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Monday, August 31, 2009

No Kurd Autonomy or Amnesty, Official Says - NYTimes.com

"Turkey: No Kurd Autonomy or Amnesty, Official Says

By SEBNEM ARSU
Published: August 31, 2009

A government plan to reach a resolution on ending a quarter-century of violence by Kurdish separatists in southeastern Turkey will not include autonomy for Kurds or an amnesty for the rebels, Interior Minister Besir Atalay said Monday. Mr. Atalay also rejected the possibility of changing the Constitution, which leaves no room for the country’s diverse ethnicities to maintain their distinct cultures — a primary demand of the Democratic People’s Party, which is pro-Kurd. But he expressed optimism for progress on the issue after Parliament reconvenes next month. "

More:World Briefing - Europe - Turkey - No Kurd Autonomy or Amnesty, Official Says - NYTimes.com

Turkey and Armenia set for ties

"Turkey and Armenia set for ties

Turkey and its neighbour Armenia have moved closer to establishing diplomatic ties after decades of bitter mistrust on both sides."

More:BBC NEWS | Europe | Turkey and Armenia set for ties

Turkey, Armenia agree to establish diplomatic ties

"Turkey, Armenia agree to establish diplomatic ties

(AP) – 5 hours ago

ANKARA, Turkey — The Turkish Foreign Ministry says Turkey and Armenia have agreed to establish diplomatic ties."

More:The Associated Press: Turkey, Armenia agree to establish diplomatic ties

Turkey poised to give Kurds more rights | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

"Turkey poised to give Kurds more rights
Published: Monday 31 August 2009

Despite an attack by Kurdish militants killing four soldiers, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan voiced determination on Sunday (30 August) to push forward his plan to grant more rights to the country's largest minority."

More:EurActiv.com - Turkey poised to give Kurds more rights | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

Armenian singers in Turkey

"Armenian singers in Turkey
15:10 / 08/31/2009

October 14, Armenia vs. Turkey return match in the frames of World Cup 2010 qualifying round will take place in Ataturk stadium, Bursa.

Eurovision-2009 Armenian contestants — Inga and Anush Arshakyan, as well as and Azerbaijani contestant Hadise will sing at the match, Azerbaijani mass media reports, referring to the information in Turkish Vatan daily."

More:Armenian singers in Turkey | NEWS.am

Turkey: seeking ways to make rebels lay down arms - Taiwan News Online

"Turkey: seeking ways to make rebels lay down arms
Associated Press
2009-08-31 05:48 PM

Turkey's interior minister says the government is considering ways to make Kurdish rebels lay down their arms but he indicated that it has no immediate plans for an amnesty.

Besir Atalay was briefing journalists on Monday on the outcome of monthlong meetings to build public support for a yet-to-be-announced plan to end the 25-year-old conflict with autonomy-seeking Kurdish rebels."

More:Turkey: seeking ways to make rebels lay down arms - Taiwan News Online

Turkey’s Multivector Energy Hub: Ignore At Your Own Peril - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty © 2009

"Turkey’s Multivector Energy Hub: Ignore At Your Own Peril

By Alexandros Petersen
According to Turkey's popular "Zaman" newspaper, the country can now claim the title of "world's largest energy hub."

While over a decade of government policy has sought to transform Turkey's energy sector into first a European, then a regional, and now a global energy hub, a rash of recent international agreements, according to "Zaman," have enabled Turkey to finally attain that status."

More:Turkey’s Multivector Energy Hub: Ignore At Your Own Peril - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty © 2009

Turkish assets weaken in thin trade, banks weigh - Forbes.com

"Turkish assets weaken in thin trade, banks weigh
08.31.09, 06:20 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Turkish assets weakened in quiet trade on Monday as markets took a breather from August's strong gains, and in the absence of fresh guidance from the government on its plans to curb spending."

More:Turkish assets weaken in thin trade, banks weigh - Forbes.com

Turkish tour guide prepared for Arabian tourists

"Turkish tour guide prepared for Arabian tourists
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-31 18:31:37

ISTANBUL, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- A 700-page Turkish guidebook was prepared for tourists from all Arabian countries, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported on Monday.

The report said Nizar Bitar, a Syrian businessman, prepared the guide which includes visa and transportation information and explanations on Turkish people's habits and values."

More:Turkish tour guide prepared for Arabian tourists_English_Xinhua

Istanbul Europa Race

"Istanbul Europa Race
ID:2009080164 / W
There's always a beginning

From November 2007, IMOCA's declared goal was to put forward a crewed round Europe race to the skippers, the organizers and the sponsors in the wake of the Vendee Globe 2008-2009. The Istanbul Europa Race is born, a gamble that paid off.
For this first edition, six teams have come forward: review of what they cam e for."

More:Nautica On Line Press - Istanbul Europa Race

Turkey clarified position on Armenian relations | NEWS.am

"Turkey clarified position on Armenian relations
10:32 / 08/31/2009

August 29, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held negotiations with Turkish delegation headed by First Deputy Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu in Baku. The latter conveyed greetings from Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Azeri mass media report. The officials discussed bilateral relations and mutual cooperation on international scene as well as regional issues."

More:Turkey clarified position on Armenian relations | NEWS.am

Turkey's top diplomat in Iraq over Syria tensions

"Turkey's top diplomat in Iraq over Syria tensions

Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu arrived in Baghdad on Monday aiming to defuse tensions between Iraq and Syria triggered by Iraqi claims that Damascus was sheltering insurgents."

More:AFP: Turkey's top diplomat in Iraq over Syria tensions

Turkey - Factors to Watch on Aug 31 - Forbes.com

"Turkey - Factors to Watch on Aug 31
08.31.09, 03:02 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Here are press reports, news and events that could affect Turkish financial markets on Monday."

More:Turkey - Factors to Watch on Aug 31 - Forbes.com

Turkey seeks to carve out new niche in global fashion industry

"Turkey seeks to carve out new niche in global fashion industry

ISTANBUL: Turkey is seeking to carve out a new niche in the global fashion market by promoting its dynamic generation of young designers.

With a solid reputation for textiles and production for big international brands like Gap and Dolce & Gabbana, it sees its home-grown creativity as the best strategy to combat the threat to the sector from China and the Far East."

More:DAWN.COM | Entertainment | Turkey seeks to carve out new niche in global fashion industry

Feature: Turkish hydropower pioneer finds success in partnership with China

"Feature: Turkish hydropower pioneer finds success in partnership with China
Sunday, August 30, 2009 9:21 PM

ANKARA, Aug. 30, 2009 (Xinhua News Agency) -- 'They are all my babies,' said Ahmet Cemal Bafli, General Coordinator of Bereket Energy Production Inc., pointing to the white dam over the blue waters of the Dalaman River."

More:Feature: Turkish hydropower pioneer finds success in partnership with China

Cyprus peace event

"Cyprus peace event

The Cyprus Peace Platform has organised a bicommunal event on the occasion of the World Peace Day, which takes place tomorrow.

The event will take place at the Ledra Palace Hotel, in the Nicosia UN-controlled buffer zone."

More: Famagusta Gazette

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Turkish Company in Heritage Talks Faces U.K. Probe - WSJ.com

"Turkish Company in Heritage Talks Faces U.K. Probe

BY SELINA WILLIAMS

LONDON -- Heritage Oil PLC, which is in discussions to acquire Genel Energy AS of Turkey, said the U.K.'s Financial Services Authority was investigating some members of Genel's management team."

More:Turkish Company in Heritage Talks Faces U.K. Probe - WSJ.com

Country marks 87th anniversary of victory - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

"Country marks 87th anniversary of victory

Sunday, August 30, 2009
ANKARA - Hürriyet Daily News
The General Staff puts special emphasis on this year's celebrations, marking the event with broader participation and more comprehensive organization than in past years"

More:Country marks 87th anniversary of victory - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Kurdish 'opening' to be tested in the streets - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

"Kurdish 'opening' to be tested in the streets

Sunday, August 30, 2009
SERKAN DEMİRTAŞ
ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News
DTP leader Ahmet Türk, seen with deputy Aysel Tuğluk at a past rally, says the party would be voicing the demands of Kurds on Sept. 1.

DTP leader Ahmet Türk, seen with deputy Aysel Tuğluk at a past rally, says the party would be voicing the demands of Kurds on Sept. 1.

Up to 1 million people are expected to turn up for mass demonstrations in the southeastern city of Diyarbakır on Tuesday to acknowledge the government’s recent efforts to resolve the Kurdish issue."

More:Kurdish 'opening' to be tested in the streets - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

What to Eat When the Sun Sets on Ramazan - Globespotters Blog - NYTimes.com

"What to Eat When the Sun Sets on Ramazan
By Susanne Fowler
Istanbul Modern CafeCourtesy of Istanbul Modern Cafe The view from the Istanbul Modern Cafe, which is offering a special Iftar menu during Ramazan.

ISTANBUL | The Islamic holy month of Ramadan, or Ramazan in Turkish, is under way, a chance for visitors of any religion to learn more about local customs."

More:What to Eat When the Sun Sets on Ramazan - Globespotters Blog - NYTimes.com

August Eco-Tidbits from Turkey : TreeHugger

"August Eco-Tidbits from Turkey
by Jennifer Hattam, Istanbul, Turkey on 08.30.09

It was a good month for renewable energy, but a bad one for honeybees. Photos by Neil Mackinder (left) and .Larry Page via Flickr.

With floods besieging the Black Sea coast and fires raging in the Mediterranean, it was impossible to ignore the power of nature this month. That power also seemed to be on the mind of many investors, whose renewable-energy projects make up the bulk of recent good news from Turkey as we once again wrap up the latest eco-related developments that prompted reactions of both 'süper' (yep, just like in English, but with an umlaut) and 'maalesef' (unfortunately):"

More:August Eco-Tidbits from Turkey : TreeHugger

AFP: Turkey displays military pomp amid Kurdish debate

"Turkey displays military pomp amid Kurdish debate

By Hande Culpan (AFP)

ANKARA — Turkey's military flexed its muscle with parades and flypasts on Sunday to mark Victory Day amid intense debate on a government plan to peacefully end a 25-year bloody Kurdish insurgency."

More:AFP: Turkey displays military pomp amid Kurdish debate

Istanbul Europa Race: Cargo ships complicate Dardanelles passage for Estrella Damm

"Istanbul Europa Race: Cargo ships complicate Dardanelles passage for Estrella Damm

Sunday, 30 August 2009

Only 24 hours after the start of the Istanbul Europa Race, and tactical options are proving decisive for Estrella Damm Sailing Team and the rest of the fleet. At the 10.00 CET position report, the Spanish boat with skippers Guillermo Altadill and Pachi Rivero, were in fourth place only 2.3 miles from the provisional leader, Kito de Pavant’s Groupe Bel, whose choice of tactics after leaving the Dardanelles seems to have proven fruitful."

More:BYM Sailing & Sports News

Turkey to Increase Military Presence in Afghanistan (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

"Turkey to Increase Military Presence in Afghanistan (Update1)

By Steve Bryant

Aug. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Turkey pledged to double its contribution to peacekeeping in Afghanistan, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said.

The reinforcements will bring the Turkish force to 1,600 troops from 795 and will arrive when Turkey takes over control of the rotating command of NATO operations in the Afghan capital Kabul in November, Davutoglu said at a news conference in Ankara today with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen."

More:Turkey to Increase Military Presence in Afghanistan (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The Need for a Discursive Shift

"Turkey-EU Relations
The Need for a Discursive Shift

Ayhan Kaya, Turkish political scientist and head of the Centres for Migration Research and European Studies at Istanbul's Bilgi University, explains why we should stop talking about civilizations and religion when discussing Turkey's role in Europe and the world"

More:Qantara.de - The Need for a Discursive Shift

NATO chief courts Muslims on Ramadan iftar

"NATO chief courts Muslims on Ramadan iftar

ANKARA (IslamOnline) — Eyeing better ties with the Islamic world after the Prophet cartoon crisis, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen joined Turkish leaders at a Ramadan iftar on Thursday, August 27."

More:tehran times : NATO chief courts Muslims on Ramadan iftar

STA: Zbogar Reiterates Slovenia's Support for Turkey's EU Membership

"Zbogar Reiterates Slovenia's Support for Turkey's EU Membership

Ljubljana, 29 August (STA) - Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar and his Turkish opposite number Ahmet Davutoglu met in Ljubljana on Saturday, highlighting the good relations between the two countries and expressing the wish to deepen them further. Zbogar reiterated Slovenia's support for Turkey's EU membership,"

More:STA: Zbogar Reiterates Slovenia's Support for Turkey's EU Membership

Turkish tourism expected to increase

"Turkish tourism expected to increase

ANTALYA
Anatolia News Agency

Turkish culture and tourism minister has set a target to host 30 million tourists in Turkey in 2010 despite a global economic crisis.

"We are expecting around 26 million tourists this year and our target for 2010 is 30 million if we could overcome the crisis," Ertugrul Gunay told the Anadolu Agency."

MOre:Turkish tourism exected to increase - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Quarantined in Turkey

"Quarantined in Turkey

Friday, August 28, 2009
Elizabeth Grubbs / First person
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

My advice to all who travel the world this year is to pack a local-language dictionary and a change of clothes in your day bag.

I earned this wisdom after being quarantined in a foreign country where I could not speak the language. It is not an experience I would recommend.

This summer I flew from Tennessee in the United States to İzmir, Turkey for a grand adventure. I had been awarded a scholarship to study the Turkish language for eight weeks. Having previously studied and worked in Turkey, I was (and I remain) captivated by everything Turkish: food, culture, politics, music, architecture, religion, beaches and, of course, the Turkish people."

More:Quarantined in Turkey - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ Jailed PKK leader unveils "road map" over Turkey's Kurdish opening ]

"Jailed PKK leader unveils 'road map' over Turkey's Kurdish opening
Jailed PKK leader said that his road map was democratic and unifying; not divisive as Turkey's oppositin parties claim, a Turkish newspaper said."

More:WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ Jailed PKK leader unveils "road map" over Turkey's Kurdish opening ]

Rasmussen praises Ataturk

"Rasmussen praises Ataturk
21:10 / 08/28/2009

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen laid wreaths at mausoleum and commemorated Ataturk. He left writing in the “guest book”. It read that he is honoured as NATO Secretary General to pay tribute to Ataturk, the founder of Turkish Republic which is a permanent member of NATO, makes efforts to reach “peace in the world” – as was entrusted by Ataturk, “Voice of Turkey” reports."

More:Rasmussen praises Ataturk | NEWS.am

Turkish Cypriot brick producer hits back

"Turkish Cypriot brick producer hits back
By Lucy Millett

The Turkish Cypriot brick producer at the centre of an unfair competition row has hit back at claims that his bricks do not fulfil the minimum manufacturing standards of the EU.

Seven Greek Cypriot brick factories are seeking a court injunction to prohibit the transport of bricks from the north, arguing that manufacturers in the north are not following EU rules and are not subject to the requisite factory controls for the manufacture of the bricks. They claim that the Republic of Cyprus is violating their constitutional right to equal treatment because the aquis communautaire does not apply to their Turkish Cypriot rivals."

More: Cyprus-mail

Most Turkish support Kurdish initiative: poll

"Most Turkish support Kurdish initiative: poll
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-29 17:26:18

ISTANBUL, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The latest Turkish public opinion poll shows a high level of support for the Kurdish initiative by the government to end the year-long conflict on both the Kurdish and Turkish sides, local Daily News reported on Saturday."

More:Most Turkish support Kurdish initiative: poll_English_Xinhua

Friday, August 28, 2009

Istanbul's mufti blesses seminary opening

"Istanbul's mufti blesses seminary opening

GÜL DEMİR and NIKI GAMM
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
Çağrıcı: Arguments can occur in a democratic society. But these arguments shouldn’t be made over religion. We all have a shared asset. So it is not right that religion be used as a instrument by some circles for their own calculations
"

More:Istanbul's mufti blesses seminary opening - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkmenistan looks to economic cooperation with Turkey: president

"Turkmenistan looks to economic cooperation with Turkey: president
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-28 23:31:47

ANKARA, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said Friday his country was always ready to further cooperate with Turkish business circles and companies, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Turkmenistan looks to economic cooperation with Turkey: president_English_Xinhua

APA - Turkish opposition: A man preparing report for the government to solve Kurdish problem is an author of Turkey-Armenia “Road Map”

"Turkish opposition: A man preparing report for the government to solve Kurdish problem is an author of Turkey-Armenia “Road Map”
[ 28 Aug 2009 20:11 ]
Baku – APA. Senior Fellow of the US Atlantic Council David L. Phillips, who is preparing the report for the government to solve Kurdish problem, was a chairman of the Turkey-Armenia coordination council initiated by the United States government."

More:APA - Turkish opposition: A man preparing report for the government to solve Kurdish problem is an author of Turkey-Armenia “Road Map”

U.S: Turkish stance on South Stream OK - UPI.com

"U.S: Turkish stance on South Stream OK

Published: Aug. 28, 2009 at 11:37 AM

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 28 (UPI) -- The South Stream natural gas pipeline is not specifically intended to weaken European efforts to develop its Nabucco artery, U.S. officials said in Ankara."

More:U.S: Turkish stance on South Stream OK - UPI.com

NATO chief pushes Turkey on EU pact, Afghanistan

"NATO chief pushes Turkey on EU pact, Afghanistan
Updated on Friday, August 28, 2009, 20:17 IST
Ankara: NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen urged Turkey on Friday to lift objections to closer ties between the alliance and the European Union and step up contributions to missions in Afghanistan."

More:NATO chief pushes Turkey on EU pact, Afghanistan

Deferring Fees Until a Deal Pays Off

"Deferring Fees Till a Deal Pays

Here’s a novelty on Wall Street that deserves to become commonplace: Some investment bankers are deferring some of their fees until the deals they advise on pay off for investors. This is a little like making bankers eat their own cooking, or serving them dessert only if the main course is pleasing.

.... Turkey’s Risky Bet

Turkey has turned an apparent defeat into a temporary victory. Earlier this year, a haggling approach to negotiations with the International Monetary Fund left the country without a support plan in the midst of a global crisis. Turkey managed to avoid economic disaster and the constraints that come with I.M.F. loans. But its economy remains fragile."

More:Breakingviews.com. - Deferring Fees Until a Deal Pays Off - NYTimes.com

What happened to Öcalan's roadmap? | soL English

"What happened to Öcalan's roadmap?
Friday, 28 August 2009

ocalan_yolharitasi_2_yazisiz_344x238.jpgThe fact that Öcalan has not yet announced the expected roadmap leads to interpretations from finding out the public opinion after his 'preliminary declarations' to discomfort of Chief of General Staff and to 'addressee' problem."

More:What happened to Öcalan's roadmap? | soL English

Azerbaijan stands up for Ergenekon | NEWS.am

"Azerbaijan stands up for Ergenekon
23:22 / 08/27/2009

A number of Azerbaijani parliamentarians have made a request to Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Premier Recep Erdogan for the release of the well-known surgeon Mehmet Haberal, Rector of Başkent University (Turkish: Başkent Üniversitesi) and owner of Kanal B, who is one of the arrestees in the Ergenekon case. The Turkey-based nethaber.com website reports that the parliamentarians handed their request to the Turkish Premier during his visit to Baku. “We ask you to do all in your power for Mr. Mehmet Haberal to be released,” says the letter. The vesti.az website names the Azeri parliamentarians that submitted the request: Panakh Gusein, Arzu Samedbeili, Rafik Mamedgasanov, Ikram Israfil, and Nasib Nasibly."

More:Azerbaijan stands up for Ergenekon | NEWS.am

Nortel Starts Talks to Sell Turkish Unit Netas (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

"Nortel Starts Talks to Sell Turkish Unit Netas

By Seda Sezer

Aug. 28 (Bloomberg) -- Nortel Networks Corp. started talks to sell a majority stake in its Turkish unit.

Nortel is considering “strategic options” including a sale of 53 percent of Nortel Networks Netas Telekomunikasyon AS, according to a filing with the Istanbul Stock Exchange today."

More:Nortel Starts Talks to Sell Turkish Unit Netas (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

STA: Turkish Foreign Minister Expected in Slovenia (background)

"Turkish Foreign Minister Expected in Slovenia (background)

Ljubljana, 28 August (STA) - Foreign Minister Samuel Zbogar will be hosting his Turkish counterpart Ahmet Davutoglu for an official visit on Saturday and Sunday. Talks are expected to focus on bilateral and international issues, including Turkey's EU accession negotiations and the situation in the Western Balkans."

More:STA: Turkish Foreign Minister Expected in Slovenia (background)

Cyprus to examine all options in view of Turkey's EU evaluation

"Cyprus to examine all options in view of Turkey's EU evaluation

August 28, 2009

Government Spokesman Stephanos Stephanou has said that all available options will be on the table for discussion between the President and the National Council, with regard to Turkey’s assessment by the European Union in December."

More:Financialmirror.com News - Cyprus to examine all options in view of Turkey's EU evaluation

Criticism at risk in Turkey

"Criticism at risk in Turkey
15:00 / 08/28/2009

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan‎ presented two lawsuits against Devlet Bahçeli, Chairman of the far-right Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), for criticizing Erdogan who offered Turkey’s democratization and resolution of Kurdish issue within the framework of the former, Hurriyet reports."

More:Criticism at risk in Turkey | NEWS.am

Turkey allows Bulgaria to renovate iron church in Istanbul

"Turkey allows Bulgaria to renovate iron church in Istanbul
28 August 2009 | 16:48 | FOCUS News Agency
Sofia. The Directorate on Ecclesiastical Matters to the Council of Ministers got permission from Turkey to renovate ithe ron church “St. Stefan” in Istanbul, said the director of the Ecclesiastical Matters Directorate - Emil Velinov speaking to FOCUS News Agency.
In his words, the cradle of the cell building against the iron church, which was built in Edirne, would be taken to Istanbul so that to be restored."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

NATO chief urges Turkey, Greece to end scuffle | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

"NATO chief urges Turkey, Greece to end scuffle
Published: Friday 28 August 2009

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has called on Greece and Turkey to improve their relations, saying ongoing tensions between the two countries are endangering NATO and EU missions in Afghanistan and Somalia by putting ground troops at risk."

More:EurActiv.com - NATO chief urges Turkey, Greece to end scuffle | EU - European Information on Enlargement & Neighbours

Turks Believe Country is Meant to Join EU: Angus Reid Global Monitor

"Turks Believe Country is Meant to Join EU
August 28, 2009

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Turkey think the country’s future lies in the European Union (EU), according to a poll by USAK. 56.4 per cent of respondents share this point of view, while 23.6 per cent say the country belongs in the Turkish world.

Additionally, 10 per cent of respondents say Turkey’s future is in the Islamic world, 7.27 per cent say it will be in a Eurasian Union, and 2.73 per cent think it will be in the United States."

More:Turks Believe Country is Meant to Join EU: Angus Reid Global Monitor

Death toll rises in Turkish train crash

"Death toll rises in Turkish train crash

ISTANBUL, Turkey (CNN) -- The death toll in a train crash in Turkey has risen to five, Turkish State Railways said Friday.

Railways were open Friday, a day after the crash, which occurred between Karakoy and Ayvali in Bilecik province in western Turkey.

Turkey has a history of deadly train wrecks."

More:Death toll rises in Turkish train crash - CNN.com

Thursday, August 27, 2009

NATO leader, in Turkey, declares respect for Islam - Taiwan News Online

"NATO leader, in Turkey, declares respect for Islam
By SUZAN FRASER

NATO's new secretary general reiterated respect for Islam on Thursday, on the first day of his visit to the alliance's only predominantly Muslim member.

Anders Fogh Rasmussen is in Turkey for two days to discuss NATO operations in Afghanistan and improve relations with the Muslim world."

More:NATO leader, in Turkey, declares respect for Islam - Taiwan News Online

Turkey tells rebels to end conflict

"Turkey tells rebels to end conflict

Thomas Seibert, Foreign Correspondent

* Last Updated: August 27. 2009 8:24PM UAE / August 27. 2009 4:24PM GMT

ISTANBUL // Adding new momentum to efforts to end the Kurdish conflict after 25 years of bloodshed, the military and the government in Turkey have appealed to Kurdish PKK rebels to give themselves up to the state. Recent reports also indicate that Ankara is planning to use a large UN-run refugee camp in northern Iraq as a base for the disarmament of rebels and is willing to let rebel leaders go into exile in Scandinavia."

More:Turkey tells rebels to end conflict - The National Newspaper

Political Tension over Kurdish Issue Escalates in Turkey

"Political Tension over Kurdish Issue Escalates in Turkey
2009-08-28 02:18:43

Political tension has escalated in Turkey over the initiative by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) to end the 25-year conflict with Kurdish rebels in southeastern Turkey.

The tension has even reached the point of breaking all ties between the ruling party and its opposition, leading Parliament Speaker Mehmet Ali Sahin to call for all involved parties to ' lower the blood pressure' on the issue."

More:Political Tension over Kurdish Issue Escalates in Turkey

Cheap currency gives silver lining to Turkey's tourism amid crisis

"Cheap currency gives silver lining to Turkey's tourism amid crisis
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-27 23:58:15
by Xinhua writers Wang Xiuqiong, Zheng Jinfa

MUGLA, Turkey, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- It's near 11 p.m. on a breezy night in the Mediterranean resort town of Fethiye. Oguz Bagriyanik turned up the music and smiled at a couple taking seats in the Main Bar, looking satisfied."

More:Cheap currency gives silver lining to Turkey's tourism amid crisis_English_Xinhua

Five dead in Turkish train crash - TV

"Five dead in Turkish train crash - TV
Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:49pm EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 27 (Reuters) - An express train collided with a construction vehicle during a journey from Ankara to Istanbul on Thursday, derailing several carriages and killing five people, Turkish media reported."

More:Five dead in Turkish train crash - TV | Reuters

Turkey and the Kurds: Peace time?

"Turkey and the Kurds
Peace time?

Aug 27th 2009 | BATMAN AND DIYARBAKIR
From The Economist print edition
The Turkish government is preparing a serious plan to settle its Kurdish problem

ON MAY 1st 1920 Kemal Ataturk, father of modern Turkey, told the fledgling parliament that “north of Kirkuk there are Kurds as there are Turks, and we never discriminated against them.” Yet for most of the past 80 years those of Turkey’s 14m-odd Kurds who dared publicly to identify themselves as such have been brutally repressed, kicked out of their villages, tortured, jailed or killed."

More:Turkey and the Kurds: Peace time? | The Economist

Airline's strike causes chaos

"Airline's strike causes chaos

CYPRUS Turkish Airlines personnel were on strike last week-end due to a pay dispute.

Workers from the Cyprus Turkish Civil Aviation Workers’ Union (CTWA), began taking action earlier this week on the grounds that a procedure for the 13th annual pay wage was not signed with them."

More:Airline's strike causes chaos - Londra gazete www.londragazete.com

Istanbul Fashion Days

"Istanbul Fashion Days

Models present creations by Sunset during a swimsuit fashion show at the Istanbul Fashion Days in Istanbul Aug. 27, 2009. Istanbul Fashion Days 2009 will take place from Aug. 27 to 29."

More:Istanbul Fashion Days | Life | Winnipeg Sun

NATO says disputes between Greece and Turkey affecting alliance - Monsters and Critics

"NATO says disputes between Greece and Turkey affecting alliance
Europe News

Athens - NATO's new chief on Thursday said the ongoing bilateral dispute between Greece and Turkey was affecting alliance efforts in Afghanistan, namely the safety of international troops on the ground. "

More:NATO says disputes between Greece and Turkey affecting alliance - Monsters and Critics

Accenture and Oracle Expand Partnership With Tokyo and Istanbul Centers

"Accenture and Oracle Expand Partnership With Tokyo and Istanbul Centers
Thursday, August 27, 2009 6:56 AM

(Source: Datamonitor)trackingAccenture and Oracle have announced the expansion of their global network of development centers with the opening of the Accenture Innovation Centers for Oracle in Tokyo and Istanbul."

More:Accenture and Oracle Expand Partnership With Tokyo and Istanbul Centers

Turkish stocks rise on earnings, bonds, lira fall - Forbes.com

"Turkish stocks rise on earnings, bonds, lira fall
08.27.09, 05:50 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Turkish bonds and the lira weakened on Thursday as investors complained about a lack of clarity on International Monetary Fund talks, but shares rebounded, driven by Coke bottler Coca Cola Icecek."

More:Turkish stocks rise on earnings, bonds, lira fall - Forbes.com

Turkish industry's second-largest 500 list revealed

"Turkish industry's second-largest 500 list revealed

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ISTANBUL – Anatolia News Agency

Ulusoy Flour has topped the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, or ISO’s, second-largest 500 list of industrial enterprises.

The firm, based in the Black Sea city of Samsun, ranked first in 2008 with net factory sales of 104.04 million Turkish Liras, according to the report, which was announced during a press conference attended by ISO Chairman Tanıl Küçük. The firm took the 177th spot in 2007."

More:Turkish industry's second-largest 500 list revealed - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

US considering anti-missile bases in Turkey: report

"US considering anti-missile bases in Turkey: report

Thursday, August 27, 2009
WARSAW - Agence France-Presse
Washington will scrap plans to put anti-missile bases in Poland and the Czech Republic and is looking at alternatives including Israel and Turkey, a Polish newspaper reported Thursday, citing U.S. officials. "

More:US considering anti-missile bases in Turkey: report - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey, Pakistan relations 'strong and getting stronger'

"Turkey, Pakistan relations 'strong and getting stronger'

Thursday, August 27, 2009
ANKARA – Anatolia news agency
Following his meeting with Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu says they decided to establish a strategic cooperation and coordination structure between the two foreign ministries and that the a joint economic forum would convene as soon as possible"

More:Turkey, Pakistan relations 'strong and getting stronger' - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkish lieutenant arrested for causing deaths of four soldiers in punishment blast

"Turkish lieutenant arrested for causing deaths of four soldiers in punishment blast

Thursday, August 27, 2009
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News with wires
A Turkish lieutenant has been arrested for allegedly causing the deaths of four soldiers after making one of them hold a hand grenade as punishment for sleeping while on duty, according to reports on Wednesday."

More:Turkish lieutenant arrested for causing deaths of four soldiers in punishment blast - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

With swine flu cases set to rise, public fear to follow suite

"With swine flu cases set to rise, public fear to follow suite

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ŞAFAK TİMUR
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
With swine flu cases set to rises, public fear to follow suite

As the northern hemisphere heads toward autumn, concern about the swine flu pandemic is increasing in the media, mirroring the possible increase of cases during the colder months."

More:With swine flu cases set to rises, public fear to follow suite - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Villagers divided on the church turning into mosque - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

"Villagers divided on the church turning into mosque

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ASLI SAĞLAM
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
Locals in Silivri's Otrakoöy village have mixed feelings regarding their town's top-level historical asset: the 180-year-old St. Dimitrios Orthodox Church"

More:Villagers divided on the church turning into mosque - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey Bans Günlük Newspaper over Alleged ‘Terrorist Propaganda’

"Turkey Bans Günlük Newspaper over Alleged ‘Terrorist Propaganda’
IPI Concerned at Indications of Government Censorship

An Istanbul criminal court has ordered the closure, for one month, of Günlük newspaper – which is known for raising issues related to Turkey’s Kurdish minority - over an article considered by the court to constitute propaganda for a terrorist organisation. The article was published earlier this month."

More:freemedia.at: Turkey Bans Günlük Newspaper over Alleged ‘Terrorist Propaganda’

Turkey can avert a tragedy on the Tigris | csmonitor.com

"Turkey can avert a tragedy on the Tigris
It can develop energy and progress into the future without washing away the town of Hasankeyf, its jewel of the past.
By Joanne Leedom-Ackerman

Washington - In the southeastern corner of Turkey near its borders with Iraq and Syria, environmentalists, human rights organizations, and archaeologists recently won a battle in the effort to avert a cultural tragedy."

More:Turkey can avert a tragedy on the Tigris | csmonitor.com

"Turkish plan" but planned in the USA! | soL English

"'Turkish plan' but planned in the USA!
Wednesday, 26 August 2009

atlantic_council.jpgWhile the discussions about whether the government’s “Kurdish plan” is a USA plan or not, the reports issued by the think tanks in the USA issue advices on “Kurdish issue” and “stability in the region.”"

More:"Turkish plan" but planned in the USA! | soL English

Turkey - where next?

"Turkey - where next?

Turkijos vėliava
In January 2009, the EBRD commissioned two Italian consultants to study Turkey's sustainable energy market in preparation for future investments. One of the consultants, Filippo Checcucci of the APRIambiente SpA, reports on the findings of the study funded by the Italian government."

More:..::PENKI.LT::News: News: Business and economics

Turkey discovers 2,500-year-old sacred ruins | Home >> Other Sections >> Breaking News

"Turkey discovers 2,500-year-old sacred ruins
(philstar.com) Updated August 26, 2009 06:32 PM

ANKARA (Xinhua) -- Archeologists unearthed remains of a 2,500-year-old sacred area, including a church, a graveyard and a temple, in western Turkey, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported Wednesday."

More:Turkey discovers 2,500-year-old sacred ruins | Home >> Other Sections >> Breaking News

Turkey lifts Petrol Ofisi's ban from state tenders - Forbes.com

"Turkey lifts Petrol Ofisi's ban from state tenders
08.26.09, 04:36 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Turkey has lifted a ban on Petrol Ofisi participating in state electricity tenders, the country's Official Gazette said on Wednesday. "

More:Turkey lifts Petrol Ofisi's ban from state tenders - Forbes.com

Turkey opts for higher-value goods and production relocation

"Turkey opts for higher-value goods and production relocation
Post date : 26/08/2009 12:01

The textile industry, combining cotton and synthetic yarns, fibers and fabrics, home textiles, ready-wear and apparel, is the largest economic sector of Turkey, employing about 2.5 million people and providing indirect jobs of more than six million. The industry contributes to one-tenth of the country's gross national product (GNP), according to the Turkish-American Business Council (TAIK)."

More:Textile & Apparel - Turkey opts for higher-value goods and production relocation

AFP: Turkey should 'expand role in Afghanistan'

"Turkey should 'expand role in Afghanistan'

(AFP) – 5 hours ago

ANKARA — Turkey should expand the mandate of its troops in Afghanistan and play a bigger part in the fight against terrorism, NATO's secretary general said in remarks published Wednesday in the Turkish press."

More:AFP: Turkey should 'expand role in Afghanistan'

Turkish assets weaken on surprise confidence fall - Forbes.com

"Turkish assets weaken on surprise confidence fall
08.26.09, 06:51 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 26 (Reuters) - Turkish assets weakened on Wednesday as concerns resurfaced about the health of the economy which is still deep in recession despite its buoyant markets."

More:Turkish assets weaken on surprise confidence fall - Forbes.com

In Istanbul, Iran FM meets Canadian, Swedish, Turkish counterparts - WashingtonTV تلویزیون واشنگتن

"In Istanbul, Iran FM meets Canadian, Swedish, Turkish counterparts

Washington, 26 August (WashingtonTV)—Iran’s Foreign Minister Manoucher Mottaki on Tuesday held talks with his counterparts from Canada, Sweden and Turkey, on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan group in Istanbul."

More:In Istanbul, Iran FM meets Canadian, Swedish, Turkish counterparts - WashingtonTV تلویزیون واشنگتن

Top general calls on terrorists to surrender

"Top general calls on terrorists to surrender

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

Turkey’s top general Wednesday called on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, terrorists to surrender, just a day after he announced the millitary's red lines regarding the government-led Kurdish move."

More:Top general calls on terrorists to surrender - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey's informatics industry expects economic recovery in 2010

"Turkey's informatics industry expects economic recovery in 2010

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ISTANBUL – Hürriyet Daily News
A high number of Turkey’s informatics firms that took part in a Deloitte survey expect the economy to rally next year, despite finding the current business climate worse than last year. Also the government’s measures to fight the crisis are not extensive in terms of keeping inflation under control, they say"

More:Turkey's informatics industry expects economic recovery in 2010 - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

New Turkish air, navy force commanders take their posts

"New Turkish air, navy force commanders take their posts

Wednesday, August 26, 2009
ANKARA – Hürriyet Daily News

Turkey’s new air and navy forces commanders have taken their new posts at consecutive handover ceremonies held late Tuesday and Wednesday.

Due to the retirement of outgoing Gen. Aydoğan Babaoğlu, Gen. Hasan Aksay was appointed as his successor during the Supreme Military Council, or MGK, meeting in early August. Babaoğlu late Tuesday handed over his post to Aksay at a ceremony where top civilian and military brass was present."

More:New Turkish air, navy force commanders take their posts - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

FM denies claims on Livaneli’s UNESCO candidacy

"FM denies claims on Livaneli’s UNESCO candidacy

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu responded Tuesday to allegations of the ministry’s failure to nominate former deputy Zülfü Livaneli for UNESCO director-general."

More:FM denies claims on Livaneli’s UNESCO candidacy - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey-Greece ties hampering operations: NATO chief

"Turkey-Greece ties hampering operations: NATO chief

The new secretary-general of NATO, whose appointment was long objected to by Turkey, has said problems in Turkish-Greek relations are affecting the alliance’s efforts in Afghanistan and Africa."

More:Turkey-Greece ties hampering operations: NATO chief - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Airport smoking room stubbed out

"Airport smoking room stubbed out

A smoking room scheduled to be opened at Istanbul Atatürk Airport on Wednesday was shut down by an inspector for not conforming to the anti-smoking law that came into effect July 19."

More:Airport smoking room stubbed out - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Is Russia-Turkey union able to solve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Trend News commentator

"Is Russia-Turkey union able to solve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Trend News commentator
26.08.2009 09:42

Trend News European Desk Commentator Elmira Tariverdiyeva

The strengthening of relations between Russia and Turkey is beneficial not just for the two countries. Turkey has had many long-standing problems in its relations with Armenia. Russia traditionally has had a special influence on Armenia. Moreover, Russia has huge interests lying in Turkey's fraternal country - Azerbaijan."

More:TREND: Is Russia-Turkey union able to solve Nagorno-Karabakh conflict? Trend News commentator

Key for Cyprus settlement 'lies in Ankara'

"Key for Cyprus settlement 'lies in Ankara'

FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE
Cyprus House President Marios Garoyian insisted yesterday that the key for a Cyprus settlement lies in Ankara.

Garoyian was speaking after a meeting he had with US Senator Robert Menendez."

More: Famagusta Gazette

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Europe - Turkish military backs Kurd move

"Turkish military backs Kurd move

By Delphine Strauss in Ankara

Published: August 25 2009 23:54 | Last updated: August 25 2009 23:54

Turkey’s powerful military intervened on Tuesday in a heated political row over government efforts to extend the rights of Kurdish citizens, supporting the initiative but opposing any contacts with militants."

More:FT.com / Europe - Turkish military backs Kurd move

Russian-Turkish message to EU

"Russian-Turkish message to EU
Ahmed Hany
August 25, 2009
Some think that separating between economic cooperation and political tension is possible and they give the Russian-Turkish cooperation in the 1960s an example when Russia helped Turkey to establish big metallurgic industry that was a base for the Turkish steel industry and the heavy industry in general. Others think that when countries find that the political and military tension harm their long term interests they seek to establish short and medium term interests to serve as a ceiling for friction between these countries. They give the same example as a proof for their view."

More:American Chronicle | Russian-Turkish message to EU

Kurdish question has political costs

"Kurdish question has political costs

ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The push in Ankara to find a political solution to the so-called Kurdish question has brought new challenges to the ruling Justice and Development Party."

More:Kurdish question has political costs - UPI.com

Turkey's military stresses state unity in gov't Kurdish plan

"Turkey's military stresses state unity in gov't Kurdish plan
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-26 00:49:40

ANKARA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's General Staff Chief Gen. Ilker Basbug said Tuesday that Turkish Armed Forces would not allow any harm to be done to the country's nation-state and unitary structure, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Turkey's military stresses state unity in gov't Kurdish plan_English_Xinhua

Ankara's Ramadan festival to display Iranian art

"Ankara's Ramadan festival to display Iranian art
Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:56:48 GMT

Iranian artists are planning to introduce the country's traditional art forms during the Ramadan art festival in the Turkish city of Ankara.

Persian art lovers will be able to see calligraphy and illumination works at Tehran art alley, which will be part of the Turkish festival running from August 26 to 31, 2009."

More:Ankara's Ramadan festival to display Iranian art

FM on Cyprus issue, Turkey

"FM on Cyprus issue, Turkey

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis on Tuesday reiterated Athens' position regarding the long-standing Cyprus problem and tersely pointed to Ankara's more-or-less negative involvement in efforts by the two communities on the island republic to achieve a solution, as well as to Turkey's EU prospects."

More:FM on Cyprus issue, Turkey

BAT opens Kent shop-in-shop in Istanbul

"BAT opens Kent shop-in-shop in Istanbul
Bill Lumley
25-Aug-2009

Atatürk airport chosen as venue for eye-catching new tobacco outlet

British American Tobacco (BAT) has opened a shop-in-shop at Istanbul Atatürk airport focusing on the sale of Kent cigarettes, BAT’s fastest-growing brand. The 105sq m (1,130sq ft) store replaces BAT’s first outlet at the location, which opened in December 2007 and took a multi-brand approach."

More:BAT opens Kent shop-in-shop in Istanbul

Iraqi oil fields showcased in Istanbul

"Iraqi oil fields showcased in Istanbul
By SUZAN FRASER , 08.25.09, 09:07 AM EDT

ANKARA, Turkey -- Iraq is showcasing oil fields on offer for development to international companies in a meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday, a Turkish energy official said."

More:Iraqi oil fields showcased in Istanbul - Forbes.com

First Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train arrives in Turkey

"First Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train arrives in Turkey
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-25 19:48:35

ANKARA, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- A freight train, which departed from Islamabad to test the newly established 6,500 km railway linking Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, arrived in eastern Turkey Tuesday, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:First Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul train arrives in Turkey_English_Xinhua

Nato boss Rasmussen heads for Turkey - South Eastern Europe - The Sofia Echo

"Nato boss Rasmussen heads for Turkey

Nato Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen is due to arrive in Turkey on August 27 2009 for a two-day visit that will include meetings with top office-bearers and, notably, a conciliatory message to the Islamic world.

Rasmussen’s appointment as chief of the military alliance earlier this year initially was opposed by Ankara because Rasmussen was prime minister of Denmark at the time of a controversy about Danish newspaper cartoons lampooning the Muslim prophet Muhammad."

More:Nato boss Rasmussen heads for Turkey - South Eastern Europe - The Sofia Echo

Turkish shipping urges Ankara to plead with Georgia over embargo - Monsters and Critics

"Turkish shipping urges Ankara to plead with Georgia over embargo
Europe News

Aug 25, 2009, 11:43 GMT

Istanbul - Turkish shipping firms and exporters have called upon the government in Ankara to negotiate with Georgia over the Caucasian country's embargo on the breakaway republic of Abkhazia which has seen Georgia commandeer more than 100 Turkish ships over the last 15 years, Turkish business daily Referans reported Tuesday."

More:Turkish shipping urges Ankara to plead with Georgia over embargo - Monsters and Critics

Military: no negotiations with Kurdish rebels

"Military: no negotiations with Kurdish rebels

By SUZAN FRASER (AP) – 2 hours ago

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey's military indicated Tuesday that it would back government efforts to grant more rights to Kurds and improve the economy of their region.

The military, however, drew the line at moves that would involve negotiating with Kurdish rebels, harm Turkey's unity or make Kurdish an official language."

More:The Associated Press: Military: no negotiations with Kurdish rebels

Turkish army rules out contact with Kurd militants

"Turkish army rules out contact with Kurd militants
25 Aug 2009 11:10:21 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Daren Butler

ISTANBUL, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Turkey's powerful military on Tuesday ruled out any contact with Kurdish militants in a statement setting out its position on a government bid to expand the rights of its Kurdish minority."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turkish army rules out contact with Kurd militants

Forum in Turkey seeks to boost aid to Pakistan

"Forum in Turkey seeks to boost aid to Pakistan

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA (AP) – 2 hours ago

ISTANBUL — An international forum in Turkey on Tuesday sought to boost aid and investment in Pakistan as a way to support its democratic institutions and curb violence there.

The meeting of the 'Friends of Democratic Pakistan' group followed fighting between the Pakistani government and the Taliban that forced more than 2 million people to flee earlier this year."

More:The Associated Press: Forum in Turkey seeks to boost aid to Pakistan

Commentary: A boost in Kurdish-Turkish relations | McClatchy

"Commentary: A boost in Kurdish-Turkish relations

By Yigal Schleifer | Common Ground News Service

ISTANBUL, Turkey — After decades of conflict and repressive policies, Turkey is taking crucial steps toward introducing a peace initiative to resolve longstanding unrest among its Kurdish population. But for any plan to succeed, it cannot simply be another state-run, unilateral initiative, which fails to take into account local grievances. It must go significantly beyond previous efforts and truly involve the Kurdish population in the process."

More:Commentary: A boost in Kurdish-Turkish relations | McClatchy

Turkey Reveals 10 Items to Solve Kurdish Issue

"Turkey Reveals 10 Items to Solve Kurdish Issue
2009-08-25 16:51:56

Turkey Tuesday revealed 10 items of a coming Kurdish package to end the 25-year conflict with Kurdish rebels in southeastern country, local news website Today's Zaman reported.

The government has decided 10 items, which will be a part of its Kurdish package expected to be announced soon, said the report."

More:Turkey Reveals 10 Items to Solve Kurdish Issue

Turkish woman ambassador to Sweden haberi - Saturday, 15 August 2009 01:34

"Turkish woman ambassador to Sweden
Turkey appointed a woman ambassador to Stockholm, Sweden."

More:Turkish woman ambassador to Sweden haberi - Saturday, 15 August 2009 01:34

Ilhan Selcuk's health problems continue haberi - Sunday, 16 August 2009 14:14

"Ilhan Selcuk's health problems continue
Editor-in-Chief of Cumhuriyet daily Ilhan Selcuk's health problems continue, doctors said on Sunday."

More:Ilhan Selcuk's health problems continue haberi - Sunday, 16 August 2009 14:14

Famous director of hit Turkish TV series, movies dies at 72 haberi - Tuesday, 25 August 2009 14:49

"Famous director of hit Turkish TV series, movies dies at 72
Director, producer and scriptwriter Yücel Çakmaklı, who directed classic Turkish television series including “Küçük Ağa” (The Little Agha) and “Bir Adam Yaratmak” (To Create A Man), died yesterday at İstanbul University School of Medicine Hospital"

More:Famous director of hit Turkish TV series, movies dies at 72 haberi - Tuesday, 25 August 2009 14:49

‘Ergenekon produced fake MİT documents’ haberi - Tuesday, 25 August 2009 17:31

"‘Ergenekon produced fake MİT documents’
National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Undersecretary Emre Taner has claimed that many documents bearing the MİT letterhead and seized during raids of the houses or offices of Ergenekon suspects were fake."

More:‘Ergenekon produced fake MİT documents’ haberi - Tuesday, 25 August 2009 17:31

Legal publisher to release historic novel | theBookseller.com

"Legal publisher to release historic novel

25.08.09 Katie Allen

Specialist legal publisher Chambers and Partners is to publish its first fiction title, The French Odalisque, based on the true story of the cousin of Napoleon's wife, Josephine.

The title, by Sean Graham, follows Aimee Dubucq de Rivery, an 18th-century Frenchwoman who was interred in the harem of the Sultan of Turkey."

More:Legal publisher to release historic novel | theBookseller.com

Mische speaks to Turkish dentists | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

"Mische speaks to Turkish dentists

Published: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 1:04 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 1:04 a.m.

Sarasota oral surgeon Craig Mische was the keynote speaker this summer at the Meffert Dental Implant Institute in Bodrum, Turkey.

Misch lectured on the latest innovations in jawbone grafting and dental implant treatment."

More:Mische speaks to Turkish dentists | HeraldTribune.com | Sarasota Florida | Southwest Florida's Information Leader

RA President can travel to Turkey by air: Turkish Ambassador | NEWS.am

"RA President can travel to Turkey by air: Turkish Ambassador
10:25 / 08/25/2009

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan “upon a wish can visit Turkey to observe the football match of Turkish and Armenian national teams,” Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Hulusi Kilic said suggesting that President Sargsyan would better travel by air. “Upon a wish Armenian President can travel to Turkey by air,” he pointed out."

More:RA President can travel to Turkey by air: Turkish Ambassador | NEWS.am

Monday, August 24, 2009

Turkey sends fire-fighting plane to help Greece

"Turkey sends fire-fighting plane to help Greece
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-25 07:41:40

ANKARA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkey sent Monday a fire-fighting plane to help Greece battle the raging fire which has devoured forests and forced thousands to leave their homes near Athens since late Friday, the semi-official Anatolia news agency reported."

More:Turkey sends fire-fighting plane to help Greece _English_Xinhua

Turkey is more important for Armenia than Armenia for Turkey: political expert

"Turkey is more important for Armenia than Armenia for Turkey: political expert
24 August 2009 [17:19]
“Armenia-Turkey ties must not be considered as stalled. Ankara’s interest in this process is already a process,” political expert and director of Caucasus Institute Alexander Isgandaryan said."

More:Today.Az - Turkey is more important for Armenia than Armenia for Turkey: political expert

Government investments to focus on eastern cities

"Government investments to focus on eastern cities

CAHIT UYANIK
ISTANBUL - Referans
FOCUS: The guide’s

With internal migration from east to west long a major problem for the country, the government says it will focus on investments in eastern Turkey between 2010 and 2012 in hopes of stemming the flow of people. "

More:Government investments to focus on eastern cities - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Thousands flee raging wildfires in Greece

"Thousands flee raging wildfires in Greece

Monday, August 24, 2009
ATHENS, Greece – Daily News with wires
The sky is clouded with smoke on Athens’ horizon as summer fires blaze through nearby forestlands, sending area residents on the run and igniting criticism of the government for a slow and under-prepared response. ‘The situation is tragic right now, there's a huge fire coming our way,’ says the mayor of Marathon, a culturally valuable Athens suburb"

More:Thousands flee raging wildfires in Greece - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey ready to provide assistance to Greece in fighting the wildfires

"Turkey ready to provide assistance to Greece in fighting the wildfires
24 August 2009 | 15:14 | FOCUS News Agency
Athens. Turkey is ready to hand assistance to Greece in fighting the wildfires in north-eastern Atika, the Greek News In informs."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

PM thanks Cyprus, Turkey for support

"PM thanks Cyprus, Turkey for support

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis on Monday spoke with Cyprus President Demetris Christofias and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan by phone."

More:PM thanks Cyprus, Turkey for support

Krispy Kreme opens first store in Turkey - Triangle Business Journal:

"Krispy Kreme opens first store in Turkey
Triangle Business Journal

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts said Monday that a franchisee has opened its first store in Turkey.

The franchisee, part of Qatar-based Almana Group, opened a Krispy Kreme shop in Istanbul. It is the first of 25 stores the franchisee plans to open over the next five years."

More:Krispy Kreme opens first store in Turkey - Triangle Business Journal:

Turkish political, public figures figured out? | NEWS.am

"Turkish political, public figures figured out?
19:17 / 08/24/2009

Racist notes were found in the notebook that belongs to Ibrahim Şahin, a former task group officer and arrestee involved in the Ergenekon case. Sahin was a member of the illegal S-1 group.

The Turkey-based Radikal daily reported that anti-Armenian and anti-Kurdish notes were contained in Şahin’s notebook. According to the bill of indictment, in a telephone conversation he called himself head of an anti-Armenian unit. The following note was contained in the notebook: 'There are 580 Armenians, Syrians and Yezids among the DTP (Democratic Society Party) members. Hikmet Çetin’s father is a source of financing for the Kurdistan Workers' Party and ASALA. The grandmother of Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the MHP (Nationalist Movement Party, a political wing of grey wolves, a radical anti-Armenian force) is an Armenian. Mehmet Eymür (former head of the anti-terrorist department who was at the head of operations against ASALSA) is an Armenian as well."

More:Turkish political, public figures figured out? | NEWS.am

US embassy: new Kurdish move "Turkey’s internal issue" ]

"US embassy: new Kurdish move 'Turkey’s internal issue'
US embassy said new Kurdish opening was 'a Turkish project after an opposition party accused the government of realizing 'an American plan'."

More:WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ US embassy: new Kurdish move "Turkey’s internal issue" ]

Major shift in Turkey on Kurdish problem - The National Newspaper

"Major shift in Turkey on Kurdish problem

Thomas Seibert, Foreign Correspondent

* Last Updated: August 24. 2009 11:48PM UAE / August 24. 2009 7:48PM GMT

ISTANBUL // The emergence of the Kurdish problem as issue No 1 in Ankara has started to affect the political game in the Turkish capital. After 25 years of war between the military and rebels of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, which has cost around 40,000 lives but has not produced a clear victory for the state, there is a growing consensus that the conflict should be brought to an end by peaceful means. That development has political parties scrambling to find their place in a changing political landscape."

More:Major shift in Turkey on Kurdish problem - The National Newspaper

Unearthing the early history of Istanbul

"Unearthing the early history of Istanbul
The research initiative on pre and protohistoric settlement of the European part of the Istanbul province is led by Dr Volker Heyd of the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Bristol with Dr Şengül Aydıngün of Kocaeli University, Turkey and Dr Emre Güldoğan of Istanbul University, Turkey."

More:Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency

Turkey joins fire-fighting efforts in Greece - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

"Turkey joins fire-fighting efforts in Greece

Monday, August 24, 2009
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News with wires
Turkey sent Monday a water bombing aircraft to Greece, which is battling wildfires near Athens that are sweeping through huge swathes of forest, destroying homes, forcing thousands to flee."

More:Turkey joins fire-fighting efforts in Greece - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey’s defence budget and number of troops are likely to fall in the coming years

"Turkey’s defence budget and number of troops are likely to fall in the coming years

Turkey Defence and Security Report Q3 2009 - a new market research report on companiesandmarkets.com

www.companiesandmarkets.com/Summary-Market-Report/turkey-defence ..

the back of record low capacity utilisation in December, we now believe that Turkey will experience a full-year economic contraction in 2009. We have revised down this year’s real GDP growth forecast to -3.3%, with a marked contraction in fixed capital investments and private consumption weighing on headline growth. "

More:Turkey’s defence budget and number of troops are likely to fall in the coming years

Turkish govt-IMF talks focus on size of deal-paper - Forbes.com

"Turkish govt-IMF talks focus on size of deal-paper
08.24.09, 03:26 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Turkey's talks with the International Monetary Fund are focusing on the size of a future new loan deal and have not hit any problems, Aksam newspaper reported Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek as saying on Monday."

More:Turkish govt-IMF talks focus on size of deal-paper - Forbes.com

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Turkey: The King of the Pipes

"Turkey: The King of the Pipes
Author: Kostis Geropoulos
23 August 2009 - Issue : 848

In less than a month, Turkey struck key energy deals with the European Union and Russia that will substantially increase its key role as a transit hub for oil and gas, fuelling concern in Brussels and Moscow that the EU and Russia are becoming too dependent on Ankara."

More:Turkey: The King of the Pipes - NEW EUROPE - The European News Source

Architects oppose artificial island for Marmara

"Architects oppose artificial island for Marmara

Sunday, August 23, 2009
Dogan News Agency: Istanbul

The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s branch of the architect’s chamber has objected to the city’s provincial landscaping plan, saying it neglects the city and its residents and only serves to create means to unearned income for international companies."

More:Architects oppose artificial island for Marmara - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

ÇYDD: We are being targeted

"ÇYDD: We are being targeted

Sunday, August 23, 2009
ŞÜKRAN PAKKAN
ISTANBUL – Milliyet

The investigation of 15,000 scholarship students for alleged connections to terrorist groups is a targeted attack against the Support for Contemporary Living Association, or ÇYDD, said Prof. Aysel Çelikel, the head of the nongovernmental organization."

More:ÇYDD: We are being targeted - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Istanbul district mayor to establish new political party (SETimes.com)

"Istanbul district mayor to establish new political party

23/08/2009

ANKARA, Turkey -- Istanbul's Sisli district Mayor Mustafa Sarigul plans to set up a new political party in 2010, the regional chairman of the future party in the province of Kayseri in Anatolia, Ibrahim Hamurcu, announced on Friday (August 21st). The new party will be called 'Turkey Transformation Movement' and its main goal will be to bring the country closer to the EU and improve living standards to the level of Germany, the UK and France. (Anadolu news agency, World bulletin - 21/08/09)"

More:Istanbul district mayor to establish new political party (SETimes.com)

Politis: Russian-Turkey coalition changes geopolitical map, Cyprus-part of events

"Politis: Russian-Turkey coalition changes geopolitical map, Cyprus-part of events
23 August 2009 | 17:10 | FOCUS News Agency
Nicosia. There would be sweeping changes in Russian-Turkey relations after the signing of energy agreements. This is what was noted in analyses of Cyprus Politis newspaper. Russian-Turkey energy coalition, as pointed in protocols signed by Russian and Turkish prime ministers Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on August 7, would change considerably geopolitical map of the region."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

Turkey emerges as world energy hub after big deals

"Turkey emerges as world energy hub after big deals
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-23 20:24:55

by Xinhua writer Chen Ming

ISTANBUL, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Turkey, which is short of gas and oil, is trying to turn itself into the largest energy hub in the world through forging a series of high-profile transit agreements.

First, Turkey signed with four European countries a deal on the Nabucco gas pipeline in Ankara on July 13. The Nabucco gas pipeline is intended to transfer natural gas from Caspian region, Iran, Iraq and Egypt to Europe through Turkey."

More:Turkey emerges as world energy hub after big deals_English_Xinhua

Two men, now friends, a bullet to the head and an olive tree

"Two men, now friends, a bullet to the head and an olive tree
By Stefanos Evripidou

IT’S NOT every day that a man who shot you in the head asks you to lunch but this coming Saturday, Yiannis Maratheftis will sit down for lunch with Fat’hi Akinci in Lefka, 35 years after the latter put a bullet in his head.

The two men fought for opposite camps in 1974, meeting in less amicable circumstances during a battle in Lefka, where Akinci shot Maratheftis in the head."

More: Cyprus-mail

PLATFORM TO BRING ARMENIAN, TURKISH FILMMAKERS TOGETHER

"PLATFORM TO BRING ARMENIAN, TURKISH FILMMAKERS TOGETHER
Friday, 10 July 2009

A cinema platform that brings together Turkish and Armenian filmmakers to develop intercultural dialogue and cooperation will once again unite the artists next week at the International Golden Apricot Film Festival in the Armenian capital of Yerevan."

More:Historyoftruth.com - Armenian allegations - PLATFORM TO BRING ARMENIAN, TURKISH FILMMAKERS TOGETHER

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Iran-Turkey trade declines

"Iran-Turkey trade declines
Tehran Times Economic Desk

ANKARA -- The volume of trade between Iran and Turkey in the first half of the current year has declined due to the global financial crisis, the sharp decline in transactions and the fluctuation of prices."

More:tehran times : Iran-Turkey trade declines

Istanbul along the Golden Horn

"Istanbul along the Golden Horn
August 22, 4:44 PMLA Cultural Travel ExaminerRachel de Carlos

One of the easiest ways to see a lot of Turkish architecture in a short amount of time, is to take an inexpensive ride on the ferry that travels up and down the Golden Horn. The Golden Horn is an inlet on the Sea of Marmara and is a deep natural harbor. This body of water, named because the shape resembles a deer's horn, divides the city of Istanbul into two parts. If you stand on the middle of the bridge connecting the old city of Istanbul with the new city, you'll have one foot in Europe and one foot in Asia."

More:Istanbul along the Golden Horn

Istanbul And Beyond

"Istanbul And Beyond

Immerse yourself in a 15-day journey through Turkey that includes sufficient time in Istanbul, one of the world's oldest cities and still one of its most vibrant. In the capital, you will visit the Hippodrome, the 15th Century Topkapi Palace, the Byzantine-era Hagia Sophia church and the iconic Blue Mosque. Then it's along the Aegean coast to Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus and beyond, to get a feel for what ancient Roman and Greek life must have been like."

More:Istanbul And Beyond -- Courant.com

Turkey puts ailing private hospitals for sale _English_Xinhua

"Turkey puts ailing private hospitals for sale
www.chinaview.cn 2009-08-22 18:06:52

ISTANBUL, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The global economic crisis may have done a final blow to Turkey's private hospitals, which were already struggling with unchecked development and government regulations, according to local Daily News here on Saturday."

More:Turkey puts ailing private hospitals for sale _English_Xinhua

The Last Crusaders by Barnaby Rogerson | Book review | Books | The Guardian

"The Last Crusaders by Barnaby Rogerson

Norman Stone looks beyond the battlefield at a clash of civilisations

George Orwell once summarised history in terms of technology: the castle defeated the knight, gunpowder defeated the castle, and the cheque-book defeated gunpowder (adding that the machine-gun defeated the cheque-book). Rogerson's subject is an illustration of two of these elements."

More:The Last Crusaders by Barnaby Rogerson | Book review | Books | The Guardian

Israel can learn from Turkey's effort to preserve its societal mosaic

"Israel can learn from Turkey's effort to preserve its societal mosaic
By The Daily Star

Turkey’s decision to dramatically switch gears on how it deals with its Kurdish citizens is part of a “Kurdish initiative” by Prime Minister Erdogan, and gives the region a considerable amount of food for thought. Turkey’s earlier policies were well-known, if not infamous: erasing the names of villages of its Kurdish community and banning the use of the Kurdish language in public settings, among other measures, all a part of “Turkification” process that didn’t go very far in solving what was seen as a problem, and not a source of diversity."

More:The Daily Star - Editorial - Israel can learn from Turkey's effort to preserve its societal mosaic

Syrian, Turkish Ministers Sign Protocol on Building Gas Pipeline.

"Syrian, Turkish Ministers Sign Protocol on Building Gas Pipeline.
BBC Monitoring via Comtex
8/20/2009

Turkey and Syria signed a protocol Thursday regarding construction of a natural gas pipeline.

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Taner Yildiz and Syrian Oil Minister Sufyan Allaw signed the protocol in Damascus."

More:World News Journal: Syrian, Turkish Ministers Sign Protocol on Building Gas Pipeline.

Turkish police confiscates 42 kg heroin in Istanbul

"Turkish police confiscates 42 kg heroin in Istanbul
22 August 2009 | 04:52 | FOCUS News Agency
Istanbul. Turkish police confiscated 42 kg heroin in an operation conducted in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Friday, Xinhua News Agency informed."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

Friday, August 21, 2009

Disasters' long-lasting psychological effects

"Disasters' long-lasting psychological effects

Psychiatric problems suffered in the aftermath of the major earthquakes that hit Turkey in 1999 are extremely widespread and can last for years, epidemiological studies conducted in the affected regions have found."

More:Disasters' long-lasting psychological effects - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Viewing Ramadan as a traditional, cultural experience

"Viewing Ramadan as a traditional, cultural experience

YASEMİN SİM ESMEN
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
It is a month of tradition, family get-togethers, and big long dinners. For Muslims, Ramadan is also a month of refraining from food and drink during the day, from sunup till sundown. Yet, for Turkey’s expats, it is a time to observe Turkey’s traditions, enjoy Turkish generosity, respect those who are hungry and thirsty during the day, and, sometimes, be very careful in traffic in order to avoid any car crashes"

More:Viewing Ramadan as a traditional, cultural experience - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Struggling hospitals put up for sale

"Struggling hospitals put up for sale

ÖZGÜL ÖZTÜRK
ISTANBUL - Referans
Turkey's private hospitals, which have been experiencing some very tough times due to the global turmoil and several legal procedures, are now being put up for sale. Twenty hospitals belonging to the Private Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations Association are seeking buyers"

More:Struggling hospitals put up for sale - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Football diplomacy reaches a new pitch - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

"Football diplomacy reaches a new pitch

ÇETİN CEM YILMAZ
ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News
Even though it plays in the lower division, Turkish team Kahramanmaraşspor will be on the national stage next week when it welcomes northern Iraq’s Zakho FC. The match will be the first ever Turkish and Kurdish teams, only adding to the political drama of the Kurdish initiative"

More:Football diplomacy reaches a new pitch - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey and Russia: Old rivals, new partners

"Turkey and Russia: Old rivals, new partners

ANKARA (The Economist) -- Through the long Ottoman era, Turks and Russians fought many bloody wars. In modern times Turkey guarded NATO’s southern flank against Soviet mischief. “The Russians are treacherous” is a popular Turkish adage. But one would hardly have guessed it as the two countries’ prime ministers, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, splashily signed a raft of agreements in a ceremony in Ankara on August 6th."

More:tehran times : Turkey and Russia: Old rivals, new partners

Third Bosphorus bridge in troubled water

"Third Bosphorus bridge in troubled water

Opponents are enraged by the location of the third Bosphorus bridge, saying it is bound to destroy forests, ruin water sources and make traffic even worse by creating more congestion around its entry points as residences spring up. The location of the bridge was leaked to individuals for them to partake in real estate corruption, says a political leader"

More:Third Bosphorus bridge in troubled water - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

‘The dead would be the lucky ones’

"‘The dead would be the lucky ones’

Ali Ağaoğlu, president of the Ağaoğlu construction company, confesses that builders used scrap iron and sand from the Marmara Sea for constructing foundations in the 1970s."

More:‘The dead would be the lucky ones’ - Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review

Turkey's energy links key to regional ties - UPI.com

"Turkey's energy links key to regional ties

Published: Aug. 21, 2009 at 11:17 AM

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The creation of key regional energy transit networks like Nabucco will create new areas of cooperation for Turkey and its Caspian partners, officials say."

More:Turkey's energy links key to regional ties - UPI.com

Federal appeals court rejects Armenian genocide case -- latimes.com

"Federal appeals court rejects Armenian genocide case
Descendants of victims can't sue foreign insurance companies for unpaid claims because the U.S. government doesn't legally recognize the genocide, a three-judge 9th Circuit panel rules."

More:Federal appeals court rejects Armenian genocide case -- latimes.com

Turkish lira steady, bond yields fall further - Forbes.com

"Turkish lira steady, bond yields fall further
08.21.09, 04:17 AM EDT

ISTANBUL, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Turkey's benchmark bond yield fell further on Friday after it sank to a fresh record low on expectations the central bank would maintain its easing cycle, while the lira remained largely steady."

More:Turkish lira steady, bond yields fall further - Forbes.com

Russia Gazprom unveils strategies for Turkey | EU - European Information on Energy Supply

"Russia Gazprom unveils strategies for Turkey[fr]
Published: Friday 21 August 2009

Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has acquired a majority stake in the Turkish Bosphorus Gas Corporation, hoping to boost its investment and become a powerful player in the future strategic Eurasian gas hub to be established in Turkey, the Russian press announced on 19 August."

More:EurActiv.com - Russia Gazprom unveils strategies for Turkey | EU - European Information on Energy Supply

Turkish developer signs deal for 24MW wave energy project

"Turkish developer signs deal for 24MW wave energy project Print E-mail
Written by Administrator
Friday, 21 August 2009 11:41

A Letter of Intent to build a 24 MW wave power facility worth approximately NOK 1 billion ($166m approx) has been signed between the Turkish energy company Ünmaksan and the Norwegian company Langlee Wave Power, it was announced this week (19th August). Phase 1 of the project is a prototype designed for typical wave conditions near Turkey's coastline; which will be developed during 2010. If testing of this pilot installation is successful, Ünmaksan and Langlee will develop a full-scale wave energy farm with an electric power generation capacity of 24 MW."

More:Turkish developer signs deal for 24MW wave energy project

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ramadan starts on Friday for EU, Turkey | Manila Bulletin

"Ramadan starts on Friday for EU, Turkey
By EDD K. USMAN
August 20, 2009, 8:49pm

Islam believers in the European Union (EU), Turkey, and the Balkans will start the first day of Ramadan fasting on Friday, while Muslims in the Philippines awaited Thursday night's results of the nationwide moonsighting to check the birth of the new crescent moon."

More:Ramadan starts on Friday for EU, Turkey | Manila Bulletin

Kurdish demonstrators, police clash in southeast Turkey (SETimes.com)

"Kurdish demonstrators, police clash in southeast Turkey

20/08/2009

ANKARA, Turkey -- Police used tear gas and water cannons Wednesday (August 19th) to disperse a group of Kurdish protesters in the town of Nusaybin, in Mardin province. Around 100 people, most of them children, had gathered to protest the recent arrest of seven members of the pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party. They set tires on fire and threw stones at the police. Two minors were detained and police are searching for other participants in the demonstration."

More:Kurdish demonstrators, police clash in southeast Turkey (SETimes.com)

Turkey's DSP urges president to gather party leaders on Kurdish move

"Turkey's DSP urges president to gather party leaders on Kurdish move
Leftists party DSP head asked President Gul to organize a meeting with the leaders of political parties in the parliament to discuss 'democratic move'."

More:WORLD BULLETIN- TURKEY, MUSLIMS, ISLAM, BALKANS, CAUCASUS [ Turkey's DSP urges president to gather party leaders on Kurdish move ]

Gazprom seeks stake in Turkey's Bosporus - UPI.com

"Gazprom seeks stake in Turkey's Bosporus

MOSCOW, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A subsidiary of Russian gas giant Gazprom plans to take a controlling stake in the Bosporus Gas Corp. in Turkey following a series of energy deals with Ankara.

A Gazprom subsidiary expects to increase its stake in the Turkish energy company from 40 percent to 51 percent, the Azeri Press Agency reports, citing Russian-language outlets."

More:Gazprom seeks stake in Turkey's Bosporus - UPI.com

Arranged Marriage Ends in Tragedy: Brutal Murder Case Reveals Immigrant Culture Clash - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

"Arranged Marriage Ends in Tragedy
Brutal Murder Case Reveals Immigrant Culture Clash

By Gisela Friedrichsen

A Kurdish man killed his German-born wife, who was also his cousin, because she was too independent. He stabbed her in the eyes, beat her with a billiard cue and then ran over her in his car. His mother-in-law had told him to be 'strict' with her strong-willed daughter."

More:Arranged Marriage Ends in Tragedy: Brutal Murder Case Reveals Immigrant Culture Clash - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

Turkish Cypriot teachers oppose Quran lessons - Taiwan News Online

"Turkish Cypriot teachers oppose Quran lessons
Associated Press

Turkish Cypriot teachers want authorities to stop optional Quranic lessons for schoolchildren, which they say threaten their community's secular culture.

Education officials in breakaway northern Cyprus sanctioned courses on Islam's holiest book this summer at a few schools that cater mostly to the children of Turkish immigrants."

More:Turkish Cypriot teachers oppose Quran lessons - Taiwan News Online

Unearthing the early history of Istanbul

"Unearthing the early history of Istanbul

Press release issued 20 August 2009

An international project to excavate sites in and around Istanbul is providing remarkable new insights into the ancient history of an area that has long been the bridging point between Europe and Asia.

The research initiative on pre and protohistoric settlement of the European part of the Istanbul province is led by Dr Volker Heyd of the Department of Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Bristol with Dr Şengül Aydıngün of Kocaeli University, Turkey and Dr Emre Güldoğan of Istanbul University, Turkey."

More:Bristol University | News from the University | Istanbul excavations

Three-part meeting in Ankara on aridity

"Three-part meeting in Ankara on aridity

Iraq and Turkey agree on holding a three-part meeting on September 3 in Ankara to discuss the question of aridity in the region.
Syrian Irrigation Minister Nader al-Bouni said the Ankara meeting would be mounted with the participation of technicians from Syria, Iraq and Turkey."

More:SNS.sy | ترجمة | three-part meeting in Ankara on aridity

Hard times ahead of Cyprus issue: Cypriot President

"Hard times ahead of Cyprus issue: Cypriot President
20 August 2009 | 21:30 | FOCUS News Agency
Nicosia. Hard times are ahead of the Cyprus issue, said President of the Republic of Cyprus Dimitris Christofias, writes Cypriot Phileleftheros daily."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

Turk Security Board gives support to Kurdish reforms

"Turk Security Board gives support to Kurdish reforms
20 Aug 2009 20:20:12 GMT
Source: Reuters
ISTANBUL, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Turkish military and civilian leaders gave their support in a meeting on Thursday for a controversial government initiative that would expand the cultural rights of the country's Kurdish population."

More:Reuters AlertNet - Turk Security Board gives support to Kurdish reforms

State can't let Armenian victims' heirs sue

"State can't let Armenian victims' heirs sue

(08-20) 14:25 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- A California law allowing heirs of victims of the Armenian genocide to sue in state courts for unpaid insurance benefits is unconstitutional because it conflicts with U.S. foreign policy, a federal appeals court ruled Thursday."

More:State can't let Armenian victims' heirs sue

New D-Marin Marina Opened in Turkey

"New D-Marin Marina Opened in Turkey
Published by Ozgur Tore
Thursday, 20 August 2009
Dogus Group which is operating D-Marin Turgutreis marina opened its second marina in Didim.

Didim Marina is situated in the south west point of Didim Peninsula. Didim is a peninsula bordered by city of Muğla, Güllük Gulf and Akbük Village on the east; Aegean Sea on the west and South, Bafa Lagoon and Menderes River on the North."

More:Focus on Travel News: Daily Travel News website and Newsletter - New D-Marin Marina Opened in Turkey

TURKS AND ARMENIANS IN TURKEY SET AN EXAMPLE FOR WORLD PEACE

"TURKS AND ARMENIANS IN TURKEY SET AN EXAMPLE FOR WORLD PEACE
Thursday, 20 August 2009

One of the most important feast day of the Christians in the World, Surp Asdvadzadzin (ascension of Mother Mary) is celebrated by the Christians in Turkey last Sunday. Christian community of Kinaliada also held a ceremony for celebrating the feast."

More:Historyoftruth.com - Armenian allegations - TURKS AND ARMENIANS IN TURKEY SET AN EXAMPLE FOR WORLD PEACE

Qatar eager over Turkish energy ties

"Qatar eager over Turkish energy ties

Published: Aug. 19, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Order reprints
ANKARA, Turkey, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Qatar is eager to work toward strengthening bilateral energy ties with Turkey as trade relations between the two countries improve, officials said."

More:Qatar eager over Turkish energy ties - UPI.com

Turkey to win if Bulgaria leaves energy projects: former PM

"Turkey to win if Bulgaria leaves energy projects: former PM
20 August 2009 | 12:09 | FOCUS News Agency
Sofia. I have not understood new government’s position on energy projects, said former Prime Minister (PM) Sergey Stanishev in the Parliament, FOCUS News Agency reporter informed.
“I read carefully statements of different ministers-they contradict. Thus we asked for clear government’s position on all key energy projects for Bulgaria. The signals are very contradicting,” Stanishev said."

More:FOCUS Information Agency

Istanbul bourse plans single Turkish platform -paper - Stock Market News, London South East

"Istanbul bourse plans single Turkish platform -paper

20-AUG-2009 07:28

ISTANBUL, Aug 20 (Reuters) - The Istanbul Stock Exchange (IMKB) is planning to create a Turkey-wide single trading platform bringing together the IMKB, the gold, and the derivatives exchanges, Dunya newspaper said on Thursday."

More:Istanbul bourse plans single Turkish platform -paper - Stock Market News, London South East

Turkey renames village as part of Kurdish reforms | Reuters

"Turkey renames village as part of Kurdish reforms
By Ibon Villelabeitia

ANKARA, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Turkey has begun restoring names of Kurdish villages and is considering allowing religious sermons to be made in Kurdish as part of reforms to answer the grievances of the ethnic minority and advance its EU candidacy."

More:Turkey renames village as part of Kurdish reforms | Reuters

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Turkish teen honoured for rain-to-energy project | News

"Turkish teen honoured for rain-to-energy project
Posted by Greenbang on August 19th, 2009

raindropsA young Turkish research has won the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her work demonstrating how rainwater can be harnessed to produce electricity."

More:Turkish teen honoured for rain-to-energy project | News

Turkey wants lower price on nuclear project | Industries | Industrials, Materials & Utilities | Reuters

"Turkey wants lower price on nuclear project

ANKARA, Aug 19 (Reuters) - Ankara wants a lower price from a Russian-led consortium aiming to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant as the government prepares to finalise its decision on the project, Energy Minister Taner Yildiz said on Wednesday."

More:UPDATE 1-Turkey wants lower price on nuclear project | Industries | Industrials, Materials & Utilities | Reuters

Healing Poisoned Souls in Turkey: Peace Process Raises Hopes of End to Kurdish Conflict - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

"Healing Poisoned Souls in Turkey
Peace Process Raises Hopes of End to Kurdish Conflict

By Daniel Steinvorth

Twenty-five years and 40,000 deaths after the PKK began its struggle against the Turkish army, there is now a historic opportunity to end the conflict. But there are fears Turkish ultranationalists and Kurdish hardliners may try to sabotage the peace process."

More:Healing Poisoned Souls in Turkey: Peace Process Raises Hopes of End to Kurdish Conflict - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News - International

Israel Matzav: Why Turkey cannot be a go-between for Syria

"Why Turkey cannot be a go-between for Syria

The break the last couple of hours was brought to you by a quick trip to Beitar. The next time I drive out there in the daytime, I will try to get someone else to drive back so I can take a picture of the Bethlehem soccer stadium for you. Once you see it, you'll never use the words 'poor Palestinian' together again."

More:Israel Matzav: Why Turkey cannot be a go-between for Syria

Decision on Central Asian pipeline called pivotal for Turkey's future

"Decision on Central Asian pipeline called pivotal for Turkey's future
ANKARA — Turkey is facing a decision between a Russian- and Western-sponsored energy project that could change its 'political fate' a leading analyst said."

More:Decision on Central Asian pipeline called pivotal for Turkey's future

Cafe owners protest Turkey's smoking ban (SETimes.com)

"Cafe owners protest Turkey's smoking ban

19/08/2009

ANKARA, Turkey -- Around 1,000 people, most of them cafe owners, protested on Tuesday (August 18th) outside the health ministry building in Ankara against the recently-introduced ban on smoking in cafes, bars and restaurants."

More:Cafe owners protest Turkey's smoking ban (SETimes.com)

AFP: Turkey, Jordan warn Israel on Jerusalem settlements

"Turkey, Jordan warn Israel on Jerusalem settlements

ANKARA — Turkey and Jordan warned Israel Wednesday that settlements in east Jerusalem threatened peace efforts, amid press reports that the Jewish state is to revive construction plans in the annexed region."

More:AFP: Turkey, Jordan warn Israel on Jerusalem settlements

Turkish opposition rejects Kurdish reform talks | Reuters

"Turkish opposition rejects Kurdish reform talks
Tue Aug 11, 2009 10:16am EDT

By Pinar Aydinli

ANKARA, Aug 11 (Reuters) - Turkey's main opposition parties have rejected a government request for talks on addressing the Kurdish minority's long-standing grievances, party leaders said on Tuesday, in an apparent blow to the initiative."

More:UPDATES 1-Turkish opposition rejects Kurdish reform talks | Reuters