in Alanya - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

"A SEASIDE VIEW - Living in Alanya
Saturday, June 30, 2007

Being in Alanya

Donna Boyle

How does it feel to be living in Alanya at the moment? The changing pace is enough to make one's head spin. In the time it takes to drive to the supermarket and buy necessary ingredients for lasagna, the road home turns into a one-way street that is dug up in six places. The hot weather makes Alanya's 23,500 noisy, pavement-hogging mopeds no easier to bear. "

More:A SEASIDE VIEW - Living in Alanya - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

Ministry issues decree to protect minorities - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

"Ministry issues decree to protect minorities
Saturday, June 30, 2007

The Interior Ministry sent a decree to all governors' offices Thursday, noting that there was a rise in violence against religious minorities lately and asking them to protect non-Muslim groups."

More:Ministry issues decree to protect minorities - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

JTW News - Turkish-Russian energy cooperation

"Turkish-Russian energy cooperation
Print
Thursday , 28 June 2007

[BSEC IS CELEBRATING 15TH ANNIVERSARY-3]
Turkish-Russian energy cooperation
by
MARIA BEAT*

A decade and a half ago 11 countries in the Black Sea region jointly came together to form a business cooperation alliance.

On June 25, 1992, the leaders of the 11 countries -- namely Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine -- signed the Summit Declaration and the Bosporus Statement in Istanbul, giving birth to the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC). In doing so the member countries pursued the idea of creating a platform for multilateral cooperation, supplementing ties of bilateral development. With the entry into force of its charter on May 1, 1999, the BSEC acquired an international legal identity and was subsequently recognized as a full-fledged economic entity known as the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation."

More:JTW News - Turkish-Russian energy cooperation

The cream of Turkish golf at the TSYD Cup - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

"The cream of Turkish golf at the TSYD Cup
Saturday, June 30, 2007

Turkey Sports Journalists Association (TSYD) Cup is ready to bring the finest names on the Turkish golfing scene to the Klassis Golf & Country Club course this Sunday."

More:The cream of Turkish golf at the TSYD Cup - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

TheStar.com - News - Looking to Rumi for key to Canada

"Looking to Rumi for key to Canada

Ancient Turkish mystic taught tolerance, an idea honoured at Canadian party marking July 1
Jun 30, 2007 04:30 AM
Mitch Potter
EUROPE BUREAU

ISTANBUL– It is a sweltering weeknight on the outer edge of Europe and just across the languid Bosphorus Strait we can see night's first lights flickering from the Asian side. The Islamic call to prayer echoes from a mosque not far away."

More:TheStar.com - News - Looking to Rumi for key to Canada

Friday, June 29, 2007

Risk of Islamist backlash if EU shuns Turkey

"Risk of Islamist backlash if EU shuns Turkey
BRUSSELS: The European Union should keep alive Turkey’s prospects of joining the bloc or risk a nationalist or Islamist backlash in its neighbourhood, a newspaper quoted the EU’s enlargement commissioner as saying.

Olli Rehn told the European Voice weekly that while acknowledging French President Nicolas Sarkozy’s opposition to Turkey’s EU entry, the European Commission believed it necessary “to keep our word and respect our existing commitments”. “If you look at the current political situation in the Middle East ... we don’t need another nationalist or Islamist problem in the neighbourhood of Europe,” he told the weekly in an interview."

More:Risk of Islamist backlash if EU shuns Turkey

Alternatives challenge Turkey's energy corridor - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

"Alternatives challenge Turkey's energy corridor
Saturday, June 30, 2007

Thomas Grove
ISTANBUL - Reuters

Turkey must act swiftly to ensure a newly proposed natural gas pipeline that will pump Russian gas to Europe under the Black Sea will not dash Ankara's hopes of turning the country into an energy corridor for Europe. "

More:Alternatives challenge Turkey's energy corridor - Turkish Daily News Jun 30, 2007

Northern Iraq exports terrorism to Turkey: Baykal

"Northern Iraq exports terrorism to Turkey: Baykal
Among those listening to the speech was Massoud Barzani, the head of the semi-autonomous Kurdish administration in the north of Iraq and the leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party."

More:Northern Iraq exports terrorism to Turkey: Baykal

Reuters AlertNet - Leader says Kurds to fight back if attacked-radio

"Leader says Kurds to fight back if attacked-radio

BERLIN, June 29 (Reuters) - Masoud Barzani, the head of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq, warned on Friday of a "catastrophe" if Turkey attacked his territory and vowed that Kurds would defend themselves.

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul was quoted as saying on Friday that Turkey has prepared detailed plans for a cross-border operation into Iraq against Kurdish rebels and will act if U.S. or Iraqi forces fail to tackle them."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Leader says Kurds to fight back if attacked-radio

Parting the Veil » The Moderate Voice

"Parting the Veil

By Michael van der Galien

I had the opportunity to review an article by Shadi Hamid, Project on Middle East Democracy’s Director of Research, called “Parting the Veil.” It is well worth the read, I checked at the articles section at POMED, but they didn’t publish it online yet, I am sure they will later. I will keep an eye on it, and when they do, I will let you know. For now, some thoughts on this article.

“Parting the Veil” is an interesting, thought provoking read. I cannot say that I agree with everything Hamid writes, but he makes some good points, and raises some interesting questions.

The main point the author makes is that the West - better, the US - should stop disenfranchising and isolating Islamist movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood. According to Hamid, there is only one way forward in the Middle East: and that’s by promoting Democracy there."

More:Parting the Veil » The Moderate Voice

Istanbul gets $322.15 million loan from the World Bank | Huliq: Breaking News

"Istanbul gets $322.15 million loan from the World Bank
Symbol of Istanbul Municipality

The World Bank Board of Executive Directors approved on June 28 a US$322.15 million loan in support of Turkey’s Istanbul Municipality Infrastructure Project (IMIP).

Istanbul is one of the largest cities in Europe and Turkey’s main center of industrial, financial, service and other economic activities."

More:Istanbul gets $322.15 million loan from the World Bank | Huliq: Breaking News

Turkey sour over EU refusal to open talks | World | Reuters

"Turkey sour over EU refusal to open talks
Tue Jun 26, 2007 5:55PM BST

By Ingrid Melander

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Turkey criticised the European Union on Tuesday for refusing to extend membership talks to the politically sensitive area of economic and monetary policy, saying it hoped for progress soon.

The EU opened talks with Turkey on two new policy areas -- statistics and financial control -- a move that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said proved Ankara's accession bid was and would remain on track."

More:Turkey sour over EU refusal to open talks | World | Reuters

German university prepares Turkish engineers for global companies

"German university prepares Turkish engineers for global companies
A German university is creating a special master’s program in order to train engineers for global industry, meanwhile Turkish industry requires creative, productive and dynamic engineers who are specialized in research and development -- in an ideal symbiosis the program will help create engineers specialized in these areas.

Initially the Institute of Forming Technology and Lightweight Construction at Dortmund University program plans to cater to 30 engineers, 10 of which will come from Turkey. Young engineers attending this free master’s program have a chance to work and carry out research for global firms."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

When the Kurds enter the Turkish Parliament

"When the Kurds enter the Turkish Parliament

Ilnur Cevik
28 June 2007

ilnurcevik@yahoo.com

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the Kurds should enter Parliament and say whatever they have to say there instead of trying to create discord. This really sounds great but can it work in practice remains to be seen."

More:The New Anatolian

Bozkurt disappointed at low number of female candidates

"Bozkurt disappointed at low number of female candidates
Emine Bozkurt, the European Parliament rapporteur on women's rights in Turkey, said she was deeply disappointed about the very limited number of women candidates in the upcoming July 22 general elections.

The Dutch Socialist MEP of Turkish origin, who has written the women's rights report in Turkey for the last two years, made clear that despite the promises to field many women in the candidate lists, the number of women who can be elected is very low."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey detains 23 in anti-al Qaeda swoop | World | Reuters

"Turkey detains 23 in anti-al Qaeda swoop
Wed Jun 20, 2007 12:58PM BST

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkish police have detained 23 people suspected of being linked to Islamic militant group al Qaeda, state-run news agency Anatolian said on Wednesday."

More:Turkey detains 23 in anti-al Qaeda swoop | World | Reuters

Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey - Izmir - SunExpress.de

"IZMIR, one of the seven wonders of the Antiquity
Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey, is located on the Izmir gulf, one of the most beautiful locations on the shore of the Egeean Sea.

. It is one of the seven wonders of Antiquity, and the birth place of Homer, the author of 'the Iliad and the Odyssey'. It is also the city of immortal love; Cleopatra spent the winter of the year 188 nearby, together with Antonius."

More:Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey - Izmir - SunExpress.de

Turkey aspires to milit technology

"Turkey aspires to milit technology By Selcan Hacaoglu

ANKARA, Turkey — For the first time ever, there are no U.S. bidders for a major Turkish arms contract, signaling serious snags in one of the world’s closest military-commercial partnerships.

For more than 50 years, the United States and U.S. firms have been the main arms suppliers to Turkey, a lynchpin of NATO’s southern flank during the Cold War. Turkey, in a rough neighborhood that includes Iran, Iraq, Syria as well as traditional rival Greece, has also been eager to snatch up weapons to supply its large army, which is also dealing with a domestic Kurdish insurgency. At the heart of the problems today are both diplomatic and technical issues rooted in Turkey’s ambition to gain control over its military technology."

More:BakuSun

Energy signals in Turkish-Russian relations after BSEC summit

"Energy signals in Turkish-Russian relations after BSEC summit
by
SİNAN OGAN*
The Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) held its 15th annual summit in İstanbul.

The summit was marked by discussions over intense energy competition in the region, which attracted more debate than the pros and cons of the summit. Even Russian President Vladimir Putin attributed special attention to the energy issue during his speech at the summit and suggested launching the Black Sea Energy Ring Project."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Portugal opposes French target to redefine Europe's borders - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

"Portugal opposes French target to redefine Europe's borders
Friday, June 29, 2007

Cansu ÇAMLIBEL
Brussels-Turkish Daily News

Portugal opposes French target to redefine Europe's borders

Portuguese State Secretary for European Affairs Lobo Antunes opposed a request by France to start a discussion on the final borders of Europe, stating that a new debate on enlargement and borders was not an urgent matter for the European Union. Restating his country's strong commitment to Turkey's membership in the European Union, Antunes also pointed at the obligation of the European Union to remain transparent and in good faith during negotiations. "

Portugal opposes French target to redefine Europe's borders - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

Economic progress is a must for permanent solution in N.Cyprus - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

"Economic progress is a must for permanent solution in N.Cyprus
Friday, June 29, 2007

Sevda Yüzbaşıoğlu
Istanbul - Referans

Sustainable economic progress is necessary in order to secure the place of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in global economy. This can be achieved through a healthy dialogue between all parts of the society, said Prime Minister of nothern Cyprus Ferdi Sabit Soyer. "

More:Economic progress is a must for permanent solution in N.Cyprus - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

Turkey 'most anti-US country' in world, poll says - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

"Turkey 'most anti-US country' in world, poll says
Friday, June 29, 2007

Ümit ENGİNSOY
WASHINGTON - Turkish Daily News

Favorable views of the United States have fallen to single digits in Turkey, which emerged as the world's "most anti-US country" in this year's annual global poll by the Pew Research Center."

More:Turkey 'most anti-US country' in world, poll says - Turkish Daily News Jun 29, 2007

Armenians and Turks should reconcile: Wilson

"Armenians and Turks should reconcile: Wilson
The US Ambassador to Ankara referred to 1915 Armenian incidents as one of the greatest tragedies of the last century.

IZMIR - Turks and Armenians to openly debate the incidents of 1915 and build an atmosphere of reconciliation, US Ambassador to Ankara Ross Wilson said Friday."

More:Armenians and Turks should reconcile: Wilson

Ambassador Serenius: Negative reporting does not help Turkish-EU ties

"Ambassador Serenius: Negative reporting does not help Turkish-EU ties

The New Anatolian / Ankara
29 June 2007

Negative news reports on Turkey's EU membership bid do not contribute to Turkey-EU relations, Maria Serenius, Finnish Ambassador to Turkey, said on Friday.

Positive developments also happen in this process, but they are overshadowed by negative developments reflected to the nation (through media), Serenius noted in an exclusive interview with the Anatolian News Agency."

More:The New Anatolian

Turkish government turns on the money taps ahead of election

"Turkish government turns on the money taps ahead of election
Markets had reacted well to the call for early general elections in Turkey, hoping that this could prevent populist policies impacting on the budget.

ANKARA - A series of recent measures taken by the government in the lead up to the July 22 general election ranging from increasing public workers wages to delaying the repayment by farmers of their debts is estimated to have cost more than 11 billion YTL."

More:Turkish government turns on the money taps ahead of election

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Turkey: Armed Forces obliged to adopt a "wait and see" strategy in political matters

"Turkey: Armed Forces obliged to adopt a 'wait and see' strategy in political matters

The fact that Ankara cannot intervene in the North of Iraq is paradoxically giving the army a further chance to re-launch itself. Following the Presidential elections and on the eve of the legislative elections, the Armed Forces find themselves as having two different means of influencing Turkish politics."

More:Turkey: Armed Forces obliged to adopt a "wait and see" strategy in political matters

IntelliBriefs: Turkey should try to isolate PKK instead of attack

"June 28, 2007
Turkey should try to isolate PKK instead of attack

http://www.turkishdailynews.com.tr/
Thursday, June 28, 2007

OPINIONS

Imran KHAN

Turkey has threatened to enter in Iraq to root out the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party's (PKK) separatists who attack inside Turkey. The powerful Turkish military is focused on the immediate task of stopping deadly attacks. However the situation in Iraq is worst and it could deteriorate even further if Turkey decides to go ahead with its plans for possible incursion."

More:IntelliBriefs: Turkey should try to isolate PKK instead of attack

Turkey rediscovers the Middle East or the US rediscovers Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

"Turkey rediscovers the Middle East or the US rediscovers Turkey
Thursday, June 28, 2007

ELİF ÖZMENEK
NEW YORK - Turkish Daily News

Stephen Larrabee who holds the corporate chair in European Security at the RAND Corporation, an influential think-tank in the U.S., published an article titled Turkey rediscovers the Middle East in this month's Foreign Affairs. Larrabee's article draws attention to an interesting point: He argues that in a departure from its traditional foreign policy, Turkey is now becoming an important player in the Middle East. Turkey's growing concern over Kurdish nationalism has brought Ankara closer to the governments of Iran and Syria, which also contend with restive Kurds at home. "

More:Turkey rediscovers the Middle East or the US rediscovers Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

Georgia: Parliament Considers Meskhetian Turk Repatriation Plan

"GEORGIA: PARLIAMENT CONSIDERS MESKHETIAN TURK REPATRIATION PLAN
Paul Rimple 6/28/07

After several false starts, Georgia is on the verge of approving a plan that would permit the repatriation of thousands of Meskhetian Turks. Implementation of the plan would mark a major step in Georgia’s democratization process, but some opposition politicians warn that the legislation is vague and could lead to unpleasant surprises for the Georgian government."

More:EurasiaNet Civil Society - Georgia: Parliament Considers Meskhetian Turk Repatriation Plan

Iran News - Iranian 'Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam' in Turkish

"Iranian 'Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam' in Turkish

Thursday, June 28, 2007 - ?2005 IranMania.com

LONDON, June 28 (IranMania) - The Miras-e Maktub Research Center has published a collection of Omar Khayyam?s works entitled ?The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam? with a prologue and commentary by the Turkish scholar Abdulbaki Golpinarli on the occasion of his commemoration ceremony, MNA reported."

More:Iran News - Iranian 'Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam' in Turkish

More than 12 million motor vehicles in Turkey

"More than 12 million motor vehicles in Turkey

The New Anatolian / Ankara
28 June 2007

Total number of motor vehicles in Turkey has reached 12.4 million as of end-April, the Anatolian News Agency reported on Thursday.

According to data announced by the Turkish Board of Statistics (TUIK), automobiles amounted to 6.2 million, minibuses to 362.3 thousand, buses to 179.1 thousand, vans to 1.7 million, trucks to 714.9 thousand, motorcycles to 1.8 million and tractors to 1.3 million."

More:The New Anatolian

The High Cost of Heavy Petting: Turkish Prosecutor Angered by German Pressure - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

"Turkish Prosecutor Angered by German Pressure

With a trial expected to begin in earnest in one week, media coverage of a 17-year-old German youth held in a Turkish prison since April on charges of sexually abusing a 13-year-old is hotting up. Increasingly, it's looking to be a case of 'he said, she said.'"

More:The High Cost of Heavy Petting: Turkish Prosecutor Angered by German Pressure - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

SDSU professors lecture in Turkey on the nature of careers

"SDSU professors lecture in Turkey on the nature of careers
The importance of finding the right job holds true no matter if you live in South Dakota or more than 5,000 miles away in Turkey.

The husband-wife team of Hande and William “Chris” Briddick, assistant professors in the College of Education and Counseling at South Dakota State University, addressed that issue in a recent lecture at Ankara University in Ankara, Turkey.

Their talk, “The Future of Career Counseling,” focused on the changing nature of careers, both in the United States and globally, including implications for the future."

More:SDSU: News At State

Turkish Army Raises Pressure as Election Approaches

"Turkish Army Raises Pressure as Election Approaches (Update1)

By Louis Meixler
Enlarge Image
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, prime minister of Turkey

June 28 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey's military is increasing pressure on the government, which faces a national election next month, to allow soldiers to enter Iraq and attack Kurdish guerrilla bases used for cross-border raids."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Turkey Interest Rates to Fall After Vote, Akbank Says

"Turkey Interest Rates to Fall After Vote, Akbank Says (Update2)

By Ben Holland

June 28 (Bloomberg) -- Turkish interest rates may fall as next month's general election restores political stability to an economy bigger than two-thirds of European Union members, Akbank TAS's managing director said."

More:Bloomberg.com: Europe

Hottest day in Istanbul in 78 years, 2 die in Burdur and Sinop

"Hottest day in Istanbul in 78 years, 2 die in Burdur and Sinop

The New Anatolian / Ankara
28 June 2007

Yesterday was the hottest day of the last 78 years in Istanbul, Mustafa Yildirim, Director of Istanbul Meteorology Department, told the Anatolian News Agency on Wednesday.
The heat wave also hit the Mediterranean holiday resort of Antalya where temperatures went as high as 49 degrees Celsius.
He said, 'the temperature was 42.2 degrees Celsius at 3.00 p.m. in Kilyos (district of Istanbul) today. Previous record broken in Istanbul in June was 39.2 degrees Celsius on June 28, 1982.'"

More:The New Anatolian

Is the European center-right right about Turkey? - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

"Is the European center-right right about Turkey?
Thursday, June 28, 2007

The European center right is not against Turkey’s EU bid en masse. France is probably a lost cause, and there is indeed a skeptical attitude among many European conservatives, but there are other ones which are more optimistic"

More:Is the European center-right right about Turkey? - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

300-year old German Dallmayr Kaffee in Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

"300-year old German Dallmayr Kaffee in Istanbul
Thursday, June 28, 2007

Germany's 300-year old luxury brand, Dallmayr Kaffee, has opened its first store in Istanbul on Bağdat Avenue.

Coffee chains from around the world have their brands all over Istanbul, from Kadıköy to Beyoğlu and Ortaköy, from Rumelihisarı to Maslak and Ümraniye. All of them are very crowded and impersonal. Dallmayr, the latest addition, is a must if you want to try something new. "

More:300-year old German Dallmayr Kaffee in Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

Armenian News Agency - Germany interested in Turkey’s European orientation

"Germany interested in Turkey’s European orientation
27.06.2007 18:35 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Turkey criticized the European Union on Tuesday for refusing to extend membership talks to the politically sensitive area of economic and monetary policy, saying it hoped for progress soon. The EU opened talks with Turkey on two new policy areas -- statistics and financial control -- a move that German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said proved Ankara's accession bid was and would remain on track. “Turkey is a bridge between Europe and Near East, that is why we are interested in European orientation of this state,” he said."

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Germany interested in Turkey’s European orientation

TURKEY: What chance for religious freedom in Turkey's elections?

"TURKEY: What chance for religious freedom in Turkey's elections?

By Dr. Otmar Oehring, Head of the Human Rights Office of Missio

Turkey is due to hold parliamentary elections on 22 July, which will have a crucial impact on the presidential election due in autumn. Both elections will strongly influence the chances of greater freedom of thought, conscience and belief, Otmar Oehring of the German Catholic charity Missio http://www.missio.de/dcms/sites/missio2/missio-ueber-sich/leitthemen/menschenrechte/index.html notes. Turkish religious minorities Forum 18 News Service has spoken to are highly concerned about the outcome of the elections. For, as Dr Oehring observes in this personal commentary for Forum 18 http://www.forum18.org, Turks who want to see genuine freedom of thought, conscience and religion have little expectation that either the parliamentary or presidential election will bring any improvement. No political party with any chance of gaining real power wants either to tackle the dangerous media intolerance of religious minorities or to take the dramatic changes necessary to usher in genuine religious freedom."

More:Forum 18 Search/Archive

Holland’s new problem child: Yıldırım - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

"Holland’s new problem child: Yıldırım
Thursday, June 28, 2007

Accusations of racism fly in the Netherlands as Düzgün Yıldırım is coerced into abandoning his office. Turkish-Dutch politician Emine Bozkurt criticizes the Socialist Party for its unwise decision but denies the accusations of overt racism"

More:Holland’s new problem child: Yıldırım - Turkish Daily News Jun 28, 2007

IOL: Portugal rejects major EU debate on Turkey

"Portugal rejects major EU debate on Turkey

June 28 2007 at 01:21PM

Portugal, which becomes European Union president this weekend, does not plan to hold a major debate this year on the EU's borders and particularly Turkish membership, as requested by France."

More:IOL: Portugal rejects major EU debate on Turkey

When the Kurds enter the Turkish Parliament

"When the Kurds enter the Turkish Parliament

Ilnur Cevik
28 June 2007
ilnurcevik@yahoo.com

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the Kurds should enter Parliament and say whatever they have to say there instead of trying to create discord. This really sounds great but can it work in practice remains to be seen."

More:The New Anatolian

ECB: Stabilization successful in Turkey

"ECB: Stabilization successful in Turkey
The European Central Bank (ECB) said Turkey had experienced a brilliant stabilization process after its 2001 economic crisis.

The ECB released a report titled the 'Review of International Role of the Euro' on June 25. The report says that the recent downward trend in foreign currency deposits among EU candidate countries was driven by Turkey, where the share of foreign currency deposits in declined from more than 60 percent of total deposits in 2001 to about 40 percent at the end of 2006."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

New documents link Kissinger to two 1970s coups

"New documents link Kissinger to two 1970s coups

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger pushed for the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus and allowed arms to be moved to Ankara for an attack on that island in reaction to a coup sponsored by the Greek junta, according to documents and intelligence officers with close knowledge of the event. Nearly 700 pages of highly classified Central Intelligence Agency reports from the 1970's, known collectively as the 'Family Jewels,' are slated for public release today."

More:Past News & Analysis - New documents link Kissinger to two 1970s coups

Kissinger Bypassed Turkish Democracy To Set Up Coup « Ali Eteraz

"Kissinger Bypassed Turkish Democracy To Set Up Coup
Filed under: America, Politics — eteraz @ 2:37 am

Why doesn’t he just go away? Not only is he advising on the War in Iraq; but old documents are showing how much political engineering he was behind, including getting Turkey to invade Cyprus, and supporting a right-wing ultra-nationalist military dictator in Turkey."

More:Kissinger Bypassed Turkish Democracy To Set Up Coup « Ali Eteraz

Turkey deeply frustrated as Croatia starts talks with EU on six chapters

"Turkey deeply frustrated as Croatia starts talks with EU on six chapters

The New Anatolian / Ankara
28 June 2007

Turkish government sources on Wednesday said they were not at all happy with the European Union move to start talks on two more policy areas while similar talks with Croatia opened on six chapters leaving Ankara well behind in the race to get into the Union."

More:The New Anatolian

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Parchment paper reborn in its motherland

"Parchment paper reborn in its motherland
Parchment paper, one of the first versions of modern paper, is now going to be produced again on a large scale to promote the tourism industry in Bergama.

Originally invented in this district of present-day İzmir 2,000 years ago, parchment paper made Bergama (then Pergamon) an 'advanced civilization of the ancient world' and 'the capital of art and thought.' Now the Bergama Culture and Arts Foundation (BERKSAV) has taken on the task of giving new life to parchment."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Oskanian satisfied with activation of relations between Turkish Armenian community and Armeni

"Oskanian satisfied with activation of relations between Turkish Armenian community and Armenia
27.06.2007 14:01 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ June 24 the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople arranged a solemn reception in honor of Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian. Representatives of various Armenian organizations of Istanbul, Special Assistant to the Minister of the Armenian Foreign Ministry Salpsi Ghazarian, Armenia’s permanent representative in the BSEC Karen Mirzoyan, Sisli Deputy Mayor Vazgen Paryn also attended the event."

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Oskanian satisfied with activation of relations between Turkish Armenian community and Armenia

A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties

"A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties
Barçın YINANÇ

“A senior level official of the European Union is assassinated. Turkish forces enter the green zone on the island after escalating skirmishes in no man’s land. How will the EU react?”"

More:M.A.Birand » A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties

Ankara on the Hudson - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

"Ankara on the Hudson
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Taryn S. GILBERT

For anyone who has cast so much as a glance at any of the Turkish dailies in the last week, it is obvious that the latest question driving political frenzy is: what were the Turkish officials thinking when they decided to attend – and stay at – the recent Hudson Institute meeting. The questions agitating society, though, seem to go one step further, asking “why?” Why did the United States feel the need to formulate these tragic scenarios? And perhaps more importantly, why does the U.S. feel it has a place discussing the internal security matters of the Turkish nation? "

More:Ankara on the Hudson - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

Turkish Weekly Comment - Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey

"Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey
Metin Gezen

Monday , 25 June 2007

It is no secret that Russia is not happy with Turkey’s involvement of energy projects like BTC and intention to increase relations with the Russia’s backyard. Therefore Putin’s visit to Turkey is very important for understanding the latest stances and forecasting the next moves of the actors of the “New Great Game”."

More:Turkish Weekly Comment - Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey

Turkey Military: Need Iraq Guide - washingtonpost.com

"Turkey Military: Need Iraq Guide

By SELCAN HACAOGLU
The Associated Press
Wednesday, June 27, 2007; 5:20 AM

ANKARA, Turkey -- Turkey's military chief asked the government on Wednesday to set political guidelines for an incursion into northern Iraq to fight Kurdish guerrillas targeting Turkey."

More:Turkey Military: Need Iraq Guide - washingtonpost.com

FT warns on Turkey's current account deficit - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

"FT warns on Turkey's current account deficit
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

ISTANBUL- Turkish Daily News

Turkey's current account deficit ratio to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) may increase to double digits by 2009, warned The Financial Times, in an article analysing 'carry trade'."

More:FT warns on Turkey's current account deficit - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

ekathimerini.com | Greek, Turk PMs avoid touchy topics

"Greek, Turk PMs avoid touchy topics

By Stavros Lygeros

The talks between Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) Organization summit in Istanbul on Monday did not touch on crucial bilateral issues. The meeting simply served the pre-electoral needs of the two premiers. Accordingly, both leaders intentionally left all controversial issues off the agenda of talks. So just under an hour of talks was spent on a mutual briefing and exchange of views."

More:ekathimerini.com | Greek, Turk PMs avoid touchy topics

Ataturk's legacy from Ben Hammersley

"Ataturk's legacy

This post is written for BBC News, for which I also produce video on YouTube, links on del.icio.us, and photographs on Flickr. My work email address is Ben.Hammersley@bbc.co.uk

BBC News logo

Like every other town in the country, Trabzon’s main square is overlooked by a statue of Ataturk, the father of the nation. But here, on the shores of the Black Sea, his ideas are taken very seriously indeed."

More:Ataturk's legacy from Ben Hammersley

Iran News - Turkish scholar commemorated in Tehran

"Turkish scholar commemorated in Tehran

Wednesday, June 27, 2007 - ?2005 IranMania.com

LONDON, June 27 (IranMania) - Turkish scholar Abdulbaki Golpinarli (1900-1982), famous for his knowledge of the Persian poet and mystic Molana Jalal ad-Din Rumi, was honored by the Miras-e Maktub Research Center during a two-day seminar which began at the Tehran University?s Allameh Amini Hall on June 25, MNA reported."

More:Iran News - Turkish scholar commemorated in Tehran

Turkey urged over Iraq battle plan - CNN.com

"Turkey urged over Iraq battle plan
POSTED: 1132 GMT (1932 HKT), June 27, 2007

(CNN) -- Turkey's top military commander urged his government's political leaders to make the guidelines clear if his forces are ordered across the Iraqi border to battle rebels with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a prospect he suggested would be helpful.

Since the early 1980s, the Turkish government has been fighting the Kurdish separatist group, which wants an independent nation for its people. The battle has taken more than 30,000 lives. The European Union and the United States consider the PKK a terrorist group."

More:Turkey urged over Iraq battle plan - CNN.com

Turk army chief reaffirms need for N.Iraq incursion - washingtonpost.com

"Turk army chief reaffirms need for N.Iraq incursion

By Gareth Jones
Reuters
Wednesday, June 27, 2007; 7:47 AM

ANKARA (Reuters) - The head of Turkey's powerful armed forces reaffirmed on Wednesday his view that a cross-border operation into northern Iraq was needed to crush Kurdish rebels based there."

More:Turk army chief reaffirms need for N.Iraq incursion - washingtonpost.com

People's Daily Online -- Turkish president says int'l cooperation key to energy security

"Turkish president says int'l cooperation key to energy security

Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer said on Tuesday that international cooperation was essential to resolving today's energy problems, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported.

Speaking at the 10th Annual International Energy Conference entitled 'East Meets West: New Frontiers of Energy Security,' Sezer said as a result of the acceleration of globalization and energy consumption increase, cooperation and mutual dependency in energy had further developed."

More:People's Daily Online -- Turkish president says int'l cooperation key to energy security

Turkish court rejects ecumenical status of Istanbul-based Orthodox Patriarchate - International Herald Tribune

"Turkish court rejects ecumenical status of Istanbul-based Orthodox Patriarchate

ANKARA, Turkey: A Turkish court on Tuesday ruled that the Istanbul-based Orthodox Patriarch is not the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, and is only the head of the local Greek Orthodox community."

More:Turkish court rejects ecumenical status of Istanbul-based Orthodox Patriarchate - International Herald Tribune

Turkey reeling under extreme, scorching temperatures

"Turkey reeling under extreme, scorching temperatures
A formidable heat wave rolling across the Mediterranean from North Africa continues to bake Turkey, with humidity on the rise and the more vulnerable members of society being put at risk from the unseasonable temperatures."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Oskanian to Turkey: Open borders

"Oskanian to Turkey: Open borders

The New Anatolian
27 June 2007

Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian currently in Istanbul participating in the BSEC summit, called on Turkey to open the Armenian border, which is closed since 1993, the PanArmenian.net reported on Tuesday."

More:The New Anatolian

M.A.Birand » To their European friends from the Turkish people

"To their European friends from the Turkish people
C. Cem OGUZ

Dear friends,

We read your declaration published in the International Herald Tribune on May 16 and have grasped the “unambiguous” message you sent us in these indeed “fraught” circumstances. We have also appreciated your call on the European governments “to reaffirm the promises and commitments that the EU has made in the past.”"

More:M.A.Birand » To their European friends from the Turkish people

Turks celebrate the official using of their language in Gjilan

"Turks celebrate the official using of their language in Gjilan

26.06.2007 ET Gjilan (KosovaLive)

The chief of the Turkish Liaison Office in Prishtina, Vulkan Tyrk Vural, said that the official using of the Turkish language in the municipality of Gjilan is an indicator that Kosova is moving forward and an effort of the institutional efforts for the integration of all the communities, so that they can feel equal in Kosova."

KosovaLive

Turkey ranks fourth in Blue Flag - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

"Turkey ranks fourth in Blue Flag
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

KUŞADASI - Anatolia News Agency

Turkey's 235 beaches and 14 marinas were awarded the Blue Flag, an international eco-label and a symbol of trustworthy waters over five continents. The awards have been announced by the International Blue Flag Jury in 2007. "

More:Turkey ranks fourth in Blue Flag - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

The peaceful sound of ney echoes in Hagia Irene - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

"The peaceful sound of ney echoes in Hagia Irene
Wednesday, June 27, 2007

VERCİHAN ZİFLİOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News

Musician Kudsi Erguner attracts the attention of masses all around the world with the ney (reed flute) that he brings to life with his breath. The artist believes that music should not be entertainment but make people think. "

More:The peaceful sound of ney echoes in Hagia Irene - Turkish Daily News Jun 27, 2007

The city where Turkey's republic lost its way

"The city where Turkey's republic lost its way

Published: 27/6/2007 | Last Updated: 27/6/2007 00:45 London Time

If anywhere in Turkey ought to be an opposition stronghold, it is Sivas. This city of 350,000 people on the high Anatolian plateau, 450km east of Ankara, was the base from which Ataturk's republican revolution spread to the rest of the country nearly 90 years ago. A ­slogan in gold lettering beside a statue of the nation's founder, just off the main square, says: 'The republic began here.'"

More:PEuro2day :: The city where Turkey's republic lost its way

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Intelligence officers confirm Kissinger role in Turkish invasion

"Intelligence officers confirm Kissinger role in Turkish invasion
Larisa Alexandrovna and Muriel Kane
Published: Wednesday June 27, 2007

Release of CIA’s ‘Family Jewels’ provides insight into political juggernaut and Bush Administration adviser"

More:The Raw Story | Intelligence officers confirm Kissinger role in Turkish invasion

Honda to make Turkey its base - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

"Honda to make Turkey its base
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Honda, which has a supply deficit of almost 250,000 units, plans to meet the need for new cars by making Turkey the core of its European operations. New plans and investments might emerge during the upcoming visit of CEO Takeo Fukuki to Istanbul"

More:Honda to make Turkey its base - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

ekathimerini.com | Greek, Turk PMs upbeat on ties

"Greek, Turk PMs upbeat on ties

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday stressed their determination to boost Greek-Turkish ties on the sidelines of a summit of Black Sea countries focusing on EU relations and regional energy routes.

«Our basic aim remains the full normalization of Greek-Turkish relations,» Karamanlis said after talks with Erdogan."

More:ekathimerini.com | Greek, Turk PMs upbeat on ties

Alfa Group eyeing Turkish cinema market

"Alfa Group eyeing Turkish cinema market

RBC, 26.06.2007, Moscow 10:12:42.Alfa Group's investment unit, A1, has signed a preliminary agreement to buy almost 52% in Turkey's major cinema operator AFM Uluslararasi Film Produksiyon, RBC Daily wrote today. It is generally believed on the market that the acquisition will boost the capitalization of the Russian Kronverk Cinema owned by A1. Kronverk Cinema is contemplating an IPO before 2008. However, this agreement was a surprise, as market participants believe it would have been more natural for A1 to take over Russian operators and consolidate the company's position in Russia. General Director of Cinema Park Sergei Kitin says the Turkish chain may be followed by other foreign acquisitions."

RosBusinessConsulting - News Online

German entrepreneurs invite Turkish businessmen to Germany

"German entrepreneurs invite Turkish businessmen to Germany

EkoTürk News Agency / İzmir
26 June 2007

Werner Stamplun, administrator of the German Rhein-Erft county, stated on Monday that they expected the businessmen of Aegean city of Izmir to invest in their region.
Stamplun paid a visit to Aegean Region Chamber of Industry (EBSO) to explore the further investment and cooperation opportunities between Izmir and German city of Cologne, especially in areas of energy and chemistry.
Underscoring that there were intense investments in Rhein-Erft region concerning these two sectors, Stamplun said they wanted to improve the current economic cooperation with Turkey, focusing on areas such as bio-gas, bio-energy and chemistry mainly."

More:The New Anatolian

The promises of parties for women

"The promises of parties for women

Political parties are being criticized for not having enough woman candidates; their manifestos are being examined. The Association of Women (Ka-Der) will announce their views after the manifestos of all parties are publicized."

More:SABAH Newspaper English Edition - National - The promises of parties for women

A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

"A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Barçın YINANÇ

“A senior level official of the European Union is assassinated. Turkish forces enter the green zone on the island after escalating skirmishes in no man's land. How will the EU react?” "

More:A doomsday scenario for EU-Turkey ties - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

Babacan: Turkey will add to the competitiveness of the EU

"Babacan: Turkey will add to the competitiveness of the EU

EkoTürk News Agency / İstanbul
26 June 2007

'Law, democracy and education will be the pillars for future economic growth of Turkey,' said Turkish State Minister and Chief Negotiator for EU talks Ali Babacan on Monday.
In a keynote speech delivered at a meeting titled 'Investing in Turkey-Investing in the Region' and co-sponsored by the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and Vienna Economic Forum, Babacan indicated that Turkey has attracted the attention of many surrounding countries and EU member states with its process of change in the past five years."

More:The New Anatolian

Spyker plans to unleash new car

"Spyker plans to unleash new car
RivalsDM, Updated 4 hours ago

Etihad Spyker managing director and team principal Colin Kolles confirmed the team are planning to unleash a new car at the Turkish Grand Prix.

The car will feature several of alterations to their current model and will be revealed for the 12th round of the world championship on August 26 in Istanbul."

More:FOX Sports on MSN - F1 - Spyker plans to unleash new car

Civilizations must normalize dialogue - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

"Civilizations must normalize dialogue
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

TOMMASO NELLI
ISTANBUL - Turkish Daıly News

After delivering a powerful lecture yesterday to journalists and scholars at the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation (TESEV) building in Istanbul, former President Portugal Jorge Sampaio went on to meet Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. "

More:Civilizations must normalize dialogue - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

Turkey leases Israeli spy plane to combat PKK - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

"Turkey leases Israeli spy plane to combat PKK
Tuesday, June 26, 2007

ANKARA – Turkish Daily News

The Turkish military has leased an Israeli-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mainly to combat increasing terror attacks in the country's southeast. The lease period is one year.The UAV, manufactured by Israeli Aerospace Industries (IAI) will be delivered to Ankara next week. It will be stationed in Batman and operated by an Israeli squad, defense officials in Ankara said. Turkish military personnel will only perform the sensor operation duty for the UAV. "

More:Turkey leases Israeli spy plane to combat PKK - Turkish Daily News Jun 26, 2007

Papadopoulos calls for immediate implementation of Ankara Agreement

"Papadopoulos calls for immediate implementation of Ankara Agreement

26/06/2007

Cypriot President Tassos Papadopoulos said here Monday that Turkey must implement the Additional Protocol to the Ankara Agreement without any further delay.

He made the statement while receiving the credentials of new Ambassador of Chile to the Republic of Cyprus, based in Athens, Sofia Prats Cuthbert.

Presenting her credentials, the new Ambassador of Chile said her country has been committed to “Cyprus over the years through diplomatic efforts to help alleviate the consequences of its territorial division and to support a comprehensive and peaceful solution. As a member of the United Nations and by participating in the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, with military personnel from Chile”."

More:Financial Mirror

Olli Rehn-EU Commissioner for Enlargement

"EU Commissioner for Enlargement

50 years of deepening and widening

Conference ‘Fifty Years of the EU – Three Decades of Enlargement: the Road Ahead’
26 June 2007

I am pleased to be here today to open this conference. DG Enlargement has put together an excellent set of panels to discuss the key issues facing enlargement. This is a great opportunity to learn lessons from past enlargements and prepare for future ones.

But I’d like to start by taking issue – in a most friendly manner – with the reference in title of the conference to “Three decades of enlargement”. Why only three decades? In fact, enlargement has been part of the development of European integration right from the start. Let’s remember the existential debate among the original six Member States, and the outside seven. Enlargement was a major item on the agenda in 1963, when General de Gaulle opposed the accession of the United Kingdom – the same year when he signed the Ankara Agreement with Turkey."

More:..:: ABHABER.COM

Croatia Leaps Past Turkey on Road to EU Membership

"Croatia Leaps Past Turkey on Road to EU Membership

By James G. Neuger

June 26 (Bloomberg) -- Croatia leapt past Turkey on the road to European Union membership, opening negotiations in six EU policy areas and staying on course to join as soon as the end of the decade.

Croatia's progress came as the Turkish government started talks in only two areas and was blocked from a third by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, an opponent of Turkey's EU bid."

More:Bloomberg.com: Germany

Look the Other Way: U.S. Stance on Limited N. Iraq Incursions

"Look the Other Way: U.S. Stance on Limited N. Iraq Incursions

By Soner Cagaptay
Today's Zaman, June 25, 2007

The United States has done a lot behind the scenes, such as shutting down the terrorist Kurdistan Workers' Party's (PKK) financial network in Europe, but Turks need something more tangible from the superpower US, says Soner Cagaptay, a senior fellow and director of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy's Turkish Research Program.

"At this stage what is tangible is something whose picture can be taken and put on the front page of Today's Zaman," he says. A tangible action is either some type of military action or the delivery of some PKK members to Turkey, Cagaptay notes. "

More:Article or Op-Ed

Tensions, fear pervade Iraqi-Turkish border | Reuters.ca

"Tensions, fear pervade Iraqi-Turkish border
Tue Jun 26, 2007 8:10 AM EDT15

By Shamal Aqrawi

DASHT TAKH, Iraq (Reuters) - Farouq Youhana fled car bombs and snipers in Baghdad to start a new life in a village in northern Iraq's autonomous region of Kurdistan.

Little did he know that within days he would hear Turkish shells being fired at separatist Kurdish rebels based just inside the Iraqi border."

More:Tensions, fear pervade Iraqi-Turkish border | Reuters.ca

Kurdish official describes the PKK as an internal issue for Turkey

"Kurdish official describes the PKK as an internal issue for Turkey

( Cihan ) - The prime minister of the Kurdish administration in Arbil, north Iraq, Nachirvan Barzani, said that the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) was an internal issue for Turkey, and that they would not interfere in the internal issues of any of their neighbors.

Speaking at the prime ministry, Barzani said that there was no relation between the PKK and the northern Iraqi Kurdish government and reiterated his appeal for a peaceful solution to the problems. "

More:"Trend" news agency

Monday, June 25, 2007

Reuters AlertNet - Members of Turkish Hizbullah sentenced to life

"Members of Turkish Hizbullah sentenced to life

DIYARBAKIR, Turkey, June 25 (Reuters) - Ten members of banned Turkish Islamist organisation Hizbullah were sentenced to life in prison on Monday after a 13-year-long trial for killing 24 people and carrying out bomb attacks during the 1990s."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Members of Turkish Hizbullah sentenced to life

American Chronicle: The Rise of a Sinister Russo-Turkish Axis

"The Rise of a Sinister Russo-Turkish Axis

Dr. Muhammad Shamsaddin Megalommatis
June 25, 2007

With Vladimir Putin’s visit to Turkey tomorrow, a new stage of bipartisan – and eventually bilateral – cooperation will be launched. Very little has been published so far on the advanced rapprochement between the age-old enemies on Black Sea’s northern and southern shores. "

More:American Chronicle: The Rise of a Sinister Russo-Turkish Axis

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert In Ephesus

"Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert In Ephesus
Published: 6/25/2007

SELCUK - British Royal Philharmonic Orchestra gave a concert titled 'Tribute to A. Adnan Saygun's 100th birth Anniversary' at the Aegean city of Izmir, on Friday."

More:Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Concert In Ephesus

Reception Held In Honor Of Armenian Fm In Istanbul

"Reception Held In Honor Of Armenian Fm In Istanbul
Published: 6/25/2007

ISTANBUL - Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vartan Oskanian said he wished that the relations between Turkey and Armenia would have reached the desired point and the president would have represented Armenia in the summit of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)."

More:Reception Held In Honor Of Armenian Fm In Istanbul

VOA News - Top Armenian, Turkish Diplomats Hold Rare Talks at Summit

"Top Armenian, Turkish Diplomats Hold Rare Talks at Summit
By VOA News
25 June 2007

Vardan Oskanyan speaks during press conference in Istanbul, 25 Jun 2007
Vardan Oskanyan speaks during press conference in Istanbul, 25 Jun 2007
Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan has appealed to Turkey to reopen the border between their countries as an essential first step in healing historical disputes dividing them.

The Armenian minister issued his plea at talks with his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul on the sidelines of the Black Sea economic summit in Istanbul."

More:VOA News - Top Armenian, Turkish Diplomats Hold Rare Talks at Summit

Summit emphasises Turkey's pivotal place in Europe - 25-06-2007

"Summit emphasises Turkey's pivotal place in Europe

A summit is taking place in Turkey which will highlight the country's significance within Europe.

Foreign ministers, including Elmar Mammadyarov, the Azerbaijani foreign minister, as well as ministers from countries including the Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece and Russia, will also be in attendance at the summit in Istanbul."

More:Summit emphasises Turkey's pivotal place in Europe - 25-06-2007

Blue Flag" Award Ceremony In Kusadasi

"Blue Flag' Award Ceremony In Kusadasi
Published: 6/25/2007

KUSADASI - 'Blue Flag' award ceremony was held in Kusadasi resort town in western city of Aydin after Blue Flag International Jury in Danish capital of Copenhagen --under the coordination of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)-- deemed 235 beaches and 14 marinas of Turkey worthy to get 'Blue Flag' award."

More:Blue Flag" Award Ceremony In Kusadasi

Why Turkey suits two on holiday - Times Online

"Why Turkey suits two on holiday
One wanted to fly and flop, other other wanted culture. How do you keep a couple happy on one holiday? You take a tour of Turkey

My partner, Greg Doran, and I have come to Turkey to celebrate our 20th anniversary. During those years, we’ve learnt that we favour two different kinds of holiday – Greg wants culture, I want sun and sea; we’re hoping Turkey will provide both."

More:Why Turkey suits two on holiday - Times Online

Sema, Dance Of Whirling Dervishes Performed In New York

"Sema, Dance Of Whirling Dervishes Performed In New York
Published: 6/25/2007

NEW YORK - Istanbul Historical Music Ensemble performed sema, the dance of whirling dervishes, in 'The Town Hall' in New York on Saturday.

Speaking at the opening of the night, Turkish Culture & Tourism Ministry Executive Ahmet Ari said philosophy of Mevlana was based on understanding, tolerance, friendship and mutual respect among people, 'we want to share Mevlana philosophy with other people,' he added."

More:Sema, Dance Of Whirling Dervishes Performed In New York

The Daily Star - Business Articles - Istanbul hosts Black Sea summit

"Istanbul hosts Black Sea summit
By Agence France Presse (AFP)

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Istanbul hosts Black Sea summit

ISTANBUL: The leaders of a dozen nations in the Black Sea region, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledged here Monday to increase cooperation in energy and trade. A joint declaration issued at the end of the summit of the Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) acknowledged that political problems between member states were hindering economic exchnages in the oil-rich region and called for their peaceful settlement by negotiation."

More:The Daily Star - Business Articles - Istanbul hosts Black Sea summit

Turkish PM pledges more rights, presidential shake-up

"Turkish PM pledges more rights, presidential shake-up
Published: 6/24/2007

ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Sunday that he would change the constitution to limit the president's powers and expand basic rights and liberties if his party is re-elected in next month's legislative elections."

More:Turkish PM pledges more rights, presidential shake-up

EU puts off monetary union talks with Turkey

"EU puts off monetary union talks with Turkey

Brussels - The European Union and Turkey will not open membership negotiations on monetary and economic policy as scheduled on June 26, focusing instead on less controversial questions linked to statistics and financial contro, EU diplomats said Monday.

'The monetary chapter was not considered ripe for discussion at the moment,' an EU diplomat told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa.

Discussions on Tuesday will, however, focus on bringing Turkish legislation on statistics and financial control in line with EU rules.

In addition, EU-Turkey discussions could also start shortly on company law and financial services, said the EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity."

More:http://nationmultimedia.com/worldhotnews/read.php?newsid=30037757

Germany demands release of boy held in Turkish jail for two months - Independent Online Edition > Europe

"Germany demands release of boy held in Turkish jail for two months
By Tony Paterson in Berlin
Published: 25 June 2007

Germany and Turkey are heading for a diplomatic row after Berlin formally demanded the immediate release of a 17-year-old German schoolboy held for more than two months in a Turkish jail allegedly for merely kissing and flirting with a 13-year-old British girl."

More:Germany demands release of boy held in Turkish jail for two months - Independent Online Edition > Europe

Turks abroad start to exercise their vote

"Turks abroad start to exercise their vote
Today Turkey is setting up ballot boxes for Turkish voters living abroad who will use their votes in the 23rd parliamentary elections schedule for Sunday, July 22."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

INSIGHT: EU enlargement ‘biggest political, economic success of past decade’ says Kalfin - News news

"INSIGHT: EU enlargement ‘biggest political, economic success of past decade’ says Kalfin
09:00 Mon 25 Jun 2007

The European Union must work to engage Turkey and keep it “engaged with European values...on a pro-European route,” says Ivailo Kalfin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in an exclusive interview in The Report: Emerging Bulgaria 2007, produced by Oxford Business Group (OBG) the UK-based publishing, research and consultancy service."

More:INSIGHT: EU enlargement ‘biggest political, economic success of past decade’ says Kalfin - News news

Turks are Turks - Turkish Daily News Jun 25, 2007

"Turks are Turks
Monday, June 25, 2007

QUENTIN POULSENINTERMEDIATE

'Biz bize benzeriz,' Atatürk used to say. 'We are like ourselves.'

It is a mistake, I believe, to say Turkey is European, or Asian, or Middle Eastern.

Its geography includes all of these. But its culture can only be called Turkish.

The political system is like that of Western Europe, the military and police seem more Eastern European, and the main religion is from the Middle East."

More:Turks are Turks - Turkish Daily News Jun 25, 2007

EU nations don't want Turkey in, Turkish enthusiasm also declining

"EU nations don't want Turkey in, Turkish enthusiasm also declining

The New Anatolian / Ankara
25 June 2007

Opinion polls released over the weekend show Turkish interest in the European Union is on the decline while people in key EU countries still do not want Turkey as a member.
People in four countries belonging to the European Union (EU) oppose Turkey's potential entry, according to a poll by Harris Interactive published in the Financial Times. 71 percent of respondents in France, 66 percent in Germany, and 55 percent in Italy believe Turkey should not be invited to join the continental group."

More:The New Anatolian

Turkey's tourism sector back on track - Turkish Daily News Jun 25, 2007

"Turkey's tourism sector back on track
Monday, June 25, 2007

Turkish tourism recovered from its downward spiral and tourist numbers are rising, said Ahmet Barut, the president of Turkey's Hotelier's Federation (TÜROFED). "

More:Turkey's tourism sector back on track - Turkish Daily News Jun 25, 2007

Meeting of BSEC Foreign Ministers Commences in Turkey

"Meeting of BSEC Foreign Ministers Commences in Turkey

Azerbaijan, Baku / corr Trend K.Ramazanova / A meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) began in Turkey.

Zakir Hashimov, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkey, informed from Istanbul that attending the meeting are the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, as well as the foreign ministers of Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Moldova, Russia, Romania, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine. The ministers will coordinate the final declaration of the summit."

More:"Trend" news agency

Turkish Weekly Comment - Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey

"Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey
Metin Gezen

Monday , 25 June 2007

This commentary is from USAK's Energy Review Newsletter
http://www.turkishweekly.net/energy
To subscribe email to energyreview@turkishweekly.net
It is no secret that Russia is not happy with Turkey’s involvement of energy projects like BTC and intention to increase relations with the Russia’s backyard. Therefore Putin’s visit to Turkey is very important for understanding the latest stances and forecasting the next moves of the actors of the “New Great Game”."

More:Turkish Weekly Comment - Putin’s visit and the energy strategy towards Turkey

ekathimerini.com | Turkey firm on Aegean

"Turkey firm on Aegean
FM Gul invokes 1997 treaty on settling differences; downbeat on Cyprus

Turkey and Greece both have «legitimate and vital interests in the Aegean,» Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told Kathimerini in an interview published yesterday.

«Both countries are bound by the Treaty of Madrid in 1997 to... settle their differences by peaceful means on the basis of mutual agreement,» Gul said, referring to a pact signed by former premiers Costas Simitis and Suleyman Demirel. Gul said Turkey «is determined to have good-neighborly relations with Greece» but avoided explaining why Turkish authorities refuse to annul the threat of war, or casus belli, over the possibility of Greece extending its territorial waters in the Aegean. Gul's comments came ahead of today's scheduled meeting in Istanbul between Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan."

More:ekathimerini.com | Turkey firm on Aegean

Turkey's unique location offers great opportunities

"Turkey's unique location offers great opportunities

Ilnur Cevik
25 June 2007

ilnurcevik@yahoo.com

Today we host the summit of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization in Istanbul which once again highlights Turkey's unique geo-strategic importance.

The cooperation of Black Sea nations could provide excellent opportunities for the people of the region yet it is sad that this has not been properly utilized until now. The region can turn into a major European Union type entity as it becomes the world's second largest energy location after the Middle East."

More:The New Anatolian

France puts brakes on EU-Turkey talks — EUbusiness - EU business, legal and financial news and information - EUbusiness.com

"France puts brakes on EU-Turkey talks
25 June 2007, 09:00 CET

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union presidency on Monday decided not to open membership talks with Turkey on one of three new policy areas, an EU diplomat said, after France demanded the chapter be blocked.

'At the demand of the German presidency and the European Commission, the chapter on economic and monetary policy has been withdrawn from the agenda of the meeting of ambassadors,' the diplomat said, on condition of anonymity."

More:France puts brakes on EU-Turkey talks — EUbusiness - EU business, legal and financial news and information - EUbusiness.com

A silent revolution in Turkey

"A silent revolution in Turkey
By A B McConnel

Here's the latest news from Turkey: there will be no coup. Nor will sharia law be imposed. Instead, the economy will continue to grow, the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will most likely consolidate its parliamentary majority in the July 22 elections, and Turkey's regional clout will continue to increase.

Sound counterintuitive? Only if one pays excessive attention to reports about Turkey in the international press or the more sensationalist or alarmist Turkish publications, and not enough to actual developments in Turkish society. Turkey is undergoing a silent revolution, but one that has nothing to do with soldiers or fundamentalists. "

More:Asia Times Online :: Middle East News, Iraq, Iran current affairs

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Kirkpinar Oiled Wrestling Festival, 20 June 2007 to 26 June 2007 - Edirne, Turkey

"Kirkpinar Oiled Wrestling Festival
Edirne, Turkey - 20 June 2007 to 26 June 2007
Kirkpinar is the oldest wrestling festival in the world and has a long and rich history which dates back to the early days of the Ottoman Empire.

When the Ottomans were residing in Anatolia, they began to make a push into Rumelia which culminated in a siege on the town of Edirne in 1361."

More:Kirkpinar Oiled Wrestling Festival, 20 June 2007 to 26 June 2007 - Edirne, Turkey

Anwar Ibrahim: EU ‘no’ to Turkey will be perceived as ‘no’ to Islam

"Anwar Ibrahim: EU ‘no’ to Turkey will be perceived as ‘no’ to Islam
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim, an inspirational figure for many Muslims in Southeast Asia, said a possible rejection of Turkey's bid to join the EU will be perceived by Muslims all over the world as a 'no' to Islam."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

How Far Alienation?

"How Far Alienation?
Published: 6/24/2007

BY MUSTAFA BALBAY

CUMHURIYET- Following the recent sale of Oyakbank to foreigners, the subject of ‘alienation’ came up again. People who see Turkish economy as part of the stock exchange - interest - foreign exchange triangle naturally welcomed the sale"

More:How Far Alienation?

What should be done or avoided to enter Iraq

"What should be done or avoided to enter Iraq
Mehmet Ali Birand, TDN

Sunday , 24 June 2007

The International Strategic Research Organization (ISRO-USAK) had first prepared a report on Iraq last year. It has updated the report and it recently distributed the updated version.

I have never encountered a more thorough and detailed report on Iraq before. The NGOs are full of unknowledgeable people that voice the opinions of an ideology."

More:Turkish Weekly Comment - What should be done or avoided to enter Iraq

The Cyprus Issue: What Is the Next Step? | Asian Tribune

"The Cyprus Issue: What Is the Next Step?
Mon, 2007-06-25 01:25

*By Abdul Jaleel Al Marhoon

During two visits I made last year to Northern Cyprus, I was destined to stand over some 'neutral lands' as well as those divided by ramparts in both Famagusta and Nicosia. To tell the truth it is a very disheartening sight, because the lay individual on both sides is the one, who is paying the price for this unnatural situation, which has been going on for so long."

More:The Cyprus Issue: What Is the Next Step? | Asian Tribune

Reuters AlertNet - Turk police detain five al Qaeda suspects - TV

"Turk police detain five al Qaeda suspects - TV
24 Jun 2007 13:40:10 GMT
Source: Reuters

ISTANBUL, June 24 (Reuters) - Turkish police have detained five people suspected of being linked to the Islamic militant group al Qaeda, broadcaster CNN Turk reported on Sunday.

The operation in Istanbul was connected to security measures surrounding a summit of heads of state from Black Sea countries which starts in Istanbul on Monday, CNN reported."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turk police detain five al Qaeda suspects - TV

EU Set to Open More Talks With Turkey, Croatia

"EU Set to Open More Talks With Turkey, Croatia
The European Union is set to open two new policy areas in membership negotiations with Turkey and six with Croatia.

Reuters
The European Union is set to open two new policy areas in membership negotiations with Turkey and six with Croatia at accession conferences on Tuesday, EU sources said on Sunday."

More:Javno - World

Strategic thinking - Turkish Daily News Jun 22, 2007

"Strategic thinking
Friday, June 22, 2007

Mithat MELEN

According to an opinion poll published in the Financial Times, almost every EU member country is against enlargement. Seventy one per cent of the French, 66 per cent of Germans, 60 per cent of Italians and the British are against Turkey's EU membership. The lowest rate is in Spain with 55 per cent; still more than half of Spain's population says �No.� "

More:Strategic thinking - Turkish Daily News Jun 22, 2007

World Tribune — Turkey puts hold on military leaves

"Turkish military continues to prepare for a campaign against Kurdish insurgents in northern Iraq.

The Army has halted leave and retirement of officers while making plans to expand a counter-insurgency campaign against the Kurdish Workers Party along the border with Iraq."

More:World Tribune — Turkey puts hold on military leaves

Erkan's field diary: "The Independent Commission to redirect focus on Turkey

"'The Independent Commission to redirect focus on Turkey

EU leaders express measured approval for a new treaty, hammered out over two days of talks.chiefs 'satisfied' with treaty

David Weman in Disgraceful says 'The treaty is basically the constitution minus some symbolic things (and an exemption from the Fundamental Rights for the Brits.)..."

More:Erkan's field diary: "The Independent Commission to redirect focus on Turkey

Reuters AlertNet - Turk troops escaped east Turkey suicide attack

"Turk troops escaped east Turkey suicide attack
24 Jun 2007 10:17:19 GMT
Source: Reuters

TUNCELI, Turkey, June 24 (Reuters) - Turkish paramilitary police escaped unscathed from a suicide attack by the separatist Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) late on Saturday, the provincial governor said on Sunday.

Army sources had said PKK militants attacked a paramilitary police station in the eastern Turkish province of Tunceli using a truck filled with oil, and clashes had followed."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turk troops escaped east Turkey suicide attack

Turkey wants full EU membership says FM Gul - Region - Middle East Times

"Turkey wants full EU membership says FM Gul
AFP

June 24, 2007

ATHENS -- Turkey wants full EU membership and will not settle with merely joining a Mediterranean partnership, Turkish foreign minister Abdullah Gul said in an interview published Sunday in a Greek newspaper."

More:Turkey wants full EU membership says FM Gul - Region - Middle East Times

PKK stages suicide attack in E Turkey: sources - washingtonpost.com

"PKK stages suicide attack in E Turkey: sources

Reuters
Saturday, June 23, 2007; 4:47 PM

TUNCELI, Turkey (Reuters) - Two Kurdish militants rammed an oil-filled truck into a Turkish police station on Saturday in a suicide attack, army sources said, marking a sharp escalation of separatist violence."

More:PKK stages suicide attack in E Turkey: sources - washingtonpost.com

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Civilisation abounds at the cultural crossroads - Times Online

"Civilisation abounds at the cultural crossroads
Turkey offers the best of East and West, writes Nick Jackson

FOR centuries Istanbul led the civilised world, straddling Occident and Orient and the mighty Bosphorus. Still standing are monuments to that leadership: the domed Byzantine Church of Hagia Sophia and the slender minarets of the Blue Mosque, together with myriad other sublime arrangements from the drawing boards of the sultans’ architects such as the Topkapi Palace, a bejewelled treasure."

More:Civilisation abounds at the cultural crossroads - Times Online

VOA News - Turks March in Istanbul to Protest Kurdish Attacks

"Turks March in Istanbul to Protest Kurdish Attacks
By VOA News
23 June 2007

More than 1,000 people gathered in Istanbul Saturday to protest attacks by separatist Kurdish rebels in southeast Turkey.

Demonstrators walked silently through the streets of the capital carrying Turkish flags and banners calling for an end to terror."

More:VOA News - Turks March in Istanbul to Protest Kurdish Attacks

Kurd rebels in Turkish suicide attack - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

"Kurd rebels in Turkish suicide attack

Two Kurdish separatists rammed an oil-filled truck into a police station in eastern Turkey on Saturday in a suicide attack, army sources said.

After the explosion, the station was attacked by other members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the army responded with an operation supported from the air, the sources said.

The two militants in the truck were killed but no further details were available on the death toll."

More:Kurd rebels in Turkish suicide attack - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

Four EU Members Oppose Turkey's Accession: Angus Reid Global Monitor

"Four EU Members Oppose Turkey's Accession
June 23, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - People in four countries belonging to the European Union (EU) oppose Turkey’s potential entry, according to a poll by Harris Interactive published in the Financial Times. 71 per cent of respondents in France, 66 per cent in Germany, and 55 per cent in Italy believe Turkey should not be invited to join the continental group."

More:Four EU Members Oppose Turkey's Accession: Angus Reid Global Monitor

Two-in-Five in Turkey Would Join EU: Angus Reid Global Monitor

"Two-in-Five in Turkey Would Join EU
June 23, 2007

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many people in Turkey are in favour of their country joining the European Union (EU), according to a poll by Konda released by Raymond James Securities. 43.3 per cent of respondents support the potential accession."

More:Two-in-Five in Turkey Would Join EU: Angus Reid Global Monitor

US media giants setting up shop in Turkish television - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"US media giants setting up shop in Turkish television
Saturday, June 23, 2007

NAZLI TOPÇUOĞLU
ISTANBUL - Referans

2006 was a turning point for Turkish media ventures. Coupled with the entrance of foreign capital and heightened investments, the year's most talked about development was U.S. media giant Rupert Murdoch's partnership with Ahmet Ertegün to purchase a television station. Immediately following this, MTV, one of the first thematic U.S. channels came to Turkey."

More:US media giants setting up shop in Turkish television - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Is Turkey aware of the energy trump card in hand? - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"Is Turkey aware of the energy trump card in hand?
Saturday, June 23, 2007

Last week I wrote about the culture bridge between İstanbul and Lisbon. Today, I will take up the �culture bridge� between İstanbul and Venice.

İstanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş paid a visit to Venice recently for the 52nd Venice Biennale. He signed a sister city agreement with Venice Mayor Massimo Cacciari. "

More:Is Turkey aware of the energy trump card in hand? - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Musicologist and historian Dimitri Kandemir's home in Fener restored - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"Musicologist and historian Dimitri Kandemir's home in Fener restored

Kandemir is known to have been well educated at home, perhaps by his mother who was famous for her erudition. He studied Latin and Greek and was thoroughly acquainted with classical literature"

More:Musicologist and historian Dimitri Kandemir's home in Fener restored - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Ottoman Women - betwixt and between reforms - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"Ottoman Women - betwixt and between reforms
Saturday, June 23, 2007

[HH] The year 1839 marked a significant turning point for the Ottoman Empire and those who were eager to implement reforms and it was called the Tanzimat (Reform) Period [HH] … following the War of Independence in 1922. The country was for all intents and purposes bankrupt …The economy had gradually to be built up again so men and women who were educated and capable were encouraged to work and take up responsible positions"

More:Ottoman Women - betwixt and between reforms - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Koran lessons provoke fury in the north

"Koran lessons provoke fury in the north
By Simon Bahceli

LESSONS IN Islam have sparked a war of words between the north’s authorities and unions after the ‘education ministry’ announced it would be providing religious instruction to primary students over the school summer holidays.

The move is intended to put an end to “unofficial” Koran courses being taught to children in mosques in the north. Last year, fierce debate erupted after it emerged that hundreds of primary school children were being given instruction in the Koran by Imams, who the ‘education ministry’ said had no pedagogic experience or qualifications.

The Cyprus Turkish Teachers Union (KTOS), however, sees the move as “a stain on secularism” and nothing more than a sop to Turkey’s Islamic-rooted ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)."

More:www.cyprus-mail.com

Reuters AlertNet - Turks march against PKK violence after army call

"Turks march against PKK violence after army call
23 Jun 2007 10:30:43 GMT
Source: Reuters

ISTANBUL, June 23 (Reuters) - Thousands of Turks marched silently through Istanbul on Saturday to protest against Kurdish guerrilla attacks after a call by the army for a public show of opposition to separatist violence.

Protesters marched in temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius (95 Fahrenheit), waved Turkish flags and carried posters with the pictures and names of soldiers killed fighting the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turks march against PKK violence after army call

Ibrahim Burhanov: It is unserious to demand Ahiska Turks to learn Georgian language

"Ibrahim Burhanov: It is unserious to demand Ahiska Turks to learn Georgian language

[ 23 Jun 2007 15:00 ]

“An 80-year old Ahiska Turk can not take tests on Georgian language, history, it is an unserious demand,” chief of Azerbaijani representation of Ahiska Turks’ Motherland society Ibrahim Burhanov told the APA."

More:APA

Journalists entertained in Bodrum with hopes of promoting the city - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"Journalists entertained in Bodrum with hopes of promoting the city

Some 130 members of the foreign media arrived in Bodrum mid-week upon the invitation of The Bodrum Peninsula Promotion Foundation (BOYTAV). The journalists hail from Belgium, France, Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Finland, the Netherlands, Germany and Kazakhstan. They are expected to introduce Bodrum to their countries, after spending five days in the Aegean town."

More:Journalists entertained in Bodrum with hopes of promoting the city - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Economic Power of the Turkish Entrepreneurs in Germany

"Economic Power of the Turkish Entrepreneurs in Germany

Prof. Dr. Faruk Sen, Yunus Ulusoy, Cem Senturk
23 June 2007

The Turkish Entrepreneurs in Germany

Between the Turkish population in Germany in the 1990s a dynamic of having self-enterprise has developed. This mentality, which does not see working independently an alternative to working dependent, in other words, the high value added to working independently came out by the different lifestyle and working forms. In this context, the Turkish entrepreneur mentality emerging is like a synthesis of many parts of the Turkish and German socialization process. In one side being boldless, having flexibility, the Mediterranean-oriented communication skills and the service mentality, the Turkish entrepreneurs have the expertise gained from the German school and working life as the earnings field of the socialization process. In this context, it is not possible to explain these people's attempts to entrepreneurism by one sided approaches."

More:The New Anatolian

Georgian parliament calls back Turks Meskhetians but not to Javakheti

"Georgian parliament calls back Turks Meskhetians but not to Javakheti
23.06.2007 14:18 GMT+04:00 Print version Send to mail In Russian In Armenian

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ With 134 votes ‘for’ and 14 ‘against’ the Georgian parliament passed June 22 the bill “On repatriation of persons expelled from Georgia by soviet authorities in 1940-ies”. The legislation provides for return of Turks Meskhetians to Georgia."

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Georgian parliament calls back Turks Meskhetians but not to Javakheti

Rush of Russians to Turkey

"Rush of Russians to Turkey
As usual, Turkey is set to be a top destination for Russian tourists this year.

Turkey’s warm and sunny resorts such as Antalya are much loved by Russians, and their devotion to holidaying in Turkey brings good news to a suffering tourism industry. This year looks to be especially popular as Russian news agencies report that twice as many of its citizens want to take their holidays on Turkish soil. Many five-star hotels in Turkey are already booked through July, making it difficult for some would-be vacationers to find somewhere to stay. In response many tour operators are already selling places in their September tours to meet the demand."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Ralston says Iraqi Kurds should expel PKK

"Ralston says Iraqi Kurds should expel PKK
Retired Gen. Joseph Ralston, the United States' special envoy for countering the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), said Iraqi Kurds should take a more effective stance against the group.

'I would like to see the Iraqi Kurds putting pressure on the PKK and driving them away,' Ralston was quoted as saying by the Anatolia news agency during a panel discussion at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington. He said the PKK was a terrorist organization killing innocent civilians and added: 'They cannot be shown tolerance. They should be treated as murderers by everyone, including the United States.'"

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey considering buffer zone against PKK

"Turkey considering buffer zone against PKK
Turkish authorities have been weighing up the creation of a buffer zone in Iraqi territory to prevent infiltration of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) members into southeastern Anatolia from their northern Iraqi bases, according to information leaked from a closed-door meeting that brought together top government and military officials on Thursday."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

SEASIDE VIEW - The EU in Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"SEASIDE VIEW - The EU in Turkey
Saturday, June 23, 2007

The word can call for the idea; �Investors of the European Union are investing not only in the rest of the world but also in Turkey�. Yet, this is not what I mean."

More:SEASIDE VIEW - The EU in Turkey - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Friday, June 22, 2007

Mortgage Introducer :: Turkish delight? - UK

"Turkish delight?

23 June 2007

Jane Griffiths looks at the potential growth the Turkish property market has thanks to new legislation

In the last five years the residential market in Turkey has performed extremely well and investors have seen the value of their properties increase between 25 and 40 per cent."

More:Mortgage Introducer :: Turkish delight? - UK

Turkish German Economy and business world meets in Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

"Turkish German Economy and business world meets in Istanbul
Saturday, June 23, 2007

Turkey's European Union (EU) membership program should be clear by now, said the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) chairman Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu yesterday at the Turkish-German Economy Summit."

More:Turkish German Economy and business world meets in Istanbul - Turkish Daily News Jun 23, 2007

Minorities to choose pro-EU candidates

"Minorities to choose pro-EU candidates
Turkey's Armenians, Jews and Greeks hope the elections will produce a government that will accelerate the country's march towards the European Union as they see this process as the answer to their feelings of second-class citizenship."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turks meet over Iraq border situation

"Turks meet over Iraq border situation

Published: June 22, 2007 at 5:51 PM

ANKARA, Turkey, June 22 (UPI) -- A series of high-level meetings have taken place in Ankara over the volatile security situation along Turkey's border with Kurdish Iraq.

Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a two-hour, closed-door meeting Thursday with army chief Gen. Yusar Buykanit, according to the newspaper Today's Zaman, following talks with National Intelligence Agency Secretary-General Emre Taner and Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul."
More:United Press International - Security & Terrorism - Briefing

Turks upbeat on economy, split on politics: survey

"Turks upbeat on economy, split on politics: survey
Posted online: Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 0010 hours IST

ANKARA, JUN 22 : A majority of Turks believe their country is heading in the wrong direction but they remain cautiously optimistic about the booming economy, according to a survey obtained by Reuters on Friday."

More:Turks upbeat on economy, split on politics: survey

Moscow offers U.S. to install radar in Turkey

"Moscow offers U.S. to install radar in Turkey

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Installation of U.S. anti-missile assets in Turkey but not in Eastern Europe will alleviate Moscow’s concerns about U.S. plans, said Yuri Baluyevsky, chief of the Russian Army General Staff.

“Iran can develop long-range ballistic missiles no sooner then 2015. So why not install assets for their prevention in Turkey?” Baluyevsky said.

U.S. refusal from joint use of the Gabala radar station in Azerbaijan will reveal the genuine aims of deployment of missile defense shield in Europe, he added."

More:Armenian News - PanARMENIAN.Net | Armenian News Agency - Moscow offers U.S. to install radar in Turkey

Turkey: Modernization, Authoritarianism and Political Islam - Greece / Turkey / Cyprus Miscellaneous - Anarkismo

"Turkey: Modernization, Authoritarianism and Political Islam
by Ender Yılmaz & José Antonio Gutiérrez D. Friday, Jun 22 2007, 12:26am

The following article is to appear soon in 'Red & Black Revolution' no.13 (magazine of the WSM, Ireland). It examines the recent evolution of Turkish society, after the 1980 coup, and how it expresses in the current conflict between the military and the Islamist parties that is nothing but the conflict within sectors of the bourgeoisie for hegemony."

More:Turkey: Modernization, Authoritarianism and Political Islam - Greece / Turkey / Cyprus Miscellaneous - Anarkismo

EU summit dogged by history and national interests

"EU summit dogged by history and national interests
Published: Friday, 22 June, 2007, 02:20 AM Doha Time

By Shada Islam
BRUSSELS: European Union efforts to try and clinch agreement on a new treaty are being stymied by a potentially toxic mix of historical rivalries and fears the bloc is growing too big and powerful, too fast.
As EU leaders gathered yesterday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is chairing the two-day EU summit, voiced hopes that the 27 leaders will agree on the outlines of a so-called “reform” or amended treaty to replace the draft constitution rejected by French and Dutch voters in 2005."

More:Gulf Times – Qatar’s top-selling English daily newspaper - Opinion

Hamas requests Turkish mediation in dispute with Fatah

"Hamas requests Turkish mediation in dispute with Fatah
Hamas has requested Turkey's intervention as a mediator between themselves and Fatah, in the wake of their takeover of Gaza last week.

The request was made by Mahmoud Zahar, the number two man of Hamas and former foreign minister of the Hamas government, after Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas ruled out dialogue with Hamas. Palestinians are being dragged into a civil war and Turkey can assist the sides to reach an agreement, Zahar told Today's Zaman. 'Turkey can help the Palestinians, who have been pushed into a corner by gas restrictions, embargos and poverty."

More:TODAY'S ZAMAN

American Chronicle: Euro-liberals and Islamic Terrorists in common insults against Kemal Ataturk!

"Euro-liberals and Islamic Terrorists in common insults against Kemal Ataturk!

Euro-liberals and Islamic Terrorists in common insults against Kemal Ataturk!

In an earlier article, we unveiled the inconsistent, irresponsible and catastrophic attempt of European Liberals to offer support to the Islamist terrorist ‘professor’ Yayla, who had it easy to publicly denigrate in Turkey the brilliant, impeccable and irreproachable legacy of the Founder of the Only Democratic and Secular state of the Islamic World, Kemal Ataturk. "

More:American Chronicle: Euro-liberals and Islamic Terrorists in common insults against Kemal Ataturk!

Ankarapology : what is to fuss about? - Turquie Européenne - Friday 22 June 2007 - Actualités de la Turquie et traductions de la presse turque

"Ankarapology : what is to fuss about?
Emre Uslu
Friday 22 June 2007 - 10:58

You are familiar with my Ankarapolgy analyses that deal with the issues of Ankara politics and security related tug of war. In one of the analyses, Ankarapology: A manual to understand what’s going on in Ankara, which appeared on this column more than a year ago, on May 23, 2006, the developments that are happening in these days, were predicted in most accurate form."

More:Ankarapology : what is to fuss about? - Turquie Européenne - Friday 22 June 2007 - Actualités de la Turquie et traductions de la presse turque